Whether you are staying in your current location or moving somewhere better suited to the size of your workforce, you can design your office space quickly and inexpensively with a few simple tricks and tips.
The key to creating a successful small office design for a small business is to make the most of the positive elements you already have, then enhance them with cost-effective additions. Even something as straightforward as putting extra thought into your seating plan can make a significant difference to the way your small office functions, as well as its culture and morale.
Here are six practical small office design ideas that will help keep costs down while having a big, positive impact on your business.
1. The Start-Up Layout
Borrowing ideas from the average start-up is perfect for inspiring flexible work habits and free thinking. Incorporate standing working spaces using flexible surfaces for laptops, tablets and peripherals. Think café-style tables and sofas that encourage collaboration while keeping people comfortable.
2. The Inspiration Hub
Design a layout that sparks ideas with inspiration boards, idea banks and casual meeting spots. Ideal for small offices where colleagues can push each other to dream up the next big idea, whether collaborating internally or serving clients.
3. The Light-Flooded Office
Boost mood, health and productivity in your small office by flooding the space with light. Clear away window displays and blinds, add mirrors and change lightbulbs to maximise natural and synthetic light.
4. The Multi-Environment Office
Offer employees a choice in where they work within your small office by creating zones – comfortable areas for solo or group work, private rooms for quiet tasks or meetings, alongside traditional open-plan setups. Use decorated frames, tiles or carpets to zone these areas.
5. The Motivational Office
A fresh lick of paint, motivational quotes or intelligent wall design can lift mood, concentration and productivity. In small offices, simple decorative touches are inexpensive but can be just as inspiring as a full redesign.
6. The Social Office
Make your small office a sociable environment to boost happiness and retention. Arrange desks to encourage face-to-face interaction. Bring them to eye height and orient people to face one another. Consider including cosy breakout spaces for informal chats or quick meetings.
Ready to Transform Your Small Office Design?
If you are thinking about improving your office interiors or reworking your small office design, why not get in touch with our expert team to see how we can help?
For over 30 years, Oaktree has been designing and delivering bespoke offices for businesses across the South of England. Our experience, combined with a strong understanding of the latest design trends and technologies, allows us to stay at the forefront of workplace innovation.
Whether you are looking to enhance collaboration within your current layout or need a complete small office fitout, our proven track record shows we can help you achieve your goals.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultancy that takes into account your business objectives, employee needs and building layout. As part of this process, we will provide 2D and 3D high-resolution mock-ups of your ideal small office design.
Get in touch with our team today and discover what your small office could become.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some effective small office design ideas?
Effective small office design ideas include creating flexible workspaces with standing desks, maximising natural light, incorporating multi-use furniture, zoning different work areas, and adding motivational decor to boost productivity and morale.
How can I maximise space in a small office?
Maximise space in a small office by using vertical storage, opting for compact or multi-functional furniture, clearly zoning areas for different tasks, and keeping layouts open to encourage movement and collaboration.
Why is lighting important in small office design?
Lighting is crucial in small office design because it enhances mood, improves employee health, and increases productivity. Using natural light and energy-efficient artificial lighting can make a small space feel larger and more inviting.
How do I create a more collaborative office in a small space?
To create a collaborative office in a small space, arrange desks to face each other, include casual meeting areas like café tables or sofas, and design breakout zones where employees can comfortably exchange ideas and work together.
What is a small office fit-out?
A small office fitout is the process of designing, furnishing, and equipping a small office space to meet business needs, including layout planning, furniture installation, lighting, and interior decoration tailored to a limited space.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can provide the ideal small office design for you, give us a call at 0345 21 86955 or email hello@oaktreeoffice.com or contact us online.