Having a home office is something many see as a luxury. In large cities, most people live in apartments and therefore don’t have a wealth of extra space, nor the extra cash to buy large furniture such as a desk and office chair. But the advantages of carving out a small office space, even in compressed apartments, has been laid bare now that so many people are working from home, with that number expected to continue rising.
To have a separate space in your apartment or house where you can focus on work, and then leave once the work day is over (!!) can do wonders for your productivity as well as mental health. If you’re lucky enough to have a job that you can do from home, why not make that space functional as well as inspirational?
Why have a home office?
Sure, you can work at your dining room table, or propped up on the couch, but the inevitable backaches can make it difficult to work for long periods of time. Instead of maneuvering yourself into shapes that an actual pretzel would balk at, find the items that can make your work day feel comfortable.
If you truly don’t have the space in your home, there are still ways to create a home office! You can make the items removable or foldable, so that they can be stored away at the end of the work day.
There is also specially-designed home office furniture made for cramped spaces. Whatever your space needs are, it’s possible to make an office at home.
What is the best office decor?
The best thing about home office? You can have all the things you want, and none of the extra stuff you don’t! Hate penholders? Don’t have one; let your pens roll free! Do flowers make you happy? Keep them on your desk at all times! There are, of course, a few items that every home office needs:
A desk
A chair
A light source
Beyond that, the rest is as-needed.
Here’s the best furniture and accessories for your Scandinavian inspired at-home work space:
The Best Home Office Desks
Office desks, or some kind of table space, is a must-have for a home office. From the best IKEA desks to standing desk converters, it’s possible to find one that will give you the space you need.
Lillåsen Desk by IKEA
This desk is small enough to fit into a corner of a living room or bedroom, and sleek enough that you won’t mind it being there. The desk features three small drawers so you can put away laptops or notebooks at the end of the day, and a surface area that’s big enough for a monitor, notebooks, or whatever else you need.
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Lillåsen Desk by IKEA
Rail Desk by Menu
Menu’s Rail Desk, created by Japanese designer Keiji Ashizawa, is an item that’s ideal for those who don’t have much additional space. It doesn’t require floor-space at all, and is instead attached to the wall like a shelf. The slim wooden body and steel rail makes for a minimalist silhouette that still offers significant desk room.
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Rail Desk by Menu
Eames Desk Unit by Vitra
Looking for the dreamiest desk on the market? The Eames Desk, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949, is surprisingly compact despite its large visual impact. The colorful elements, storage units on the underside, and sleek steel frame offer a combination of contrasts that somehow work perfectly.
Eames Desk Unit by Vitra
Kaari Wall Console by Artek
For those who want separate desk space but really don’t have any room in their apartment, this wall console is a great option. Just attach to the wall as you would a shelf, and voila! A beautiful, sophisticated desk.
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Kaari Wall Console by Artek
Georg Console Table by Skagerak
This wall console by Danish brand Skagerak only has two legs and is made to be set against a wall. It gives the impression of a full desk, but actually takes up much less space. The clean lines and simple design ensure that it looks great in any home.
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Georg Console Table by Skagerak
Icha Desk by Massproductions
A small-space desk that still offers a good amount of table-top space, the Icha desk by Swedish producers Massproductions the the ideal office desk with a stylish, clean silhouette.
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Icha Desk by Mass Productions
Desk and Shelving by String Furniture
Swedish designer Nils Strinning designed the first String System in 1949 and it’s been a go-to for design-oriented home office spaces ever since. Mix and match the shelving, desks, and other storage compartments to find the exact amount of wall and floor space that’s right for you. For those who like a hyper-organized space, this one is for you!
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Desk and Shelving by String Furniture
The Best Standing Desks and Desk Converters
Bekant Sitting/Standing Desk by IKEA
A classic white desk from IKEA with an adjustable height so that it can be a sitting or standing desk. This minimalist desk will easily fit into any home style or decor.
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Bekant Sitting/Standing Desk by IKEA
Alle Height Adjustable Desk by Hem
“Alle” means “everyone” in German, and accordingly the idea of the desk is simple, democratic design from Swedish producer Hem. It has height-adjustable legs and a hidden compartment that can store cables and other small items. A sleek, minimalist standing/sitting desk that makes working at home a little more stylish.
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Alle Height Adjustable Desk by Hem
Knotten Standing Desk by IKEA
If you think a full-size desk might be a bit too big for your apartment but still want a dedicated work space, this small standing writing desk is a great option. It has a surprising amount of storage space given its small size, including two shelves across the legs and a back compartment that’s ideal for cables.
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Knotten Standing Desk by IKEA
Standing Desk Converter by Fully
If you don’t have enough space in your apartment for a desk, we recommend a standing desk converter, or desktop riser. This removable and adjustable item will allow you to make any table into a standing desk, then can be put away when you’re done with work. It provides less pressure on your back and neck, plus the act of storing it marks a nice “end of the day;” something that can be hard to give yourself when you’re working at home.
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Standing Desk Converter by Fully
The Best Home Office Chairs
The key to a really useful home office is a chair that allows you to maintain good posture and is comfortable. This round up includes cheap home office chairs as well as the fancy ones. A stylish home office chair is a possibility for every budget!
Masculo Chair by GUBI
A stunning and unique chair, the Masculo by Danish design house GUBI features arm rests, a swivel base, and a sculptural shape.
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Masculo Chair by GUBI
Kevi 2533 Office Chair by Engelbrechts
Designed by Danish architect Jørgen Rasmussen, the KEVI chair has become a modern classic for its minimalist, functional silhouette and top-quality craftsmanship. The chair comes in a number of finishes, colors, and upholstery options.
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Kevi 2533 Office Chair by Engelbrechts
About A Chair by HAY
Looking for a white desk chair that’s not boring? Minimalist, playful, and comfortable, About A Chair is a fan favorite from colorful Danish design brand HAY. With a wrap-around body and swivel base, this chair is both functional and charming.
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About A Chair by HAY
Kendo Swivel Chair by Hem
Produced by Swedish furniture house Hem and designed by LucidiPevere, this wrap-around chair is upholstered and comes on a swivel base, making it a great office option. The choice of colors mean you can customize it to suit your own home office space.
Kendo Swivel Chair by Hem
Fenix Chair by Kinnarps
Kinnarps is a Swedish brand known for their high-performing office chairs and other furniture. The Fenix Chair is a combination of a task chair and an arm chair, with a sleek silhouette, ergonomic design, and functional features such as a swivel base and adjustable height. If you’re in the market for a top-quality office chair that doesn’t skim on aesthetics, this is it.
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Fenix Chair by Kinnarps
AM Chair by Vitra
A true marriage of form and function, the AM Chair, designed by Alberto Meda, is ideal for those who want to prioritize comfort. The chair has high ergonomic mesh back, armrests, and adjustable seat height.
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AM Chair by Vitra
Långfjäll Chair by IKEA
This IKEA chair has a swivel base with wheels and a body upholstered in a range of pastel colors. This chair is a great blend of comfortable and stylish. There are two sizes: a smaller “officer chair” or a large “conference chair.” Both versions have optional armrests.
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Fenix Chair by Kinnarps
The Best Home Office Desk Lamps
Don’t want to ruin your eyes while working from home? A good table-top light source is what you need. It shouldn’t be too bright, but should make it possible to see what you’re doing without having to squint, and without your computer screen or phone becoming your main source of light.
Miira Table Lamp by Nuura
The seemingly-naked bulb of Danish brand Nuura’s table lamp offers a strong yet gentle light. The minimalist silhouette and base makes it easy to keep on even the smallest of desks.
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Miira Table Lamp by Nuura
Forså work lamp by IKEA
This work-style lamp is ideal for a small desk space thanks to its movable body and bright light that can be easily directed wherever you like.
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Forså work lamp by IKEA
Flower Pot VP3 by &Tradition
A funky classic! For those looking for a small-space desk lamp that’s also playful, Danish designer Verner Panton’s Flowerpot is for you. It comes in a range of colors. Thanks to the curved top shade, the light reflects downwards in a soft, diffuse way.
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Flower Pot VP3 by &Tradition
Lantern Lamp by Iittala
The slim, sleek silhouette of this lamp by Finnish design brand Iittala makes it ideal for a small space. The shape is inspired by the light of a tapered candle. The quality of the mouth-blown glass offers a beautiful warm glow.
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Lantern Lamp by Iittala
Tokio Lamp by Please Wait to Be Seated
The beautiful lines of this table lamp make it an easy choice for a home office desk. It has elements, including the flexibility, of an old-fashioned work lamp, but with a sculptural update.
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Tokio Lamp by Please Wait to Be Seated
Carrie LED Portable Lamp by Menu
A portable lamp is useful for a home office set-up because it can be used during the work day at your desk, then moved to wherever you’d like afterwards. The easy-to-carry and sleek design of Menu’s Carrie makes it a portable lamp that still looks refined.
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Carrie LED Portable Lamp by Menu
PH 2/1 Table Lamp by Louis Poulsen
A Danish design classic, the variations of the PH lamp were designed by architect Poul Henningsen in the 1920s. This table lamp features three angled shades, ensuring that the warm light doesn’t have any glare. It’s a bold, elegant lamp that never goes out of style.
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PH 2/1 Table Lamp by Louis Poulsen
Snoopy Table Lamp by Flos
Designed by architect brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1967, the Snoopy Table Lamp is named after Charles Schultz’s beloved beagle, Snoopy. The cartoonish shape is kept from being too cutesy thanks to the strong lines and top-quality materials. The shape of the shade offers a localized light, ideal for desks.
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Snoopy Table Lamp by Flos
The Best Notebooks and Planners
If you’re still living a semi-analog life, you’re likely to need a good notebook and/or planner for your home office.
Notem Notebooks
Beautifully-made, with high-quality paper and covers, Notem notebooks are the kind you’ll want to keep out on your desk, just for the aesthetic.
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Notem Notebooks
Brown Paper Movement Desk Calendars
Copenhagen-based Brown Paper Movement is focused on quality paper products that are as gorgeous as they are functional. The desk calendars are great for small office spaces.
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Brown Paper Movement Desk Calendars
Moleskine Planners
This beloved stationary brand creates some of the best planners around. The Weekly Planner is slim, allows for both a day-to-day planner as well as an empty notes page for each week that can be used as a to-do list or for journal entries. Essential for keeping track of your daily life.
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Moleskine Planners
The Best Home Office Headphones
Are you working from home with others? Maybe your kids or partner are home, or you have roommates. Perhaps there’s construction going on outside. Whatever the reason, good noise-cancelling headphones can be a life-saver in a home office.
Beoplay H9 3rd Gen Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones by Bang & Olufsen
Sleek, stylish, and eternally useful, the Beoplay over-ear noise-cancelling headphones make working at your home desk a bit more calm and quiet.
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Beoplay H9 3rd Gen Active Noice Cancelling Headphones by Bang & Olufsen
Luma In-Ear Buds by Urbanears
These ear buds aren’t noise-cancelling, but they are noise-blocking. They come in a range of fun colors, have up to 15 hours per charge, and have a mic in each bud for easy audio capability.
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Luma In-Ear Buds by Urbanears
See more of the best minimalist headphones.
The Best Desk Accessories
No home office desk is complete without accessories. It’s the little things; your favorite pen, a beautiful catch-all. These accessories infuse your home office with a bit of your personality, and therefore make it a more fun place to work.
Pilot G-2 Gel Pens
Doesn’t get more classic than this. Have a few in black and a few in blue at your desk. The gel pens are smooth and clean, with a comfortable grip.
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Pilot G-2 Gel Pens
Tidy-O Organizer by Vitra
A colorful, small desk organizer that holds pens, as well as other small items like push-pins or clips. If you don’t have an official “pen holder” a mug or glass from the kitchen works just as well!
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Tidy-O Organizer by Vitra
Bookbox by August Sandgren
An elegant, minimalist catch-all that can be kept on the desk to hold pens, office supplies, your notebooks, and phone so that the rest of your space stays clutter-free. The lid can stand up when open for an easy place to prop a document.
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Bookbox by August Sandgren
Bergenes Phone and Tablet Stand by IKEA
Keep your table or smart phone standing up so you can check messages or notifications as they come in. This is one of those items you don’t think you need, but once you have it, you use it constantly.
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Bergenes Phone and Tablet Stand by IKEA
Scented Candle by Amoln
Beautiful, delicate scents in a gorgeous light blue votive will elevate the look (and smell) of any desk. A scented candle is a nice accessory for colder days, or when you want to feel a little bit more cosy in your work space. You are at home, after all!
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Scented Candle by Amoln
Want more design? Check out our article answering the question: what is Scandinavian design?.
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