Top IKEA Ideas: How to Organize a Workspace Anywhere in Your Apartment

For many of us, remote work has become just as common a format as working from a regular office. The easiest way to organize a home workspace is in a dedicated office, but what about those who don't have a separate room for their home office?

We talked to Ulyana Yarygina, the leader of the interior design direction at IKEA's 'Flat Library' project, and learned about simple solutions that will help you set up a comfortable workspace in any corner of your apartment.

Forget the stereotypes

Who said you have to work in a separate office? Work right in bed, sitting on a sofa or in a soft chair, at the kitchen table, or even by the window. The most important thing is that it's comfortable for you and the atmosphere puts you in a work mood.

Working at the kitchen table? Yes! The dining table can easily become a workspace if you place a shelf nearby where you can store your laptop, electronics, folders with documents, and other office supplies.

Project 211 'Flat Library'

Even in the smallest apartment, you can set up a workspace by the window. The main advantage of such a spot is that it's naturally and evenly lit.

The key is to make sure direct sunlight doesn't blind you, so don't forget about curtains! If you don't have enough space on the windowsill, a folding table that can be mounted to the wall will come to the rescue.

Folding Table NORBERG

An unexpected but versatile option for organizing a workspace anywhere is a cart! It can serve as a storage shelf or a mobile mini-office. Place all the things you need for work on it and simply move it to wherever you want to work today — to the bedroom, kitchen, or even the balcony.

Project 216 'Flat Library'

Make Your Workspace Light and Mobile

If you only need a laptop for work, any spot in your apartment can become your workspace. These compact laptop trays are easy to move around the house.

Laptop Tray VITSHÖ

Another tip — use a folding table instead of a regular one. It won't take up much space in the room since it can only be unfolded when you need it.

Project 141 'Flat Library'

Lifehack for those who like to work in a soft chair or right in bed: if you're used to working with the laptop on your lap, a plastic or textile tray will work for you. The laptop will stand at an angle — this way, it will be comfortable to work and easy to participate in online meetings.

Laptop Tray BILLAN

Zone Your Room

You can easily set up a workspace in any room if you divide it into zones. For example, you can create a workspace where there wasn't one before using a shelf-divider. It will divide the space, and in its compartments you can place everything you need for work.

Shelf KALLAX

Do shelves take up too much space in the room? Try textile partitions on a curtain rail or cornice. With them, you can create personal space at any time.

Project 154 'Flat Library'

Another option is mobile partitions. They can be installed on any side of the table or used as a screen. Partitions made from sound-absorbing materials — such as felt or wool — will help reduce unwanted noise and create comfortable working conditions, even if the room is noisy.

Portable Screen EYLIF