Home offices, whether for employment or home use, have always  enjoyed great popularity. Not all homes have the space required for a full office but even small spaces can enjoy the practicality of a home office space. Small spaces can be a challenge to work in but they can also be a challenge to decorate efficiently and functionally. While it may take a little more imagination, in fact, any area can become a very functional office with the right furniture, a good strategy for optimal organization and a few simple decorative touches. By taking a step-back look at the space you have to work with you will find that almost any home or apartment office space can be used to its utmost effectiveness.

A charming corner, a hallway end or an under-the-eaves space can all hide a surprisingly functional office potential. A Secretary Roll-top Desk or Fold Down Desk like the Amish design can provide not only sufficient work and storage space but a much needed design feature. These desks are perfect for paying bills, doing paperwork or schoolwork or writing correspondence without the sterile feel of an office. With the roll top or fold down secretary all your important items are within easy reach but they don’t get in the way of the activity that is happening on the desktop work surface.

The secretary desk is prized for its plentiful cubby or pigeon holes. These separated diminutive compartments are a tidy alternative to leaving stamps, mail, stationery, and other small items loose. The fold-down or roll down desktop is easily opened and then quickly closed to conceal your working office. Remember there is a benefit to using a small space. A small area does not give you the option to save and clutter and by its very nature forces you to simplify.

Lighting in a hidden corner or alcove is important. Try hanging an overhead fixture or placing the desk by a window so you can provide plenty of light to read or write by. You can position small direct focus desk lamps on the top level or for more room on the small tabletops use a floor lamp next to the desk for late night work.

Storage is at a premium in a small area. By placing a small shelving unit with baskets or closed boxes on them, under or next to the desk, you can provide ample storage for everyday documents, books and supplies. A metal rolling cart, stowed in a nearby closet can add filing space. Add a small compact but comfortable chair and a cozy rug to your Amish desk and you have a small but formal home office with an heirloom design.

Tags: Amish, apartment office, Furniture, home office, Organization, roll top desk, Small Spaces, Storage

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 at 12:28 am and is filed under Amish Furniture Styles, Decorating Ideas, Design Style, Furniture Uses, Home Office Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.