Category Archives: Small Business Office Design

Tips for setting up your small business office.

Small Business Office Design

Stay updated on the topic of small business office design in this section of StartUpaSmallBiz.com .



Starting up a small business, even if it's just on the side, is no longer an option -- it's a necessity. Why? Because everyone needs an additional source of income in our new economy. Click here to sign up for educational and motivational posts to keep you on track.

How to Design Your Small Office

Some people think that a small office space is stifling and will negatively affect your productivity. But if you decorate and organize it a certain way, it can actually be a comforting and cozy yet professional place to get stuff done. Here are a few tips for how to decorate your small business office.

Keep Feng Shui in Mind

By definition, Feng Shui is the Chinese art or practice of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang. Yin is negative and dark while Yang is positive and bright. The interaction between both sides is thought to maintain the harmony of the universe and to influence everything within it. Your small office space should emit that feeling of balance. Start by choosing a bright and vibrant color to paint the walls. Blues are more peaceful and productive, greens stand for growth, red is energetic and inspiring and yellow represents happiness.

Your office furniture can be the “dark” contrasting element, with a formal metal file cabinet and a professional black chair. Position your desk so that you have a view of sunlight illuminating the room every morning. If there are no windows in the room, place an inspirational picture on the wall that is in front of the computer desk to get a similar effect.

Carpeting and Lighting

Attempt to choose carpets or area rugs that have neutral colors that will not over power the room. For instance, charcoal gray carpeting compliments a wide variety of different color schemes. However, if you have wood floors that are in good condition, you may just want to invest in a patterned area rug.

For an office, choose bright, day light bulbs. Day light bulbs soften the room and add to its ambiance. If possible, choose a low, soothing wattage, because your computer monitor will emit enough light. Overhead track lighting with a dimmer is a preferred choice, because you can adjust the lights depending on the task you’re completing.

Choosing and Positioning Your Office Furniture

Being that you’re working with a small space, be very conservative about the size of the furniture in your office. If all you’ll be working from is a laptop, then just get a small square desk with a few shelves below it for your printer. If you’ll be using a full computer and need to accommodate a lot of equipment, dedicate one wall to a rectangular desk where you can keep everything in one place. This way you have plenty of room to move around and to place a file cabinet in another corner of the room if need be.

It helps to draw out a quick floor plan when you’re decorating a small office so that you get a good idea of the space you’re working with. Your office should be a comfortable and relaxing place for you to work. If the design is done properly it will also exude positive energy and inspire productivity.