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By Lizzie Weakley

When organizing your office space, you will want to try and blend functionality with aesthetics. Your workspace should be efficient, but it should also be attractive and comfortable. If you are remodeling an office or starting a new one, this can be a difficult task. Especially if you and/or your employees have begun to work from home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning the perfect layout for your office.

Effectively use space

Calculate your office dimensions for an idea of how to arrange the furnishings. Decide in advance where the work area with your desk and computer should be. Then consider where to store supplies and set up equipment like a printer, copier, or fax machine. Keep lighting in mind, whether from the window or overhead light will be used, as well as considering tabletops for open floor space for lamps if needed. Consider natural light as well. It is important for workers to get some sun from time to time, during a break or as part of the working day.

Organize the office furniture

You will also need to decide how to arrange office seating to accommodate coworkers or visitors. Try to plan for two or three seats if there is enough space. A small table between or near the seats would be helpful for beverages, handbags, or folders on various occasions. Area rugs, plants, personal effects, and wall art should be arranged as subtle accents rather than dominant focal points. Leave room for personal touches or belongings. It gives a professional environment some life and positive energy.

Arrange equipment efficiently

If you will be using several types of equipment in your office, organize it economically to take up minimal room. Stack smaller units on top of larger ones. Put away unused monitors or desktop phones that will not be needed. Place larger equipment out of the way in a corner or along the far wall to create an open concept feeling in your office, which will contribute to a productive environment.

Maximize storage areas

Use closets, drawers, and shelves to organize books, folders, and supplies in an accessible but unobtrusive way. If your office lacks adequate storage space, ask the department manager if you can use a closet in another area for some things you won’t need often or soon. You can also get professional-looking compact file cabinets or storage units to hold items that won’t fit in the office’s available storage areas.

Maintain a neat workspace

Keep an open space between your office door and your desk or the seating area for easy access. Put away or hide from view trash cans, stacks of folders, reading material, and any snack foods you keep on hand to project a suitable business image of your workspace. It can also help you get in the right mental place if you are working from home.

An orderly, spacious office is visually attractive and functionally comfortable for getting work done. Organize your office to create a productive space that is also welcoming and relaxing.

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Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.