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Small Office, BIG Glow-Up: How to Completely Transform Your Small Home Office While Staying on a Budget

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After Small Home Office

When my brother asked me to surprise his fiancé (my future sister-in-law) with a small home office makeover, I couldn’t say no. But there was a catch: I had to pull off the transformation on a $1,000 budget and less than a week to design, purchase products, and pull off a surprise reveal.

With most of that going toward a new desk and office chair, I had my work cut out for me. Spoiler alert—it turned out amazing!✨ Don’t worry, I am going to share ALL the details, plus budget-friendly tips so that you can also recreate your own dream home office setup.

Before Small Home Office
After Small Home Office

Desk | Chair | Laptop riser | Faux tree | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Picture frames | Pillow | Leather desk pad | Curtain rod | Curtains

Just LOOK at that before and after!

Start with the Essentials: Prioritizing Key Decor Pieces

The two absolute must-haves for any small home office design are a high-quality desk and a comfortable office chair. Whether you’re designing a space for long work hours or occasional use, investing in these pieces will make the biggest difference in functionality and comfort.

Office Desk & Chair

Desk | Chair | Rug

In my case, I found a gorgeous desk for $275 and a super comfortable chair for $139 after some serious hunting. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Look for sales or secondhand options on desks and chairs to save money.
  • Try to make your home office desk & chair take up LESS than 50% of your budget that way you still have room to spend on other design elements.
  • Choose pieces that match your style but also prioritize ergonomics and durability.

Here’s the full budget for my makeover in case it is helpful:

  • Desk: $275
  • Chair: $139
  • Laptop riser: $30
  • Keyboard: $30
  • Faux tree: $150
  • Plug-in sconce: $99
  • Rug – 4×6: $50
  • Picture frames (Set of 3): $138
  • Pillow: $25
  • Leather desk pad: $14
  • Curtain rod: $38
  • Curtains – 52″x108″(Set of 2): $70
  • Total: $1,058

Yes, I went slightly over budget—but it was worth it for the final touches that made the space shine!

Small Home Office Design

Desk | Chair | Laptop riser | Faux tree | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Picture frames | Pillow | Leather desk pad | Curtain rod | Curtains

Make the Most of a Small Space: Tips for Maximizing Impact

Working in a room that was only 76 inches wide taught me A LOT about designing for a small home office. I knew I had to maximize every inch while making the space feel larger and more open. Here’s how I made a big impact in a tight area and how you can too:

1. Choose the Right-Sized Desk:

Measure your space carefully and opt for a desk that fits snugly without crowding the room. I went with a 60-inch desk that left just enough space for a faux tree and chair. You want the scale to feel just right to avoid the room feeling cramped.

2. Define the Space with a Rug:

A rug instantly elevates any space. For small offices, a 4×6 or 5×7 rug is usually perfect—it’s large enough to anchor your desk and chair but not overwhelming.

RELATED POST: The Best Rug Size Guide for a Pinterest Perfect Home (Room By Room)

3. Use Your Vertical Space:

Add a gallery wall or shelves to draw the eye upward and make the room feel taller. I used 16×16 gold frames in a grid layout above the desk for a polished and cohesive look.

Office Gallery Wall

Picture frames | Plug-in sconce

4. Add Greenery:

A faux tree or plant can soften the space and add visual interest. If you’re short on floor space, opt for a smaller tabletop plant.

Quick, Budget-Friendly Upgrades to Try

Before Curtains
After Curtains

Curtain rod | Curtains

You don’t need a big budget or a lot of time to transform your space. To save time and avoid major renovations, just focus on small but impactful upgrades as I did for this mini makeover. Here are some easy upgrades anyone can try:

  • Lighting Matters: Swap out a basic table lamp for a cute plug-in sconce. It’s affordable and adds a high-end look without requiring electrical work.
  • Curtains for Height: Hang curtains close to the ceiling to make your space feel taller. Use hemming tape for a custom finish.
  • Decorate with Intent: Layer in functional decor, like a leather desk pad, monitor stand, or pretty storage boxes, to keep your desk tidy and stylish.
Amazon Sconce

Plug-in sconce | Picture frames | Laptop riser

Plan Like a Pro: Tools to Help You Stay on Track

Planning is EVERYTHING when designing on a budget. Here’s how I kept the project organized:

  • Design Layouts with Canva: Canva’s free software helped me design the entire office and visualize the space before buying anything. This allowed me to see how everything would fit together nicely!
  • Track Expenses in Google Docs: I tracked every purchase, delivery date, and expense in a shared Google Doc. This helped the project run smoothly and ensured no surprises when it came time for the reveal.
Surprise Office Mock Up

Desk | Chair | Laptop riser | Faux tree | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Picture frames | Pillow | Leather desk pad | Curtain rod | Curtains

Final Thoughts: You Can Transform Your Small Office Too!

At the end of the day, the best part of this project was seeing my future sister-in-law’s reaction. She went from working at a cold, uncomfortable standing desk with a hand-me-down stool to having a warm, welcoming space she couldn’t wait to use.

Apartment home office

Desk | Chair | Laptop riser | Faux tree | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Picture frames | Pillow | Leather desk pad | Curtain rod | Curtains | Keypad and mouse | Coffee table book

Her excitement was contagious—when someone says they “can’t wait to work on Monday,” you know you’ve done something right! 🥰

On a personal note, I love how cozy the space feels now. With its layered textures, intentional design, and thoughtful details, it’s a true reflection of her style and a place she can enjoy every day.

Now it’s your turn! Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your space, you can create a stylish and functional office—even on a budget.

What’s the first thing you’ll upgrade in your small home office layout? I’d love to hear your plans, so feel free to share them in the comments below!

Home Office Makeover

Desk | Chair | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Pillow | Curtain rod | Curtains

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