How to Make Small Office Spaces Look and Feel Bigger: Design Strategies

Nicole Neptuno
Jul 25
4 min read

The aftermath of the pandemic has led to remote work and downsizing becoming the norm, and small office spaces are now more common than ever. But just because your office is compact does not mean that it has to feel cramped and uncomfortable. By expanding and applying smart design strategies, even the smallest of workspaces can feel more open, functional, and inviting.

Here’s how you can make the most out of a small office using smart layout planning, creative storage solutions, and thoughtful design.

Use Natural Light

Natural light is a crucial office feature, as it makes spaces feel larger (Abbijohnstone, 2024). It’s also beneficial to the employees’ well-being as it reduces fatigue and increases focus. Keep windows unobstructed by heavy curtains or furniture, or use sheer blinds to diffuse the light to create a softer space while still maintaining privacy without sacrificing brightness.

On the other hand, if your office lacks daylight, opt for artificial lighting systems. Instead of using overhead lights, experiment with various light fixtures in the office to mimic natural lighting. Avoid harsh, single-source lighting as it has a tendency to flatten the room and further draws attention to its limits.

To add to the natural ambience, add plants and invest in proper ventilation systems. This will make your workplace feel more inviting and less cramped, helping employees feel more at ease and boosting their performance at work.

Rethink The Layout

One of the most significant and impactful ways to open up a space is by optimizing the layout. Forget traditional setups with bulky desks and cubicle walls. Instead, opt for an open-plan layout with strategically placed furniture that does not obstruct walkways or block natural light sources. Choose modular furniture that can be rearranged as your office space changes over time; this introduces adaptability and reduces visual weight.

When you expand your office, choose the proper treatments for the walls, ceiling, and flooring. Light colors reflect light and help open up a room. Whites, creams, and even soft greys create a cleaner and more airy look Abbijohnstone (2021). Installing patterned rugs also creates the illusion of a larger space, while also complementing the light wall and ceiling treatment.

Don’t underestimate the power of negative space either, decorating and planning layouts are not always about filling every inch of space. Sometimes, a little breathing room is what makes a room feel larger than it is.

Storage That Reaches New Heights

In small spaces, clutter is not just inconvenient, it’s visually suffocating. Fortunately enough, thoughtful storage solutions can help clear the mess and elevate the room. According to Davis (2024), vertical storage spaces create more floor space, making the room feel and appear more spacious.

Whenever possible, install tall shelving units that extend to the ceiling. They draw the eyes upward and give the impression of higher ceilings. For a cleaner aesthetic, close cabinets on the lower half to hide unsightly items and open shelving above for lighter objects such as books or decorations.

Under-desk storage, such as rolling drawers or stackable bins, keeps personal items accessible but out of sight. Pegboard and wall-mounted organizers are ideal for office supplies and tech accessories, reducing the overall need for bulky cabinets in your office space.

Better yet, invest in multi-purpose furniture such as ottomans that open up with storage inside, foldable desks, or even tables with hidden storage compartments. These are practical choices that reduce clutter while still maximizing space and utility.

Aesthetics To Stretch The Space

As we already know, design is a powerful tool, and if used wisely, it can alter perception as much as reality. In small office spaces, the right visual choices can make a world of a difference in creating the illusion of space.

Mirrors are a time-tested trick to make the room feel larger. A well-placed mirror across from a window can bounce natural light around the room and make the entire space feel much bigger (H2OH Design Group, 2021). Similarly, glass partitions or tabletops offer structure without heaviness while still maintaining visual continuity throughout the room (Murray Glass, 2022).

There’s always a way to make a cramped and compact room feel less confining through expanding and utilizing smart design strategies. Using natural light, optimizing storage organization, and choosing the right colors in office design can make a room feel larger and less restrictive. When smart design strategies are applied, freeing up any space comes easily.

Maximize your office space by contacting Neptel Design + Build, a general contractor and design firm in the Philippines specializing in office renovations, interior fit-outs, and more.

References

Abbijohnstone. (2024, March 19). 5 tips to make a small office feel bigger. MYO. https://myo.co.uk/article/5-tips-to-make-a-small-office-feel-bigger/

Davis, S. (2024, April 25). How to maximise space in a small serviced office. FreeOfficeFinder. https://www.freeofficefinder.com/article/how-to-maximise-space-in-a-small-serviced-office

H2OH Design Group. (2021, August 12). Creating the illusion of space: Design tips for making your room feel larger. https://www.h2ohdesigngroup.com/post/creating-the-illusion-of-space-design-tips-for-making-your-room-feel-larger

Murray Glass. (2021, March 22). 13 ways to create the illusion of space with glass walls. https://murrayglass.com/13-ways-to-create-the-illusion-of-space-with-glass-walls/

National Association of Interior & Industrial Designers [NAIID]. (2023). Designing small spaces: Maximizing functionality and style. https://www.naiid.org/designherochronicles/designing-small-spaces-maximizing-functionality-and-style