To answer the question 'How big should a home office be';
In general, a small home office will likely be around 50-100 square feet (4.6-9.3 square meters), but larger offices could range from 100-300 square feet (9.3-27.9 square meters) or more, depending on your needs.
For me personally, the important thing is to strike a balance between having enough space to work comfortably and not dedicating more space than necessary, especially if you have limited room in your home.
Other important considerations which will dictate the size of your home office include:
Available Space
The size of your home office will largely depend on the available space in your home. Some people may have an entire room to dedicate to a home office, while others may need to make do with a smaller area, such as the corner of a room, under the stairs or a cupboard space.
Functionality
Consider what you will be using the home office for. If it's a space for basic tasks like paying bills and managing household paperwork, a smaller space will most likely suffice. However, if you need a home office for your full-time job or for running a business, you'll need a larger space with room for a desk, computer equipment, storage, and possibly even a meeting area.
Equipment and Furniture
Think about the type of furniture and equipment you need. A basic home office that will only be used occasionally, probably only requires a simple desk and chair setup. It will also require much less space than an office with additional items like bookshelves, filing cabinets, printers, and a seating area.
Comfort
Take into consideration the practicalities of the space and ensure that there is enough room for you to move around comfortably. Make sure that you have proper lighting, seating, and desk space to work efficiently without feeling cramped or hemmed into the space.
Flexibility
If you have a multifunctional space that serves as a guest room or another purpose besides an office, consider furniture and storage solutions that allow the room to be easily adapted for different uses.
Also, look for furniture that is dual-purpose and can be utilised for both areas at the same time.
Personal Preference
Your personal home office design and decor preferences and working style also play a role in how big your home office will be. Some people prefer a cosy, small office, while others need a more spacious environment to think and work comfortably.
My Final Thoughts
The ideal size for a home office can vary greatly depending on your specific needs, and all the factors mentioned, such as available space, personal preference and furniture options play a role in determining the final size of your home office space.
Author: Matthew Chiappini