Home Office Ideas for Two
Due to the global pandemic, many working professionals over the past year and a half have found themselves working from home (WFH). For a large percentage of the workforce, that status hasn’t altered much. Some companies have returned to a hybrid arrangement, while a handful are back to a 5-day-in-office model. The concept of a home office has continued to evolve and morph as the work-from-home scenario is most likely here to stay (in full or in part).
At the same time, the challenge of creating a home office for two people is even more apparent! Have you had one person working at the kitchen counter and the other at the dining room table? One taking calls in a guest bedroom while the other types away at a makeshift work station in the family room?
No matter who the duo may be (spouses, roommates, or significant others), designing a co-working space for more than one person necessitates creativity x2. However, there are lots of options to reconfigure and maximize space. Consider the following four areas:
- Layout Options
- Furniture & Lighting Choices
- Storage Solutions
- All About Privacy
Don't stop now! Keep reading to learn the secrets for co-existing with your at-home office partner.
Layout Options
One Shared Desk
If the two of you sharing a home office are on different workday time schedules or on alternating schedules, a shared desk could fit the bill. It would be a space saver to only need one workstation instead of two. If there is the possibility of having overlap from time to time, a shared rectangular table/desk with chairs placed at either end could be the perfect presentation.
Two Desks Facing One Another
Two desks facing the same direction, either with one side flush against a wall or with both of them placed in the center of the room, may be the best choice. This layout could work out well as long as neither of you will become distracted. Ideally, purchasing two desks that are the same works best aesthetically for this configuration.
Two Desks Facing Away From One Another
Dual desks facing away from one another create the feeling of separation and privacy. This positioning works well if you both require the vibe of having your own space even though it's shared. In this setup, you could both have different style desks that would offer more eclectic or personal appeal or you could use two desks that were the same for a streamlined look.
Side-by-Side Desks
This workspace format could either be two identical desks placed side-by-side with a storage divider cabinet/drawer separating them or you could have one long desk/table that runs along a wall.
L-Shaped Desks
A long, L-shaped desk that covers two walls and a corner is another option, providing ample workspace for two people. For this layout, enough room is needed so that the two chairs used don’t box the other in. One individual could work at the end of the “L” and the other could work from the bend of the “L” which would minimize any crowding effect.
Furniture & Lighting Choices
Desks
The spacing parameters you have and what layout options you choose will inform what desk choice would be best for your specific arrangement. Matching desks are easy on the eyes and offer an intentional sense of unity while using different style desks lend themselves to showcasing individual personalities. Desks with storage or drawers are ideal but not necessary if you have adequate shelving. The Home Edit offers these 16 Home Office Desk Ideas for Two as inspiration.
Lighting
Don't skimp on good lighting in your home office. If you can, choose complimentary layers of lighting, in addition to overhead lighting, such as floor lamps, desk lamps, and sconces. Task lighting with a dimmer control is best if your home office does not have an abundance of natural light.
Chairs
Your desk chairs are probably the single most important purchases you will make for your home office. The chairs should have ergonomic features that will support and protect your back, neck, and shoulders. If you don’t know where to start, check out these
21 office chairs
that received a test run and review from Gear Patrol.
Storage Solutions
Shared Storage
Sharing a home office necessitates ample storage solutions. Desks with drawers, file cabinets that nestle underneath tables/desks, floor to ceiling shelving or a wall unit with doors can help keep a busy space tidy. Storage options contain any clutter which creates a calmer atmosphere for both parties.
Desktop Organizers
Keep your workspaces in order with multi-purpose desktop organizers that are stylish and practical. Tons of models are available to fit any design need, simple to ornate, and caddies and containers made of a variety of materials. A clean, chaos-free work area, especially in a shared space is an absolute requisite!
Chargers and Cords
There are many storage gadgets on the market for corralling electronic cables. Tame the unsightly tangle of cords with a cord management system of some kind. Invest in a wireless charging station or buy a desk or lamp with a built-in USB port to further minimize the tech jungle. The Spruce offers its recommendations for containing cord disorder.
All About Privacy
Zones
As you envision the layout that will work best, think zones. Two people mean two sets of needs, two personalities, two styles, and two bodies in one shared space. Designate areas for each person’s equipment, files, and office supplies. Keep work areas organized as much as possible.
Dividers
If both parties are on virtual calls often, there might be an additional need to separate out shared workspaces. To help distinguish your work areas, consider adding privacy screens, curtains or dividers. Bycrescence has a great article on incorporating clever home office dividers for all kinds of budgets and preferred design tastes.
Headphones
To cut down on the inevitable distractions, invest in a pair of soundproof, noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Listen to music or a podcast without disturbing your office mate. If they have to take a call or a virtual meeting, you can tune out their voices while you continue to work.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a successful shared home office is a worthwhile investment for both parties. With two people spending a significant part of their day in the same space, it's vital to get the most out of every square inch. You'll end up with a thoughtfully designed and purposefully functional space, one where you both look forward to coming to each day if you take the time to communicate and collaborate. Trial and error and the willingness and flexibility of both parties are going to contribute in large part to making your home office a home for both of you!