Start-ups, small businesses and even well-established companies are always limited by the amount of office space available to them. There never seems to be enough square footage no matter how much furniture you shift around.

Fortunately, a small office doesn’t have to hinder your business in any way if you know how to maximise the space.

In this article, we look at 5 simple yet effective office fit out ideas that can help you make the most out of a small space.

1. Spring clean your office

This might seem like an obvious step, but you’d be surprised at how many people overlook it. You need to declutter and sort through everything in your office to have an effective, functional space, regardless of size, but even more so smaller ones.

 Keep only that which is necessary and get rid of the rest. Once you’re left with a decluttered space, make a list of all the things you still need and stick to it. This will help you prioritise a design and layout that incorporates all furniture and items in the space in a functional manner.

2. Choose a functional layout

Picking the right layout is crucial when you have a small office. Every inch matters – so your chosen layout needs to optimise the space for maximum efficiency and functionality.

There are many floorplan ideas that can ensure a productive work environment in a tiny space. For example, plan your desks in a way that minimises or leaves no dead space, or use a central bank of desks to ensure that everyone fits in one room.

Another idea is to file digitally instead of using filing cabinets and physical storage solutions. Digital cloud storage and filing services mean that you can get rid of cabinets, storage cupboards and desk pedestals to free up more floor space in your office.

And because your employees won’t be keeping any physical copies of essential documents, this also rids the need for at-desk storage – which, in turn, means that you can afford to use smaller office desks and free up even more floor space.

3. Invest in good lighting

The right lighting can create an open, airy appearance which will make your office space look and feel bigger than it is. Make sure your workplace is well-lit by providing light on three levels – table level, eye level and floor level. Having light on these three levels will have your workspace looking brighter and more inviting than ever before.

We suggest maximising the amount of natural light within the office. Research has shown that not only does it improve employee productivity and wellbeing, but it also gives off the illusion of more space.

4. Opt for neutral colours

Colours can make a space look smaller or bigger than it is. Choosing lighter colour schemes like white, beige, pale blue or green will create the illusion of bigger office space, while darker colours will leave the room feeling cramped and tiny.

5. Install a few mirrors

Believe it or not, installing a few mirrors around your office is a good way to make a tiny area look more spacious. Mirrors distribute and reflect light efficiently around a space, creating the illusion of more room.

Need some help?

There is a simple solution to dealing with small office space – hire a professional fit out company in Dubai to optimise every inch of your workplace.

But where can you find this corporate fit out specialist?

Contractors.Direct offers a curated database of thoroughly vetted, quality contractors who can bring your vision to life, on time and on budget. Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to connect you with the right people for the job.