Designing a small office space doesn’t mean sacrificing style, comfort, or functionality. With some smart planning and the right pieces, even the most compact workspace can feel open, efficient, and inspiring.
Whether you're setting up a home office, equipping a startup hub, or maximising a satellite studio, here’s how to make your work environment a hub of productivity, no mater how small.
1. Choose Lightweight, Movable Furniture
In a small office, flexibility isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Lightweight and movable office chairs and furniture allows you to transform your space as the day changes, supporting everything from solo work to team collaboration.
How to use it:
- High quality stacking chairs like the Refurbished Casper CS2 in Grey are a small office essential. Sleek, stackable, and surprisingly comfy, they let you expand seating for meetings and store them out of sight when not in use.
- Go for modular furniture, stools, benches or nesting tables, that can be quickly rearranged. This gives your team the freedom to create zones for flexible working.
- Conference chairs with slim profiles and light frames keep things mobile without compromising on ergonomic support.
2. Maximise Vertical Space with Smart Storage
When every square metre matters, don’t just think about the floor, think up too. Vertical storage is your secret weapon in creating a clutter-free, modern working spaces that still packs in everything you need.
How to use it:
- Mount open shelving units above desks or meeting areas to house books, documents or decor - keeping the floor clear for circulation. This is great for communal areas where you may have extra personal items.
- Choose tall, slim storage cupboards over wide, bulky ones. These provide the same capacity with a much smaller footprint.
- Wall grids and pegboards offer personalisable storage and work brilliantly in creative offices or shared desks.
Combining vertical storage with lightweight, refurbished office furniture ensures you're getting top-tier functionality with a sustainable edge.
3. Invest in Dual-Purpose Furniture
For compact offices, every piece of furniture should earn its place. That means looking for items that serve more than one function, furniture that offers more than basic seating options.
How to use it:
- Choose desks that incorporate drawers, shelves, or cable storage underneath to reduce clutter and avoid needing separate units.
- Opt for fold-away or drop-leaf tables that tuck neatly away when not in use, perfect for remote working hybrid teams or project-based work.
- Stackable chairs like the Refurbished Wilkhahn Aline Stacking Chair let you scale seating up or down as needed, and double beautifully as meeting chairs or extra visitor seating.
4. Create a Flexible Meeting Zone
In a smaller footprint, you might not have the luxury of a dedicated boardroom. But with clever design, any corner of the office can transform into a professional, polished meeting area.
How to use it:
- Use versatile conference chairs that offer enough comfort for longer meetings but can be easily repositioned. The Refurbished Black Lino Stacking Chair is ideal - simple to store, comfortable, and clean in design.
- Choose extendable or folding tables that can accommodate both large and small group sizes.
- Place your setup near natural light and add acoustic panels or plants to give it a welcoming, creative feel, doubling as a quiet focus zone when not in use.
5. Design a Compact Office Breakout Area
Even the smallest office deserves a place to unwind. A well-designed office breakout area helps boost morale, improve mental clarity, and encourage team collaboration.
How to use it:
- Use compact stackable chairs like the Refurbished White Europa Stacking Chair for pop-up social zones that can be packed away when not in use.
- Pair with a lightweight coffee table and accessories like soft lighting, rugs, or potted plants to create a relaxing nook.
- This area can also double as a casual meeting room or brainstorming space, enhancing your modern office solution with zero compromise on space.
Why Refurbished Furniture is the Smartest Choice
When designing for a small office, choosing refurbished office furniture is a no-brainer. Not only do you get premium brands for less, but you’re also making a sustainable choice that supports the circular economy. Zero’s collection of stacking chairs, conference chairs, and meeting chairs offers incredible quality with smaller environmental impact - and they're all ready to deliver style, comfort, and flexibility to your space.
Need inspiration for cost effective, flexible office seating? Here are some of our favourite refurbished seating options:
