Creating a comfortable and productive office in a small space is a bit like solving a puzzle. Every piece of furniture has to work hard—ideally serving more than one purpose—without making the space feel cramped. Whether you’re fitting out a compact home office or making better use of a shared workspace, there’s no need to compromise on comfort or style.
At The Office Chair Man, we specialise in office furniture that’s designed to meet the needs of every kind of space—especially the ones where every square inch counts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best types of desks, chairs, storage units, and collaborative furniture to maximise small spaces, with real product suggestions from our collection.
Sit-stand desks aren’t just for large offices. Many have slim profiles and can double as collaborative tables in small spaces—form meets function.
Your desk is the foundation of your workspace, but in a small room, it can either support flow—or block it entirely. The key is to choose a desk that’s compact yet functional, with optional storage to keep things organised.
Compact desks provide enough space for daily tasks while using minimal floor area. Many of our refurbished desks include:
Example: Used White Bench Desks with Screens – ideal for side-by-side configurations in shared spaces or hot-desking environments.
Corner desks (sometimes known as crescent desks) allow you to use room corners efficiently while gaining two working surfaces. They’re perfect if you use multiple monitors, or need one side for writing and another for digital work.
Recommended: Used Crescent Desks available in oak, white, walnut and beech finishes. Match them with mobile pedestals for tidy under-desk storage.
Height-adjustable desks offer ergonomic benefits while also doubling as collaborative standing tables. These are especially valuable in open-plan or flexible environments.
| Feature | Fixed Desk | Height-Adjustable Desk |
| Space Efficiency | ✔ Compact | ✔ Dual-use (desk + meeting area) |
| Ergonomic Value | ❌ Limited | ✔ Improved posture |
| Suited for Shared Use | ✔ Individual only | ✔✔ Hot-desking-friendly |
| Health Benefits | ❌ Static position | ✔✔ Standing support |
A good office chair supports long-term posture, but it shouldn’t take over the room. Smaller spaces demand chairs that are just as ergonomic—without being bulky.
Look for breathable mesh or low-profile backs to save visual space. Essential ergonomic features to consider:
Example: Bremen Mesh Chair – breathable mesh, height adjustable, and compact enough for tight desk clearances.
Armless office chairs or slim-armed chairs allow you to tuck the chair completely under your desk when not in use—freeing up floor space.
Used Black Draughtsman Chairs – perfect for sit-stand setups or raised desks.
Occasionally need guest seating? Stackable chairs are ideal for training rooms, breakout areas, or visitor setups in small offices.
Used Stacking Chairs – lightweight, durable, and easy to store.
Small offices can feel instantly messy if storage isn’t smartly integrated. Here are some ways to keep your paperwork and supplies neatly tucked away.
These compact mobile units are perfect for storing:
They can be rolled out for cleaning or rearrangement and don’t need extra wall or floor space.
Used 3-Drawer Mobile Pedestals – available in matching finishes to your desk.
Tall and narrow filing cabinets are perfect for vertical storage, giving you drawers without a wide footprint.
Used 4-Drawer Metal Filing Cabinets – affordable and refurbished, ideal for tight corners.
Floating shelves and mounted cupboards keep items off the floor and make use of vertical space—ideal for home offices with limited wall area.
Top Tip: Keep heavy items lower and decorative/light items higher to balance safety and aesthetics.
When space is tight, choose furniture that can do more than one job.
Modular designs let you rearrange layouts as needed—ideal if your team grows or you occasionally need more space.
White Modular Bench Desks – allow easy expansion and rearrangement without replacing the entire desk system.
Ideal for home offices or hybrid spaces, these pieces work as extra seating, storage, or even footrests.
Fold-away tables can be stored when not in use and set up in seconds for meetings or collaboration.
Used Folding Tables – space-saving and perfect for event-based usage.
Collaboration doesn’t require a huge boardroom. With the right layout, you can hold effective meetings in very little space.
High-top tables with stools can be used in open areas for casual chats or quick catch-ups.
High Poseur Tables & Bar Stools – great for informal discussion zones.
Use mobile whiteboards as brainstorming tools and space dividers.
Used Mobile Whiteboards – lightweight and easy to store when not in use.
Perfect for breakout rooms or pop-up training areas. Stack up to 10–12 high to keep storage compact.
The right furniture is only part of the solution. Smart layout decisions elevate small offices.
Nothing makes a space feel smaller than blocked pathways. Position desks and storage to leave at least 60–80cm of walking space.
Lighter wood tones and white finishes reflect light and make rooms feel larger. Combine with bright task lighting and mirrors to create the illusion of space.
White Desks & Pedestals – from our refurbished range, ideal for clean, minimalist setups.
Use your desk area for Zoom calls and paperwork. A high table might double as a hot-desk and lunch table. In tight spaces, multi-use is everything.
Even the smallest workspace can be transformed into a productive and stylish environment with the right approach to furniture. Whether you’re setting up a home office or trying to maximise space in a small commercial setting, compact, modular and multifunctional furniture can offer the flexibility and support you need—without the clutter.
At The Office Chair Man, we’re passionate about helping customers make the most of every corner. Our range of refurbished and new office furniture is carefully selected to balance affordability, style, and practicality—perfect for anyone working with limited room to play with.
Remember: small doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable or uninspiring. With a bit of planning, some clever storage, and furniture that earns its keep, your small office can become the productive haven you’ve always wanted.
Explore expertly refurbished and space-saving office furniture at The Office Chair Man—where quality meets value for every workspace.
For small offices, we recommend compact desks with built-in storage or corner (crescent) desks that maximise unused corners. If flexibility is a priority, height-adjustable desks also work well as they can serve as a standing desk or temporary meeting table.
Clutter is the enemy of small spaces. Use under-desk pedestals, vertical shelving, and modular storage units. Choose furniture in lighter finishes like white or beech to brighten the space, and opt for pieces that offer dual functionality—like storage benches or folding tables.
Not at all. Many of our sit-stand desks have slim profiles and adjustable features that make them ideal for home offices. They also reduce the need for separate meeting tables or standing work areas, making them a great space-saving choice.
Yes! Our range includes slimline ergonomic chairs with breathable mesh backs and compact bases. Look for models without armrests or with arms that tuck under the desk to reduce visual and physical clutter.
Modular bench desks are perfect for shared environments. You can start small and expand later, rearranging layouts as needed. Pair them with stackable chairs or mobile whiteboards to support collaboration without permanent fixtures.
Absolutely. We have a wide range of refurbished desks, chairs, filing cabinets and more—all ideal for small office setups. It’s an excellent way to get high-quality furniture at a fraction of the price, with sustainability in mind.
Delivery times vary depending on stock and location, but we aim to deliver most items within a few working days. For urgent needs, contact our team directly and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Yes—we’re happy to help. Whether you’re unsure what desk size fits your room or want a full layout suggestion, our team can guide you through product options and smart setups for any space.
The Office Chairman where we combine over 25 years of experience in supplying only the highest quality recycled office furniture and used office chairs. Providing remarkable customer service at exceptional value for your money.
68 St Johns Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 5AL
Combining 25 years of experience in supplying only the highest quality used office furniture and used office chairs. Providing customer service levels at exceptional value for your money.
