Having a small home office is a must for anyone working from home or anyone who finds themselves wishing they had a desk to make their daily tasks easier. The dining room table is a quick solution, but it can quickly become cumbersome and is typically not a space free of distractions. However, it’s hard to justify setting aside a whole room for a workspace. But what if there was a middle ground between using a dining table and taking over an entire spare room?

Below, you can find the most inspiring ideas to help you find inspiration to transform an empty hallway into a small home office space to maximize your square footage without compromising floor space.

Modern-Style Wooden Desk and Chair in an Elegantly Decorated Hallway

If you have a wider-than-average hallway area, you can simply place a desk and matching chair against one of the walls for easy access to your workstation. This desk perfectly blends a modern design with a more traditional wood finish in a muted tone.

The color of the wood is complemented well by the similar and contrasting tones in the wallpaper as well as the parquet flooring. A vintage chandelier and simple off-white runner are excellent finishing touches and round this inviting space off beautifully.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

An End-of-the-Hallway Desk Nook Made of Floating Shelves

Some hallways have empty, unused spaces at the end, or a tiny linen closet that may not be needed in your house. These small spaces are an excellent area to set up a compact home office.

With only some fairly minimal modifications, you can create a lower desk surface with room for storage in the vertical space along the back wall. This example office also features a floor-to-ceiling curtain that can be pulled across for a bit of privacy or to keep the area out of sight of house guests.

photographed by Krister Engström, styled by Livindeco, sold via Kvarteret Mäkleri

A Bold, Standard-Sized Desk With a Bright Chair to Fill the Unused Space at the Top of the Stairs

The landing at the top of the stairs is ideal for a comfortable desk with plenty of storage space. This dark-colored desk sits wonderfully against the grey-blue walls. Touches of decor on the desk and the retractable task lighting are great editions for this area and the pop of color from the bright desk chair draws the eye, creating a focal point in the room.

Given the position of the desk in relation to the stairway railing, an L-shaped desk could also work well here.

Photographed by Mia Borgelin for Historiska Hem

A Narrow Task Desk and Statement Chair in a Tiny Space

If you’re someone who only needs a desk occasionally or for quick chores, a more quaint and decorative office desk may be the better fit for you. This narrow shelving unit has been placed against this recessed wall and repurposed into a small home office space.

The bold, black traditional-style chair draws the eye and is an attractive element in this room. Where other desks may protrude into the already tight walkway, this narrow option is a creative solution to this issue.

styled by Livin Deco, photographed by Jonas Berg, for sale via Stadshem

A Discrete Home Office Nook to Eliminate Wasted Space

Similar to some of the small office ideas we’ve seen so far, this small space has been transformed into a home office with a bit of extra storage space and a curtain to hide the area when needed. The powder blue seat is a charming touch that subtly pops when placed against the intricate wallpaper.

Natural light coming from a nearby window bathes this compact space in a warm glow, creating an inviting workspace.

styled by Apartment Studio for Stadshem

A Floating Desk at the Top of the Stairs to Create a Functional Workspace

Just steps away from a child’s bedroom, this small home office area is positioned in the perfect spot for parents to get things done while keeping an eye on the kids. White walls and a thin floating desk help to keep the immediate space stress-free and tidy.

The opaque curtain here is used to block off a storage space as opposed to hiding the workspace, allowing you to maintain a neat appearance without sacrificing keeping needed items close at hand.

via Alvhem

Create a Dedicated Space for Work in an Unused Corner

Similarly to the previous small home office area, this placement has a small desk situated in a corner just outside the family room. This makes for a convenient workspace that doesn’t impede the functionality of the more frequently used room.

A small cork board fits perfectly on the wall to keep important papers in view while the rest of the area is reserved for a laptop computer or notebook.

via Bjurfors

Transform a Shallow Hallway Alcove into a Small Home Workspace

Awkward recessed areas in a hallway present an excellent opportunity to set up a home office. In this particular example, the shape of the room itself also helps to provide a buffer to the natural walking path.

Framed photos and prints can be hung on the wall for a more personalized touch and a modern small lamp and matching metal seat pull the small area together to create a functional workspace you won’t mind spending time in.

via Entrance Makleri

Encourage Focus With a Compact Desk Workstation

If you’re someone who values focus and sophisticated air, a small desk set apart from other furniture may be the right choice for your home office. The warm wood tones, bright walls, and black accessories such as the mirror and lamp work together to result in an academic appearance with minimal potential distractions.

This is the ideal situation for those who use their small home office for their job. For even fewer distractions, choose a hallway in your home that sees little traffic during the day, if possible.

via Stadshem

Place Task Lighting and a Chair in a Built-In Storage Area to Create the Perfect Spot to Complete Quick Chores

A disused coffee or breakfast bar is a quick and easy answer to your home office search. Surrounded by shelves and with a convenient outlet, this type of area requires minimal changes to become a small home office.

Simply add some seating and a light source and you’re ready to go. Because so few changes are needed if this area already exists in your home, this may be the most cost-effective method of creating a home office.

via Alvhem

A Thin, Dark-Colored Desk and Seat in a Bright White Hallway

For a small home office that looks as if it was purpose-built by an interior designer, combine sleek and abstract items and a color scheme that creates a bold contrast. This home office area features both modern and contemporary design elements for a chic, professional look.

The artwork on the wall is attractive to those walking by, drawing attention to the area and showcasing the thoughtful and purposeful configuration.

via Alvhem

Use a Deeper Desk and Uniquely Bold Chair in a Slightly Industrial Space

If you feel that your small home office needs more surface area, wider desks are the way to go. The desk pictured here is more square than all of the other desks we’ve seen so far. Wooden bar stool-style seating pairs well with the flooring while creating a contrast in texture to the smooth desk.

Small light sources brighten the room and complement the mild industrial aesthetic. The combination of shiplap with a flat surface wall as well as the patterned rug continues to bring texture to the area, keeping the eye moving throughout.

via Alvhem

Mount Shelves Along an Adjacent Wall for a Visually Interesting Layout

An unneeded walk-in closet or pantry can be a fantastic place for a dedicated home office. This example is placed at the end of the hallway, as with some of the other small office ideas we’ve seen.

However, this office area changes the formula, placing the shelves perpendicular to the desk as opposed to directly above it. This can be a good way to repurpose existing closet or pantry shelves, or simply a way to make a spot of visual interest.

via Alvhem

Situate a Desk Between Two Doorways for a Centrally Located Workspace

Walking out of your bedroom and directly into your home office is a dream for many individuals. This office is situated directly between two rooms and features minimal decor to eliminate potential distractions where possible.

The rest of the area is clear for walking, which can prevent those living in the home from becoming irritated by the office and making it much more likely to be used.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Jonas Berg for Stadshem

Embrace a Bold Home Office Space With Dramatic Black Walls and Sleek Decor

An abundance of natural light and dramatic paint is a favorite of the average interior designer, and for good reason. This bold space is a showstopper, with perfectly chosen decor and plenty of surface area for a variety of tasks and projects.

The positioning of this space in relation to the rest of the room allows for a traditional rolling office chair to be used if preferred. Matching furniture in adjoining rooms can pull the whole interior together fabulously.

photography by Jonas Berg, via Stadshem

Working with entryway wallpaper to spruce up your entrance can be a great way to create a unique style and aesthetics in the space that is seen first when entering your home. The hallway is the first glance visitors see when they first enter your front door or apartment door and nothing makes your guests feel more at home than decorating this section of your interior to perfection.

If you are thinking about picking out a wallpaper design for your hallway walls, makes sure to take a look at the entryway wallpaper ideas in this list. There are so many different styles of wallpaper to pick from and it all depends on the characteristics of your room and personal taste which wallpaper design is the right one for you.

Style your entryway wallpaper with a mixture of contrasting elements, or pair it up with decorations in the same tones to create a modern and modest look. If you are a little hesitant to cover your entire entryway with wallpaper, you can always start with a feature wall, which will add a more subtle style.

Hallway wallpaper with yellow and green tones

The subtle yellow and green tones in this wallpaper design come back in the green bench and the yellow staircase for a wonderful mixture of subtle colors paired up with the elegant white-soaped hardwood floor.

The subtle mirror reflects the rest of the space and breaks up the pattern on the wall ever so slightly. The same effect could be achieved with an entryway photo or gallery wall instead of a mirror.

via Boråstapeter

Foyer wallpaper with a floral design

The flowers on the famous Pimpernel pattern design by William Morris have a traditional effect in this hallway with historic features. The wallpaper design contrasts nicely with the white historic doors and the chequered tile floor and pairs up perfectly with the coat rack, mudroom bench, and vintage chair.

The gold door handles and mailbox contribute to the classy style of this space and the black details in the coat rack come back in the tiles on the floor for a cohesive effect.

via Stadshem

Entryway wallpaper with a biophilic design

The dark hallway section in this house is transformed with a bold botanical wallpaper that makes the classic white front door stand out. The vintage coat rack adds a vintage element and I love the mixture of styles between the two spaces.

The sage green wall color in the adjacent room complements perfectly with the green tone in the wallpaper pattern.

via Sandberg Wallpaper

An entryway wallpaper is a cherry on top in a hallway with lots of personality

The combination of the bold red chest of drawers, the blue mirror, the patterned rug, and the subtle wallpaper design with a romantic touch gives this hallway an eclectic impression with a welcoming and stylish effect.

A mirror can reflect a space and break up a wallpaper pattern in a nice way. The blue frame of the mirror in this entrance adds a perfect style element, which can be found back in the blue floral detail on the red drawers.

via Boråstapeter

Two entryway wallpaper designs combined in a staircase

When your entryway has stairs, which allows you to see the walls on the second floor, it might be great to take the opportunity to highlight this and make use of two different wallpaper designs to mark the start of the second floor.

At the entrance of this house, modern striped wallpaper is combined with a design that has organic shapes for a more playful effect on the second floor. The combination of the two designs in tones of green creates a cool effect and gives you a sense of depth in the room.

via Sandberg Wallpaper

Classic foyer wallpaper in a pale green tone

The beautiful historic details in the doors and original hardwood flooring in this entryway are highlighted by the classic pattern in the wallpaper that’s decorating all the hallway walls. The red framed mirror next to the door contrasts nicely with the pale green tones in the wallpaper, which is great for creating a unique entryway theme.

On every single wall, you can find a functional element or decor pieces, which break up the wallpaper pattern and make the decor feel cozy and inviting.

via Alvhem

Dark hallway wallpaper paired with white wainscoting

In this small entryway, the combination of the white wainscoting and the dark floral wallpaper pattern transforms the space and makes it very stylish. The mirror adds a modern touch, while also reflecting the light coming into the kitchen.

via Sandberg Wallpaper

Green botanical wallpaper paired with sage-green woodwork

This one is the most balanced of all the hallway wallpaper ideas. The dark green wallpaper design paired with the sage-green mudroom bench and the doors’ color will surely surprise your guests when they come in.

Styled by Asa Copperstadt, photographed by Frederic Boukari, for Historiska Hem

A subtle beige entryway wallpaper

When you have a beautiful radiator, there is no need for a cover, in fact, you might even go as far as to decorate your space to highlight these historic details. The subtle beige floral pattern in the wallpaper design makes the white historic details in this house stand out in a subtle yet powerful way, while the wreath and the vintage wood chair add a wonderful element of contrast.

via Boråstapeter

An elaborate entryway wallpaper in combination with a vintage folding chair set

While the vintage folding chairs are the true focal point in this entryway, the wallpaper makes this gorgeous vintage find stand out even more. The bold wallpaper pattern has a combination of green and beige tints, which is paired up with a fresh green plant on the window sill and a green metal pendant light.

via Boråstapeter

Hallway wallpaper with a leaf pattern highlights the white doorframes

This entryway connects the different rooms of the gorgeous turn-of-the-century apartment and is the center of the interior. The botanical wallpaper pattern makes the white ceiling and the white door frames stand out in a nice way, while the gold chandelier in the middle of the space adds an elegant touch to the foyer interior.

Since the hallway has a lot of angles, wall surfaces, and doorways, the wallpaper design unites the space together and allows your brain to quickly make sense of the layout, resulting in a calmer and balanced look.

via Historiska Hem

A rustic entryway with subtle beige wallpaper and a storage bench

The concrete mudroom bench, paneled ceiling, distressed front door, and concrete flooring in the entryway have a very rustic and stylish effect in the space, which is finished off with a subtle beige wallpaper design that adds a delicate charm to this mudroom setting.

The wallpaper design accentuates the sloped ceiling and I love the way the straw and leather baskets finish off this rustic look.

via Sandberg Wallpaper

An impressive hallway wallpaper and a yellow wardrobe

The traditional wallpaper design enhances the look of this entryway with light floors and a bright white front door. The yellow wardrobe provides the entryway with lots of storage against the walls, which is completed with a coat rack next to it.

The vintage furniture pieces decorate the area next to the front door and finish off the bold pattern on the wall in such an elegant and unique way. On the walls, you can find two mirrors, which are great to reflect some natural light from the other rooms into the hallway.

via Alvhem

Two wallpaper designs on each side of an entryway separator

This entryway is divided by a half wall into two sections, each of which is fitted with a bench against the wall. The two foyer sections are each decorated with a different wallpaper design, resulting in an interesting mix of patterns.

One of the wallpapers is inspired by nature, while the other one above the wooden mudroom bench has a geometrical pattern for a more subtle look.

via Sandberg Wallpaper

Vintage entryway wallpaper paired up with a DIY storage wall

The classic wallpaper on the wall in this foyer looks like it was kept from the original entryway, as only one section next to the front door has this distressed wallpaper look. The other wall has been fitted with a DIY plywood storage wall which provides storage inside the entrance for shoes and coats.

via Historiska Hem

A dark blue hallway wallpaper paired with different wood tones

With a darker color wallpaper, you can truly transform your hallway space and give it a moody style that makes the white window frames and ceiling stand out in a powerful way. The subtle patterns in blue and white add an extra dimension to this space, which is decorated with potted plants underneath the mudroom bench.

via Sandberg Wallpaper

Beige entryway wallpaper pairs up with the pink walls in the adjacent living room

Decorating a hallway with an open floor plan where you can look into the other rooms should be done with the total interior in mind. The elegant wallpaper design used in this entrance pairs perfectly with the pink walls in the adjacent living room and with the white soaped hardwood floor in the apartment.

The gold door handle and the subtle hook to hang coats add beautiful metallic tones to the subtle beige and white floral patterns on the wallpaper.

via Stadshem

Entryway wallpaper underneath and above the staircase

A small vintage table fits perfectly underneath the classic white staircase in this entryway. The green floral wallpaper design against the wall brings out the details in the banister of the stairs. The floral pattern on the classic lamp creates a perfect mixture of patterns and makes the style of this entryway unique and characterful.

via Sandberg Wallpaper

A mudroom bench is a nifty piece of furniture for your entryway where you can sit to put your shoes on, while it can also serve as a storage unit for shoes or other small items.

Having everything organized and within reach in your entryway can be a huge time-saver when getting out the door, so spending some time to design your entryway optimally will go a long way. You can also include a place to sit down when tying your shoes, which allows you to create a cozier atmosphere in your mudroom.

Below you can find the best mudroom bench inspiration for entryways in different shapes and sizes. Some require some serious DIY work, while others are easier to put together.

A white and beige mudroom bench against white shiplap walls

This perfect mudroom design idea is located in a beautiful Swedish house. The door of the house comes out into a small entryway that also includes the stairs and doors towards the other rooms, leaving limited space available for storing coats and shoes.

The combination of the built-in bench with the closed cabinet and the shelf with hooks for coats is painted white, matching the white backdrop of the shiplap walls in this entryway. The seat is finished off with a custom pillow in beige and brown tones, matching the overall style of the mudroom.

via Entrance Makleri

A free-standing mudroom bench in a Swedish house

A free-standing mudroom bench with storage is placed against the wall next to the door of this Swedish house. The mudroom storage unit goes all the way up to the ceiling and includes a bench, shelves, hooks for coats, and shoe storage underneath the seat. Since this furniture piece is rather tall, there is enough space available to add a top shelf for baskets to store small things.

The storage baskets below the ceiling provide this all-white mudroom look with a welcoming natural touch that stands out against the white-painted wood.

via Vipp

A small mudroom integrated inside an entryway niche

Most of the benches with integrated storage have cubbies or symmetrical shoe storage underneath them. This entryway bench however has different sizes of shoe storage, making the look unique.

The mudroom bench is combined with a board with hooks that holds a woven basket. Both the board and the bench align with the niche space in this entryway, giving it a built-in appearance.

Note that the mudroom bench is lifted off the floor so it starts where the floorboards end. The custom shelves are painted in the same light grey color as the one used on the walls, which makes them stand out from the white floorboards, door frames, and white painted wood floor.

via Entrance Makleri

Hooks on a custom wall plank create compact entryway storage

This entryway storage is a bit atypical, as it includes a radiator instead of a mudroom bench. I still wanted to include this example in the list however because of the way the radiator integrates into the storage module allowing it to function as a little seat.

Since installing a regular coat rack so close to the door would be taking up too much space, a custom plank with hooks was made that narrows down towards the door. The top of the shelf can be used for easy-to-grab items, while the hooks can be used to store jackets and coats.

The wood plank is painted in the same color as the wall, allowing it to blend into the backdrop for a more subtle and minimal effect in the space.

via Sjoman Frisk

A small mudroom built in a larger wardrobe module

When creating and installing the wardrobe mudroom module in this apartment, a niche space was left open to include a built-in bench for shoes underneath the closed cabinets.

The mudroom bench with integrated shoe storage includes a wall-to-wall plank with hooks for coats and a bench with cubbies. The bench doesn’t extend wall-to-wall inside the niche, leaving out a spot for an umbrella.

The top wood plank has hooks in the front and back, allowing for more hangers to find their place. While the cubbies underneath the bench are quite narrow, the area on top of the wood plank provides a spot for higher shoe models.

via Entrance Makleri

Different cubby sizes in an integrated mudroom bench

This custom mudroom bench with a white shiplap wall in the background and different size cubbies on the top and bottom includes a small bench with pillows and shoe storage underneath it. You could even replace one cubby with a drawer to create closed storage spaces if you would prefer, or place baskets on the top to store smaller items.

via Entrance Makleri

A storage unit with an integrated seating nook

The built-in bench inside of this impressive closed storage module has overhead lighting and drawer modules that slide out from underneath for extra storage in this narrow room. Even though the bench and wardrobe take up quite a bit of floor space, by painting it white and adding a large mirror on the other wall, the room doesn’t feel too cramped either.

via Alvhem

A stained wood floating bench against a blue shiplap mudroom module

The stained wood floating bench with shoe storage underneath stands out against the blue wardrobe module and shiplap wall in this beautiful mudroom. The storage space underneath the mudroom bench is lifted off the floor, giving the element a more integrated look.

The shiplap wall continues up until the board for placing hats and the brass hardware combined with the wood of the door and the brass hardware and bench add a rich material and color palette to this room.

While the mudroom and storage module has a deep blue color, the walls and ceiling are white, setting the mudroom element apart from the rest of the room in a powerful way.

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

A built-in mudroom bench module as a room divider

This is one of my favorite mudroom bench ideas on the list. The entryway bench with integrated storage is practical and functions as a small mudroom, yet it serves as a room divider at the same time separating the door to the apartment from the kitchen.

The mudroom bench is finished off with white shiplap on the side and back wall, adding a subtle farmhouse style to this element and complementing the decor of the sage green kitchen space behind it.

via Alvhem

A mudroom bench with burgundy pillows creates a comfy seat

This mudroom bench offers a double seat with comfy pillows opposite a closed storage module. The bench includes closed storage as well, for a balanced look and elegant style in this spacious mudroom with stained glass windows.

The drawers and cabinet doors have black hardware that stands out against the white paint color on the cabinets and the light beige paint used on the walls. The burgundy velvet fabric on the pillows provides a real focal point in this long and narrow mudroom.

via Ahre

A floating bench for shoes in a corner mudroom layout

I think it’s such a great idea to optimize the space available in this small room by creating a little nook with the shoe bench and upper shelf wrapped into the corner. By applying two shelves on different heights and adding hardware on the upper shelf for jackets a beautiful storage space is created to keep a tidy hallway.

The white paint on the shelves matches the floorboards and ceiling and gives this nook a bright and airy appearance.

via Entrance Makleri

A built-in mudroom bench with cubbies and closed cabinets combined

This elegant built-in entryway solution has been painted in the same color as the walls for an even more integrated effect in the space. The floor in front of the built-in mudroom bench has a rug, which visually separates this area even more from the rest of the space.

The combination of the large cubbies with the closed cabinets on the top and the hangers on top of the entryway bench provides this hallway with ample storage space and leaves the owners with an entryway that is easy to keep organized.

The seat on the mudroom bench is finished off with a natural stone tile that matches the high-end style of this space. The wood floor and light wood bench next to the mudroom area pair nicely with the color and material setting of the storage module.

via Historiska Hem

A custom mudroom bench in an awkward entryway spot

This asymmetrical niche space in the wall has become a small yet beautiful mudroom bench with two shelves including hooks and a spot for hats and baskets. Since the wall becomes wider on top, the wall shelves are more narrow than the bench itself, allowing the custom module to fit the nook.

Photographed by Ozolappa, styled by Lingsell for Historiska Hem

A shoe bench and coat rack painted in the same color as the walls and floor

This hallway has cream-colored shiplap walls, which are matched up by a wood plank, and a small shoe bench painted in the same color as the walls and floor for an integrated effect. The bench has two large spaces underneath it for storing a row of shoes, while the top board has many hooks for hanging up jackets and for storing items on top. A single hook on the wall is great for having your favorite bag within reach.

Since this mudroom is quite spacious, a beautiful vintage table with flowers makes for a great focal point in the middle of the room.

Styled by Johanna Bradford, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

A mustard entryway bench with integrated cubbies, baskets, and shiplap walls

This beautiful mustard-colored mudroom bench includes cubbies on the top and bottom, enhanced with shiplap walls as a backdrop and closed cabinets on the top. The top cubbies are filled with baskets, while the bottom ones are perfect for shoe storage.

The bench includes a nice seat, a spot for 10 pairs of shoes, 4 baskets, a spot to hide things away, and two long hooks for hangers, which is a lot on such a small surface. If you look carefully, you can see that small hooks are applied to the board on the side to hang up smaller items like caps.

The custom-painted wood module fits perfectly in this mudroom niche space, cranking up its storage potential to the fullest.

Styled by Lindholm, photographed by Johanson for Historiska Hem

A black accent mudroom bench in a blue-grey entryway space

While most benches in this example are painted in the same color as the storage module above it, in this design, the black color of the mudroom bench stands out against the blue-grey color on the wall and coat rack.

The inside of the mudroom bench is used as shoe storage and the wall above the bench is treated with shiplap panels to protect the wall. The blue-grey floorboards are continued underneath the bench to fully integrated it into the entryway and give it a finished look.

via Historiska Hem

A light grey mudroom bench with a wood panel backdrop

This light grey mudroom bench with drawers on the bottom and storage cabinets high up until the ceiling includes a beautiful wood panel back wall that adds a natural effect to the setting. The paneled wall is finished off with a round mirror that breaks up the pattern nicely.

Photographed by Mia Borgelin, styled by Lind, for sale via Historiska Hem

Work around a curved wall with a custom bench

If you have a curved wall in your hallway, it might take a professional to build a fitting storage bench solution for your space. The result is breathtaking however, as the curved of the bench follows the wall and accentuates this beautiful curvy feature.

Styled by Petra Yngfalk, photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem