If you’re struggling to find that perfect home office space you’re not alone.
There are always tons of distractions when you work inside the home. The family is always buzzing around, the dog is nuzzling your leg for attention and the cat thinks your keyboard is a great place for a nap.
Where do you find a quiet and private spot to get some work done?
I’ve always found the best solution is to head outdoors and create an office in your backyard.
Converting a shed into an office is one of the most popular solutions, but it’s not the only option. For some a shed isn’t available, doesn’t fit in the budget or it’s just too darn cold in the winter. Fortunately, you may have another ready made solution available to you.
You might want to look at how to transform your backyard sunroom into an office that you’ve been using for storage or a reading room can easily be turned into a home office and here’s how to go about it.
Why You Should Turn a Sunroom into an Office in your backyard
If you have a garden shed you’ve been thinking about converting into a work from home office and a sunroom you may want to consider using it for your remote work instead.
Setting up your home based business in your shed has some key advantages, not least of which is the fact that it’s completely separate from your house — which means fewer distractions.
But privacy aside, transforming your sunroom into an office may still be the better solution. Here are a few good reasons why you should create a home office space in your sunroom instead of your shed:
- Sunrooms have easier access to power from your house
- Better WiFi reception
- Easier to heat a sunroom in colder months
- A sunroom is usually bigger than a shed
- Still offers privacy as a separate space from your main house
Declutter and Personalize Your space First before you start to turn your sunroom into an office
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided your sunroom is your best choice for your new home office what’s next? The best place to start is by decluttering and personalizing your space to make it more office friendly.
If your family is anything like mine, then the sunroom is kind of a convenient place to store things. It’s time to move out whatever you can and find new homes for anything you’re keeping. That might be in the garage or basement or even the attic.
You’ll find it a lot easier and less stressful to work in a decluttered office that’s free from junk. If you feel the need to redecorate as well, it’s best to do it right after decluttering before you furnish your new space.
Create a Multi-Use Space As You Look to Turn Your sunroom into an office
If you don’t want your family to resent you it’s a good idea to take their feelings into account as you convert your sunroom into a remote work paradise. After all, you won’t be using it for work all of the time — there’s no reason it can’t still be a multi-use space for everyone to enjoy.
Our neighbors have a large sunroom and they’ve done a great job of creating a dual purpose room. In one half they have a couple of comfy chairs for relaxing and a breakfast table nook as well. The other half is a beautifully designed home office.
There’s no reason your sunroom can’t be a space for the whole family just like theirs. You just have to set boundaries and let them know the ground rules. During office hours they need to stay clear so you can focus on your work day.
A good way to get everyone to buy in is to break up your day. Take breaks every couple of hours and spend time with the family.
Being able to spend quality time with your loved ones during your work day is one of the great advantages of working at home. Regular breaks are also good for your mental health and they put you in a positive frame of mind to take on the day.
The amount of flexibility you gain by working from your home can be a big positive for your family life.
Let the Light In As You Turn Your sunroom into an office
A good friend of mine has an office in their sunroom, but it’s sometimes hard to remember that it was once a bright and airy space. He’s covered the windows with curtains and there are filing cabinets blocking the windows. For a sunroom it’s one of the dingiest places you can imagine.
You may be converting your sunroom into a garden office, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dull and boring. Clear out anything blocking the natural light from the windows.
Working in a space with lots of glorious sunlight will always put you in a better mood and that makes it easier to stay focused and productive.
Place Your Office Furniture for Inspiration When You Turn Your sunroom into an office
Everyone has different tastes. The furniture you choose for your home office has to fit your personality, but there are still some good rules of thumb that work in just about any situation.
You want a sunroom office to be open and inviting, so it’s a good idea not to overwhelm the space with large furniture. A smaller desk and chair is really all you need to get started.
If there’s room on your desktop for a laptop, a mouse and writing pad for notes you’re well on your way to creating a great little workspace.
A lot of experts think it’s best to face your desk away from your windows so you’re not distracted by what’s going on in your backyard. I take a different view. I think you should definitely face your chair so you have a great view of your backyard while you work.
There’s nothing more inspiring than knowing you get to work from home every day and that you’re surrounded by nature while you work. If that doesn’t turbo boost your productivity what will?
Choose Storage That Blends Well With Your Backyard Sunroom Office
I wouldn’t recommend using big filing cabinets like my friend for storage in your sunroom. It’s better to choose storage that blends in and compliments your space. After all, it’s still a room that the whole family wants to enjoy when you’re not on the clock.
Whatever theme you choose as you turn your sunroom into an office you’ll want to make sure your storage choices match. That might include antique pieces, ultra modern storage units or maybe just a bookcase or two.
The main thing is to make sure that the options you choose don’t block your windows and the natural light that your sunroom was built for.
Bring Your Home Office Space to Life With Plants
One other great idea to make your sunroom office more appealing is to bring your space to life by adding in some nice plants. With all that natural light they’ll flourish and they really help to personalize any office.
Plants add character and contrast. They transform a boring office into one that’s vibrant and full of life and they’re the perfect way to create the finishing touches as you turn your sunroom into an office.
