Creative solutions for a shared home office

Working from home, sometimes known as telecommuting, has many advantages; it is convenient, saves on commuter time and cost, and if it is a permanent arrangement for a business owner there are no expensive office overheads for rental of premises and additional bills. There are also other benefits, such as being in control of the day’s workload, and having the flexibility to balance work and family commitments, so that working patterns fit around each other more comfortably.

There are downsides, of course; often disruptions or distractions are inevitable in a busy family home and then there is the thorny question of the workspace – particularly if this is to be shared by one or more people. Most commentators agree that a designated workspace (that is, not the kitchen table or the living room couch) is more conducive to making good progress and doing a productive job.

Creating new space

In a home with a den or study this is often identified as the obvious place for a home office, as it will be designated already as a “quiet space” and is less prone to the distractions of family life. If there is no separate space, a portion of a large living room or dining room can be screened off with the help of Custom Shutters and Blinds to create a separate workspace.

Where two or more people are going to have to share, however, the question of how to divide the space can be a tricky one to resolve, particularly if being able to reunite the two smaller spaces on certain occasions is desirable.

Freestanding screens are not really a valid solution, as they do not block noise or light efficiently. However, room divider shutters are becoming increasingly popular. You might find a few companies that can offer a wide selection of Shutters from which to choose, and they can be used for much more than just window dressing, although they have proven remarkably durable in terms of their popularity on both inside and outside windows. Whether you’re looking for Window Shades to block the sunlight or some freestanding room shutters, there are lots of options to choose from.

Shutter room dividers have the potential to block a great deal of light and sound if required, for example by installing blackout blinds, and when louvers are fully closed, and they can also be installed as sliding panels with movable louvers so they are eminently flexible. This is an ideal way to divide a space without the need to install new windows, walls or doors. The room can always be returned to its original size if needed, simply by sliding the shutters back against the walls.

Personalizing spaces

Whichever room is chosen it will be important to settle on a décor that is right for the person who is going to work there. Painted shutters can provide an ideal way of personalizing individual spaces, for example by painting each side of the divider in a different color depending on what suits the occupier. Color schemes, floor coverings and furniture can be selected to be complementary rather than identical so when the divided space is opened up again nothing will look out of place.