Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Create your perfect small backyard office studio with these 4 must-have ideas

If you’ve been working from home, the four walls of your office may leave you feeling claustrophobic. Whether remote work is new to you or this has been business as usual for years, it might be time to switch up your office setup. If you’ll be spending all day at your computer, why not get some fresh air while you’re at it? With a few durable and comfortable pieces, you finish that quarterly report and soak in the sun from your outdoor office.

Arranging this office can be tricky, as you still need important things like electricity, temperature control, and a distraction-free workspace. Well, we’ve got you covered. We picked out some of the best office supplies to make sure you can be productive at your desk and relaxed in the fresh air, all at the same time.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Invest in temperature control

Having a backyard studio is great because you’re exposed to the elements, but you still reap the benefits of the openness of the great outdoors, especially if your space has tons of windows and glass doors. For the balmy summers and frigid winters, make sure your office is at a temperature that’s conducive to productivity. Most outdoor studios don’t have central AC or heat, so purchase a fan or space heater to keep the office at a good temperature. This GAIATOP space heater is small but mighty, and the modern globular design will give your office a bit of flare.

Embrace textiles

To keep your office feeling homey, put in a rug. This is optional for outdoor studios but is certainly a necessity if your office doesn’t have a finished floor and it’s sitting directly on the patio or concrete. We love this Lahaina rug from Wayfair because it brings all the colorful, floral elements of a garden into the office. It’s made of polypropylene, so it’s durable enough to withstand extreme outdoor elements. Plus, it’s super soft, so you can go barefoot while you work, which is one of the best benefits of working from home! It’s also easy to clean after a spill with a scrub brush and some gentle carpet cleaner.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t forget the basics

The key to a productive workday is being comfortable. With a desk that fits your height and an ergonomic desk chair that supports your back, you don’t have to worry about discomfort or pain distracting you from your work. For backyard patios and other smaller spaces, consider a compact desk like this Sinpaid 40″ desk with shelving to keep your office necessities. Pair it with this lumbar-supporting, ergonomic mesh desk chair and you’ve got a cozy office space that still delivers everything you’ll need.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Stay energized

Instead of walking back and forth to the house for water and snacks, invest in a mini-fridge so you have everything right at your fingertips. We love this retro Frigidaire mini-fridge from Amazon, and since it comes in a bunch of fun colors like bright red, pink, and turquoise blue, it breaks up the monotony of traditional office designs. The fridge is 3.2 cubic feet and comes with a can opener for your mid-day pick-me-up or end-of-day Happy Hour. Stock this fridge with snacks that are full of protein so you can remain energized and focused all day. We recommend adding cheese, fruit, dips, and sandwich ingredients to your grocery list so, when hunger strikes, you have snacks close at hand. 

Purchasing or building an outdoor office may seem like a luxury, but it’s well worth the investment. Working in an office, whether it’s in your home or otherwise, can get boring. By moving your work environment, you can give yourself a burst of energy inspired by your new surroundings. Having multiple office spaces is also helpful when someone else in the home also works remotely. In this instance, you can trade off the outdoor and indoor spaces to make sure you both get the fresh air you need.

Once you have all the basics of the office, spend some time adding some flair and excitement with wall decor, plants, candles, pictures, and other items that will make the space pop. The key is finding what inspires you at work and surrounding yourself with those features to keep you motivated all day long. If you don’t have the time or space to arrange an outdoor office, be sure to take a few minutes every day to go for a walk and clear your head. Your body and brain will thank you for the fresh air and vitamin D.

Editors' Recommendations

Julie Scagell
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
The best beige colors for your home (and, no, they’re not boring)
Here's how to make "boring" beige look stunning in your space
Warm beige living room wall paint color

Beige colors often get neglected in many homes. After spending years in the spotlight in traditional and modern spaces, the color beige took a backseat while homeowners began looking for more exciting shades to introduce into their spaces. But that doesn't mean that beige is boring!

On the contrary, beige is a fantastic color to bring into your space, especially if you're aiming to amp up a neutral color palette. Or perhaps you want to opt for a traditional and timeless look? With many unique and exquisite undertones, beige paint colors can transform your room into an enriching and inviting space. If you're curious about how you can bring beige into your home in an exciting new way, check out our favorite picks for this paint color.

Read more
Maximize your small space: Our favorite loft bed ideas from Instagram
Fantastic Instagram loft bed ideas to save space and optimize storage
Photo gallery along staircase

Nothing quite hits the mark when it comes to space-saving solutions in the bedroom like a loft bed. This bed style optimizes your bedroom storage, maximizes the space available, and creates unique bedroom setups that allow you to get creative with how you use your space. And the best part is that these bed setups make cozy nooks for a comfortable night’s sleep, an afternoon study session, or imaginative play. A loft bed is great for anyone of any age and can significantly add to the versatility of the bedroom.

So, if you’re looking for some loft bed inspiration to bring this creative setup to your room or your kid’s room, you’re in luck. We searched Instagram for some of our favorite lofted bed ideas, and now, we’re going to share them with you.

Read more
9 small apartment storage ideas that will make your home feel super expansive
Get creative with these storage space ideas
Underbed storage drawers

Apartment living has plenty of advantages, but when it comes to storage, your small space can lack in that department. When you’ve decorated every corner and you have limited square footage, where do you stash all of your clutter? You need strategic small apartment storage ideas that work for you, not against you; luckily, that's what we're here for.

If you’re looking for ways to maximize storage in a small apartment, you’ll need to get creative in each room. From taking your storage vertical to choosing pieces of furniture that multitask and adding shelving that can transform the room, here are nine genius ways to make the most of your storage solutions.
1. Transform your entryway

Read more