How to Design a Two-Person Home Office Layout | Wayfair (2024)

Square footage is a premium, so sharing an office might be the best solution for your at-home workspace. Designing a home office for two requires a bit of thoughtful planning to make sure that each person can stay focused and on-task. We've put together a list of home office ideas for two, including tips on creating a two-person home office layout, choosing office storage, and minimizing distractions.

Before you can design your two-person home office layout, you'll need to discuss what both of you need (and want) in a workspace. Does one person take a lot of video calls? Does the other person need a lot of quiet time to focus? Does anyone require extra storage?

Asking these questions can help you brainstorm solutions that work for both of you, and these answers can all come together to help you design a well-balanced home office for two.

Desk placement plays a key role in setting up a two-person home office layout. Think about function, flow, and the specific needs of each person. Some people might need extra desktop space to accommodate multiple monitors, while others only need a narrow writing desk to fit a laptop.

Place one larger desk in the middle of the space and arrange a desk chair on each side to create a dual-sided workspace that's great for collaboration, or opt for an L-shaped desk that fits neatly into a corner and provides enough room for each person to work on their own tasks.

You can also include two desks to give each person their own space to sprawl out and hone in on their productivity. If you're creating an office with two desks, the positioning of each desk can impact the functionality of the space. Desks placed on opposite walls cut down on distractions, but might propose an issue during conflicting video calls. Though two desks placed next to each other might require extra space, this arrangement can promote both collaboration and solo work.

Tip!

Upgrade your space with a double or two-person desk. These desks often have a spacious L-shaped silhouette or extra-long design that fits two people.

When sharing a home office, designated storage can help make space for each person to complete their tasks and cut down on clutter. Try planning ahead by considering the storage you'll need to accommodate each person's technology, office supplies, and other WFH essentials.

Desktop organizers keep small office essentials organized and within close reach. Home office storage solutions like filing cabinets or bookcases can be divided up to suit each person's needs and organize the space.

Tip!

Read our guide 13 Must-Have Home Office Organization Ideas to find easy ways to organize your home office.

Your home office decor should inspire and energize you, so the ambience of a shared office should work to empower both people. There are easy ways to find aesthetic harmony between your two design preferences. Balance elements of your style and the other person's style, borrowing from each to achieve a harmonious look. Try to find middle ground with key pieces like desks or an area rug, and then work to find color and decor that you can agree on.

One easy way to establish a cohesive design is to start with similar foundations. In the photo above, the two leaning ladder desks provide a blank slate for each person to customize with their own decor. This creates a two-person home office that caters to both individual's personal taste without clashing.

When choosing a light fixture for a home office, it's important to think about the function of each fixture. Desk lamps or domed wall sconces can provide direct task lighting above your workspace. Table lamps or floor lamps with fabric shades produce a warm glow that fills your space with ambience.

Adding a lamp to each desk is best for home offices with two desks. This allows each person to adjust the lighting for their optimal productivity. Plus, you can mix and match table lamps to suit each individual's preference.