If you run a creative business from home—whether you’re a designer, illustrator, writer, or part of the growing world of crafter makers—you’ll know how important it is to have a workspace that feels both inspiring and functional. A well-designed home office doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and that’s where IKEA, the reigning champion of accessible design, truly shines. With a few clever hacks, you can turn basic pieces into personalised solutions that suit a small businessworkflow perfectly.
At Goodordering, I am a huge fan of organising my creative space using economic solutions! I have so many trinkets, beads and craft materials that it's definitely a necessary thing to do to stay organised. Here are some of my favourite ideas!
1. The Pegboard Power Wall
IKEA’s SKÅDIS pegboard system is a favourite among makers, and for good reason: it’s endlessly adaptable. Mount a series of boards above your desk for instant vertical organisation. Hooks keep tools within reach, shelves hold craft supplies, and elastic bands secure sketchbooks or tech accessories. For a more polished look, spray-paint the accessories in a cohesive colour palette that suits your studio’s aesthetic.
2. A Custom Desk for Any Corner
Small home offices often have to squeeze into awkward spaces, and IKEA hacks make that easy. Combine a KARLBY or LINNMON tabletop with adjustable OLOV legs or ALEX drawer units for a desk that fits your exact needs. If your creative business involves drawing or product photography, consider angling two tabletops into an L-shape for more surface area without taking up extra room.
3. Kallax: The Maker’s Best Friend
The KALLAX shelving unit is practically a rite of passage for anyone running a small studio. Turn it on its side to create a bench with hidden storage, or stand it vertically with labelled bins for project materials. Add wheels for a mobile supply station—perfect for crafter makers who need to move between zones for cutting, assembling, packaging, or photographing.
4. A Hidden Charging Dock
Cable chaos is the enemy of creativity. Use an IKEA KVISSLE letter tray to create a tidy charging hub for tablets, phones, cameras, and label printers. Simply cut small holes in the back for cables and feed them through from a power strip mounted behind your desk. Clean space = clear mind.
5. Lighting that Works as Hard as You Do
Good lighting is essential for any creative business. The IKEA TERTIAL lamp is already a cult classic, but you can up its game by clamping two lamps onto a single rail above your workspace. This gives you studio-style, adjustable lighting without investing in expensive equipment—a major win for makers photographing products for a shop or social media.
6. A Drawer System Just for Makers
If your craft involves tiny components—beads, screws, threads, stickers, stamps—use the MOPPE mini chest of drawers. Customise it with paint, stain, or washi tape. Label each drawer and stack multiple units inside a KALLAX cube for a wall of perfectly organised tools. A dream for any small business owner who juggles lots of materials.
7. Fold-Away Solutions for Small Spaces
For tight home studios, add a NORBERG wall-mounted drop-leaf table. When folded up, it acts as a mini display or mood board; when folded down, it becomes an extra workspace for sewing, painting, packing orders, or shooting flat-lay photos.
8. Create a Display Wall with Picture Ledges
IKEA’s MOSSLANDA picture ledges make an ideal rotating inspiration or product-display wall. Use them to showcase new items you're working on, colour palettes, sketches, or prototypes. It's an easy way to keep your creative energy flowing—and doubles as a lovely backdrop for social posts promoting your small business.
Summary
Transforming your home office into a personalised, functional studio doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With IKEA hacks, your space can evolve alongside your creative business—keeping you organised, inspired, and ready to grow. Whether you're a crafter maker or running a small business from home, these ideas help you get the most from every inch.
