Chic, Functional, and So You: Creating a Stylish Home Office in Military Housing or a Small Bedroom
- Elizabeth Peace
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Let’s be real—military housing doesn’t exactly scream “HGTV dream home.” Whether you're living on base or renting off-post, you're often working with beige walls, limited square footage, and outdated fixtures you can't change. But that doesn't mean your home office has to feel bland or basic.
As a military spouse, remote worker, and multi-tasking mama, I know the value of a space that feels both inspiring and efficient. Whether you're balancing Teams meetings between laundry loads, launching your next big project, or leading volunteer efforts (looking at you, Key Spouse and FRG reps), you deserve a home office that works for you—and looks good doing it.
Here’s how to build a chic, functional home office in a small bedroom or military base housing without spending a fortune or breaking any rules.
1. Start with a Vision Board (or a Pinterest binge)
Before rearranging furniture or buying another faux fiddle-leaf fig, get clear on your aesthetic. Do you love boho neutrals? Clean and modern? Soft and feminine? Minimalist and monochrome? Knowing your style helps you stay focused when shopping or DIY-ing—and keeps you from impulse-buying that hot pink desk chair you’ll regret in a week. My design is based on my desire to maintain a consistent color scheme throughout my house.
2. Pick the Right Corner
You don’t need a full room to make magic happen. Even a 3-foot nook can transform into a powerhouse workspace. Think:
A corner of your bedroom
An unused closet (yes, a “cloffice”!)
That awkward space between the window and the wall
Bonus tip: Put your desk near a window for natural light and a mood boost.
3. Invest in a Chic, Compact Desk
Military housing = limited square footage. Look for desks that are:
Wall-mounted (floating desks are lifesavers)
Foldable or corner-friendly
Doubled as vanity/workstation combos
If you're short on budget, Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp are gold mines. I purchased my desk from an antique dealer on Facebook and then painted it to match my color scheme.
4. Add Personality with Removable Touches
I knew I wouldn't be here long enough to paint the walls or hang heavy art—but you can personalize:
Peel-and-stick wallpaper adds color and texture (and peels right off at PCS time).
Command strip picture frames let you hang your fave prints or certificates.
Clipboards or corkboards are renter-friendly ways to organize your goals, notes, or vision board.
5. Choosing a Chair You Love (That Loves You Back)
Even if your “office” is a corner of the bedroom, your chair should be comfortable and stylish. Look for:
Slim profile (no bulky executive chairs)
Cushioned seats and lumbar support
A fun pop of color or texture (hello, velvet and boucle)
My initial choice for my office chair was too expensive to justify but I found a perfect second-choice chair on Amazon
6. Bring in Life (and a Little Bit of You)
Add something just for you—whether it's a mini succulent, your favorite candle, or a framed photo of your family. A workspace should feel professional and personal.
Amazon links to the items in my office
*ElizabethPeace.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
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