Private Office Size Guide: How Much Space Do You Really Need?

October 9, 2025

Open offices may feel like the standard today, but they don’t always give you what you need. Some parts of your work demand focus, privacy, and complete control over who hears what. If you’re handling client data, legal files, or financial records, an open plan can put confidentiality at risk. Focused work can also suffer […]

Open offices may feel like the standard today, but they don’t always give you what you need. Some parts of your work demand focus, privacy, and complete control over who hears what.

If you’re handling client data, legal files, or financial records, an open plan can put confidentiality at risk. Focused work can also suffer when constant noise and interruptions make it hard to think clearly.

A private office addresses both these issues. It gives you a secure space for sensitive tasks, private meetings, or strategy discussions, while also creating an environment free from everyday distractions.

So how big should your private office be? How much space do you really need? In this article, we answer those questions and walk you through the considerations that will help you make the right choice.

What is a Private Office?

Private offices are spaces designed for just one person or a small team to work from. These are enclosed workspaces that offer privacy and reduced noise. You can use these spaces to handle tasks in your business that demand focus, privacy and confidentiality.

How to Choose the Right Private Office Size?

Now, to select a rightly-sized private office for your team, you need to consider your daily needs, what type of work you do, and whether your needs will expand in the future. You also need to think beyond square footage and consider factors like comfort, affordable cost and functionality.
Here are some factors you should weigh before deciding:

1. Number of People Using the Office

First, consider the number of people who will regularly work in your private office. A single person may only need 80-100 sq ft, a two-person may need 120-150 sq ft, and so on. If you expect your team to grow in the near future, you would also have to factor in extra space so that you don’t outgrow your office too quickly.

2. Nature of Your Work

Next, consider what type of work you do. Do you need to focus quietly? Make a lot of phone calls? Or handle sensitive documents?

If your work involves research, writing or finance-related tasks, a compact private office space would work. However, if you host clients regularly, have regular meetings or strategy sessions, or need space for storing confidential records, you’ll need some extra space.

3. Meeting and Collaboration Needs

Ask yourself how often you’ll be meeting clients or colleagues inside your office. If you only need the space for one-on-one conversations, space for just a small desk and two chairs will do.

For team discussions or client presentations, you’ll need a slightly larger setup that can comfortably fit your entire team and your clients.

4. Furniture and Storage

The type of furniture you bring in makes a big difference. A simple desk and chair require little space, but if you are adding filing cabinets, extra monitors, or bookshelves, then you need extra room. Consider what type of storage you’ll need within your private office space. Also, think about what other technological amenities you would need.

5. Budget and Flexibility

Larger offices naturally come with higher rental costs. To find the right fit for your organisation, you would have to balance your requirements with your budget so that you’re not paying for unused space. If you are not sure about what kind of space you’ll need in the future, you can always consider a flexible workspace provider that lets you scale your space as your business grows.

Amenities to Look for in a Private Office

Once you’ve figured out the size of your private office, the next step is evaluating the amenities that come with it. Here are a few essentials to keep an eye on:

  1. Ergonomic furniture suitable for long hours of use.
  2. High-speed internet connection and power access with multiple outlets for all of your devices.
  3. Seating for visitors and meeting spaces for your clients and teammates.
  4. Soundproof walls or acoustic panels so your calls and meetings remain confidential and distractions are minimised.
  5. Natural light and proper ventilation to improve focus and reduce fatigue.
  6. Beyond your office, consider what the building provides, including printing services, a pantry or kitchen areas, meeting rooms, and clean restrooms.

In conclusion

Choosing the right private office size means weighing several factors including how many people will use the space, the type of work you do, your need for privacy, and the amenities that support productivity. The best office balances comfort, functionality, and cost while giving you room to focus and grow.

At Garden Office Bermondsey, we provide fully equipped private offices designed to meet these needs. Our spaces include ergonomic furniture, natural lighting, AV tech support, kitchen facilities, and access to professional meeting rooms. With flexible layouts in centrally located London offices, you get both convenience and connectivity in one place.

Ready to find the right office for your team? Visit the Garden Office Bermondsey website today and book a visit to explore our private office spaces.

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