The Forgotten Corners: How to Optimise Dead Space in Your Office
Small Shifts, Big Payoffs: Reclaiming Unused Office Areas for Focus, Flexibility, and Flow
Dead Space, You Say? Time to Put It to Work
Every office has a spot that’s gone a bit… forgotten. That neglected corner behind the cupboard, the awkward patch by the stairwell, or the wall-facing nook where an old home office corner desk once lived. These overlooked areas—often dismissed as unusable—are brimming with potential. In a time when teams are downsizing, flexi-working, and demanding more from every square metre, turning that “dead space” into functional real estate is a no-brainer. Smart office layout decisions are no longer just about desks and chairs—they're about flow, adaptability, and future-proofing your commercial interior design.
As businesses rethink how their spaces support people, collaboration, and focus, design-led brands like Soundbox Store and Quell Design are proving that even the smallest footprint can be reimagined. From installing acoustic office pods in redundant corners to styling up an unused nook with compact corner office furniture, the right approach can transform quiet dead zones into high-functioning assets. Whether it’s an office breakout area for quick chats or a solo corner office pod for deep focus, space can (and should) work harder.
This is about more than plugging gaps. It’s about strategic workspace planning—creating high-impact micro-zones that respond to how your team actually works. Think a snug acoustic pod for private calls, a wellness alcove with soft lighting, or even a modular lounge tucked into a forgotten recess. Rethinking these spots brings new life to the entire office layout, improving energy flow and encouraging spontaneous, meaningful use of space.
So before you write off that back corner as wasted square footage, think again. That seemingly useless nook could become your team’s go-to space for quiet thinking, creative bursts, or casual connection. And with a bit of help from experts in commercial interiors, like Soundbox Store and Quell Design, it’s easier than you think to breathe new purpose into the forgotten corners of your workplace.
And if you're thinking, “Is this really a problem in our office?”—you might be surprised.

In the next section, we’ll unpack exactly what counts as dead space (hint: it’s more common than you think) and why identifying it is the first step to unlocking its full potential.
What Exactly Is Dead Space? (And Why You Probably Have More Than You Think)
Dead space isn’t just the cupboard under the stairs or that dusty bit by the lift. It’s any part of your office layout that’s underused, ill-positioned, or simply not serving a clear purpose. And in most workplaces—especially open-plan ones—there’s more of it than you realise. These gaps exist between teams, behind storage units, in wide corridors, or awkward corners that were never properly integrated into the commercial interior design strategy. When left idle, they waste opportunity. But when optimised, they unlock new zones for focus, privacy, or collaboration.
What makes these spaces so often overlooked is that they aren’t obviously broken—they’re just not doing much. You might have an unused wall near the kitchen, a patch by reception, or a once-loved corner office that’s become a dumping ground. They don’t cause problems, so they slip through the cracks. But in today’s market, where office breakout areas, acoustic zoning, and multi-functional design are critical, these forgotten pockets can be the key to smarter, leaner workspace planning.
Here’s how to spot dead space in your workplace:
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Awkward floorplan leftovers – odd-shaped or leftover corners that weren’t part of the original office layout
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Poor flow-through areas – spots people avoid due to congestion, noise, or lack of purpose
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Unclaimed zones – spaces without defined function, often near lifts, back corridors, or behind filing cabinets
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Abandoned desks or leftover furniture – where an old home office corner desk or out-of-place cabinet is gathering dust
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Forgotten corners in breakout zones or between departments that no one quite knows what to do with
By identifying these zones, you give yourself a clearer map for reinvention. That might mean a soft-seated acoustic pod, a new corner office furniture setup for focused solo work, or a cleverly positioned office breakout area that offers employees a shift in scenery. And brands like Soundbox Store and Quell Design specialise in this kind of transformation—bringing life back into the corners most workplaces gave up on long ago.
Spotting dead space is the first step. Up next, we’ll walk you through five clever, design-led ways to turn underused office zones into functional gold—spaces that support focus, flow, and flexibility without a full renovation.
5 Clever Ways to Transform Dead Space into Office Gold
Reclaiming forgotten corners isn’t about cramming in furniture—it’s about choosing smart, functional design elements that bring value to your team and flow to your floorplan. Whether you’re working with an odd-shaped recess, a rarely used alcove, or that awkward space between departments, these clever solutions can turn underutilised zones into meaningful destinations. The key? Thinking small in footprint, but big in purpose.
1. Create a Focus Pod for Deep Work
That quiet corner by the back window? It’s the perfect spot for a compact acoustic pod. Sound-insulated and minimal in size, pods like the Kozee Collaborate from Quell Design offer a refined, soft-edged solution for deep concentration and private conversations. Its enclosed structure, complete with integrated lighting and elegant upholstery, turns overlooked office nooks into productivity havens—without the need for heavy refits or major floor plan changes.

2. Add a Soft Seating Nook
Tired of that awkward corridor sitting empty? Reimagine it as a casual office breakout area with pieces that blend comfort and personality. Start with the sculptural On the Rocks Sofa – Five Seater in dove chenille for a bold yet relaxing anchor.

Pair it with a timeless Eileen Gray Style Side Table

and warm things up with a Mouille Three-Arm Ceiling Light overhead.

In just a few design-led moves, you’ve created an inviting retreat for casual chats or solo moments away from the buzz.
3. Install a Standing Catch-Up Spot
Short on meeting space? That in-between stretch near the kitchen or printer zone could become a stylish standing huddle spot. Introduce a slimline table or high bench and elevate it with beautiful, durable stools. Options like the Esme Counter Stool,

Rens Counter Stool in Black Velvet, or the contemporary Kooper Counter Stool bring sophistication to what used to be... well, nothing. This one’s a classic case of design doing the heavy lifting.

4. Build a Learning Alcove
Tuck a screen, a stool, and a pair of headphones into a low-traffic nook, and you’ve got yourself a microlearning station. These work brilliantly for teams using digital platforms or on-demand training. Blend a bit of branding, good acoustics, and plug-and-play tech, and the space practically runs itself.
5. Bring in Biophilia
That overlooked area by reception? Perfect for a biophilic moment. Add planters, soft lighting, natural textures—and maybe a bench. It’s a visual upgrade that also helps with acoustic absorption and mood. The result: a quieter, calmer workspace that feels fresh and intentional.
Biophilia isn’t just trendy—it’s backed by science. As explored in our blog The Science Behind the Calm, natural elements in the workplace can lower stress hormones, improve cognitive function, and boost overall wellbeing.
And you don’t need a full atrium to get the benefits—just take a look at our guide on small-space biophilia for offices, which proves that even the most compact corners can reconnect people with nature.
These details are more than decorative—they create a subtle shift in how your office feels. For more on the long-term impact of greenery, textures, and nature-inspired design, read Reconnecting Workspaces with Nature. You’ll see how simple additions in forgotten zones can transform energy, focus, and even staff morale.
Reworking the Corners, Reframing the Culture
In a workplace, every inch counts—but it's not just about squeezing in more people or filing cabinets. It's about building an environment that reflects how your team works, rests, connects, and grows. Those dusty corners and overlooked alcoves? They're not problems to ignore. They’re opportunities waiting to be designed with purpose.
By reimagining dead space through thoughtful office layout planning, businesses can unlock better flow, improved wellbeing, and new moments of collaboration—all without adding square footage. Whether it’s a quiet acoustic pod from Quell Design, a relaxed office breakout area fitted with characterful furniture, or a green retreat inspired by biophilic principles from Soundbox Store—small moves can spark big change.
The best part? You don’t need to rip up the floorplan to make a difference. A few modular upgrades, a shift in mindset, and a designer’s eye are often all it takes. Because when you make room for people—not just processes—your commercial interior stops being generic, and starts becoming genuinely effective.
So, here’s the real question:
What could your forgotten corners become?