Whether you live in a tiny apartment, a cramped dorm room, or have a small home office, or shared, workspace, small rooms can present unique challenges that can derail your productivity and focus.

Clutter, noise, uncomfortable furniture, and a few other sneaky things, can really cramp your mojo, making it difficult to work, study, or relax.

If you’re ready to run for the hills because your small space is riddled with annoying distractions, here’s 10 of the most common things that may be distracting your peace and focus and what to do to correct course.

This one’s all about being mindful taking steps to create a more focused environment, so you can maximize your productivity and achieve your goals, no matter how small your space.

So, whether you're a student, a remote worker, or just someone looking to create a cozy, distraction-free space, read on for some practical advice on how to make the most of your small room.

Clutter

This is something I write about often, and for good reason.

Clutter is by far the number one point of contention in small spaces. If left un-handled, it tends to multiple fast!

In a small room, even a little bit of clutter can feel overwhelming.

When you have too much stuff, it can be hard to concentrate on anything else.

According to a survey by SpareFoot, a company that helps people find storage solutions, 89% of respondents said that clutter in their living space caused stress in their lives, and 46% said that the clutter made them feel anxious or overwhelmed.

• To minimize the distraction, try to keep your space as organized as possible. Conquer clitter before it gets out of hand.

• Use storage solutions like bins and baskets to corral items and keep them out of sight.

• Handle things like mail once. Open it, schedule it, file it. Don’t pile it!

2. Noise

Small rooms can amplify sound, making even the smallest noises seem louder than they really are.

If you live with another person and work from home, you probably have had a few “discussions” about the volume level on the TV when you’re trying to work, right?

It’s hard to get away from noises when you’re on a deadline or you really need to concentrate.

A study by the University of California, Irvine found that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to regain focus after a distraction.

• To minimize noise distractions, consider using sound-absorbing materials like curtains, rugs, or acoustic panels to insulate you from the noises around you.

• You could also try using noise-cancelling headphones or play background music to drown out distracting sounds.

3. Bright Lights

Harsh, bright lights can be super distracting in small rooms.

I don’t think there’s anything worse than fluorescent lights in offices. The ones that make everything look washed out and gray…

According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, exposure to bright light can cause visual discomfort and eye strain, which can reduce productivity and increase stress levels.

• If you're working or studying in a small space, consider using a task light with a dimmer switch to control the brightness.

• Use natural light as much as possible by opening blinds or curtains but be aware that sunlight can also create distracting glare.

• In winter, natural light is a precious commodity, so bring in surface lighting, desk lamps, floor lamps, and ambient lighting to minimize your reliance on overhead lights. Surface lighting is much easier on the eyes and more comfortable for longer tasks like work or reading.

4. Scents

While pleasant scents can be relaxing, they can also be distracting in small rooms.

Strong smells can overwhelm your senses and make it difficult to concentrate.

During my first job out of college, I had a coworker who shared my cubicle and she slathered herself in vanilla everything: lotion, hairspray, perfume. She even had a small sachet of vanilla infused potpourri on her desk. It was overwhelming and I could not concentrate. I finally had to request my seat be moved to another cubicle. She was a very nice woman, but, to this day, I loathe the smell of vanilla anything.

It's important to be mindful of how much scent you're using and how it affects your ability to focus, and how it may affect others around you.

A survey by the National Air Filtration Association found that 75% of respondents believed that odors in their workplaces were a distraction, and 50% believed that the odors affected their work performance.

• If you want to use scents in a small room, consider using a diffuser with a mild fragrance or essential oil.

• Be aware that scents travel unobscured in open plan or open concept spaces. No walls means scents will waft throughout the space.

5. Pets

While pets can be wonderful companions, they can also be distracting in small rooms.

Barking, meowing, or scratching can be especially disruptive if you're trying to work or study.

My dog is with me 24/7. I find her to be very comforting. However, she snores like a bandsaw!

This is especially distracting when I’m recording videos for client presentations.

My microphone picks up a lot of sounds and when she’s particularly loud, I must alert my clients to the reason for the noise. Luckily, people think it’s kind of funny.

In a survey by Rover, a company that provides pet care services, 61% of respondents said that their pets had interrupted their work during the pandemic, and 51% said that their pets had barked or made noise during a video call.

• If you have a pet in a small room, create a designated space for them where they can rest quietly while you work. (My little monster practically lives on my reading chair in the office. Who am I kidding, it’s her chair and I’ve pretty much lost my claim to it.)

• I try to keep her occupied with a Kong treat puzzle when I’m on video chats or the phone. That usually does the trick!

6. Technology

While technology can be incredibly helpful for work or entertainment, it can also be a major distraction in a small room.

The constant pinging of notifications or the temptation to check social media can take you out of the zone and disrupt your focus.

Again then there’s the TV volume up to 10 when you have work due or you’re trying to relax.

According to a study by the University of California, Irvine, from the same study above: office workers were interrupted on average every 11 minutes, and it took an average of 25 minutes to return to their original task.

To minimize technology distractions:

• Turn off notifications.

• Use productivity apps to stay on track.

• Use tools like website blockers or “airplane” mode on your phone to help you keep your focus and avoid tech distractions.

7. Temperature

If a small room is too hot or too cold, it can be incredibly distracting.

Digital Thermostat set to 69 degrees F. — Sean D

Feeling uncomfortable can make it difficult to concentrate, and you may find yourself constantly adjusting the temperature or fidgeting with clothing.

I remember the temperature of my old job always being a point of contention between many of my co-workers. There seemed to always be long discussions about the temperature in many staff meetings, too cold for some, too warm for others.

A study by the former Helsinki University of Technology found that the ideal temperature range for productivity is between 69.8 and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

• To minimize temperature distractions, try to find a comfortable temperature and stick with it.

• If you don't have control over the thermostat, consider using a small fan or space heater to regulate the temperature.

• And, if you work in a small, shared space, you may need to adjust your clothing to get the optimal temperature for your own comfort.

8. Visual Distractions

In a small room, visual distractions can be hard to avoid.

Posters, artwork, or even clutter on a desk can be visually overwhelming and take you out of the task at hand.

Distractions like piles of papers, piles of clothes, dirty dishes in the sink. All of this takes you out of the moment. You’re always going to be thinking that you must get to that pile of whatever when you should be concentrating on the task at hand.

In a study published in the journal Ergonomics, researchers found that visual distractions can have a significant impact on productivity, reducing performance by as much as 30%.

• Before staring work, do a quick clean-up of the space. Put dishes in the dishwasher, make the bed, clean up the piles of clothes, papers and other items that will weigh on your mind.

• This quick tidy up can be done in a short time; 15 or 20 minutes is usually plenty of time to get organized to be productive. The goal is to stick to the habit every day to maximize your success in keeping things neat and tidy.

9. People

If you're sharing a small room with others, it can be distracting to hear their conversations or movements.

You may find yourself getting pulled into their activities or being interrupted by their noise.

In a survey of office workers conducted by the American Society of Interior Designers, 40% of respondents said that they were distracted by noise or conversations from their coworkers.

• Set aside designated quiet times or spaces and consider using headphones or white noise to block out sound.

• To minimize people distractions, try to create boundaries and communicate your needs. The truth is, you’ll have to be the one to enforce these boundaries.

• Maybe create a physical boundary: shut the door, install a curtain or screen to get some separation. This can be the visual cue that lets others know that you’re in work-mode and not to be disturbed.

10. Uncomfortable Furniture

Sitting for long periods in uncomfortable furniture can be a major distraction in a small room.

You can bet, if your office furniture – at home or at work- is uncomfortable, you’re sure to see a dip in productivity and concentration.

For example, a chair or desk that causes discomfort can make it hard to focus on anything else. You’ll constantly be more focused on adjusting your body to eek of a moment or two of comfort.

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that discomfort caused by poorly designed furniture can reduce productivity and increase the likelihood of distractions.

The fix?

• Invest in comfortable and ergonomic furniture.

• Look for chairs with lumbar support and adjustable height and try to find a desk that's the right height for your body.

• By prioritizing your physical comfort, you can create a more productive and focused environment.

Small rooms can be cozy, but they can also be distracting.

With limited space, every object and sound can impact your ability to concentrate and focus.

In this post, I’ve highlighted 10 things that can be distracting in small rooms, including clutter, noise, bright lights, scents, pets, technology, temperature, visual distractions, people, and uncomfortable furniture.

Now that you know, you can be more mindful of these distractions and take steps to decrease their impact to have a more productive and focused environment.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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“Michael Helwig was top-notch, very professional and responsive to my needs. He allowed me time to explore ideas and try out a variety of combinations until we found the perfect fit. Michael provided detailed information and offered beautiful ideas to make my dream living room become a reality. The furniture he sourced has totally transformed my living room space. Everyone that has seen my new living room has one word, WOW! A special thank you to Michael for a wonderful experience.”

— Karen B.

“Michael was very knowledgeable and guided us, with great patience and good humor, through the process of designing our dining room and helping us find the perfect sleeper sofa. He offered really helpful advice when we asked questions - which was often - but at no time did we ever feel pushed. He helped me when I felt like I couldn’t make one more decision. When my new furniture finally arrived I realized everything down to the pillows was perfect. I couldn’t be happier!”

— Sarah H.

Slaying Distractions in Small Spaces- Tips for Boosting Your Focus and Getting Stuff Done. — EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.

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