Private Offices vs. Open Coworking: Which Is Better for Your Startup?
- Joanna Kurylo
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
When you're growing a startup, the space you choose to work from isn’t just a background—it’s a business decision. The right workspace can support your team’s focus, fuel collaboration, and create the kind of environment that helps you scale. But as more founders navigate the flexible work landscape, a common question comes up:
Should we get a private office—or start with open coworking space?
At The Solarium, we offer both. And we’ve worked with teams at every stage—from bootstrapped freelancers to venture-backed companies—so we know there’s no one-size-fits-all. Each option has its strengths depending on what your startup needs right now (and where you're headed next). Here's how to think through your decision.
What Is Open Coworking?
Open coworking spaces are shared environments where individuals or teams work in a communal layout. Think desks, tables, shared lounges, and access to common amenities like high-speed internet, conference rooms, printers, and sometimes coffee or snacks.
At The Solarium, our Flex Space gives you just that. It’s perfect for founders or small teams who want to plug in, get focused, and stay connected—without committing to a full office lease.
What Is a Private Office?
Private offices give you dedicated, enclosed space for your company. Whether it’s a single room for two or three people or an entire office suite, private offices offer more control over your work environment. At The Solarium, we offer private offices ranging from 150 to over 600 sq. ft., some with private bathrooms and showers, designed for companies that need a bit more structure.
Cost & Flexibility: What Can You Afford to Lock In?
For early-stage startups, cost is a huge factor. Open coworking often comes with a much lower monthly price tag and no long-term commitments. You pay monthly (or even weekly) and can scale up or down as needed.
Private offices typically require longer commitments and higher costs, but they also give you more space, privacy, and control. At The Solarium, we offer flexible leases and discounted rates for startups, especially those pre-seed or working through an incubator program. If you're trying to stretch early funding, coworking might make more sense. But if you have a growing team, meet with clients regularly, or need a dedicated space, the investment in a private office often pays off in productivity and perception.
Client Perception: What Image Are You Projecting?
Optics matter. If you're trying to build credibility with investors, partners, or customers, where you meet them matters. A Zoom call from your kitchen might be fine early on, but inviting someone into a professional, polished space makes a stronger impression.
Private offices offer privacy, professionalism, and polish. You can hang your sign, set up your workspace, and make the space reflect your brand. Open coworking can feel informal—which is fine if your meetings are remote or your work is independent—but it’s less ideal if you're hosting others frequently.
If client-facing work is a big part of what you do, a private office often creates a better, more trustworthy experience.
Productivity & Focus: How Does Your Team Work Best?
Every startup is different. Some teams thrive in open, social spaces where ideas flow freely. Others need quiet, uninterrupted zones to knock out development, strategy, or heads-down work. Be honest about your team’s work style.
Coworking can be energizing but comes with background noise, shared spaces, and less control. Private offices allow you to set your own tone—whether that’s playing music, hosting internal meetings, or whiteboarding ideas whenever you want.
At The Solarium, we offer both environments—and many teams use a mix, depending on their roles. Your engineering team might want privacy, while your marketing lead loves the open space.
Privacy & Security: Are You Handling Sensitive Info?
If your startup deals with client data, product development, or confidential conversations, privacy matters. Private offices give you greater control over who accesses your space and what information is visible.
This is especially important in industries like healthcare, law, finance, or biotech. Having a lockable door—and knowing your screens and documents are secure—can bring peace of mind.
Team Culture: What Kind of Energy Are You Building?
Your physical space shapes your company culture. Coworking provides opportunities to meet people outside your team, which can be inspiring—especially for solo founders or new hires looking to network.
Private offices allow your team to build a more unified, focused culture. You can decorate your space, establish internal rituals, and create a “home base” that grows with you.
At The Solarium, many startups start in coworking, then transition to private offices as their team and operations expand.
Growth & Scalability: What Happens Next?
One of the biggest factors is how your needs might change over the next 6–12 months. Coworking offers maximum flexibility: easy to add desks or scale down if you're between funding rounds.
But once you're hiring, onboarding, or hosting regular meetings, private offices provide stability and control. Good news: At The Solarium, you can grow without changing addresses.
Start small in the Flex Space, and when you’re ready, move into a private office or a larger suite—up to 10,000 sq. ft.—all without losing momentum.
So… Which One’s Better?
There’s no universal answer—only the right fit for you right now.
🔹 Early-stage and solo? Coworking gives you low commitment, high flexibility.
🔹 Growing, hiring, or meeting clients? A private office gives you structure, privacy, and professionalism.
Wherever you are on your startup journey, The Solarium can help you thrive.
Find Your Perfect Space
Located just 30 minutes from Madison, The Solarium offers flexible coworking memberships, private offices, and scalable suites for startups of all sizes.
🌿 Ready to explore? Schedule a tour through our Calendly link, give us a call at (608) 600-0400, or visit www.solariumwi.com to learn more. We’d love to help you find the space that supports your next big move.
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