For many small business owners who choose a virtual office, the physical workspace will often be at home - perhaps in a spare room, the lounge, or the conservatory. Some may even go as far as putting their desk in a wardrobe.

There are many advantages of working from home, and thousands of office workers across the country relish the thought of giving up the daily commute in favour of jeans and slippers. But sometimes, even for the most office-weary, it can feel like the walls are closing in.

So here at virtualofficeworld.com we explore different types of workplace, to find the top remote working environments to complement your virtual office...

The home office

Naturally, first on the list is an office at home. This can take many forms - and isn't always inside the house. An office at home can be in the conservatory, a converted shed, or even a purpose-built structure in the corner of your garden, such as the office pod.

This latest invention allows you to put your office anywhere - giving you the ultimate privacy, not to mention a warm, quiet office - the perfect place to really get your head down.

Inside the house, there are plenty of options. If you're not lucky enough to have a spare room or study, and you can't cope with working in your lounge against the temptation of the TV, why not consider a temporary partition to cordon off part of the room? You could convert a wardrobe into a working environment, consider a loft conversion, or even take the opportunity to make better use of that cupboard under the stairs.

Pros...

• No commute or road-rage
• Casual dress
• Convenient - get your kids to school in the morning, go to the bank, be there for deliveries

Cons...

• Solitude doesn't suit everyone
• Can become de-motivated
• Distractions - chores, phone calls, pets

Café culture

If the walls start closing in and you need to get out of the house, why not find a local café to kick-start your working day? There's nothing better to get you going than a large coffee, and the comforting hum of café conversation will give you the human interaction you need.

Many cafés, especially those in town or city centres, now have free Wi-Fi on site. Just make sure you remember to buy something from your hosts every couple of hours or so.

Pros...

• Often a comfortable, vibrant atmosphere
• Great coffee and snacks
• Usually close to home

Cons...

• Can be too noisy, distracting
• May have to share space with others
• Can be costly if buying drinks and snacks throughout the day

The local library

For some serious peace and quiet with the added bonus of like-minded human company, try your local library out for size. You'll usually find a plentiful supply of desks, and many libraries are now switching on to the benefits of the World Wide Web.

Some will have their own computers which you can pay to use, much like an internet café, others may have upgraded to Wi-Fi.

Pros...

• Quiet, studious environment
• Desks to work from
• Often local, so cuts out the lengthy commute

Cons...

• Can't use the phone
• Internet usage may be costly, and connection slow
• Sometimes limited space

Member's clubs

Private member's clubs, traditionally used for networking, are fast becoming the ideal location for entrepreneurs and virtual workers who want to connect remotely. Most commonly found in London, these clubs offer great facilities and a comfortable environment.

Speaking to The Times, Chris Sanderson of The Future Laboratory says that London member's clubs are proving hugely popular for virtual workers. He says that one such club, 'The Hospital', is "buzzing", adding: "You go there for breakfast and there are people with their laptops out on every surface."

Other clubs in the capital include Shoreditch House, Adam Street, and One Alfred Place.

Pros...

• Great facilities - often a bar/café, internet access, and office equipment such as printers and photocopiers
• Comfortable environment, with like-minded business professionals
• Usually close to transport links such as tube stations

Cons...

• Can be expensive to join
• Interruptions by other people
• Can have strict rules such as dress code, and restrictions on guests

Do you have experience of working in these environments? Can you recommend any others? We'd love to hear your views, so get in touch using the comment box below.

For further information on virtual offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and other parts of the UK, search online at virtualofficeworld.com or speak to our expert team of consultants direct, for free help and advice.