Your new is just around the corner
Sign up for insight into the latest design trends from our newsletter
You're on the list
By signing up, you agree to receive email marketing.
Design 101
Design Your Dream Work-From-Home Setup
September 19, 2024
Working from home has become more accessible and popular than ever. Many people have said farewell to traditional office jobs and embraced hybrid or remote roles. Others take online classes instead of trekking to campus. No matter your path, you need a comfortable work-from-home setup.
There are many factors to consider when designing a home office, from ergonomics to storage. This in-depth guide includes everything you need to know.
How To Set Up Your Work-From-Home Office
A home office setup gives you the freedom to customize your workspace and create a productive environment. These tips will help you design a comfortable and stylish office that fits your needs.
Designate a dedicated home office space
No one wants to spend long hours hunched over their laptop on the couch or in the middle of a hectic kitchen. Designate a space for your home office so you can stay focused and work efficiently.
Some people have spare rooms that they can easily convert into workspaces. If you don’t have an extra room, look for alternative spaces to adapt into an office, such as:
•
A roomy closet
•
The quiet corner of a bedroom or living room
•
A breakfast nook
•
A basement or attic
With a little creativity, you can transform one of these spaces into a cozy home office. For example, bookcases or room dividers can separate your office space from a bedroom or living room. You could also add a fold-out desk to a guest room and tuck it away when you don’t need it.
A designated home office will help you create clear boundaries between your personal and professional life. When it’s time to stop working, you can walk away from your computer and put your job out of your mind until the next workday.
Tips for a small home office setup
Don’t feel discouraged if you only have a small space for your home office. You can create a comfortable and functional workspace even in a tiny area.
Follow these tips to design your small office:
•
Install vertical storage space:
Use your walls to create extra storage space. Floating shelves, wall baskets, and bulletin boards can hold office supplies and important documents.
•
Prioritize organization:
Clutter will make your small office feel cramped and uninviting. Use desktop organizers, drawers, and other tools to keep your workspace tidy.
•
Choose proportional furniture:
Measure your small office space and pick furniture that fits the room’s scale. For instance, you might conserve space with a standing desk or a compact desk with a slender chair.
•
Incorporate miniature accessories:
Personalize your small home office setup with decorations. Look for accessories like little potted succulents, quirky mugs, and framed photos. These small decorations will make your space inviting without overwhelming it.
Prepare your home office essentials
Every functional workspace needs a few home office essentials. Get started with these must-have items:
•
A stable desk with enough room for your computer
•
A comfortable chair
•
Adequate lighting, such as a desk or floor lamp
•
Storage solutions like a desk organizer, filing cabinet, or bookshelves
Choose furniture in the same style for a cohesive look. If you prefer an industrial or modern office, consider a sleek black desk with a black leather chair. Pick a weathered wood desk and an executive chair if you prefer a traditional style.
Prepare your productivity equipment
Along with furniture, you’ll need the right technology to work efficiently. Here are a few popular options:
•
Computer:
Choose a powerful desktop or a portable laptop that meets your work requirements.
•
Monitor:
If you have space, a second monitor can increase your productivity by allowing you to view two screens simultaneously.
•
Router:
Place your router in your home office for the strongest internet connection.
•
Keyboard and mouse:
Look for ergonomic options that won’t strain your wrists and arms during extended work sessions.
•
Headphones:
A high-quality pair of headphones will help you stay focused and block out household noises.
Properly light your space
Adequate lighting will allow you to work all day without straining your eyes.
Use floor lamps to add soft ambient lighting and reduce glare on your computer screen. Add an adjustable desk lamp to help you focus on intense tasks like filling out paperwork or creating a spreadsheet.
And don’t underestimate the power of natural lighting. If possible, position your desk in front of a window for an instant mood boost on sunny days.
What Should Every Work-From-Home Setup Include?
If you want to design the best home office setup, you’ll need these key elements.
Sturdy desk
Every work-from-home office needs the right desk. This furniture comes in various styles, from stately wooden desks to modern minimalist designs. Choose a style that complements your overall aesthetic.
Next, look for a roomy desk that fits your space. For instance, a standing desk may work in a closet, while an L-shaped desk is perfect for the corner of a bedroom or living room.
•
Ergonomic chairs An ergonomic chair will reduce strain and improve productivity. These chairs should include adjustable armrests, padded seat with adjustable height, adequate lumbar support, and they swivel.
Adjust your chair so you can sit with your feet flat on the floor and your arms at a 90-degree angle to your desk. This arrangement will help you stay comfortable for extended periods.
Comfortable chair
You’ll spend a lot of time in your office chair, so pick one that feels comfortable.
The material is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing an office chair. Many chairs are made from mesh or upholstery, which can help you stay cool while working. If you want to keep warm, opt for a leather or faux leather chair and drape a blanket over the back for extra coziness.
You should also look for a mobile chair. Swivels and wheels will allow you to adjust your position throughout the day to stay comfortable.
Storage
Add enough storage for your documents, office supplies, and other essentials. There are many storage options, including:
•
Bookcases
•
Desks with built-in drawers and shelves
•
Filing cabinets
•
Floating shelves
•
Modular cabinets
Personalization
Customize your home office with stylish accessories, such as:
•
•
Knickknacks:
Choose small figurines and decorations that reflect your interests and personality.
Shop now•
•
Home Office Setup Tips
Get the most out of your work-from-home office with these simple tips.
Hiding cords
Tuck cords out of sight for a clean and professional look. Many desks have built-in cable organizers, or you can use a cable management sleeve.
Keeping your space clutter-free
A minimalist office design will increase focus and reduce time spent searching for misplaced items. Declutter your workspace at least once weekly to stay tidy, and designate a space for every item. You should also limit yourself to a few meaningful decorations to avoid overcrowding your office.
Maintaining productivity
Establishing a consistent routine can boost productivity and help you achieve your goals. Set fixed work hours and take regular breaks throughout the day. Many people use the Pomodoro method to divide their work into manageable intervals.
You should also create a prioritized to-do list and update it daily as you complete tasks. Consider hanging a whiteboard above your desk to keep track of your tasks visually.
Get in the Zone With the Perfect Home Office Setup
A functional home office is the key to productivity. Whether you’re designing a new office or refreshing an existing one, our tips will help you create your ideal workspace.
Get started by choosing a desk that suits your work style and aesthetic tastes. You can also browse home decor for inspiration.
Explore More