Designing A Home Office: Tips For Productivity

Designing a home office is an important task, especially with the rise of remote work. A well-designed home office can boost productivity and creativity, as well as provide a sense of comfort and inspiration. Here are some tips to help you design your dream home office:

- Choose the right location: Consider your work style and needs. If you require a quiet and private space, opt for a separate room or a garden office. If you need to keep an eye on children or want a more social setting, a spare bedroom, corner of a bedroom or living space, or an under-used dining room might be more suitable.

- Functionality and practicality: Ensure your home office is designed with functionality and practicality in mind. Allow enough space to work comfortably and choose a desk that is wide enough for your computer and any other necessary items.

- Storage and shelving: Include enough shelving and storage options to meet your needs. Consider your workflow and the space you need for current and completed work, as well as reference materials.

- Lighting: Natural light is ideal, so position your desk near a window if possible. Avoid glare on computer screens and consider adding lamps or overhead lighting for task lighting and to enhance the ambience of the room.

- Technology: Keep your technology tidy and organised to avoid a cluttered look. Invest in wireless options and use grommets or cord tamers to manage wires.

- Personalisation: Don't sacrifice style! Add personal touches to your home office, such as a favourite piece of artwork, inspiring colours, or meaningful decorations.

- Comfort: Your chair and desk should be comfortable and adjustable to support your back and neck.

- Floor plan: Create a floor plan to visualise your space and ensure you've considered all your needs, such as storage, lighting, and power points.

- Acoustics: If your office is in a busy household, consider acoustics and insulation to minimise distractions.

Choosing a desk and chair

When choosing a desk and chair for your home office, there are several factors to consider.

Space

First, consider how much space you have. If you're converting an entire room into a home office, you'll have more flexibility in the type and size of furniture you choose. If your workspace is in a corner of your living room, for instance, you'll want to maximise every square inch.

Working Hours

The number of hours you work will also influence the type of furniture you need. If you work 40+ hours a week, a dedicated spot with a desk and chair is ideal. If you work sporadically, a trolley cart that can move around with you might be a better option.

Style

Once you have an idea of the number and type of items you need, think about your personal style. Are you going for a modern, vintage, contemporary, industrial, glam, or traditional look?

Budget

Finally, consider your budget. If you're starting from scratch, a desk and chair are probably the most important elements, so allocate the majority of your funds to those.

Choosing a Desk

When choosing a desk, look for one that takes your everyday needs into account, aligns with your height, and provides proper storage.

• Surface area: Do you need room for multiple screens, a tabletop lamp, and an external keyboard? Measure out the approximate surface area you'll need and use that as a guide.
• Ergonomics: Choose a desk that aligns with your height, with enough wiggle room underneath. Position the keyboard at elbow height to avoid your arms protruding or your shoulders feeling raised. Consider a pull-out keyboard tray or a laptop stand if necessary.
• Storage: Opt for a combination of open shelving for books and decorative objects, and closed cabinets for files and items you'd rather keep out of sight.

There are several types of desks to choose from, including traditional, corner, floating, credenza, folding, and ladder desks.

Choosing a Chair

When choosing a home office chair, comfort is key. According to experts, sitting at a reclined 135-degree angle puts the least strain on your back. Here are some other features to look for:

• Adjustable features: Look for a chair with adjustable height, backrest, and armrests.
• Deep seat depth: Ensure the chair can accommodate your preferred width and depth, with at least 2 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
• Material: Opt for a breathable, padded fabric like mesh.
• Lumbar support: Look for a chair with adjustable lumbar support to mimic the curve of your spine and provide ergonomic support.
• Reclining seat back: Experts say that sitting at a reclined 135-degree angle puts the least strain on your back.
• Wheels: Also known as casters, wheels will let you move around easily, especially if you have a lot of surface area to cover.

There are several types of chairs available, including task chairs, ergonomic chairs, drafting chairs, accent/reception chairs, executive chairs, and folding chairs.

Where to Shop

When it comes to finding the perfect desk and chair for your home office, there are plenty of retailers to choose from, offering a range of styles and price points.

For curated options, try Fully, Branch, or Inside Weather. For deals, check out AllModern, Joss & Main, Walmart, and Overstock. If you're looking for variety, Wayfair, Target, and Home Depot are good bets. For modern or contemporary styles, try West Elm, Apt2B, or Design Within Reach. And for the basics, Office Depot and The Container Store have you covered.

Storage and shelving

Wall-Mounted Storage

Floating shelves, wire boards, and wall-mounted organisers are great ways to maximise storage space, especially if you have limited floor space. You can hang things off fairy lights or opt for a pegboard with shelves for added flexibility. Wall-mounted storage is also a good way to display treasured items, keeping your office space aesthetically pleasing.

Adjustable and Modular Storage

Consider adjustable shelves that can be repositioned to maximise available space. Modular storage systems with floor-to-ceiling supports and brackets offer total control over your storage configuration. You can add shelves of various depths, pegboard-style panels, and drawers to accommodate stationery, books, and other office supplies.

Bespoke and Built-In Storage

Bespoke storage solutions can be designed to perfectly suit your unique requirements, making the most of every nook and cranny in your home office. Built-in shelving and desks allow you to position everything exactly where you need it, taking into account existing features like sockets, windows, doors, and heaters. While more expensive, custom furniture is worth the investment if you use the space daily.

Dual-Purpose and Multifunctional Storage

Look for storage solutions that serve multiple purposes, especially if your home office is part of a communal space. For example, a drinks trolley can be used to display stationery, folders, and decorative items like vases. A console table can double as a storage space for your office supplies, and a foldaway desk can provide a space-saving solution while keeping all your storage within arm's reach.

Colour-Coordinated Storage

Choose storage accessories like boxes and magazine files in a simple colour palette that complements your office space. Blue and white, for instance, create a calm and interesting atmosphere without being distracting.

Natural light and view

Natural light is one of the most important features of a home office. Not only does it make a space feel brighter and airier, but it can also improve your productivity and mood.

When designing your home office, consider the position of your desk in relation to the window. While it might be tempting to place your desk directly under a window, this can cause your computer screen to be backlit, making it difficult to see what you're working on. Instead, opt for a layout where your desk is adjacent to the window. This will allow you to take advantage of the natural light without the downsides. If possible, try to position your desk as close to a window as possible to maximise natural light throughout the day.

If your home office doesn't have easy access to natural light, don't worry. There are other ways to brighten up your space. Consider using light-coloured paint or wallpaper with a matte finish to reflect light and make the space feel brighter. You can also utilise lighting fixtures to create a well-lit workspace. Task lighting, such as a desk lamp, can provide focused illumination for specific tasks, while ambient lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

In addition to natural light, you can also bring the outdoors into your home office by incorporating biophilic elements. Add some indoor plants or a fountain to create a calming atmosphere and improve your overall satisfaction with your workspace.

By prioritising natural light and incorporating outdoor elements, you can design a home office that is not only functional but also enhances your well-being and productivity.

Tame technology

Technology is a vital part of any home office, but it can also be a source of clutter and distraction. Here are some tips to help you tame the technology in your home office:

Add a Wireless Router

A wireless router will reduce the number of wires hanging from your desk by half, providing a much neater and more organised appearance.

Invest in Wireless Devices

A wireless printer and a wireless mouse will further reduce the number of wires and help you maintain a tidy workspace.

Manage Your Cords

Use a grommet in your desktop to guide wires from your desk down below. You can also attach cords to the underside of your desk or along a desk leg to keep them out of sight and prevent tangles. For loose wires on the floor, use a simple cord tamer to gather them together.

Power Management

When designing your home office, consider your power needs. Plan the safest way to run cables to a power source—flexible plastic trunking is a good option. Buy a power pack for charging your devices, which can be positioned under the desk.

Lighting

In addition to natural light, include a combination of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and a desk lamp to provide ample illumination for your workspace. Add full-spectrum daylight bulbs to your light fixtures for an extra boost.

Accessorise and personalise

When it comes to accessorising and personalising your home office, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to ensure that your space remains functional and dedicated to work, while also injecting some personality and comfort. Here are some tips to help you achieve a stylish and productive home office:

Keep it Professional

While you want your home office to reflect your taste and personality, it's important not to go overboard with highly personal items. Choose decor that inspires and motivates you, such as inspiring artwork or a motivational quote. Avoid displaying overly personal items like family photos or honeymoon pictures. Instead, opt for elegant artwork or a stylish gallery wall that adds interest without being too distracting.

Add Comfort

In addition to a good ergonomic chair, consider adding a comfortable throw or lumbar pillow in a colour or pattern you love. This will not only make those long workdays more bearable but also allow you to bring in a touch of your personality.

Enhance with Nature

Adding plants to your home office is a great way to enhance the space naturally. Plants like pothos, aloe, and jade are excellent choices as they purify the air and thrive in low light conditions. Not only will they add a touch of greenery, but they'll also improve your overall wellbeing.

Improve Lighting

Overhead fluorescent lighting can often be harsh and unwelcoming. Consider adding a desk lamp with softer lighting to create a warmer and more inviting atmosphere. A Himalayan salt lamp is another great option, as it purifies the air and emits a cosy glow.

Display Special Items

Add items that are both functional and personalised to your style. For example, use a vintage jar to hold pens and pencils, a beautiful bowl for paper clips, or an antique box for business cards. Bring in a lovely vase for fresh flowers or use a textured woven basket as your inbox tray. These small touches will make your workspace feel more like your own.

Personalise with Photos

While it's important not to go overboard with photos, displaying a few tasteful pictures of your family or pets can add a personal touch to your home office. Limit the number to 1-3 photos to maintain a professional atmosphere.

Organise with Style

Invest in stylish storage solutions to keep your home office organised and clutter-free. Look for desktop accessories that combine form and function, such as leather desk pads, mouse pads, pencil cups, wastebaskets, and letter trays. Not only will they keep your essentials organised, but they'll also add a touch of elegance to your workspace.

Frequently asked questions