Home Office On A Budget

Creating a home office on a budget is a great way to save money without compromising on style and functionality. Whether you're working with a small space or starting from scratch, there are plenty of ways to create a productive and inspiring work environment at home. From choosing the right location to adding personal touches, here are some tips to help you get started.

Choose a space with natural light

Natural light is a key consideration when choosing a space for your home office. A room that receives plenty of sunlight will boost your productivity and mood. Position your desk near a window to benefit from the natural light and remind yourself of the benefits of working from home.

When setting up your home office, consider the direction of the light. Avoid placing your desk so that the sun is behind your screen, as this can cause glare. Instead, opt for a position where the window is to your side or in front of you. This will ensure that your face is illuminated during video calls, making you look and feel brighter.

If your chosen space doesn't have access to natural light, don't worry. You can easily improve the lighting with a few simple and inexpensive tweaks. Add a mix of desk and floor lamps to the room to create a warm atmosphere and improve your comfort. For whole-room illumination, consider installing light fixtures on the ceiling or walls. Task lighting, such as a clamp-on lamp, will make it easier on your eyes during the day and improve your visibility during video meetings.

Remember, good lighting is essential for creating a functional and inspiring workspace, so make sure to give it some thought when choosing your space.

Use what you already have

Before buying anything, shop your house first. Look for underutilised furniture that can be moved to a quiet corner as a makeshift desk, such as an underused dining table or a coffee table. If you have a window in your chosen space, place your desk there to benefit from natural light and remind you of the benefits of working from home.

If you have a table that can be used as a desk, consider repurposing a kitchen chair or dining chair as your office chair. You can also add lumbar support to your chair with a simple back pillow. Look for an inexpensive curved foam cushion or try something you already have, like a small decorative pillow or a rolled-up towel.

Repurpose items you already own as storage for stationery and other office supplies. For example, you could use jars to organise pens and pencils, or mugs, cups, vases, and even tin cans wrapped in rope or colourful yarn or paper.

If you have a lot of books and papers, decide whether you need a bookcase, file cabinet, or both. Look for ways to repurpose existing furniture for storage. For instance, you could use an old desk with drawers or refurbish a bookcase or cabinet.

If you have a lot of files, look for furniture with filing drawers. You can dress up a filing cabinet by accessorising the top with plants, pictures, and other decorative items. If you have a lot of books, choose to purchase some bookshelves.

To save space, look for desks with drawers and organisers to store important papers. You can also install floating shelves and built-in cabinets above your desk to maximise storage space without adding more furniture to the room.

Add inexpensive decor

Decorating your home office doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some ways to add inexpensive decor to your home office:

• Use what you have: Before buying anything, look around your house for items that can be repurposed as office decor. For example, you can use an underutilized dining table as a makeshift desk, or cover boxes with printed paper or washi tape to create storage.
• Shop thrift stores and second-hand: Visit thrift shops, flea markets, or online marketplaces for affordable furniture and decor. Look for items that can be easily updated with a coat of paint or some fabric.
• Create a gallery wall: Print out inspiring quotes or your favourite photos and frame them using inexpensive frames from stores like IKEA or the dollar store. You can also use pinboards to display postcards, invites, and inspiring photos.
• Add plants: Bring some nature into your home office by adding a few plants. Studies have shown that proximity to nature can boost productivity and decrease stress. If you're on a tight budget, you can take clippings from friends' plants or even find ivy outdoors and pot them in upcycled containers.
• Use wallpaper: Add a pop of colour or pattern to your home office by using wallpaper. You can create a feature wall or use scraps of wallpaper to create a unique design.
• Incorporate lighting: Good lighting is essential in a home office. If possible, position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light. You can also add table lamps or a simple lamp with a shade to brighten up your space.
• Define the space with an area rug: A colourful or patterned area rug can help define your home office space, especially if it's in an open-plan area. It adds visual interest and can make the space feel more cosy.
• DIY your own decor: Get creative and make your own decor. For example, you can DIY an oversized wall calendar or an inspiration board to keep you motivated.

Make it ergonomic

Making your home office ergonomic doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some tips to help you create a comfortable and efficient workspace:

Adjust Your Head and Neck Position

Position your screen so that the top of the screen is at eye level. This will help you maintain a neutral neck and shoulder position and reduce strain. If you're using a laptop, consider getting a laptop riser and an external keyboard and mouse. You can also use books to raise your monitor to the correct height.

Improve Your Seated Posture and Back Support

Your seated posture is important for maintaining a healthy spine and reducing back pain. Ensure your lower back is supported by adjusting your chair or using a lumbar support cushion or pillow. A rolled-up towel can also provide lumbar support. Shorter individuals may benefit from using a footrest to achieve the correct posture, while taller individuals may need a pillow or pad to raise their torso and eyes to screen level.

Improve Your Hand and Wrist Position

Your hands, wrists, and forearms should be in a neutral, straight posture when typing or using a mouse. Avoid bending your wrists or extending your arms out to the side. Adjust the height of your table or chair, or move your keyboard and mouse closer or farther away as needed.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

If possible, separate your workspace from your living area. This helps create boundaries between work and relaxation, reducing distractions and improving focus. If you can't separate the spaces, try to keep your bed out of direct sight to create a distinction between work and rest.

Raise Your Monitor or Laptop

Raising your monitor or laptop to eye level will help improve your posture and reduce neck strain. For laptops, a laptop stand and external keyboard are recommended. You can also use books or other sturdy objects to raise your screen to the correct height.

Use a Standing Desk

Standing desks can help reduce back strain by allowing you to alternate between sitting and standing. You can create a DIY standing desk by stacking large books or storage boxes on your tabletop and placing your laptop on top. Motorised legs and a separate tabletop are other affordable options.

Add Some Nature

Incorporate natural elements into your workspace, such as houseplants or natural lighting. Access to nature and daylight can boost your energy, reduce eye strain, and improve your overall well-being.

Make Comfortable Adjustments

Use items from around your house, such as cushions or pillows, to make your workspace more comfortable. You can also try a yoga ball as a chair to improve your posture and reduce back pain.

Take Breaks

Remember to take short breaks every 20 minutes to stretch, walk, or make a cup of tea. Movement improves circulation, comfort, and performance while reducing the risk of injuries.

By following these tips and making adjustments to suit your individual needs, you can create an ergonomic home office that supports your productivity and comfort.

Add storage

Storage is essential in a home office to keep the space organised and clutter-free. Here are some ways to add storage to your home office:

• Use storage as decor: Opt for stylish storage solutions that double as decorative pieces. For instance, use decorative boxes on open shelves to store smaller items like photos, pens, and other office supplies. You can also store flower vases on the shelves for a pop of colour. Additionally, stylish storage baskets, whether on the floor or a shelf, can help hide clutter while complementing your office's style.
• Maximise space behind the desk: Utilise the area behind your desk to conceal storage furniture. A long, low storage unit can serve as an additional work area when needed while keeping items out of sight.
• Install shelves: Floating shelves or freestanding bookshelves can provide ample storage space for books, decorative objects, and stylish storage boxes. You can also add asymmetrical shelving to create a modern feel in your home office.
• Mix open and closed storage: Combine open and closed storage options to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing space. Built-in storage around the room's periphery, along with upper cabinetry, can keep unsightly supplies and files out of sight. Floating shelves or open shelving can display books and stylish storage boxes for easy access.
• Repurpose vintage or antique furniture: Source vintage or second-hand storage pieces that were built for smaller spaces. For example, an antique glass-front cabinet can be used to store office supplies, adding a touch of charm to your home office.
• Add bins and drawers: Maximise storage by incorporating bins and drawers into freestanding shelves. A small rolling file cabinet and a corkboard near your desk can also provide additional storage space.
• Use storage walls: Opt for a storage wall to meet all your storage needs, especially in smaller rooms. This approach avoids the need for multiple freestanding storage pieces and allows for a centrally positioned desk.
• Hide technology: Closed cabinets are ideal for storing less attractive items like printers and other tech gear. Consider building file cabinets into your bookcases to increase usable desk space and ensure cohesive and aesthetically pleasing storage.
• Take advantage of vertical space: Use the room's vertical space, especially if you have high ceilings. Install a library ladder to access items easily and create a cosy atmosphere.
• Categorise and contain: Group similar items and store them in labelled containers for easy access. You can categorise items like tech accessories, charging equipment, shipping supplies, basic office supplies, files, and sentimental items.
• Customise storage for your profession: Tailor your storage to suit your work. For instance, if you work with fabric samples and pattern books, opt for deep and generous storage space like cubbyholes.
• Repurpose beautiful accessories: Use unconventional items like jars, trays, teacups, or tin cans to hold your supplies. Baskets under the desk can also conceal trash bins and other items you don't want to see.
• Optimise small spaces: In a small home office, ensure that everything you need is within arm's reach, either on top of your desk or in the desk drawers. Recessed shelving can also provide additional storage space, and hidden desks with lift-up lids offer discreet storage solutions.

Frequently asked questions