Many people work from home during the working week, or need office space to manage their personal finances, do homework or maybe some online shopping.
A comfortable office chair, a functional desk, good lighting and adequate storage can transform your home office into a productive and inspiring space. Get our best advice and tips for placing and decorating your home office.
Contents
1. Location of the home office
Some homes have a dedicated room for a home office. In other homes, a corner of the bedroom, living room, kitchen, or hallway may be the only available space. Some places are better suited than others: There can be too noisy in a kitchen if people often pass by, or if the dirty dishes disturb your concentration. In those cases, consider whether the home office can be placed differently, or whether you can shield it from the rest of the room, with a bookcase or a room divider.
Also think about positioning the desk so that it is most convenient. Maybe it fits better up against a wall or in a corner, but don’t forget that you should feel comfortable sitting at the desk. Maybe you prefer not to sit with your back to the door or maybe the sunlight strains your eyes.
Finally, think about the view from the workplace. If you can position the desk so that you have natural light at your workstation without the sun shining directly on your screen, it is ideal – and as a bonus, you might enjoy a great view from the desk.
2. Choose your office chair carefully
When choosing an office chair for your home office, keep in mind how long you will be sitting there. Maybe you dream of a real executive chair with soft upholstery and tilt function or a comfy gamer chair. Or maybe you're more into a classic office chair that takes up a little less space. Each have their own benefits.
If you are going spend a long time in your home office, you should opt for a comfortable, possibly adjustable, office chair with ergonomic support for your back.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose an office chair with a high back that provides support for your entire back and neck or a low back version.
Put a hide or a throw over the chair to add extra cosiness and comfort, and don’t forget a chair mat if you want to protect the floor from the chair wheels.
3. The right desk for your home office
The desk is one of the more space-consuming pieces of furniture in the home office. If space is limited, it is therefore worth considering how big the tabletop should be. If you have a separate computer monitor, the table should have a certain size, while you can make do with less space if you use a laptop. If you work a lot from home, you may appreciate a height adjustable desk that often has an extra large tabletop.
It is important that you choose a desk that is both practical and reflects your taste. A minimalist desk without large drawers adds lightness to your décor and plenty of legroom. Wooden desks add cosiness to the home office, while black metal sometimes has a sophisticated look.
4. Office with storage space
In a kitchen or living room with office, it is important to create clear boundaries between work and leisure.
We highly recommend that you put away your computer at the end of the day. Place it in a drawer in the desk or in a chest of drawers and put books, papers, headsets and other equipment in a box or basket. It only takes a few minutes, and your mind will thank you in the long run. By physically removing the work from your field of vision, you help yourself relax and recharge.
A tidy and well-organized workspace will increase your productivity and creativity, so the extra time you spend decluttering can be well spent.
A storage unit or a desk with drawers is essential in the home office. Bookcases and shelves are great for displaying neat folders and baskets and give you the chance to add a personal touch to the décor. Closed chests of drawers and cabinets are brilliant for keeping less decorative items out of sight.
The paper basket has a practical function in the office but can also play a role in your décor. Don't forget that it's also handy for storing larger and more bulky items such as rolls of wrapping paper.
Appear professional when working from home
Many people have become experts in online meetings in recent years, but this places some demands on your home office. Virtual meetings invite your colleagues in, and therefore you have to consider whether your home looks presentable.
Before a virtual meeting, turn on your camera to check what your colleagues will see. Make sure there is no laundry or mess in the background. If you are in a rush and your home isn't very presentable, use a virtual background.
5. Lighting in your home office setup
Whether your home office is large or small, lighting is important for your work. It must be pleasant both during the day and in the evening and you should be able to concentrate without straining your eyes.
A good ceiling lamp is essential but often not enough. A table lamp gives you a concentrated light when you need it and is placed directly on the desk. A floor lamp can give you a more indirect light. If you're in the creative corner, you can also hang string lights above your desk.
6. Personalize your office décor
When you have decided on a placement and furnished your home office, you can consider how to add some personality to the room.
Plants add life and colour to your home office, and shelves allow you to display pictures, personal knick-knacks and decorations.
A pillow or a warm hide in the office chair can add extra coziness to your home office. If there's enough space, it's great to have a nice armchair where you can concentrate and make plans for the future.
Enjoy your time in the home office.
