When you think of a home office, you probably conjure up visions of an old desk stuffed into the corner of a room, along with some rinky-dink computer chair from the ’90s. While you can get by with that setup, you’re really not doing yourself any favors. For one, that worn-out chair is most likely not fully supporting your posture properly. On top of that, the visual appeal of such an “office” can often hinder your work performance.
Making over your home office with the right furniture can go a long way in jumpstarting your productivity. Be sure to include the following pieces:
- A proper desk that suits your needs
- Finding the right office chair
- Adequate lighting
- Organizational solutions
- Personalized décor
Further dive into the types of furniture that belong in your home office below!
A Proper Desk That Suits Your Needs
Office desks are available in tons of different shapes and sizes. For most home offices, they can be broken down into four different categories: executive desks, L-shaped desks, height-adjustable desks, and writing desks.
Executive Desks
A staple of any CEO’s office, the executive desk offers a large work surface and lots of drawers for storage. No, you do not have to be a CEO to invest in one. Though the desk is large, heavy, and bulky, it’s best utilized by those who need a ton of storage. Typically, these desks are on the higher end of the price spectrum, but boy are they pretty!
L-Shaped Desks
Similar to an executive desk, the L-shape desk offers plenty of storage and a large work surface. However, because of their shape, they are limited in terms of where you can fit them in your room.
Height-Adjustable Desks
Precisely what their name entails, height-adjustable desks can convert from a sit/stand position with ease. According to Business Partner Magazine, going with this type of desk actually decreases the likelihood of “obesity and weight gain.” On the flip side, they’re very minimal in their design & don’t offer a lot in the way of storage space.
Writing Desks
One of the most basic types of desks available, writing desks often feature an open design and very limited storage. Their narrow surface and slender approach are a great solution to any small office space. These types of desks are more geared towards a single laptop, as opposed to a multiple monitor setup.
Finding The Right Office Chair
Equally as important as choosing the proper desk, finding the right chair for your home office is crucial. Office chairs also come in many different forms and styles. The right one should be designed with good posture and comfort in mind. These chairs can be broken down into three categories: ergonomic chairs, executive chairs, and task chairs.
Ergonomic Chairs
Looking for a chair specifically designed to be comfortable on your back? Then an ergonomic chair should be high on your list! Because of their contoured back support, they’re perfect for office workers suffering from back or spine problems. Ergonomic chairs are suitable for prolonged sitting. They come with features including adjustable armrests, heights, and headrests to achieve proper posture while you work.
Executive Chairs
Often paired with an executive desk, these chairs are usually made from leather, polyurethane foam, or another softer material. Yes, they do cost more than others, owing to their high-end design and features. These features usually include high backrests and padded armrests. They also typically come with wheels to make moving around your office easier.
Task Chairs
Easily the most affordable chair on this list, task chairs are without a doubt the most common type of home office furniture. Featuring a basic design, they mainly include casters and wheels for easy mobility and rotation. Some manufacturers may line the chairs with foam for added support & easy height adjustment. While they’re not as supportive as other chairs on this list, you can still achieve proper posture in task chairs while you work.
Adequate Lighting
Adequate lighting is key to productivity. While working on the computer for eight hours a day, eye strain is a real issue without the accompanying low light setting. However, too much light can also cause other issues, such as headaches or drowning out your computer screen. Home office lighting can be broken down into two categories: ambient lighting and task lighting.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting includes having several light sources throughout your home office. For example, placing a floor lamp in the corner of your office or installing on overhead light on a dimmer switch. If your home office includes a window, allowing the sun to shine through is ideal. Not only will ambient lighting brighten your mood, but it will also help you better light your video calls.
Task Lighting
While ambient lighting includes lights around your workspace, task lighting deals with lights on your actual desk. So, for example, it can include a rotating desk lamp, preferably with a head that swivels so you can adjust the light’s angle.
Organizational Solutions
While the modern office doesn’t require as much storage as it once did, having proper organizational measures is still important. These storage solutions can include places to stash your office supplies, electronics, and important documents. While you don’t need every piece of furniture listed below, employing one or two should get the job done.
Organizational solutions for your home office can include:
- A filing cabinet
- A closed-door cabinet
- An open bookcase
- Smaller storage (baskets, bins, consoles)
Personalized Décor
The finishing touch of any home office, personalized décor can be just as important as the right office desk and chair, as HGTV points out. Personalizing your office can help you build an inspiring space that is also pleasing to the eyes. From choosing a soothing color palette to decorating with plenty of plants, your home office décor can help increase your productivity in more ways than one.
Personalized décor for your home office can include:
- A paint scheme that appeals to your eyes and helps you stay focused.
- Inspirational art that helps you stay motivated while you work.
- A mirror that not only helps you stay presentable for video calls, but also reflects ambient lighting throughout the office.
- Plenty of low-maintenance house plants that are pleasing to look at and help purify the air.
- Beverage station, such as a coffee maker, to keep you hydrated and caffeinated throughout the day.
Conclusion
While a proper desk and chair are important pieces of furniture for your home office, there are many others to consider as well. Adequate lighting, such as ambient and task lighting, can help you stay focus and reduce eye strain.
Employing storage solutions, such as filing cabinets and bookcases, can also help you stay organized. Finally, don’t forget to personalize your home office with décor that not only inspires you but is also pleasing to the eyes. Now, get back to work!