Designing your home office often means compromising with other household needs but you can still create a dedicated work space that is both comfortable and efficient.
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Room to manoeuvre
Tempting as it may be to squeeze your desk into the corner of your bedroom or living room, it’s not a good option. You must have the space to move around and change position occasionally to combat fatigue and to keep your mind active.
Every 30-45 minutes it’s a good idea to get up, stretch or go for a short walk around the house. While it may seem counterintuitive to leave your desk, these breaks actually make you more productive.
Decide on a desk
Your desk is your single biggest furniture decision so make sure it’s right for you. If you have lots of tech to plug in, a desk with built-in power points is ideal so you don’t have trailing cables snaking their way to the nearest socket.
An adjustable height desk is an excellent way to make sure you’re not sitting all day long and it can really help your posture. Stay organised to help you concentrate with a dedicated stationery drawer, desk organiser and filing drawer.
Power point positions
If you already have a desk that you love or your budget won’t allow a built-in outlet option then ensure that you position it close to the sockets in the room. Trailing cables are untidy and a trip hazard.
If you have multiple pieces of equipment to plug in, use a multi-socket extension lead or tower, many come with USB ports. Never overload an extension lead and always use one with surge protection to safeguard your electronics.
Let in light
An essential element of a well-designed home office is the amount of natural light coming in. This is where a garden room makes a great workspace. You’ll have all the benefits of daylight flooding the room as well as wonderful views of the garden.
The garden office cost doesn’t have to be prohibitive, there are many options to have a dedicated workspace outdoors without breaking the bank. If your office is in the house, try to find an area with good natural light where you can position your screen to avoid glare. A desk lamp is also essential to ensure you’re never working in dim light and straining your eyes.
Storage solutions
The type of storage you use in your home office will depend on how you like your space set up and the room available to you. For tight spaces, or those who prefer things to be minimalistic, built-in storage is ideal.
When you have plenty of room, or like to have things within sight, open shelving is the way to go. Either option allows for tidiness and good organisation with the right accessories.
Comfortable chair
Your choice of chair is very personal but remember you’ll be spending a lot of time in it so make sure it has the proper support for good posture. Don’t be afraid to try out chairs in the store and make sure that the dimensions suit your needs.
Ergonomic equipment such as a keyboard and mouse also helps to keep you comfortable but efficient as you work.
Remind yourself
We all need a way to remind ourselves of important work obligations such as deadlines and meetings or even to take a break occasionally. A smart speaker is a great companion to help you remember all those important times and dates.
If you’re more traditional then you can use a calendar, a notice board or sprinkle your work area with multi-coloured sticky notes. Whatever works for you!