Designer Tips For the Best Home Office Setup
Working from home brings some fantastic perks, including the ability to create a workspace you truly love. At the same time, you face new challenges, and a biggie is productivity. If you can’t stay focused, responsive, and efficient, you may end up back in a traditional office. (The horror!)
Your home office may also be a shared space or double as a secondary space after work hours, such as a bedroom or guest room. This means your workspace should be comfortable and inviting for all the ways you live, and it should complement the home so it doesn’t feel out of place.
A well-designed home office is here to the rescue. Here are some design tips I’ve learned as an interior designer and fellow home office user. These suggestions work for any home type, budget, and room size. You will learn the best places to set up your home office, how to design it, and what products work best for this new way of working.
And the good news is that it isn’t as expensive as you think. Many items here also work as write-offs if you own your business.
What is the Best Home Office Setup?
It should have everything you need to maximize productivity and look professional whenever you jump on a Zoom call with a client. It should also be a place you love spending time. The longer you like being there, the more you get done.
Here are home office setup ideas that keep you working at your best and looking good while you do it.
Designer Advice For the Best Home Office Setup
Location Recommendations
The three most important aspects of a productive home office are location, location, and location. Here is how to select all three.
Prioritize Privacy
Choose a spot in your home for your home office desk setup. That gives you as much seclusion as possible for video calls and limits distractions because there is serious work to be done. Ideal locations are:
- A guestroom
- A bedroom
- A basement
- A loft space with a private corner
- Unused garage space
- A studio shed/accessory dwelling unit
If you opt for a studio shed or home addition, you can take advantage of financial benefits like improved home resale and renting the space later on. For more, click the studio shed / accessory dwelling unit link above.
If you cannot achieve full privacy, screens and plants can help, but try to give yourself a dedicated workspace with a door, even if the room serves other functions after work hours. You can close up the space at the end of your workday, which is more important than you may think. As it turns out, working from home can lead to longer hours than typical, and I can attest to that firsthand. So try to cut yourself off by closing that door improved work/life balance. Out of sight, out of mind.
Make Sure You Have Strong Wi-Fi Reception
Make sure you have enough Wi-Fi reception to get the job done; the faster and stronger it is, the better. You will be surprised how it impacts productivity.
If needed, include repeaters so that the signal works well everywhere you work. The day will come when you have family over and need to work from another room for added privacy. You will quickly find that your productivity suffers if the Wi-Fi is less than ideal.
Some professions require robust Wi-Fi, so ask users in the same field online. If you work for a company, their IT department may have suggestions.
Temperature: Not Too Hot or Too Cold, Just Right
Nothing will chase you out of your office faster than a room that is too warm or too cold. Long hours in a warm room wreak havoc on your concentration and will make you feel miserable. Cold rooms also distract your mind, burn energy, and leave you cuddled up, restricting movement while you work, which can lead to reduced flexibility and body pains.
Prioritize lower-floor rooms for heat and higher floors for cold. You’ll save on heating and cooling costs. Otherwise, prioritize rooms with either heaters or AC, depending on your needs, or install a portable AC or floor heater.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Natural light is proven to bring work health benefits, such as reduced eye strain, fewer headaches, reduced drowsiness, improved mood, and fewer work mistakes. Drapes or blinds can bring added privacy when needed.
- Reduced eye strain
- Fewer reports of headaches
- Improved mood
- Less drowsiness
- Fewer mistakes
Enjoy Fresh Air
A room with windows or sliding doors with outdoor access helps you stay refreshed. Stepping outside for a few minutes to snack, talk on the phone, and check on the plants clears your head and gets you back into work mode.
Design Tips
Now that you have chosen your ideal spot, it’s time to work on the space’s interior design. Here are some ideas.
Consider Blending In
An office that matches your home’s decor will make your office and whole house feel larger, calmer, and more inviting – especially if you are working in an open floor plan. So try similar or complementary furniture styles, wall colors, and flooring. If your ideal office design conflicts with a room’s look, look for underlying themes that connect the two.
Choose Your Style
As many home office styles as there are home styles. I find that a minimalist vibe works like a blank canvas for creativity. You may not feel the same; for example, you may think better in a traditional setting filled with rich leather, dark wood stains, and plenty of books. But if you like clean design, here are some styles worth considering. Click on each link for a detailed look at the style.
Choose Your Wall Colors
Like I said before, a home office is a chance to work in an environment that works best for you. Paint color is a cheap and easy way to create an environment you love working in. Still, you may be surprised to know that some wall colors are better for work environments than others. Check out my guide to home office wall colors to learn more.
Keep It Cozy
Visual and physical comfort is key for long, productive workdays, so prioritize comfortable ergonomic seating, attractive furnishings that give you the warm fuzzies, and colors that make you want to relax there all day long. Whether you like soft colors or love everything in black with neon lights, make your space the way you want it for long-term work and to stay inspired.
Consider furniture like a reclining office chair, a lounge chair and ottoman, or a sofa to create different ways to work and stay comfortable and motivated. You can also stretch out on a sofa or lounge chair and read a book, watch a movie, or listen to music at the end of your day. You deserve it.
Pro tip: Make the space even more cozy with personal items and keepsakes. They add warm memories and richness.
Maintain a Professional Look
If you attend Zoom calls, lean toward a more professional, clean design. Additionally, the more experienced and cohesive the space looks, the more adult and professional you will feel during the day.
If Space is Tight, Go Multifunctional
Image: Expand Furniture
If your space serves more than one purpose, choose multifunctional office furniture that conforms to daily needs. If you are in a guest room or bedroom, a sleeper sofa is a handy and compact replacement for a bed. A modular sofa or sectional provides multiple seating options. Murphy desks and lift-top coffee tables also double as workspaces.
If you are looking for a high-quality multifunctional brand, check out my article on Expand Furniture.
Look Behind You
Speaking of Zoom calls, consider creating an accent wall behind your head. It provides opportunities to display special credentials and show your financial success through your office’s look. It also works well for office storage. If you like, you can display interests and hobbies to show your personal side and spark conversations.
Feel Inspired
A home office is more than a place to work; it’s a space for growth. Add items that help you focus, stay motivated, and help you grow in your job. This can include motivational sayings, photos, or other physical items that serve as your dream board.
Work Tools
First Things First: Have All Your Computer Programs and Software
The first step in setting up programs is to ensure you have antivirus software. This helps you stay productive and avoid compromising others. If your company uses a server, have them set up your computer with the right software remotely or provide you with a VPN. I cover other solutions in my article on safety tips for working from home.
Once your virus protection is set up, download any other programs you need, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and set up your project management tools, such as monday.com or Asana. While you’re at it, download a Pomodoro timer. You will benefit from working in specific time blocks. A timer helps you do it. (More on this later.)
Invest in a Quality Office Desk
Image: Ergonofis
This may sound like a no-brainer, but don’t choose just any. A desk is where you will spend most of your time, so select a quality desk that will last, is large enough for the job, fits your body well, and can easily hold all your desk tools, including multiple monitors if needed ( A dual monitor stand can be heavy, so again, opt for a strong standing desk with a high weight capacity)
Not every home has room for a large desk, but you can get creative. Even corner desks can add storage.
As for me, I own a standing desk. I found that an adjustable desk design keeps my blood flowing, reduces back and leg pain, and changes things up during the day (literally), bringing a fresh perspective and more endurance. You can also use it with a walking pad to improve physical and mental health while working.
When shopping, have some fun, but try to prioritize a nice-looking adjustable standing desk so that you enjoy being there.
Buy An Ergonomic Chair
Comfort is key, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to invest in a better chair. It is a game changer. Choose options with adjustable seat, arm, and back supports to support good posture and help prevent neck and lower back pain. Check out my guide to learn more about ergonomic chairs and how to select one. I even write for challenging body types, such as big and tall people.
Choose a quality chair with high ratings. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. A chair’s price often relates directly to how quickly it breaks down, but that depends on the one you choose. I have some great recommendations for chairs under $200 since not everyone can afford an Aeron Chair, though it is an ideal chair to work up to.
Keep Paperwork Organized with a Filing Cabinet
A filing cabinet makes it easy to access documents and keeps the work area clean and clutter-free. You can also lock the papers up to keep them safe. Opt for one with an extra drawer or two for pens and other desk tools.
Go Up, Up, and Away With Wall Shelving and Bookcases
Home office shelving, bookcases, and pegboards increase your storage capacity in a small footprint while keeping quick visual access to items like go-to binders. They also display decorations, keepsakes, small plants, and a clock well.
Work longer and calmer with the Right Lighting
Proper lighting helps you maintain clear vision and reduce eye strain during long hours at your desk. I even devoted an entire article to home office lighting ideas. I have found that poor lighting significantly affects productivity over long hours and how good you look on those all-important Zoom calls.
Opt for a desk lamp with soft, gold-toned light to balance out your screen’s harsh white and blue light. Another popular choice is adding a lighting strip behind the monitor or desk for more ambient light and a more minimal desk setup. I use a strip and desk lamp because (1) I enjoy how the combination feels even more relaxing on the eyes, and (2) I’m fancy. You can even use a light bar that blends the benefits of strip lighting and a desk lamp in one.
In addition to lighting near the desk, add light to the foreground or background to further soften the screen’s brightness and provide better lighting for the camera.
The interior design profession has an entire industry built around lighting design for a reason. It significantly improves your experience in the space, boosting your mood while calming your eyes.
Work Longer and Better With an External Monitor… or Two!
Computer monitors have come a long way. You can buy a wide variety of sizes and shapes, such as vertical, curved, and extra-wide. The bigger they are and the more you have, the better you work. Make sure the tops of the screens are at eye level to help you maintain healthy posture and reduce neck pain.
If You Need To Buy a Computer, Choose a Laptop
Your desk may not be your only workplace, so if you need a computer, opt for a laptop. IT doesn’t matter if it is a MacBook Pro or a Chromebook, but prioritize one with a long battery life to keep you productive while out and about. Finding an open electrical plug inside coffee shops can be challenging. Plus, you can work longer in a beach chair, which is always a bonus.
You can also pair it with a laptop stand so that it works as a second monitor!
Work Faster than Ever with the Right Keyboard and Mouse
As with your chair, working from home is a chance to use the keyboard and mouse you love most. The right mechanical keyboard for your hand size and comfort can do wonders for productivity, increasing typing speed and helping prevent issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. You can choose from corded and cordless designs, unconventional keyboard shapes, sleek designs, and old-school throwbacks. You can even decorate them in attractive patterns and colors.
A wireless mouse provides ultimate freedom of movement both inside and outside the office, such as in a coffee shop.
I can’t overstate how much a comfortable keyboard and mouse help with productivity. Even if you buy and return multiple models, it’s worth the time and effort.
Stay Focused with noise-cancellation Headphones
Use headphones to block background noise and listen to your favorite tunes without distracting neighbors and family. Choose from options of wire or wireless earbuds and over-the-ear designs. The better the sound, the more you’ll enjoy listening to music while you work, boosting your productivity.
Here is a list of my favorite designs.
Make yourself heard with a quality Microphone
Although your laptop has a microphone, better options are available. You will benefit from buying a higher-quality model or using one built into your earphones. Clear communication is essential for Zoom calls and phone calls with clients.
Show Your Good Side with A Quality Camera
Like your microphone, your laptop likely has a camera, but it may not be the best quality. In many cases, a Zoom call is your first impression, so investing in a quality camera helps you look established and your best.
Stay connected with A Phone Charger / Charging Stand
Keep your cell phone or smartphone nearby so you don’t miss important phone calls or texts. A charger that mounts your phone in an easy-to-read position improves your productivity. With one eye movement, you know who just reached out.
You can also keep multiple devices within reach with charging stations that accommodate multiple plugs.
Today you can find an endless array of charging stands to fit your style and budget, some offering wireless charging as well. If you use earbuds and a smartwatch, you can find chargers with all capabilities in one neat little package. They reduce clutter and keep you organized and fully charged.
For the charger above and other options, check out my article on minimalist office decor.
Prevent damage with a Surge Protector
Power strips are integral for a home office. Don’t risk a power surge damaging your equipment by plugging too many items into a wall socket.
Declutter With a Cable Management System
Quality cable organizers make it easy to plug and unplug devices and keep your workspace clean, orderly, and safe from water and pets (I’m looking to you, cat.)
Stay plugged in with USB Ports and Plugs
Smartphones, smartwatches, and earphones use USB ports that connect to coordinating plugs. Make sure you have enough of both. Some surge protectors come with built-in USB ports. Make sure the connections are easy to reach and don’t fall away after using them, forcing you to bend under your desk to grab them. Your back will thank you.
Stay Printable
You may not think you need to own one, but after one rushed trip to FedEx Office, you will wish you did. Thankfully, printers are relatively inexpensive these days. The ink is where they get you, but you may not need much.
Newer models work with Wi-Fi, making it easier to store the printer farther away and out of sight and letting the whole house use it more easily.
Keep Your Ideas Flowing with A Whiteboard or Bulletin Board
Working from home means you don’t have the benefit of a conference room or collaborative space to work out ideas. A whiteboard or similar device makes brainstorming easy at home. It’s an excellent companion to a notepad or electronic note-taking device, helping you gain clarity and insight on any business initiatives.
Today there are a wide range of whiteboard designs. Check out my article on all types offered today and pick your favorite from my list of the best designs.
Increase Productivity with A Laptop Side Table
A side table that doubles as a laptop desk makes working from a sofa more comfortable and adds variety to your seating options to boost productivity. You can use the same table anywhere in the home, such as next to your living room sofa or bed.
Go Green
Adding the beauty of nature to your workspace is aesthetically pleasing for you and Zoom callers, but it also brings some handy additional benefits. Plants boost oxygen levels, keep the room cooler, and reduce stress. I find that caring for plants in your office is a positive addition and feels quite zen. Plants make me feel more connected and grounded while I work.
Choose from a wide array of indoor plants. If you don’t have a green thumb, succulents or air plants can reduce watering needs.
Stay Timely With An Easy-to-Read Clock
Download an easy-to-read electronic clock onto your home screen or set one on your desk or wall. A clock is essential for keeping you organized.
Stay Organized with A Notepad or Paper Planner
You will likely use your laptop or phone to organize appointments, communicate on project management software, and handle your work tasks. Still, there will come a time when you need to jot down something quickly and with little hassle. A notepad helps you stay organized and record those genius ideas.
If you prefer using paper to electronics, a paper planner doubles as a notepad and calendar for you, an easy-to-read snapshot of appointments and tasks. It is a practical tool for staying organized, and many designs today are well thought out.
Maintain More Comfortable Typing with a Desk Pad
This one is optional but worth considering. It prevents scratches or damage to your desk, particularly hot liquid stains from your daily coffee, tea, or last-minute meal. (Welcome to the world of working from home.) It also cushions your hands while you type, write, and handle other tasks.
When you’re shopping, check out my list of best desk mats.
Take Comfort Even Further with A Wrist Rest
A desk mat may not be enough cushion if you work at your desk for long hours. A wrist rest is a cushioned device you use under your wrist as you type, and it does wonders for your productivity. From thin to thick and narrow to wide, you can find the right size.
Stay inspired with quality Speakers and Headphones
Headphones will keep you and others happy, but you may not be a fan of them or want to use them daily. Here is where a quality set of speakers can help. Many are quite beautiful and small enough to avoid crowding your work area.
Keep Moving with a Home Office Gym
Include exercise equipment in your office to help you stay in shape during and between work sessions. Having everything close by makes it easier to start your next exercise. Many designs are also small and attractive enough to include in your decor.
Check out my articles on home office gym ideas and desk gym exercise equipment.
Stay Fueled with a Mini Fridge
If your office space is far from the kitchen, a mini fridge can help you stay productive. Check out my list of favorites! Some are so good-looking, you might forget they’re just something on a college student’s supply list.
Bonus Tips for Working from Home
The above tips will help you create an effective workspace to maximize your productivity. If you’re new to working from home, you will also benefit from a few extra tips to make this new way of life cheaper and easier.
Take Advantage of Write-offs
If you run your own business and have a dedicated room in your home for work, you may be able to write off the space and work-related items you buy, including furniture. This can really help when tax time comes, especially if you are starting a new business.
Set Hours and Stick to Them
If you set hours, stick to them as much as possible. This will help your work-life balance, which contributes significantly to productivity. Many business owners are concerned about remote workers’ productivity, but I work much more at home than at the office – to the point that it can be a problem. When the time comes, close up your work area and walk away.
Take Breaks
This is vital for any workspace. Give yourself regular breaks during the day to relax, such as 5 minutes every hour, and take lunch and snack breaks. You will maintain the right energy level throughout the day and focus more on the job at hand. A Pomodoro timer will help.
Conclusion
Remember to keep productivity as your guidepost when choosing items and formulating your budget. Though this will be a fun time in your life, reduced productivity will work against you in the long run and could even lead to you having to head back into the office (shudder). A well-designed home office with everything you need for your job provides the best of both worlds.