More than ever before, employees are working from home long-term. While a folding table and an old stool may have temporarily sufficed, working from home full-time calls for investing in your home office. In other words, you need to think about furniture pieces that will be both comfortable & appropriately compliment your space.
Your home office should include solutions such as a private workspace and seating, proper lighting, ample storage, and a layout that maximizes space and doesn't block pathways.
Your valuable time shouldn't be spent rummaging through disorganized papers, nor should your back or neck ache after crouching over your computer all day. When your home office is organized and set to your specific preferences, you'll have greater productivity. The trick? Choosing the right pieces of furniture!
Desks and Workspaces
Your workspace is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home office. Whether you work at a computer, assemble materials, or need space for multiple open books, a desk is essential, no matter the job.
However, not all desks are created equal nor does every desk work in a home office. It's important to find one that doesn't block the pathways or flow of the room. Here's a rundown of different desks and workspaces so you can determine which one fits your preferences, style, and space.
Computer Desk
Computer desks give plenty of surface area for multiple monitors or other devices without being crowded. You can add drawers for extra storage or select one that adjusts the surface height to improve your ergonomics.
Executive Desk
Executive desks are perhaps the fanciest and sturdiest of desk choices. Usually made from solid sculpted wood, these beautiful pieces have lots of storage space. However, they do tend to come with a higher price tag and are best suited for larger work areas.
Writing Desk
Similar to a computer desk, a writing desk is a basic surface with several drawers for storage. It's usually smaller, which favors a laptop set up over a desktop computer. The smaller frame allows it to fit in almost any home office space.
L-Shaped Desk
Also called a corner desk, L-shaped desks supply lots of work and storage space. Because of their unique shape, L-shaped desks are favorable for filling unused space in the corner of a room, but often don't work well in the middle of a home office.
Adjustable Desks
One desk style that has grown significantly in popularity is adjustable desks. These desks allow you to sit or stand comfortably and with proper ergonomics. UT Southwestern Medical Center adds that adjustable desks are ideal for those with neck or back pain who benefit from frequent position changes.
Office Chair
Now that you've found the perfect desk, it's time to find an office chair that keeps you comfortable and focused. Office chairs are where ergonomics are most at play. When sitting at your desk, your feet should be flat on the floor, hips at the back of the chair, back and neck straight, and shoulders relaxed.
If your chair doesn't keep these elements in alignment, you'll quickly feel tension building in your shoulders or back and neck aches. Take the time to find the right chair, and you'll thank yourself later!
Task Chair
A task chair is what most likely comes to mind when you think of an office chair. These are the more basic models with wheels for mobility, armrests, and cushions on the seat and back. Some can adjust the height & armrests, but adjustments are usually minimal.
Executive Chair
Usually accompanying an executive desk, executive chairs are made from softer materials such as leather or polyurethane foam. The chairs themselves are typically more expensive, but are beautiful and complete the executive office look like no other.
Ergonomic Chair
If you suffer from back or neck pain or struggle to maintain good posture while sitting for an extended period of time, an ergonomic chair may be the best choice for you. Ergonomic chairs give the most options for adjustments, such as chair and armrest height, back support, and headrests.
Lighting
While most home offices have a ceiling light, you can benefit from multiple sources of light. Your eyes can become strained not only from lack of light but also from too much or the wrong kind!
Everyday overhead lights allow you to accomplish most tasks without needing additional help. However, overhead lights can feel overbearing after a while and your eyes will need a break. If you find this to be the case, consider adding one of the following to your home office:
- Floor lamp - Switching off the overhead light and using one or two floor lamps can reduce the light input while keeping the whole room illuminated.
- Task lamp - Also called a desk lamp, task lamps will bring light to your desk. However, it's best to not use them at night as they will strain your eyes.
- Sunlight - If your home office has a window, take advantage of the sunlight! Not only does it provide free light, but Healthline also explains that sunlight boosts mood and improves sleep patterns.
Organizational Tools
A desk is a great starting place for organizing your home office materials, but it's beneficial to have a separate organizational system as well. This will allow you to use your desk for office supplies like pens, sticky notes, and staplers, and your organization system for paperwork or other files. It also reduces clutter in your workspace.
Organizational tools can come in many forms, such as:
- Open bookshelves - Bookshelves are perfect for bulky items (like a printer), decor to spruce up the room, and of course, book storage!
- Cubby storage - Cubby storage is very functional and decorative. Use cloth or wicker baskets to store office items or use the separate cubby holes to organize books or knick-knacks.
- Closed-door cabinets - A closed-door cabinet offers lots of storage options with the added benefit of concealing the chaos.
- Filing cabinets - Most helpful for filing paperwork, filing cabinets can be as simple as a plastic container or have extra features such as locks or wheels or made from metal or wood.
- Drawer cabinets - These feature various-sized drawers for additional supply storage. Similar to filing cabinets, drawer cabinets can be basic or more elaborate depending on your preferences.
Decor
While not technically furniture, decor makes your home office substantially more enjoyable. And since it's your own space, you can take the liberty to decorate it however you see fit! Give your office a new coat of paint, hang your favorite art, photos, or movie posters, bring in some potted plants, or whatever else brightens the room.
Conclusion
Your home office should be a space of maximum productivity and comfort. Unlike regular office space, you can personalize it to your heart's content! Take the time to find pieces that fit your space, preferences, ergonomics, and budget.
The most important furniture to have in your office are a desk, chair, and organization system. These are the foundational pieces that will keep you focused. Lighting and decor also play an important role in the ambiance and enjoyability of the space.