There are many tips on how to create beautiful, cozy spaces in your home. When one of the spaces is also where you work, however, you also need a big part of the focus to be on function. Here are some tips for creating a home office that is both attractive and useful.
Table of Contents
Get the Right Furniture
Many people will grab any table and chair for a makeshift workspace. While this may work in a pinch, it’s not an ideal setup. You need home office furniture that allows you to sit comfortably for hours at a time. Adjustable options let you tailor the arrangement of your office to your specific needs. Think of what you will be doing while working and make the space conform to your tasks. It’s much easier to be productive in a space that has the right furniture that is conducive to the work you do.
Maximize Your Storage
If you are just starting to work from home, the list of everything you need can be daunting. Before you run out and buy a lot of brand-new items to organize the space, however, look for things you already own that can work as storage. You can upcycle things that you previously stashed in the donation pile to make your office more manageable. For example, excess coffee mugs or jars can be used to hold pens and other office supplies. Small shelves or baskets that you have relegated to the garage or storage shed can be dusted off and repurposed into useful organizational tools. You may end up buying one or two items, but with a little creativity, you can keep your expenses down.
Update the Lighting
One factor that many people who work from home often forget is the importance of good lighting. They have an office space with a window and an overhead light, and they assume that will suffice. While that may work well for people who only use the office for a few hours a week, when you spend considerably more time in the space, proper lighting is vital for helping you maintain energy and not straining your eyes. A lamp on your desk that you can focus where you need it is ideal. You may also consider how your lighting needs change throughout the workday as the sun moves and the natural light available goes with it.
Once you have furniture, storage and lighting, you have a solid, functional setup for a productive home office. You’ll be amazed at how much difference a few basics can make.