How to Set Up a Home Office

When you work from home or in a hybrid home and office situation, you spend tons of time in one area. So, it’s important that your home office is comfortable. One of the most important pieces of furniture is the right desk chair. For the best in functionality and comfort, choose an ergonomic chair that supports your upper and lower back and rear. Get a chair with armrests for wrist support and height adjustments for your size. Other features to look for include lumbar support, sufficient padding and the material it’s made of.

It also pays to have a mouse pad with wrist support and a keyboard wrist rest since you'll be there for a long time. Consider a curved monitor, and adjust it so that it sits at eye level to cut down on eye strain and neck pain. For conference calls, choose headphones that have good sound quality and fit well, so they don't damage your ears and eardrums.

Decorating your office can help with mental health and create an environment that won't stress you out. When considering home office decorating ideas, keep things personal. Display photos, plants and trinkets that bring you joy when you see them. Plants can also help to increase a room's air quality.

If you want to choose a new decor, select bright colors and designs to break up the monotony of walls. Hang art with inspiring or uplifting messages that can keep you upbeat throughout the day. Consider candles or incense with pleasant scents that encourage relaxation and peace of mind. Floor rugs are a budget-friendly way to introduce color and texture to a home office. The goal is to make your office a place you want to be in, rather than have to be in.

Home offices require storage space, so it helps to make sure you have plenty. Select shelves or hanging storage to keep your floor free from boxes. Choose bookshelves and bookcases to place decorations, books and personal items so they don't gather on your desk.

One easy way to keep things stored and organized is to get a filing cabinet. If your space is small, consider cabinets that can fit under or next to your desk. Use folders and separators to keep your files and documents for future needs.

Eye strain is a problem you can avoid with the right lighting options. One easy thing you can do is set up your desk near a window. Natural lighting keeps your office feeling less closed off and is good for your vision. It can also save you money on energy since you use less electric lighting.

As far as artificial lighting goes, it's important to select desk and overhead lamps that have natural-style light. Add accent lighting with LEDs that use less power but still provide brightness. Look for smart lighting that changes and turns off with voice or phone commands, to make adjusting brightness easy. Once you have your lights in place, use them wisely. Put lights in locations where they don't shine directly into your eyes but still give you plenty of illumination for work.

As you set up or go through home office revamp ideas, think about getting rid of items as well as purchasing new ones. Check your files and work items for anything obsolete or unnecessary. Don't be afraid to throw things away to keep your work area orderly.

Your floor needs to be tidy too, so get your cables in order. Use specialized ties, zip ties, or cable organizers to keep them out of the way and untangled. Throw away trash and other waste regularly, so it won't build up on the ground. Get a trash can, to keep waste and junk all in one place.

A great way to remove clutter is to digitize. Make digital copies of files, photos and books so you can remove the physical versions of them from your surroundings.

Technology is vital for a productive work-from-home environment. When you begin, pick a laptop or desktop computer that is fast and powerful enough for your job. Get a keyboard layout that suits your hand size and typing preferences. Select a webcam and microphone that work reliably, and have positive reviews to back up their performance.

Many people prefer a standing desk for their home office. This piece of furniture allows various height settings to make sure it's comfortable. Look for one that rises electronically, so you can sit or stand as needed and encourage healthy habits.

To stay organized and save space, a combined printer-scanner maximizes the office area. Consider getting a digital office assistant to help you stay on schedule and remind you of your goals throughout the day or week.