If you are one of the many people transitioning to a home office, you want to be able to continue the productivity you are accustomed to. Whether you are starting from scratch with a brand-new setup or just need upgrades for your current working space at home, here is a guide to finding the best furniture and accessories.
Decide How Much Space You Need
Your usual job functions can dictate your working area. If you have a career with a distribution company and spend a lot of time coordinating channel sales, you might not need much more than a medium-sized desk, computer and printer. If you need to store inventory, though, you may need to consider a storage area with cabinets or open shelving units.
Measure the space in your potential work areas so that you can buy the right size of furniture and accessories. You have more leeway when purchasing items for a garage or spare bedroom, but if you use a corner of the kitchen or living room, you may need to be creative with space and storage.
Make Yourself Comfortable
You will spend a lot of time in your home office, so consider how you plan to arrange your furniture. Would working near a window make you feel more energized? Can you face away from the main traffic pattern of your home? Feeling at ease in your space can help you stay focused while you work.
Determine Your Budget
Once you have the specifications for your office space, you can start shopping. Before you get too far, though, set a budget for yourself. You may be paying for your furniture from your budget, or your company may give you an amount to spend. Either way, being conscious of your spending is a good idea.
Choosing a Desk
Ergonomics is vital, especially if you spend many hours at your desk. You may want to find one with a keyboard tray so that you can adjust it to your height. Otherwise, a model with an adjustable height may do the trick. Ideally, your monitor should sit just below eye level, and your arms should bend at a 90-degree angle when you type.
A standing desk may help you avoid back and neck strain. These models can be adjusted between sitting and standing height so that you can change your position during the workday.
Selecting a Chair
Your desk chair is a worthy investment. Plan to spend some money on it so that you can find one that is comfortable and long-lasting.
Your desk chair should be fully adjustable, allowing you to find the optimal position for your back and legs. The arms should also be movable to maintain a neutral, 90-degree position as you type.
Chairs with breathable mesh coverings are ideal for comfort. Wheels or casters make it easy for you to move about your work area, and a back rest that lets you recline slightly can help keep back stiffness at bay.
Plan the Lighting
Bad lighting can mess up your circadian rhythm and make you tired. It’s essential to get the lighting right for maximum productivity; Ambient lighting covers the whole room evenly so that you can move about easily. It is usually overhead. Task lighting is specific to your work area. If your ambient lighting is low, you may need a desk lamp for task lighting.
Color temperature can play into your work mood, too. Warm, golden lighting is relaxing and soothing, while blue lighting is cooler and makes you feel more alert. Depending on your job function, you can decide what color temperature is appropriate. Many people find that blue lighting is most conducive to daytime office work.
Transitioning to a home office can be a big change for you, but it doesn’t have to be a bad one. You may have more freedom than before to set up your workspace to fit your needs and preferences.