Over the last two years many of us have had to find a place to work at home. Whether you are running a business, working a few hours a day, or just sorting out the household finances, you need to create a space which you are comfortable to work in. For many of us working from home is the new norm and has changed the way in which we use the space in our home.
Practicality Is A Must!
Before you go furniture shopping, think about how you work and what pieces you’ll need in the immediate vicinity. You should invest in items that look nice, but don’t make it the sole priority. Instead, look to strike a balance between form and functionality. Anything you buy for your office should complement the other rooms in your home, or else it’ll appear like an isolated and random area.
A Room Of Your Own or Adding to an Existing Room?
There’s a good chance you’ll be spending a lot of time in your office, so try not to skimp on space. It’s also worth thinking about which areas in your home are the busiest, do you thrive on being surrounded by activity, or do you prefer peace and quiet? If you host regular client meetings, then a private space might be more suitable. If you can’t spare a whole room as workspace, compromise by utilising an underused space such as the dining room or spare bedroom. If you are adding to a room already in use, consider its style before investing in furnishings.
Choose The Right Chair
This is where you’ll be sitting – for often hours at a time – so choosing a nice looking, comfortable chair is a must. The desk & the chair will be the areas of major investment. They need to be practical and comfortable for prolonged times and ideally should fit in with the theme of the room.
Think About Your View
Whether it’s a window with a view, a beautiful picture above the desk or a unique bookcase, have something nicer to look at than a blank wall.
Lighten Up
Ensure your home office has enough light to prevent headaches and eye strain. And do your best to position your computer away from any windows to prevent glare. Task lighting is also worth the investment, this could be in the form of a reading or desk lamp.
Make It Feel Homely
It’s an office, but it’s your office, so don’t feel like you can’t decorate it with things that make you feel at home, this could be your child’s painting, framed photos, or inspirational prints.
Organise Your Technology With Care
These days technology is essential to many professions, but with it comes a gaudy sight of wires and cords. Ensure your technology is situated close to outlets and can be unplugged easily. It’s probably worth opting for a desk with a desk grommet to feed the cords through and hide them underneath, along with a cord winder to prevent them becoming unruly.
