A new hybrid way of working has emerged post-pandemic with many people preferring to split the working week between home and the office. This new flexible working means the home office is a permanent fixture in many of our homes, so creating a space that is well functioning and helps you maximise productivity is essential. Whether you have a dedicated room or a small corner, see our top 5 surefire tips to create a space that is guaranteed to create a productive workspace at home.
Create the perfect space to work from home
1. Define your workspace
The starting point of your home office should always be your desk – this is where you will sit for the majority of the day after all. We suggest you go as large as you can with the space you have. A rustic desk full of character will not only provide space to work, but will bring some warmth and style to a room. That said, if space is limited then work out the essentials you need to fit on your desk to work efficiently. Do you work on a laptop or a large screen? Invest in the best desk you can fit or afford and you have the making of a successful home office space.
2. Choose seating that’s comfortable and stylish
You will spend a lot of time in the office chair so it should be comfortable, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. High-quality material, functionality and comfort are the key areas to look for, together with a design and style that fits in with your home office scheme. A soft faux leather or leather desk chair with arms provide comfort, whilst an adjustable seat or a leather office chair that swivels and is on wheels is a practical choice. As with your choice of desk, the best desk chair is worth the investment – your posture will thank you for it.
3. Get the lighting right
The next most important element is lighting. Having plenty of natural daylight is best, but you will still need other forms of artificial light throughout the day, or night if you’re burning the midnight oil! We recommend adding layers of lights that can be adjusted depending on the light outside. Ceiling lights are ideal for providing a good level of overall light, but supplement this with additional options. Desk lamps add a classic office look as well as offering practical focused lighting, especially good if your job entails lots of reading. If you are limited to desktop space then a floor standing lamp is a good idea or choose a wall-mounted or clip on desk light.
4. Maximise space with clever office storage
Storage is always a good investment in any part of your home and it is even more important when it comes to the home office. Staying organised with everything in its place helps with productivity, but storage is also essential to store expensive tech items when not in use and to file confidential documents out of sight. Filing cabinets tend to be large and unsightly, but a home filing cabinet crafted in reclaimed wood will sit nicely in stylish office space. Alternatively, a small wooden sideboard or highboard are perfect options for home office storage, whilst an open industrial shelving unit looks great in an office space and is perfect for adding your own personality, as well having the items you need quick access to close at hand.
5. Decorate and personalise your space
One of the best parts of being able to work from home is that you can make it completely your own and you don’t have to adhere to any office guidelines. Surround yourself with things that make you happy and feel good, whether that’s photos of family and friends or artwork and inspiring quotes that make you smile. Or how about painting or wallpapering a wall in your favourite colour and print? Biophilia and bringing the outdoors in is thought to help balance stress levels, so place a plant on your desk or shelving unit, or if space is limited hang a plant from the ceiling to bring a touch of nature to your space.