How To Design The Perfect Home Office
After the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the world in 2019, remote working has skyrocketed, with a whopping 44% of British people working either fully remote or hybrid, meaning that the home office has become more of a necessity than a luxury.
It’s important to make sure your work-from-home setup is a visual balance of calm and concentration. A well-designed home office can significantly impact your productivity and overall work-life balance. In this blog, we will guide you through some of our top tips when creating your own office and how to make the most of it.
Where To Put Your Home Office
Finding the perfect space for your home office is crucial for a productive remote work experience. Here's why it matters:
- Distraction-Free Work: Your home office should be distinct from your everyday living space to minimise distractions. This separation signals a shift from "home" to "work" mode, helping you stay on task!
- Flexibility in Space: Your home office need not be a separate room; it can be a corner or even a cupboard! As long as you declare it as your official workspace, you should be able to switch into focus mode easily...
- Comfort Matters: Ensure your office is comfortable with ergonomic furniture, good lighting, and ventilation. A comfortable workspace will help boost productivity and mental well-being, as wel as give you a great space to concentrate for your 9-5!
In short, the location of your home office plays a pivotal role in your productivity and work-life balance. Pick somewhere where you can feel settled and relaxed. The further away from the TV, the better!
How To Arrange A Home Office Layout
How To Position Desk In A Home Office
Where you sit for the majority of your day is crucial to your productivity and concentration. Making sure you are sitting in an area that is stimulating enough to keep you working but not enough to distract you is the right idea. We recommend sitting somewhere close to a window for both ventilation and mental stimulation.
You want to avoid setting up near something that would distract your focus, such as a TV. In saying that, it's important not to sit in a room that has no colour or character, as this can tend to make you feel tired and unmotivated, leading you to lose focus and put the minimal effort in...
Looking for a nice desk for your office space? Check out one of our favourite office desks from Bentley Designs, the Bergen Grey Washed Oak & Soft Grey Corner Desk! To have a look at some of our other office desks, head back to our website!
How To Choose A Home Office Chair
Picking the right type of office chair is essential for working at home. When sitting for long periods of time, you want to ensure that you are comfortable to avoid any injury or strain. Here's some top tips on picking the right seat for your office retreat...
- Seat Size: Maintain 2-3 fingers' width between the front seat edge and your knee. Too little or too much space can lead to discomfort and poor posture, leading to long lasting tension and even injury.
- Backrest Shape: Opt for a backrest that mirrors your spine's natural curves, especially the lower back. If you have a pronounced lower back curve, look for extra cushioning or adjustable support.
- Chair Height: Ensure your chair's seat height allows your elbows to align with the desk's top. If not, consider using a footrest to balance things out, this makes it easier to type too!
- Backrest Angle: If you're working with a computer, choose a chair that keeps you sitting upright comfortably and lets you reach your keyboard without straining your arms.
Here's some of our favourite office chairs from Julian Bowen for inspiration...
Check out the Julian Bowen Erika Office Chair, and the Julian Bowen Gio Office Chair!
Natural Light
Home office natural lighting is a fantastic way to stay motivated and 'in the zone' when you're working from home.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, natural light profoundly influences productivity and well-being. Its even distribution of light reduces eye strain and creates a conducive environment for a focused day of work. This gentle radiance can also elevate your mood, enhancing your overall work experience.
Make Your Office Feel Like Home
It's important to put the 'home' in 'office' when creating your work-from-home setup. You will be working from the comfort of your own space and not at the office, it's essential to create an environment that you both recognise as a workplace but still feel comfortable in.
Accessorising your home office is an important part of making your space both stylish and functional. Here's some top tips about Taylor-ing your office for you!
Colour
If you can, go ahead and paint your home office the colour of your choice, something that resonates with you. Soft, muted tones can create a soothing ambience, while pops of vibrant colours can infuse energy into the space. Consider incorporating these hues through accessories like throw pillows, desk organisers, or artwork that resonates with your personal style.
We have a fantastic selection of Little Greene paint you can check out if you want to add some colour to your room!
Nature
Integrate elements that bring nature indoors. A potted plant or a small vase with fresh flowers not only adds visual appeal but also introduces a breath of fresh air, literally. Natural textures like wooden frames, woven baskets, or stone coasters can provide an earthy touch that balances the often boring office atmosphere. If you want that same green energy without the need fort watering or any mess, head over to our artificial flowers and plants page!
Lighting
Lighting can dramatically affect the vibe of your office, you don’t want it to be too dark incase your eyes start to get heavy, or too bright that you feel like your squinting to see the screen. Opt for a mix of task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting. A stylish desk lamp not only serves its functional purpose but also adds to the overall aesthetic. Whereas windows and floor lamps in the space can help create an even and balanced flow of light.
Check out some of our favourite desk lamps we have in stock! The Marble and Silver Industrial Adjustable Desk Lamp and the Marble and Brass Industrial Desk Lamp!
Desk accessories
Home office desk accessories are fantastic for both aesthetic appeal and organisation. Items like organisers, pen holders, and cable management solutions keep the workspace tidy and efficient. For the fun visual appeal, you can pick out some lovely paperweights, artwork, or ornaments that you like. Make your workspace your own!
Take a look at our homeware and accessories page for some ideas to help create some character for your home office.
Personalise
Personalisation is key! Decorate your home office with items that hold sentimental value, such as family photos, souvenirs, or memories from favourite trips. These pieces not only make the space uniquely yours but also remind you of the connections and experiences that matter most. They don’t have to be prints too, you can add memorabilia, such as small pieces from your favourite trips, tapestries, macrame and more!
