With many of us working remotely due to current circumstances it’s becoming increasingly necessary to have a home office. An efficient layout of your home office is important, and can help you to maintain productivity during these stressful times. But where should you begin?
Take An Inventory
Putting together a list of what you’ll need in your office is the best place to start. If you’ve already been working from home you may have most of the furniture you need, but it’s good to determine what kind of furniture will make the best use of your space. Most home offices are going to need the following:
- An office desk
- Office desk chair
- Filing cabinet
- Printer stand or cart
- Proper lighting
Once you’ve got your list put together it’s time to consider what your needs are for each piece of furniture and what style of furniture will best fit your requirements.
Choosing The Right Home Office Desk
Selecting a desk for your home office is going to require taking a few measurements. You’ll have to determine the proper location for your desk and what size desk you can accommodate. It’s also important to decide what size desk you’ll need for your laptop/desktop as well as a table lamp or any other items you might keep on your desk.
The most important part is also finding a desk that fits your style. There are lots of different types of desks to choose from, such as large and imposing executive desks or sleek & modern writing desks. Each can offer different advantages, so research several different styles and select the one that fits your needs.
Finding A Desk Chair
Much like the office desks we mentioned, finding a desk chair can be a bit overwhelming. Do you want overstuffed leather? Maybe you’re looking for something a bit more contemporary? The most important thing to remember is that your chair should offer the following features:
- Adjustable height
- Adjustable backrest
- Adjustable armrests
- Breathable material
- Comfortable cushioning
- Lumbar support
All of these features will ensure that your office chair is comfortable and ergonomic. Cheaply made chairs can cause back pain and may be made from materials that will become hot quickly.
Finding A Filing Cabinet
Depending on the type of desk you decided to purchase for your home office, you may not need a filing cabinet. Many of the larger executive desks offer filing drawers that will likely meet your needs. But if you’ve decided to go with something a bit more streamlined it is likely necessary to purchase a filing cabinet. Just like with most furniture the size of your cabinet will be determined by what your needs are.
If you are looking for high quality file cabinets the best bet is usually steel or wood. These cabinets will come in different dimensions but will also offer a variety of colors that will match the color palette you’ve chosen to employ for the rest of your office. The upshot of these materials is that both tend to be sturdier than plastics and offer a variety of features, such as locks that will keep your files safe.
Pick A Printer Stand
A printer stand can be made out of wood, plastics, or even simple wire. A printer stand should feature lockable castors, as you won’t want your printer to slide around when not in use. This can be dangerous, and the last thing you want is to break an expensive printer. Ideally the stand will feature multiple levels, as you’ll want to be able to store other devices, such as paper shredders. For a home office we would recommend a wood printer stand, as this will match well with other home decor and won’t look cheaply made.
Add Proper Lighting
The two options you’ll have for additional lighting are either a table or floor lamp. Assuming your workspace isn’t cluttered a desk lamp should be easy enough to come by. Look for a desk lamp that offers crisp lighting from an LED bulb. Many styles of these lamps also offer a USB port to allow you to charge your electronics.
Floor lamps should also match the aesthetics of your home office. A floor lamp for your home office should be sturdy and offer quality ambient lighting. Avoid using fluorescent lighting that will cause headaches or dim lights that can induce unnecessary eye strain. While there are many different styles of floor lamps, a home office will likely use either an arched lamp or a simple reading lamp.
Of course, the best lighting you can get is also free. When you’re choosing a room for your home office try to select a room that has plenty of natural lighting.
Need some further assistance?
Just like many other home projects, updating a home office can quickly prove to be quite daunting. Fortunately, we’re here to help! We’ve got years of experience with home office design and offer plenty of tips for finding the best home office furniture in Greenville, SC. Reach out to us today!
