If you’ve decided it’s time to create a home office, you’ll be looking to form a space that lends itself to productivity while also incorporating elements of comfort.
How to Create a Functional Home Office
If you’ve decided it’s time to create a home office, you’ll be looking to form a space that lends itself to productivity while also incorporating elements of comfort. Space, furniture, and storage are all variables that need to be addressed, so check out our list of tips and get started on your new home office.
Selecting a Space
Deciding to work from home is deciding to deal with potential distractions. When selecting a space in your home for your new office, make sure it’s away from noisy areas, like the kitchen or living room. If you have a space that’s rarely used in your house, like a formal dining room or dark den, do what you can to transform it into your own office. Paying attention to the temperature of a potential space is also important. If a room is in direct sunlight throughout the day it may be too hot to be comfortable working in; likewise, if an area is in constant shade it could become a chilly tundra in the winter months. No one can work with frozen fingers.
Outfitting Your Office
Order some modern stuff online that will help you be more productive. Whether it be top-notch earphones to drown out neighborhood noise or new pens to help you jot down important thoughts, find a stylish and practical item that will make your office space more efficient and look great at the same time.
Shelving
Adding shelving above your desk will help your home office remain free of clutter and enable you to put a personal spin on your space. Floating shelves allow for clean lines, and provide a clear space on which to place your desired items. Line your shelves with necessary books, pictures of family, or work paraphernalia you’ll need for daily operations.
Storage
Proper storage in your new space will ensure your important work information doesn’t blend into or get lost with household items. Vertical files can help you avoid buying bulky file cabinets for a space that may already be small. Expanding your file space if you work with lots of paper or contracts is essential to keeping documents organized. If vertical file holders aren’t enough, repurpose an old dresser and keep your filing system easily organized. Close it when not in use and visitors will think they’re looking at a decorative piece. Use drawer organizers to make the most of the space in your desk. If you’d like a more unique storage form that provides an extra bit of style to your office area, hang small tin buckets from classic black hooks on the wall to make for storage for pens, pencils, paper clips, or anything else you may need.
Furniture
Finding the right furniture for your office is essential. A desk with plenty of space for the specific work you perform on a daily basis will make your office a productive one. A chair designed for comfort, and for proper back support, will keep you relaxed and healthy during long hours of sitting. Once you have these high-quality pieces, take care of them, and don’t let your home office become chaotic. Keeping your desk clutter-free will help you keep a clear mind during the day, and organizing your desk will make your efficiency skyrocket.
Lighting
If you’re going to be doing work, you need to be able to see it. Ensure you have appropriate light sources. If your space is in a dark corner, brighten it up with wall sconces, and utilize a desk lamp for all your up-close and personal light needs. This will become extremely important if you have to shift your schedule around and utilize the space in evening with no natural light to aid your work process.
Personalize It
You’ll likely be spending the majority of your time in your home office during the week, so make sure the space is designed to make you happy. Personalize it with pictures of friends and family, and hang up posters or wall art that give you motivation. Think about buying an Urbio shelving unit to organize your personal items and store some lush greenery. Research has shown that having a plant in your work space can help reduce stress and decrease air pollution. A double-win!
When you’re ready to craft the ideal home office, take into account storage necessities, practical items you’ll need, the right furniture, and appropriate lighting. Make it into a space you’ll love to work, and improve your productivity
