You may not have a lot of options and find you have to run power strips and extension cords across the floor. When that’s the case, make sure you find a way to do it safely (like with cord covers). One of the problems is that home offices tend to be tiny, even when your office is a dedicated room. When you’re setting up your home office, don’t just think side-to-side. A hutch, tall bookcases, or even floating shelves can give you more storage without taking up precious floor space. If you’re lucky enough to have a whole room for your office, close the door on it when work is over and don’t return until the next time you’re due to start work.
All you need is a space that strikes the perfect balance between being comfortable and being a space for work. If you recall the story of Goldilocks and the three bears, you know how important it is to find something that’s just right. Conversely, the shorter you are, the lower to the floor your desk is. In smaller offices or those without a window, the only option may be for the desk to face the wall.
‘Here, There And Everywhere’: Declutter your desk
Store documents digitally to reduce the need for filing and clear out any distractions or unneeded furniture to create an efficient and visually-appealing workspace. To design an office layout, think about the desk position first. Whether it’s against the wall or freestanding, allow sufficient room to push the chair back and stand up freely. If you can, position the desk near to a natural light source, but this may be facing a window, perpendicular to the window or with it behind you.
You’ll also want a travel keyboard and mouse with your sitting at the optimal height. Some take standard AA batteries, while others require charging before use. What would have started as a makeshift desk at the dinner table has likely evolved into its designated work area. Ideally, your work from home space should be in its own room with a door that you can shut for privacy. However, when it comes to putting together the best home office setup for productivity, your decisions will likely be impacted by location.
What is the best position for a desk in a home office?
It can also go some way to protecting your carpet if you’re rolling around in your office chair. If you’ve set up a computer in your home office, work on your cable management. Run the https://remotemode.net/ cables around the back of your desk and keep them compact with some cable tidies. Ikea sells a whole range of cable management accessories that keep things looking nice and neat.
Thinking of ways to better separate the two would be our future recommendation; benefiting both home and work lives. In the past, we spent time in our dining room where we had a desk/cupboard space built so that we had one area apart from the dining table that could be used. This meant that when the room we use for the office now was freed up we did have a good idea of exactly what we needed. Make sure the lighting is good – directional lamps and soft lighting work well. Dimmers are ideal because if you are working late at night, you can dim the lights and get on with your tasks more comfortably.
Look after your eyes
As we move between brightly lit and dark areas, our eyes automatically adjust by opening or closing our pupils to allow light to enter. Light is then interpreted by two photoreceptors – rods and cones – with the latter responsible for light sensitivity. When it gets dark, these cones increase sensitivity at the cost of image detail. Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have a spare room available. If you’re limited on space, look for a niche space in your home to get set up.
- Believe it or not, The National Institute of Standards and Technology reports that regardless of where you live, your house will experience power surges.
- You should also place your desk as close to a natural light source as possible.
- They include video adapters, so I can plug into pretty much any monitor or conferencing display.
- By following these home office tips and ideas, you can be more productive than you’ve ever been.
- This office design idea creates a dark serenity that inspires you to ask big questions.
This way, you can instantly track project progress as you work remotely in your home office. Water keeps you alert and healthy – both good things if you want to be productive. Earlier, once you stepped out of the office door, you could get on with your life. Put your phone in another room, and only check it at predetermined intervals. Getting ready for work makes you feel more professional and productive.
