Home Office Essentials

While it may be obvious that you need a desk in your office, the type of desk will vary. Think about the following factors:

Size

Make sure to measure your office before purchasing a desk. You want a big enough desk that doesn't take over the entire space. If your home office is on the smaller side, consider a floating desk. A corner desk is also a great way to utilize smaller spaces strategically.

Theme

If there’s a color scheme you’re trying to keep with, this is something to be mindful of. You don’t want to get a desk made of dark wood if everything else in the room is lightly colored. This will make your desk stick out like a sore thumb and the aesthetics of the room will be thrown off.

Technology Needs

Consider how much space you’re going to need for technology. Do you use only a laptop or does your job require additional monitors? Do you need a printer? Make sure that you get a desk big enough to support the technology you need to access.

Storage Needs

Think about how much storage you will need. Do you have a lot of paperwork that needs to be filed? Or, is it just typical office supplies that you have to store? Both questions will factor into whether or not you need a desk with additional storage.

Once you’ve considered all of the above elements, it’s time to decide which style is most suitable for your office needs.

Executive Desks

When you think of corporate companies, chances are you picture executive desks. These are large, can sometimes be L-shaped, and usually have an abundance of built-in storage cabinets.

Writing Desks

Simple desks with minimal storage - a drawer or two, are typically considered writing desks. A laptop or desktop computer can be placed on a writing desk, but its purpose is still to have enough room to write, hence its name.

Computer Desks

Computer desks typically are set up for desktop computers and contain specific spots for the monitor, the tower, and even cable management. The majority have a few drawers or areas for storage as well.

Secretary Desks

Secretary desks are perfect for smaller spaces. They consist of a hinged surface on top of storage drawers that doubles as a desktop. The hinged surface can be closed to keep items hidden as well. If your office space is going to be shared with another space, a secretary desk is a great way to keep work items separate.

Standing or Adjustable Desks

An adjustable desk can be extended upright so that it’s level with you while you’re standing. There are many health-related benefits of an adjustable/standing desk, as referenced by Healthline.com including:

1. "Lowers your risk of weight gain"
2. "Reduce back pain"
3. "Improve mood and energy levels"
4. Increase in productivity

Office Chair

Now that you’ve picked out a desk, you’re going to need a place to sit. Some may say that the type of chair you select is the most important part of your office. Consider the following aspects when selecting the best office chair:

Armrests

If you’re the type of person to sit with one leg under you or pretzel-style, it may be smart to get a chair without armrests.  This way, you can move around more freely.

Recliner

Selecting a chair with an adjustable recliner is beneficial in terms of relieving additional strain on your back. If you're someone who takes a lot of phone calls, a reclining chair may be a good option to promote comfort.

Lumbar Support

The experts at ApartmentTherapy.com emphasize lumbar support as an important component in an office chair. The actual fit will "mimic the curve of your spine" and provide substantial "ergonomic support."

Wheels

Chairs with wheels are great for larger areas. Once again, think about how you sit & move while working, and if you prefer to have a wider range of motion in your seat.

Material

Fabric and padding are essential. If your space has lots of windows and gets ample sunlight, you may want to steer clear of a leather chair. If you typically work at your desk for long periods, you might want to get a chair that’s more padded to avoid discomfort in your legs.

If it’s your first time shopping for a real office chair, you may be surprised by how many different categories of chairs there are. Before you decide to browse endlessly on Google or walk aimlessly through a furniture store, take some time to understand each type.

Task Chairs

Seen as traditional office chairs, they appear comfortable but also minimalistic at the same time. Most task chairs have wheels, can be adjusted by height, and have styles with and without armrests.

Ergonomic Chairs

You’ll typically see ergonomic chairs in corporate office settings. Ergonomic chairs have many features that you can modify to suit your body.

Executive Chairs

Think CEO of a large corporation. These chairs typically are no different from regular task chairs or ergonomic chairs in functionality. They mainly have a taller back.

Office Supplies

The basic office supplies you should have on hand are pens, pencils, paper, paper clips, tape, a stapler loaded with staples, and a stapler remover. If you want to be extra efficient, keep a marker, highlighter, and scissors on hand too.

Think beyond the “starter pack” of office supplies too and consider what equipment will increase your level of productivity, especially if you’re working remotely full-time. Are you someone who utilizes a desk calendar? Does a planner work better for you? Or do you need a giant whiteboard to view your tasks? These are things that you may only start to realize once you get into the groove of working from home.

Home Office Décor

Think about the office you worked in that was run down, painted a dull color, and had no windows. Were you productive? Did you enjoy spending your time there? This is why proper décor and accessories are considered essential to an office space. Here are some great ways to liven up your home office:

Pictures

Whether you choose to frame actual photographs or illustrations and paintings, it’s important to have some scenery around you.  Inspirational images will boost your mood, add a pop of color, and make your space feel more custom to you – as it should be.

Plants

Adding some greenery to your space isn’t just for visual appeal. Many studies prove that having indoor plants increases happiness, decreases stress, and enhances productivity.  

Lighting

In any setting, lighting is crucial. In an office setting, poor lighting can decrease mood, result in headaches, & decrease efficiency. The leaders at TheSpruce.com recommend using a variety of lighting in your home office, including natural light & task lighting.

Conclusion

There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when designing your perfect workspace. You need to think about what type of desk and chair is most suitable, the amount of storage needed, and how to incorporate some personal touches as well. When you have all of these home office essentials, you'll be ready to get to work!

Sources

• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-benefits-of-a-standing-desk#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
• https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-better-home-office-lighting-1812436#:~:text=When%20you%20work%20in%20a%20home%20office%2C%20the,and%20ultimately%20impair%20your%20ability%20to%20work%20effectively.