5 Tips to Help you Create the Perfect Home Office for less
When it comes to creating the perfect home office, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to choose the space and get yourself set up with the right furniture and accessories to stay organized and productive. You'll also want to consider how you feel about the space—organize and decorate it in a way that inspires you. It's hard to work in a room you can't stand being in or at a desk that's uncomfortable or dysfunctional. If you're trying to up your working-from-home game, check out the five tips below.
1. Choose a space in your home
Whether you have an extra room you can devote to your home office or not, you'll want to choose a space in your home where you can be (relatively!) undisturbed, comfortable, and productive.
Select an area where you'll have enough room for everything you need to be productive. Make a list of the non-negotiables like a table or desk, a chair, your computer and any screens, a printer, and so on. You'll also want to consider any extra files or equipment that need to be accommodated.
And if mess = stress in your books, then consider what can or should be excluded from the space you choose. For example, you don't want to set up a makeshift office in your storage room if the clutter will just end up driving you crazy. There's nothing worse than having to work in an area that leaves you feeling scattered, bored, or stressed.
For some, working in an emptied-out closet would feel cute and cozy, while for others, it might be claustrophobic or impractical. Likewise, the kitchen table might be a well-lit area with plenty of room and easy access to the coffee maker but can feel too makeshift or high-traffic to get anything done.
You want to choose a space where you'll actually be able to get some work done and can enjoy being.
2. Use furniture and equipment you already have
One of the best ways to save on your home office set-up is to use the furniture and equipment you already have. Repurposing is the name of the game here.
For example, if you have an old desk in your home, then that's an easy and obvious choice. But you can get creative with it too. An old dresser can be used as office storage, converted to a bookshelf, or could be a good candidate for a standing desk if it's the right height. Or you could even just mount a shelf to the wall and use that to support your laptop.
Old doors or boards can be laid on top of short bookshelves to make a spacious table desk. Old furniture can easily be sanded down and repainted for a more modern look, so get creative, and you'd be surprised at how easy it is to take an existing piece and turn it into a treasure that has you excited to get to work.
3. Shop second-hand
Another way to save on your home office set-up is to shop for deals at local thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces.
Pull out a tape measure to get a good sense of the dimensions of your space before buying any furniture so it doesn't end up looking overwhelming or crowded.
When shopping second-hand, look for solid pieces that could be repainted or given new accessories to make them modern and stylish--like a set of drawers with old or broken pull knobs that could be replaced with something sleek and stylish. Or bookshelves that are the right height to serve as the support for a table desk.
In my office, I have an old-three drawer dresser that I topped with a small cube shelf for a fun and functional cabinet that hides all my office supplies like envelopes, printer paper, and stationery.
4. Make sure the area is well-lit
Another key factor to consider when creating your home office is the lighting and comfort of the space.
Natural light is the best type of light for working, and it will help to reduce eyestrain. If you can't set up near a window, consider using artificial light sources that mimic natural sunlight. You can also add mirrors to make the space seem larger and reflect the natural light that you do have, amplifying it. You'll also want to consider where your light sources are positioned, as that will affect how you appear on video calls. By now, nearly every remote worker is aware that having your back to a window will make you look like an amorphous grey blob on camera...not a good look. If possible, try to sit facing your strongest source of light or invest in a ring light.
5. Add a splash of style
Once you've chosen all your furniture, gotten organized in a way that makes sense to you, added adequate light, and made yourself comfortable--now it's time to add a bit of personal style. A splash of colour, a pop of whimsy...whatever makes your space yours.
You can have a little more fun here than you would in a traditional office setting, and the little touches that make your space enjoyable can go a long way in boosting your mood and helping you stay productive for hours at a time. Add in some plants or artwork to help brighten up the area and add a touch of personality. Or any objects that bring a smile to your face. For me, that's a trusty Magic 8-Ball for those moments when I need help making an important decision and a nodding bobblehead for confirmation that the Magic 8-ball is giving me the right advice.
Remember that nothing is set in stone. As you work in your space, you'll discover what's working and what's not. Unlike being in the office, where there's not much, you can do to improve your setup, at home, the world's your oyster. If you decide you want a standing desk, you can jerry-rig a taller setup. Swap out your chair for a bar stool when you do want to sit down. Adapt as you see fit. Redecorate whenever the mood hits you. There's no right or wrong way to do it, as long as you're comfortable. Simply figure out what you need to be your most productive (and happy!), make sure you have enough space to be comfortable, get creative with the resources you have on hand, get some light in there if you can, and have fun!