Planning Your Perfect Home Office

The following is a guest post:

I’ve worked from home for more than a decade and for the first time in many years I have a room that I can make into my home office. Working all over the house is making me slightly crazy, so to say I’m excited, is an understatement.

As with anything else, the design of your home office will make all the difference – from the furniture to the accessories and everything in between. Below are some tips that I put together along the way.

Planning Stages: What Do You Need?

What will the office space be used for? Will you strictly be working at a desk?

Are you a one person show? Will you have work related visitors? Do you Skype frequently?

Do you need room for inventory and/or equipment aside from regular office items?

Office Furniture

Health, safety and welfare are important factors. Therefore, the items you choose should be ergonomically designed to promote well-being while using them. If you are online a lot, chances are you might already suffer from sore shoulders and carpal tunnel so take the time to choose your furniture wisely and efficiently.

The core component to an efficient home office area is the right furniture and that starts with a desk and comfortable chair that will work well together with the feel you are trying to achieve. How many times have you walked into a small area with a dominating desk? I’ve seen it a lot and I definitely don’t want the desk to overtake the room, but that of course is a matter of perspective. Unless of course you have ample room, that is different.

I spend a lot of time on my computer but don’t always want to be at my desk. I wanted enough room for oversized chairs and ottomans. I say ottomans because the right one can provide storage space as well as serving its initial purpose of course. I love items that serve two purposes because it means less clutter and more efficiency, something I’m working on.

Storage is also important – I prefer bookshelves to filing cabinets. They look better and honestly it limits the amount of paper I can stash. This also leads back to the desk, if it has drawers you have room for papers.

Office Accessories

A white board or bulletin board is essential, in my opinion. Whether you use it to serve as a reminder of errands and tasks you need to accomplish, or write quotes or use it as a dream board – the visual concept is a good one and it will help keep you motivated on those days you find yourself wondering why you even woke up to sit at that desk. We all have those days from time to time.

Motivational posters are also good. The more positive the work area the better you will feel about the day. Your work area is almost as important as doing what you love. If you are lucky enough to work from home and have an office to boot, make it yours and make it work for you.

What are some of your own considerations when setting up your home office? Please do share!

 

Ashley is a freelance writer for DIY Mother and specializes in all things DIY/home improvement. She’s been known to start painting or resurfacing a table on a whim, which often perturbs her husband, but he’s a good sport. In her spare time, which is rare, she builds Websites.

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