Working from home has serious benefits. You can’t beat the commute or the flexibility you have when it comes to structuring your day. But there are also drawbacks. Creating a makeshift office at the kitchen table could mean important documents end up with a coffee ring or worse, go missing.
Whether you work full-time from home or just need an occasional workspace, thoughtful room design can make all the difference. From task lighting to functional storage, here are a few pointers for setting up an effective home office:
Lighting — Ensure you have both general and task lighting to prevent eyestrain. Ideally, office lighting should illuminate your work space without adding glare to your computer screen.
Ergonomics — Arrange your desk, chair and the computer screen so you’re sitting in a neutral position while typing. Avoid any positions that require twisting or leaning forward, as both put a strain on your back.
Cable Management — Keep control of cables with color-coded ties and clips. Don’t forget to include a charging station for all of your electronic devices.
Aesthetics — Consider the view from your office window. If you don’t have the luxury of overlooking a beautiful outdoor space, adddecorative touches indoors to create an office you’ll love spending time in.
Storage — Integrate functional storage into your office space, especially if other members of the family will also be using the room. If space is at a premium, go vertical, adding storage boxes and file holders to shelves.