Do you want to make your work from home more comfortable, productive, and fun? If you’re anything like me, working from home has pros and cons.

 Be it from distraction, equipment, or even being a little “off-kilter” in your own living space, the right type of workstation is the turnkey solution you didn’t know you needed. 

Even better, 77 percent of remote employees say they work more efficiently from home than in an office. *That’s huge!  *  

The catch is that a laptop on the kitchen counter or your bed doesn’t do much to give you the place where you’re inspired to pay attention and think.

 So how will we make your home office workstation smash your goals, keep your head straight, and perhaps make your workspace the best part of your day? 

So, let’s get into how to prepare your home office workspace — from what to use for furniture to the technology and decor to help you get more done. 

 

 1. Start with a Dedicated Space 

The first and foremost element of designing the perfect home workstation is having a space to do your work. And yeah, sofa work and lying on your bed may be nice for a while, but it’s a productivity killer fast. 

Why? ‘Oh yeah, the line between work and play is all messed up when you’re on the same floor for it all. Research shows that separating work and play areas also aids concentration and attention. 

This is very important because, if you’re not physically separated, your brain has difficulty “getting off” at the end of the day. 

A little desk corner or nook can do wonders if you have little space. The point is to have something “for work.” 

  

 2. The Desk: Your Command Center  

With the desk your workspace starts at the desk. It should be large enough to contain your computer and some other needed devices, as well as space for any papers or notes you may want to refer to. 

But don’t overdo it; a big desk will create clutter, and a small desk will make you feel cramped. It’s about having a solid, practical surface to keep your clutter down. 

You could even go with a *stand-up desk*. Health professionals say sitting for hours results in back and posture problems. This is where standing desks come in handy. Indeed, studies show standing desks can benefit energy, mood, and even productivity! 

 

 3. Ergonomics: Your Body Will Pay For It Later

That awkwardness you get after sitting crouching over your laptop all day? Yeah, not great. That’s where ergonomics comes in. 

 You have designed a workspace that will not cause pain from sitting for hours to ensure that your desk arrangement is ergonomic. 

 

Here are some quick tips:

  Sofa: Buy an adjustable chair that will support your lower back. You need something with lumbar support to prevent backaches. 

Standard Monitor Position: Your monitor should be at eye level so you don’t stress your neck or eyes. : If you are on a laptop, get a stand to keep it elevated. If you’re lucky, the top of the screen is 2-3 inches below your eye socket. 

Keyboard and Mouse: Make sure it’s just about right so you don’t have to lift your arms wide or round your shoulders. 

 

If you don’t know how to do that, here’s a really cool [how-to on ergonomic workstations](https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics) from OSHA. It explains what is right about posture, desk space, and equipment. 

 

 4. Lighting: Bright Ideas Ahead  

You’ve probably already heard about the lighting as a room’s accent. To have your home workstation, ensure your workstation gets enough lighting to avoid eye fatigue and stay on track. Natural light is best (if you can get it), so prop your desk near a window.

 Getting the sun at night can make your circadian clock work more smoothly and keep you more alert during the day. 

When working at night or in a darkened room, get a good desk lamp that you can dim. * Warm white light** is best since it doesn’t make your eyes sore and creates a cozy working environment. 

  

 5. Technology: Technology That Fits Your Needs 

Now, let’s talk tech. We all know technology can be the difference between productivity and burnout. Here are a few must-have items for your home office: 

Laptop/Computer: You may need a high-end machine depending on your work type. For instance, video editors and graphic designers must wear a good monitor and graphic card. A notebook or desktop computer is probably all you need if you’re a writer. 

Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones are a thing. They’re a good way to keep out sounds if you live in a noisy space. 

Keyboard and Mouse: A wireless keyboard and ergonomic mouse will go a long way. It also organizes your desk, so you don’t have to worry about cords. 

External Monitor: If you multitask, an external monitor is a must. It allows you to keep documents, emails, and spreadsheets open simultaneously without taking up much screen space. 

 

 6. Storage: Keep It Organized

Storage might not sound like a fun element to your workspace, but believe me, you need it. Workplace organization makes the mind work better, and if everything is there, you’ll be less likely to get lost in the shuffle. 

 

Consider these storage solutions:  

Drawer organizers: Keep pens, notepads, and other small tools in order and at your fingertips. 

Bookshelves: If you have books, binders, or files, get some shelves to organize them. 

Cable management: Stalk the cables in and out of the house with cable organizers. 

  

 7. Personalize Your Space  

Where you work should be a place that shows who you are and inspires you to do great work. A little customization is a nice touch. Here are some ideas:  

Plants: Plants not only enhance air quality but can also help you be productive and healthier. A potted little plant on your desk will bring a bit of the outdoors, a glimmer of breath. 

Decor: Have some wall art, inspirational sayings, or anything that makes you laugh. These will also keep you going in the long hours. 

Tools to Keep Your Space Organized: Place decorative but practical objects such as colorful notebooks or unique paperweights on your desk. 

 

 

 8. Ambiance: Set the Mood  

And last but not least, there is the atmosphere. Having a mood set that is conducive to concentration is productivity gold. Try these ideas:  

Mic/CD player: Some people prefer to listen to music on the CD player. Play some instrumental jazz, lo-fi music, or a soundtrack from nature to get into the groove. 

Scent: Aromatherapy can go a long way in your office. Aromatically massage with lavender (for relaxation) or peppermint (for focus). 

Room Temperature: If you have room temperature, try to use that. Being comfortable means no rushing and more focused. 

 

 9. The Power of Breaks  

Breaks are so key! Sitting at your desk all day is exhausting, so take a few breaks in the middle of the day. ‘[I] t’s known as the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes and 5 minutes break) to get more focus and productivity. 

 

 Final Thoughts  

Getting a desk and the best tech is not the whole deal for your home office. It’s about making it your space to feel good, focus better, and be in the right frame of mind. But the good news is, you don’t have to do it all in one go. Start small, improve over time, and have a blast! 

So, want to design your home workstation? Follow these ideas, and you’ll be on your way to a functional, private space that is all your own. 

To read more about setting up a productive workspace or for inspiration on furniture and tech, go to [The Home Office Setup Guide by Wired](https://www.wired.com/).