Setting up a home office is a unique challenge. Unlike with a traditional office, there may not be an obvious quiet spot where you can set up a desk and avoid interruptions from family members.
If work-life balance is a priority, it’s a good idea to create a dedicated workspace that separates your business and personal lives. In some cases, that may mean using a spare room. In others, you may have to get more creative.
Regardless of how much space you have, the right furniture and setup can help you get work done efficiently at home.
Choose Your Office Space Carefully
The first step to creating a home office is creating a dedicated space in your home for work. You will need good lighting, relative quiet, and preferably some privacy. Being near a window is ideal since daylight improves productivity and alertness.
Ideally, your home office would be a spare room with a door to reduce noise from the rest of the house, especially if your work involves regular phone or video calls. Your employer might even require that you have a lockable door for confidentiality reasons.
Workers who hope to use a home office tax deduction should take extra care to show their office is a dedicated area that is separate from the rest of their home. The IRS tends to scrutinize these tax deductions, so make sure your office fits all of the requirements before you take a deduction.
If you don’t have a whole room to dedicate, you may be able to set up shop in a corner of your living room or hallway. We’ve seen creative home office setups in closets, attics, dining rooms, and even dumbwaiters.
Make Space for Supplies
Designate a place for all the equipment you use. Depending on your role, you may need a place for your computer, multiple monitors, file cabinets, open table space for design work, or even storage areas for photography equipment.
Check with your employer to see if they have any specific requirements for your work-from-home office. For example, they may require a specific electronic setup or a chair that meets ergonomic guidelines.
Don’t forget to leave room for any equipment you might sometimes bring home from the office. You don’t want extra files or electronic equipment from work to clutter up an otherwise tidy home office.
Choose Furniture You Like
Furniture that fits you and your style will help you feel comfortable and productive in your home office. While you may not want to choose style at the expense of comfort, especially if you plan to spend most of your workday in your home office, furniture you love could help you feel more confident at work.
Choosing the right furniture is often a balancing act. Beautiful antique furniture may be too inflexible for comfort, while a contemporary ergonomic chair may not fit every home. Ideally, you should be able to find a happy medium.
Home Office Furniture in the Pacific Northwest
Everett Office Furniture provides a wide range of home office furniture, from full home office setups to minimalist sit-stand desks. As a full-service furniture dealer, we offer an in-house design team to provide customized consultations, computer space planning, and ergonomic evaluations.
Our team has been serving the greater Puget Sound region since 2002. Contact us today to start creating your ideal home office.