The rise of remote work has led to an increased need for comfortable home offices. Whether you have a home office already and are looking for a remodel, or you’ve been working from your kitchen table and are ready to switch to a more permanent setup, designing a home office is no simple task.
To do it right requires strategy, some modern office decor ideas, and patience. Shop for new decor carefully and only buy what you love. This is doubly true if you’re on a budget. Shopping for clearance office furniture isn’t a process you’ll want to rush.
You’ll spend over 40 hours per week in this room, so it should match your aesthetic.
We want to make sure your office is practical yet fits your personality and specific needs, so we created this detailed guide to designing a home office. Ready? Here we go.
The layout of your office can affect your productivity and comfort. Too tight and crowded and you could feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable. Too much space and you may constantly wonder what is missing.
The layout you choose will also depend on the type of work you do. Designers may need large tables and ample open spaces, whereas writers may prioritize a comfy chair or unique home office furniture that inspires creativity. You should also consider the desk’s orientation and view.
Just remember that everyone is different, so tailor your office to fit your needs.
Before you start the design process, choose your aesthetic. Pick your paint colors or wallpaper and peruse framed artwork until you land on a style that feels good.
Maybe you go for a coastal vibe with light blue walls and beach photos or perhaps a more moody office with black walls and gold accents. You could also aim for modern office decor such as:
Choosing an aesthetic can narrow down your new or clearance office furniture options and make shopping easier.
When choosing a desk, you’ll want to aim for comfort. This means choosing a height that will allow you to sit or stand without hunching. You’ll also want to ensure your desk fits your space and the Feng Shui of the room. A large desk may offer comfort, but if it crowds the space and makes you feel claustrophobic, you won’t enjoy sitting at it.
When considering your available desk options, prioritize function over fashion. Do you work best sitting or would a standing desk suit you better? What about an adjustable one that you can raise or lower at will?
Chairs are not a one-size-fits-all solution, as torso and leg length vary from person to person. You can solve this problem by purchasing an adjustable chair that allows you to adjust the seat to a height that’s most comfortable for you.
To avoid back strain and fatigue, choose a chair with good lumbar support and one that allows your thighs to remain level with your hips. Your seat should be soft enough to feel comfortable, but not so soft that you sink in and need to hunch over to work.
Make sure you also take into consideration the size of the seat of your chair. One that’s too narrow will make you feel squished and uncomfortable all day, while one that is too large may make it difficult to use the armrests properly.
If your work involves frequently moving between cabinets and your desk, opt for a chair with wheels.
Many jobs require lots of equipment or paperwork, such as a printer, label maker, or filing cabinet. You don’t want everything on your desk at all times, so it’s important to have adequate storage space. Adding shelves, cabinets, or a rolling storage cart can help you get larger items out of the way so your desk area stays clear of bulkier items. A desktop organizer or desk drawer could also help you keep your workspace clear.
Many home offices are small, and that’s totally okay! In a smaller office, use all the space you can. On an open wall, you can use a magnetic board or a corkboard so you can hang documents and organize your thoughts on a physical display.
Light plays a big role in working comfortably. Bad lighting may cause you to squint or hunch over to see things clearer. This can cause back pain, eyestrain, and headaches, which nobody wants during their workday.
Set a desk near a window that allows natural light in. Make sure you still have access to overhead lighting or a lamp that will allow you to see everything in your workspace clearly.
This may seem like a minor detail, but organized cords can make your office feel less cluttered. A pile of tangled cords on the floor could also be a safety hazard and increase the risk of you tripping and falling.
Purchase cable hooks and attach them to the wall or to the side of your desk. Arrange cords in straight lines so that they don’t tangle or look messy.
Working at home can be more challenging than working in a traditional office setting because you often have more distractions.
To avoid distractions and stay on task, create a calm workspace by minimizing clutter and decorations and keeping your TV in another room. A dirty or untidy office can distract you or make you feel uncomfortable. Make sure you prioritize a clean, distraction-free work environment.
This is your home office, so make sure it feels like your own space! Decorate the room so you will feel happy and comfortable anytime you enter it.
Add personal touches like:
Plants can brighten any room and provide a lively feeling to the environment. Choose simple houseplants that require basic care and watering. Add one or a few around your office.
Or if plant care is too much of a hassle, artificial plants can also add a cheery feeling to your office space.
The first step in setting up a functional and aesthetically pleasing at-home office is to create a plan. The second step is to browse through the spectacular deals in office furniture Clearance Room has to offer. Shop our most popular furniture selection to find the perfect pieces to fit your home office needs!