How to set up a great work from home space

Now that many of us are working from home full-time, a makeshift seat at the dining table or on the couch is not going to cut it. A dedicated workspace with a functional and stylish setup will help us be more productive and comfortable as we spend longer hours in front of our computers at home.

Whether you have a dedicated home office or you don’t and need to carve out a workspace, one that is well-designed and stylishly put together can improve your mood and make for a better work environment. Below are 4 tips for setting up a great WFH (work from home) space. Plus, I’ve pulled together some workspace furniture and accessories that are high on style.

Design: Eggshell Home / Photography: Helynn Ospina

Tip 1: The right workspace furniture

The key to comfort and productivity starts with having the right furniture. It should be the right size, height, and be adjustable for maximum comfort. And it doesn’t need to look like cubicle or bland corporate furniture. Here’s your opportunity to add personality to your workspace.

Start with a great desk or table

Get a desk with a large enough surface area for your computer, monitor, lamp and some extra room for desk accessories, notebooks, and of course, coffee. If this is a temporary set up you may not need a formal desk with lots of drawers. A small dining table or even a console table can work just as well. Just make sure it is a comfortable height. Typically, tabletop and desk heights are about 30” from the floor.

Design: Eggshell Home / Photography: Laura Flippen

Add a stylish (and comfortable) office chair

You may be tempted to pull up any old chair from the dining room. For long hours of sitting in front of the computer I would recommend a task chair or desk chair that is adjustable to your liking. Caster wheels, armrests, and a swivel feature are also helpful when it comes to ease of use and comfort of a desk chair. There are many options available that don’t look like the standard black office chair so take this opportunity to find one with some style. Here are a selection of desk chairs that are high on style but also provide the function of an office or task chair.

Tip 2: Adequate lighting — both artificial and natural

If at all possible placing your workspace next to a source of natural light like a window will be best for your eyes and your mood. Now that we are cooped up inside all day everyday we need to see and feel that sunlight so our bodies and brains know when to change with the daylight. Being able to occasionally gaze out of the window also helps our eyes take a break. For the darker, overcast days or evening hours be sure to have adequate artificial lighting like a task or table lamp. Lamps are a great way to add style to your space. Select a lamp that acts as an accent in color, texture or pattern to make a statement in your space.

Tip 3: Helpful and minimal Technology Accessories

You probably already have your computer, laptop, and/or monitor so I’m not going to elaborate on that. Instead, it’s the peripheral elements that can really improve your productivity and mood. For example, I have music playing while I work at almost all times. I select playlists based on my mood and energy level. I usually cycle between jazz, coffee shop music, indie, and pop for great background music that isn’t too distracting. Spotify is my go to app, and I have a bluetooth speaker set up in my home office.

My other must-haves are accessible charging equipment and cord management to keep the tangle of cords under control. All my cords are white, and they blend into my white table. The cords are wrapped up and tucked up underneath my table with a rack for cord management. I also have a cable catch to keep the charging end from falling off the table, so I’m not having to stoop to the floor every time I need to charge my phone. These minor details make the mundane so much more pleasant.

Tip 4: Don’t forget Accessories and home Decor

Don’t underestimate what stylish desk accessories can do for your mood! If you have a cubicle at your office you might have some family and friends photos pinned up. Your home office should be no different. Add a framed photo or two to give it a more personal touch. (Even if you can spin around in that swivel desk chair and see your family right there). A potted plant or vase of flowers is also a nice touch that keeps us connected with nature.

Stylish Desk Accessories

Modern and Classic Frames and Vases

Working from home may or may not be your favorite place to work, but today it is the reality. Whether temporary or permanent, making our workspace environment as comfortable and stylish as we can will make working from home a more productive and pleasant experience!

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Rosanna

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