Setting Up Your First Home Office
About a decade ago, having a dedicated office at home would have most likely included a desk, chair and computer. Or if you happened to be rich maybe a study as a separate room.
Today however with the rise of freelance work, side hustles and remote work, interest in home offices has risen dramatically, with Statista reporting that by 2023 almost 30% of workers worldwide, primarily worked remotely.
Nevertheless, if you are not already part of the 30 percent or you’re just searching for advice on a home office setup, then you have come to the right place. In this article we’re going to be walking you through the basics of setting up your first home office.
Who is it for?
Yes, I know it’s most likely for you, the reader. But the question stands. This is important because people are often swayed by the opinions or setups of others. So, to help you along we curated a short list of questions we believe you’d need to ask before making a decision:
- How much space do I have? Where will it (the home office) fit?
- Do I need lots of storage?
- What type of work am I going to do there?
- Would I need to upgrade the setup later?
- How easy would the setup be to clean? Do I clean regularly?
- What does the rest of the room look like?
It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers before you begin, that just means you’d be better off starting small and then building on it.
How much space do I have for a home office? And where will it fit?
This question has a few possible answers, one being you have no space, the second being, you have very little space. Third: good enough space to get a full setup. And the last, you have an entire room at your disposal.
If you’re short on space, do not worry, it just means you’ll need to modify an existing part of your home to accommodate the home office setup.
Your home office could fit into a corner, under some stairs or even inside a closet (Google cloffice for a surprise!). There are heaps of options here, wall-mounted desks, fold-down tables etc., going vertical is key here.
With a bit more space you can use rugs and room dividers to visually separate your home office from the rest of your room.
With a whole room as your playground larger furnishings and zoning for different tasks becomes the priority, you could have a standing and sitting desk as well as a dedicated drawing or technical area.
Storage options are also very important. If options are non-existent already, then opt for built-in shelves, modular boxes and multifunctional furniture to keep clutter accessible and out of sight.
Home office equipment, lighting, comfort and ergonomics
In a first home office, it can be tempting to focus on style first, but comfort and utility should be of the highest priority. Start by looking for desks with the right height and space. An adjustable table could be the best starting point. You’ll also need a chair with proper lumbar support as well as a monitor or laptop that’s placed at eye level in order to reduce strain on your neck: so, an adjustable chair to go with that table.
Now, you’ll need to consider lighting. A home office with natural light could boost your mood and energy, while acting as a natural clock for a healthy work-life balance. If you do not have enough natural lighting, consider a good desk lamp with adjustable brightness. But there’s one more thing you have to consider here, glare. You have to ensure that glare from your screen is minimised to reduce eye strain and discomfort. Nothing breeds more discomfort than harsh lighting, believe me.
Tools, technology and personalisation
A home office needs the right balance of personality and utility. To begin we must ensure the basics are taken care of. A solid computer, reliable internet connection and accessories (printer, notepad, headphones). Make sure all cables are properly tucked away with clips or trays. If your work is technical or creative, you may need a designated drawing table or area, as well as a dual monitor setup or a whiteboard. Any such needs can be integrated into the setup gradually to ensure it all works cohesively.
But once all that is covered you can begin to personalise the space. Some biophilic (nature/plants) elements can liven the space with artwork or motivational quotes setting the tone. You want to create a space that isn’t overcrowded or distracting. Also, consider the materials and colour palettes carefully so as to ensure that they match or perfectly contrast without distracting from the overall décor of the room. You do not want to wince every time you walk into the room.
Start small
The best advice we can give for your first setup will always be to start with the most basic of elements and build from there. It is easy to believe that you know all that’s required because of experience in an actual office away from home or because you are confident. But the truth is every environment is different and the things our we do and the way we act differs based on these environments. I’m sure you’ve already noticed the theme here has quickly become “Adjustable”. If you truly want to be productive while keeping healthy boundaries or a work-life balance: then build according to your needs. Take note of all that you yearn for while using a basic setup and expand based on those yearnings.