In recent years, and particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become commonplace, and millions of people across the US now work from home on a full-time or part-time basis.
However much time you spend working from your home office, it is important to set up a suitable workspace. If you don’t, you may start experiencing physical pain, fatigue, and reduced cognitive performance. You might think it’s the distractions of home that cause a reduction in productivity, but in reality, it comes from not having an adequate place to work from.
In this article, you’ll discover practical, expert-backed tips to help you design an efficient, ergonomic home office that supports both your well-being and your performance.
Why a Dedicated Home Office Matters
Spending long hours seated in front of a screen puts significant strain on both physical and mental health.
Although remote work has become widespread, most people are not equipped to work under optimal conditions at home. Working from a kitchen table or a couch is far from ideal. Poor setups often lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), eye strain, distractions, and difficulty focusing and thinking deeply.
On the other hand, a well-designed, ergonomic, and functional workspace helps prevent pain and fatigue, creates a clear boundary between work and personal life, and keeps your motivation and performance high.
12 Tips for Setting Up an Effective Home Office
Unlike traditional office spaces, most homes were not designed to function as work environments, which creates several challenges:
-
Limited space: Not everyone has a spare room they can turn into a home office.
-
Distractions: Family, roommates, pets, and visual reminders of your hobbies can make it difficult to stay focused.
-
Lack of equipment: Proper remote work often requires investing in ergonomic furniture and accessories.
Here are 12 practical tips to help you create a home office from which you can work well and sustainably.
1. Choose the Right Location
Before investing in furniture or accessories, start by selecting the right spot for your home office.
Ideally, your workspace should be in a dedicated room. However, if that’s not possible, a bedroom or living room can work as an alternative.
Choose a quiet, well-lit area away from high-traffic zones and distractions. Natural light is a major advantage as it is more comfortable for your eyes and makes the space feel larger.
Make sure the area is large enough to accommodate your desk, chair, storage, and equipment. Feeling cramped will affect your comfort and your mental well-being.
2. Clearly Define Your Workspace
Many people who work from home struggle with the feeling that there is no longer any separation between their work life and their downtime. Clearly defining your workspace can help improve focus during the day and allow you to properly disconnect when your workday is completed.
If space is limited, consider creative solutions such as a desk in an alcove, under the stairs, or inside a converted closet. You can also use visual dividers to create a symbolic boundary: rugs, plants, shelves, room dividers, curtains, or movable partitions all work well.
Painting the work area in a different color from the rest of the room can also help mentally distinguish work from leisure.
3. Choose a Desk That Fits Your Space
Select a desk that matches both the dimensions and layout of your home. While aesthetics matter, practicality and comfort should always come first.
If you’re working with limited space, consider a desk that is:
- Foldable or wall-mounted
- Compact or corner-shaped
- Minimalist, with no built-in storage
Light-colored desks (light wood, white) visually enlarge the space and make it feel more open.
If you have a dedicated office room, you may opt for a larger desk with extensions and built-in storage.
4. Optimize Lighting
Proper lighting is essential to prevent eye strain, improve concentration, and support mood.
Make the Most of Natural Light
Natural light should always be prioritized. Place your desk near a window, but avoid direct glare on your screen. Ideally, position your desk perpendicular to the window or use blinds and curtains to control brightness.
Add Task Lighting
Complement natural light with a desk lamp, preferably adjustable and dimmable, so you can work comfortably at any time of day.
The recommended lighting level for a home office is around 500 lux.
Finally, adjust your screen’s brightness and contrast, and consider using a blue light or screen filter to protect your eyes.
5. Reduce Noise and Distractions
It is no secret that most people find it easier to work from a quiet space. If possible, set up your home office in a low-traffic area, away from TVs and shared living spaces. This is especially important for deep work and video meetings.
If your desk is in the living room, keep it away from the couch and TV. If it’s in a bedroom, place it far from the bed to avoid the temptation to have a little lie-down.
Noise-canceling headphones, rugs, wall panels, curtains, and fabric hangings can help absorb sound and create a calmer atmosphere.
Discover our article on how to avoid distractions at work.
6. Create an Ergonomic Workstation
You probably don’t have the same ergonomic equipment at home as you would in the office. Given how important it is for your comfort in the short and long term, it is worth investing in furniture that helps you maintain a healthy posture.
Poorly set-up workspaces can lead to aches and pains, eye strain, and general fatigue. Plus, they often make it harder to work well. Working from a couch, bed, or kitchen table doesn’t support good posture in the long run.
Ergonomic furniture isn’t a luxury, but a necessary investment in your health and productivity.
Choose a Comfortable Desk
Your desk should match your body size and working habits. Key criteria include:
- Desktop dimensions: A desk should be deep enough (around 24–43 inches) and set at a comfortable height (roughly 25–29 inches), with enough width to give you plenty of space to work without feeling cramped.
-
Legroom: Enough space to maintain 90-degree angles at knees and elbows and to move freely.
-
Screen and keyboard positioning: The screen should be 20–28 inches from your eyes; the keyboard should sit 4–6 inches from the desk edge.
Sit-stand desks are an excellent option to reduce sedentary behavior and muscle tension.
Invest in an Ergonomic Chair
Your chair is one of the most important elements of your home office.
Choose an ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support and adjustability (seat height, backrest tilt). Your feet should rest flat on the floor, with knees at a 90-degree angle.
Or consider an alternative to a traditional office chair in the form of a dynamic sitting solution, such as the Bloon ball seat. By encouraging constant micro-movements, they help reduce stiffness and muscle tension even during long sitting periods.
Swiss balls can also be used for stretching and relaxation during breaks, making them a space-saving, cost-effective solution.
Add Ergonomic Accessories
Optional ergonomic accessories can further improve comfort and productivity:
- Monitor stands to adjust height and angle
- Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
- Footrests to improve circulation
- Wrist supports to reduce strain
Read our full article on how to set up an ergonomic workstation.
7. Maintain Proper Posture
Your workspace should naturally encourage an ergonomic posture.
Sit upright with your spine aligned, shoulders relaxed and slightly back, head straight, and lower back supported. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your forearms comfortably resting on the desk.
Maintaining proper posture reduces fatigue and lowers the risk of injury. Alternate between sitting and standing positions throughout the day to improve circulation and reduce back pain.
8. Organize Your Workspace Functionally
A well-organised layout makes it easier to stay productive. Keep essential tools, such as office supplies, tech equipment, and ergonomic accessories, within arm’s reach to reduce unnecessary movement and interruptions. When objects are clearly linked to specific tasks, it’s easier to stay focused and work more efficiently.
9. Keep Your Desk Tidy Every Day
A clean desk supports mental clarity, reduces stress, and minimizes distractions.
Plan sufficient storage near your desk so everything has a designated place. Since home offices are often smaller than corporate ones, organization is even more critical.
Adopt a daily end-of-day tidying routine.
Smart Storage Solutions
Use stackable storage boxes, filing systems, drawer organizers, and built-in desk storage to maximize efficiency.
Use Wall Space
Shelves, pegboards, wall hooks, and hanging baskets help free up desk space while maximizing vertical storage.
Manage Cables
Cable clutter increases visual noise and accident risks. Use cable ties, cable trays, and integrated power solutions to keep cords organized and hidden.
10. Personalize Your Workspace
Personalize your home office to make it motivating and inspiring, but keep your decoration minimal.
Add a few decorative elements such as inspirational quotes, framed photos, artwork, or plants. Plants and natural textures can improve mood, well-being, and focus.
Choose the Right Colors
Colors have a proven impact on mood and performance:
-
Yellow: boosts creativity and intellect
-
Blue: promotes calm and focus
-
Purple: supports concentration
-
Red (in small doses): increases energy and motivation
Balance bold colors with neutral tones like white, gray, or beige.
Without sacrificing comfort and practicality, choose furniture and accessories that reflect your style, whether that’s a wooden desk, an industrial style lamp, or a modern Bloon active seat.
11. Create a Space for Breaks
Regular breaks are essential to prevent eye strain, maintain energy, and sustain productivity.
Designate an area for breaks where you can disconnect, stretch, and relax. In small spaces, multifunctional ergonomic seating like Bloon allows you to both work and perform exercises.
12. Adapt Your Setup to Your Work Habits
Your home office should reflect your working style as much as your body type.
Whether you prefer sitting or standing, using one or two screens, taking handwritten notes, or working digitally, adjust your setup accordingly.
As your habits evolve, regularly reassess your workspace to ensure it continues to meet your preferences and your needs.
FAQ: Home Office Setup
What Are Some Ideas For Setting Up A Home Office?
Focus on functionality, comfort, and ergonomics. Invest in quality furniture, adequate storage, adjustable lighting, and clearly separate work and personal spaces.
How Do I Set Up My Home Office?
Choose a quiet, well-lit location near a window. Define your workspace, prioritize ergonomic furniture, and minimize distractions.
How Can I Be Comfortable Working From Home?
Comfort depends on ergonomic furniture, good posture, proper lighting, and a calm environment.
Why Is a Proper Home Office Setup So Important?
A poorly designed home office can lead to injuries, fatigue, reduced productivity, and long-term health issues.
