Whether you work from home or bring work home with you after a day at the office, creating an office space in your home is of utmost priority. It’s important that you can work in a space that nurtures your productivity instead of stifles it.
There are four main aspects to consider when designing and creating your home office space. Read on and discover what they are.
Location
The room or part of your house where you choose to situate your home office is important. You’ll want to make sure that you are positioned in an area which doesn’t get too much ambient noise from the rest of the home, such as the noise of your family, pets or simply other neighbours. You will most likely also want a big enough space for a desk, possibly a bookshelf, or a filing cabinet for important documents. Therefore, a medium sized room, or a space to one side of a larger living room or lounge could be the most appropriate.
However, you may not want to feel isolated and shut away from the rest of the house, so it could be important that the area you choose is also connected to other main areas of your home. An office that is situated off the reception area of your home, with a door you can close against any noise, means that you won’t miss out on seeing anyone pass through your home and you can engage with them if you wish.
Lighting
There’s no use working in dim light, squinting at your computer screen and risking damage to your eyes. When planning your office, make sure there’s enough light, both natural and artificial. Using a room with large windows or a skylight can bring in natural light for the work-from-home types and can also help you to take breaks from the screen of your computer.
In terms of artificial lighting, for those who bring work home in the evenings, an overhead light can be the best way to maximise the illumination of the room. However, if you’re looking for more muted lighting, a desk lamp or a standing lamp can add a slightly lower light level to the space. This is especially effective if your office is situated in part of another room in the house and you want to avoid turning on all the lights in the room.
Furniture
Comfort is of utmost importance when working, since it can make a huge difference to your productivity when you aren’t wrestling with an uncomfortable chair or a desk that is too tall or short. Not only that but making sure you have appropriate furniture can save you from health problems in the future, such as bad backs and poor posture, sore necks, carpal tunnel and others.
Make sure that the chair you have places your eyeline at the top of your computer screen to promote good posture and that your desk is at the right height for your forearms to be at a 90° angle to your upper arms when you’re typing.
Accessories
While you may think that all you need for a home office is a desk, a chair, and a computer, adding some other touches can make it not only functional but also an enjoyable place to work.
Adding art to the walls of your study or home office can make a room seem brighter and more welcoming, while accents like desk tidies and organisational aids can also provide use and style to the space.
If you need to make space for a home office in your house, why not consider storing some items in self-storage? Not only will you be able to free up some space, you’ll also know that your belongings are safe and secure, and accessible whenever you need them. Click here to find out more.
