Whether you run your own digital business or telecommute as an employee, you’re probably aware of how tough it can be to work from home. The COVID-19 pandemic caged us in our homes, pushing offices to make their employees work remotely. People were searching for spaces to turn into home offices from the kitchen and living room to the bedroom and spare rooms.
Even after over a year, things haven’t changed much as many people are still working from home. The good news is that most of us have become accustomed and are always embracing the new normal with open arms. If you haven’t already, it may be time to tweak your home workspace to inspire you and help improve your productivity.
Here are a few tips to help make your home office space more comfortable:
1. Define Your Office Area
If you haven’t found and allotted a proper space for your home office yet, it may be time to do so. Having a well-defined area charted out as your office space can help make your home office a naturally more comfortable space.
If you have an extra empty room, you probably already have the perfect space to create your home office. However, on the downside that you don’t have an additional room, you’ll need to create some space in your family or living room.
You can invest in a wooden room divider or use furniture to creatively partition off the area to define your workspace. For instance, a bookshelf can serve a wall, keeping your office space from blending into another area. This might seem pointless, but in reality, allotting a specific area to be used as your office will signal your brain to focus when you enter this particular space.
2. Pick the Right Desk
Using your laptop in your bed isn’t the best or most comfortable way to get your work done. It just makes you feel lazier and more lethargic. There’s a high chance that you spend at least eight hours of your day working, so why not make it more productive and convenient?
If you were working at a desk in your office, it might be a good idea to get a desk for your home office. So, when it comes to choosing a desk, consider two main things: comfort and functionality. Your desk’s tabletop should be big enough to fit your computer or laptop and should have enough drawers for storage. After all, the cleaner and more clutter-free your desk are, the more comfortable and productive you’ll feel.
3. Invest in a Super-Comfy Chair
It can be tempting to purchase the first decent-looking inexpensive chair you set your eyes on. However, an impulse buy is probably not the best idea, especially if you’re seeking comfort. There’s a high chance you’re going to be spending more than just an hour or two in your office chair, so why not spend a little more money as well?
The truth is that cheap office chairs never deliver! Neither are they comfortable, nor are they ergonomic. Most of all, their poor construction often causes neck and back pain, amongst other health issues. Not only can cheap office chairs make it different for you to keep sitting and do your job, but they can also lead to severe injuries and even surgery. Considering their extremely low prices, these chairs are also much likelier to break down within a short time span since they are typically manufactured using low-quality materials.
The ideal way to avoid these possible issues is to spend a little more upfront and invest in a well-constructed ergonomic desk chair. Think of your home office chair as a worthwhile investment, just like your car or mattress. Don’t try to save money by dragging a chair from your kitchen or dining or settling for a cheap chair. If there’s any comfort expense that’s going to worth it, an ergonomic chair is it!
4. Add a Cozy Corner
If there’s enough space in your office, consider designing a small warm, and inviting area where you can relax. This is especially great for those who have created in their home office in a separate room. To create a relaxing corner, place a comfy recliner, armchair, or small bench with a small table next to the window. You can also place a nice scented candle on the side table for an extra dose of peace and calmness. This comfy spot will be the ideal place for you to unwind, enjoy a cup of coffee, or brainstorm new ideas.
5. Maximize Your Lighting
In the best-case scenario, you should have many big in windows in your home office that allow a lot of natural light to enter your space. However, if your home office is located in your basement or another sunlight-deprived spot, try to brighten up the space as much as possible. A dim office gives a sad and gloomy feeling that prevents one from being productive; if you sit down in your gloomy home office in the morning, you’ll be tired by the afternoon!
Don’t use lights to create a blinding feeling; instead, focus on lighting it up enough to keep you alert and attentive. Fluorescent light gives off harsh light, so it’s better to steer clear from it and embrace warm lighting. However, if you have natural light in your office, make the best of it by avoiding heavy drapes or dark curtains.
Read more: 5 Tips to Improve Your Home Office Ergonomics
6. Keep Your Home Office Single-Purpose
Using your home office space for other purposes can distract you and clutter the space, making it difficult to concentrate. Having a dedicated home office space allows you to optimize every bit of the area effectively. Not only does this impact your comfort, but it also has a considerable impact on your productivity and work-life balance.
The Bottom Line
Since you’re going to spend most of your day in this space trying to be productive, your home office space should be warm, welcoming, and comforting. We hope that these tips help make your home office a wonderful space where you can remain focused, happy, and satisfied.
read also: 5 Best Office Paint Colors to Improve Productivity
