Are you one of the 3.7 million employees in the U.S. who spend half or more of their working days telecommuting? If so, then chances are you know how important it is to have a well-designed workspace at home.
How your workplace furniture is set up can actually improve your productivity. Moreover, you just don’t want to be spending eight hours in a day in a drab room where you don’t feel comfortable.
That means whether you just got a new telecommuting job or spend a few hours a week working from home, investing in a well-designed workspace will pay off.
But how do you get started? Here are three tips for handling the search for the perfect home office furniture.
Back to Basics
To get started, you’ll need to ask yourself some basic questions.
Get out a notepad and write out your answers. From there, we can look at what furniture will work for your space, budget, and your job.
How Much Space do You Have?
In order to furnish a room well, you need to start by looking at the space. Pay attention to how large the room is and where the natural light comes from.
Making measurements is key. Before going to the store, you should know how large your room is. This way, you can make sure the desk or table you choose will fit.
How Much Money do You Have?
From solid wood to plastic and metal furniture, cost and quality are both widely variable.
In order to put together the best possible home office, you’ll need to consider both how much you’re willing to spend and what kind of quality you’re looking for.
Remember: you get what you pay for.
What Will You Be Doing in the Office?
Your home office furniture should address the practicalities of your work.
If you use a lot of electronics, then you should find a desk that accommodates lots of wires. If you use paper at work, then filing cabinets may be the way to go.
What should your workspace like to help you be the most productive?
Working in Comfort
Making sure your furniture will fit your space and budget is only the first step. You also need to consider your comfort in the workspace, especially if you will be working long hours there.
How Long Will You Spend in the Space?
With American workdays getting longer and longer, long-term comfort is something to consider. Think about what type of chair you would be okay with sitting in for long periods of time.
Ergonomics, or the study of workplace comfort and efficiency, should also be considered. This means you shouldn’t ignore simple things like the space between your eyes and your screen at your desk. Also look at the lumbar support that your chair offers.
How Cluttered is Too Cluttered?
You may have heard of Feng Shui, or the art of creating harmony in your home.
Think of ways you can maximize this space so you’re comfortable moving around the office.
You don’t want to be tripping over your home office furniture. If you’re working with a small space, shelving units or desks with storage can be useful.
Home Office Furniture Style
Finally, if you’re going to be spending lots of time in your home office, it has to be a place where you’ll enjoy being.
What is My Home Office Style?
Style shouldn’t just be limited to the other parts of your house. The art of interior design should have a place here as well, and you can make the room pop just like any other room.
How Can I Balance Comfort and Style?
Of course, your home office can look great and still lack comfort.
The key here is to balance what you need to be physically comfortable and what you need to enjoy the space. The combination of the two will make you a more productive and happy telecommuter.