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Many people are working from a home office setup, but ergonomic comfort and convenience are often overlooked. So, how should you style your home office?
We've compiled a list of home office setup ideas to help you quickly set up your office and keep your work flowing smoothly.
19 Essentials for an Efficient Home Office Setup
Ergonomic Office Standing Desks
Have you had enough of the home office fatigue, discomfort, and even pain caused by prolonged sitting? More and more people are turning to ergonomic desks: adjustable standing desks. Extremely convenient, a good standing desk can be easily adjusted up or down with a single button, allowing for seamless transitions between sitting and standing.
Also, when working while standing, the desk and chair should be at a suitable height for your height. When standing at your desk, aim for your elbows to be at a 90-110-degree angle to the surface for an ergonomic standing posture. A desk that's too high can strain your elbows after prolonged work, while one that's too low can increase neck and shoulder pressure, causing discomfort.
Recommended standing desk for working from home:
Boulies MagVida: This desk features a surface made of environmentally friendly materials. Its all-steel frame is sturdy and durable, easily supporting up to 120kg and operating noise levels below 45dB. This desk also features the EMO™ system, allowing you to organize office supplies and cables to your liking, keeping your workspace clutter-free and neat.
Learn more:
What Height Should My Standing Desk Be?
Cable Management
Boulies MagVida offers the EMO™ system to help manage cables, but if you're working at a regular desk, you'll need a cable manager to keep your home office organized. An effective cable manager can handle the numerous cords and chargers you use every day.
Ergonomic Office Chair
Like standing desks, our office chairs are ergonomically designed to support your body while you work and reduce fatigue. The reclining backrests of our office chairs help you adjust your sitting posture, whether leaning forward or backward.
Because everyone's height and body shape vary, ergonomic office chairs are adjustable to position your feet flat on the floor, your knees at a 90-degree angle, about three finger widths from the chair cushion, and your elbows at a 90-110-degree angle from the desk surface. This is the ideal ergonomic sitting position.
Choosing an ergonomic chair is a key step in designing your office layout. The following office chairs are recommended for professionals working from home:
- Boulies OP300: Whether you prefer a forward or reclined sitting position, this office chair's backrest and seat cushion make it easy to adjust.
- Boulies OP180: It assembles very easily and has a weight capacity of up to 160 pounds.
- Boulies EP460: This mesh office chair is extremely comfortable, with an adjustable seat height of 49-69cm, making it suitable for anyone from 4'11" to 6'2".
Learn more:
- How to Make an Office Chair Taller
- What Is an Ergonomic Chair Meaning
- What Chairs Do Chiropractors Recommend for an Office?
Ergonomic Office Chair Footrest
For those who want to combine rest and work, a good option is an integrated retractable footstool, such as the Boulies EP460 and Master Rex. The footstool can be pulled out for reclining. Use the integrated footstool to support your feet when relaxing or leaning back. However, it should be retracted when leaning forward or maintaining a standard sitting position in the chair.
The primary function of a footstool is to reduce strain on the body and improve comfort. For shorter people, a suitable standalone footstool can help you sit more properly while working. It's also more comfortable for those who want to take more breaks.
Learn more:
Best Ergonomic Office Chair with Footrest
Workspace
A good workspace is one that's free from distractions. Choose a quiet spot in your home, whether you're converting your garage into a home office or setting one up in a corner of your bedroom. Remember to choose a bright and comfortable environment. The right space can significantly reduce stress during work. Place your desk and chair near bright natural light, or, if you have a garage, install a glass door.
If you'll be doing a lot of video conferencing, keep the background wall of your home office clean and tidy.
Learn more:
Computer/PC
A computer with workflows can be a lifesaver for office workers. Imagine you're already nearing a deadline and your computer suddenly freezes. This can drive you crazy, so remember to try it before you buy.
Monitor (Laptop/PC)
If your job requires you to be in front of a computer all day, then in addition to a computer, you'll need a large monitor. This will help you be more efficient, get things done faster, and be easier on your eyes.
Place your primary monitor directly in front of you, and your secondary monitor where you'll see it frequently and easily. Keep your eyes centered on the screen, at least 20 inches away. This is easier on the eyes.
Monitor Stand
If you have a monitor, don't forget the monitor stand. The adjustable stand can help you better adjust the viewing angle, making your office work smoother.
Power Outlet
A suitable power socket is essential for office work, but we cannot choose it blindly. We also need to choose sockets with safety signs so that we can feel more at ease at work.
Keyboard
An ergonomic keyboard will make you feel more comfortable, improve wrist support, and improve typing speed and comfort. A wireless keyboard will also help you reduce desk tidying. A wired keyboard can also help reduce financial pressure.
Mouse
The easiest way to choose an ergonomic mouse is to determine it based on the size of your palm. The right mouse will make your movements smoother and your clicks faster.
Headphones
Headphones are also important in the home office. When working from home, there will inevitably be noise outdoors. At this time, we need a pair of headphones to isolate these, especially during video conferences.
Speakers
Speakers are useful when you need to hear colleagues while working in a video conference, or when you want to play music and videos to help you relieve work stress.
Microphone
A microphone is an indispensable item in video conferencing. It is used to make your meeting go more smoothly and to allow your conference partners to hear your words more clearly.
Webcam
Webcams are also an indispensable part of video conferencing. When you want to demonstrate work content or something you need to express, cameras become important.
VPN, Password Manager, and Wi-Fi
Internet access is almost indispensable at work. Please ensure that your workplace is covered by your home network and that the speed is at least 50 Mbps for smooth workflow.
Lighting
Bright lighting is essential for protecting your eyes, so don't forget to install a ceiling light. If needed, a desk lamp can also help you feel more comfortable.
Desk Mat
You need a soft, comfortable desk mat that almost completely covers the surface of your desk. It feels great to the touch, comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and is very easy to clean.
Storage Cabinet
Choose a storage cabinet that's easy to set up and can be keyed for secure storage of documents and belongings.
Tips for Creating an Ideal Home Office Setup
- Choosing a home office location: Try to choose a spot where you won't be disturbed, which allows you to focus deeply.
- Create a work schedule: Prioritize tasks by priority.
- Ergonomic home: Work best when you're comfortable, with lighting, storage, and an adjustable desk and chair.
- Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of intense, focused work followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat three or four times before taking a longer break.
- Adequate natural light: To protect your eyes, plenty of natural light is more comfortable.
Inspiring Home Office Setup
White Office Theme Design
White is a popular color scheme for office interior design.
- Choose the white Boulies MagVida ergonomic standing desk to perfectly complement the office's color scheme and ensure efficient work.
- Choose the Boulies NUBI beige office chair to add a warm beige accent to the pure white.
- Add some greenery to your office.
Outdoor View
When you work long hours, fatigue sets in. A good view of the outdoors can help you relax. Alternatively, a reclining Boulies Master Rex office chair allows you to recline and relax while enjoying the view and perhaps even contemplating work documents.
Black Office Theme Design
If you love Gothic and dark styles:
- A black Boulies MagVida ergonomic standing desk will perfectly blend in.
- A black Boulies EP460 desk will also allow you to sit comfortably without having to worry about office decoration.
- Be sure to add your favorite decorations.
The Bottom Line
Design your home office space based on your comfort level. Choose an ergonomic, adjustable desk and chair, secure power outlets, and fast internet.
You'll be more productive when you're comfortable.
FAQs
Should I Put My Desk Against the Window?
Of course, a desk next to a window allows for plenty of natural light, which is beneficial for both eye protection and work efficiency.
Which Direction Should a Desk Face in a Home Office?
A common desk direction is southwest, but you can choose the direction that best suits your office, as long as there's ample natural light and workspace.
How to Set Up a Petite Home Office?
Don't worry, you may not need a particularly large space. You can even convert your garage into a home office or use a makeshift space under the stairs. A small office only requires a petite desk and chair, such as the Boulies NIBI petite office chair.
