Are you one of the millions of Americans working from home? Or maybe you have a job outside the home but need a good “command center” from which to run your household? If you’re tired of letting your kitchen table double as your workspace, here are some great tips to set up your own home office space.
Choose a space
First of all, think about how much time you’ll be spending each day in your home office. If the answer is more than a few minutes, don’t be stingy about claiming some usable space to work in. Nothing is more disheartening than squeezing into a windowless closet in order to preserve your child’s bedroom – years after they went away to college.
If you have a spare room that can be converted into an office space, great. If not, take a look around your home to find an area that can function as a permanent workspace, such as an unused area under a staircase, a breakfast nook, or a corner of your living room. Keep in mind how much privacy or quiet you will need, and whether or not you’ll be meeting clients in your space.
Consider the furniture
What type of work do you do, and how much space will you need to complete it? Take some time to find the right desk, bookshelves and other types of storage you may need. Consider how much space you have to work with, and adjust accordingly. Also keep in mind that this is an area of your home, so don’t be afraid to make personal choices that reflect your individual tastes. One of the perks of working from a home office is not having to slave away under fluorescent lights in a gray cubicle. Make your home office a place you enjoy spending time in.
Invest in a good chair
If your work demands sitting at a desk for any length of time during working hours, then invest in a good chair. Of all the furniture you buy for your home office, this is the one you should spend the money on. Choose is chair that is not only comfortable and ergonomic, but also beautiful and functional in your space.
Don’t forget the lights
Make sure your home office space has plenty of good lighting to reduce eyestrain and headaches. Make use of any natural light that is coming into the space and be sure to position computer screens so there isn’t glare. Have sufficient overhead lighting to illuminate the room and place a lamp on your desk for strong task lighting.
Use vertical space
If your home office space is short on square footage, you can make the most of what you have by utilizing wall space for storage. Floating shelves above your desk can help to organize papers and vertical files attached the wall can help keep important documents close at hand.
Make it personal
Your home office is a reflection of who you are, so don’t be afraid to paint the walls a bold color, hang art you love, line the floor with colorful throw rugs and place personal mementos on the shelves and desk. It’s your space – make it one you love to be in!
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