Have you been given the opportunity to work from home? If so, you'll need to assemble a space to let your creative juices flow. The atmosphere in which you work should promote productivity, which means it shouldn't be loud or distracting. Here are four tips to help you set up a cozy yet constructive home office.
1. Decide on a Space
When figuring out where you should work in your house, a spare room is the best option. However, not everyone has an extra room, in which case you could convert a large closet or a portion of another room into a small office.
Set up in an area you don't otherwise use often, such as a dining room. Make sure you have a way to close the space off if you have to take a phone call or attend a virtual meeting. A privacy divider may work if the area doesn't have a door.
2. Choose the Furniture You Need
Think about the type of job you're doing. Does it require dual monitors, a printer or an L-shaped desk? Will you need a secure place to store paperwork? You may also want to invest in a lamp if you don't prefer an overly bright working environment.
Additionally, you'll need to make sure you don't blow a fuse or trip a breaker by hooking up too many electronics. Signs that the circuit is overloaded can include dimming lights or buzzing outlets. If the main breaker load center can't support the extra electricity usage your office requires, you may need to do some rewiring or hire a professional to assist in this process.
3. Make the Area Comfortable
Since you'll be working in your office for several hours over the majority of the week, you should strive to make it as comfortable as possible. Consider the temperature. Is it so warm that you sweat while sitting in your chair, or is it so cold that you have to layer up and sip on hot coffee to thaw yourself out? Both of these temperatures are extreme and should be avoided.
While the best working temperature is based on personal preference, many people are most productive when it's between 72 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. After experimenting to find the best conditions to fit your particular needs, you may want to use a fan or space heater to keep the temperature stable.
Another issue to think about is which computer chair to purchase. The various styles make it challenging to choose unless you test each one out in person, so it's better to go to a store rather than ordering one online. When examining chairs, you should sit in each to ensure they adjust to an appropriate height and provide ample back support. Once you find one that meets your needs, look into ergonomics, as the way you sit can determine whether you'll have back, neck or joint pain.
4. Add Personality
While you should keep the office professional, you don't want the space to feel bland or dull. Brighten it up by adding some color. Consider purchasing decorative artwork or colorful curtains to really bring the area to life. Set out pictures of your family or motivational quotes for those days when you're feeling unambitious.
If you want to decrease your stress level, bring nature inside. Grab flowers from your garden or purchase a fresh bouquet to set on a side table. Rather than getting fresh flowers every few days, you can dry the ones you have and continue to use them as decor in the office or elsewhere in your home.
Aromatherapy is another great way to beat anxiety and add a pleasant smell to the space. Lavender, sandalwood and sage essential oils are great choices to create a relaxing environment.
Designing the perfect home office is fun and exciting, especially because you get to make all the decisions down to the smallest detail. Once you've created your masterpiece, there's no doubt that you'll prosper in your new workplace.