Whether you work from home once a week or full time, a home office can make a difference in your productivity. The idea is to have a space that's both comfortable and functional; not to mention, it’s much better to have a dedicated space rather than a laptop placed on the kitchen counter.

Home office design: What to consider

Before you begin the process of designing a home office, there are several questions to ask yourself so you know how to best utilize the space:

• What type of work will you be doing?

• What tone do you want to set?

• Will you have colleagues or clients coming to visit?

• Will you need storage for materials and/or paperwork?

• What time of day will you be working?

The type of environment required for your productivity matters. If you need absolute quiet, then it'll be important to work in a closed-off area of your home. If you don’t have an extra room that can serve as an office, you may choose to section off part of another room.

When it comes to design, you might be someone who prefers a bright, creative space with a cork board collage of photos and artwork. On the other hand, you might work better in a calming, monochromatic environment with clean lines and little distraction.

No matter what sort of vibe you want your home office to have, it’s equally important to get the right furniture, decor, and storage for efficiency with your own personal touch.

Key pieces you need to design a home office  

Now that you've considered the tone of your home office and how it will function, it's time to start thinking about what you need.

A desk

The best desk for you will depend on your budget, what you need for the type of work you do, and the dimensions of your space. An option like the Preston Desk has a traditional look built with drawers for storage. If you like a more sleek, modern design and prefer not to sit all day, the Stance Lift Desk features different height settings so you can stretch your legs while working.

An office chair

No matter what office chair you get, it should be comfortable. After all, you’re sitting for hours on end and having the right chair will affect how you feel throughout the day (especially for anyone with neck or back issues). If you want comfort and quality, you may consider the X-Chair for its ergonomic features that are meant to support your body with every movement.

For an in-depth guide on how to choose an ergonomic office chair, read more here.

File storage

Not only does storage keep your office free from clutter, but it helps you stay organized. The Sequel 20 Mobile File Cabinet is a great starting option if you don't need a lot of storage. On the other hand, the Centro MultiFunction Cabinet is larger in size with space for a printer in addition to storage drawers. 

Bookcase

A bookcase in your home office may come in handy for extra storage and a place to keep inspirational or often referenced books. Depending on what you need, the Linea Shelves offer single or double units that will help you maintain an organized office space.

Lighting

Lighting is often left as an afterthought when it comes to interior design, but having ample light in your home office can make a difference in how you work.

If your office has natural light, use that to your advantage. There should also be multiple sources of light so you aren’t relying solely on overhead or recessed lighting. Consider bringing a desk lamp, a table or floor lamp, task lighting, or even wall sconces into your office. Any of these options will give the room a well-rounded feeling and ensure you have enough light to work without straining your eyes, especially if you’re still at it once the sun goes down.

Accessories

Sometimes it's the final touches that bring a room, including your home office, together. Just because it's an office doesn't mean it needs to be a sterile environment. Be sure to accessorize with color and decor in the same way you would with any other room in your home. Things like an area rug, window treatments, plants, and artwork will help bring your space to life.

Will the office act as a multipurpose space? Read: How to Design a Home Office that Doubles as a Guest Room

Final thoughts

When designed well, a home office should be efficient and comfortable. Consider your workstyle, storage and organization, what mood you want to create, and any personal touches you want to include so that your office is a space you love.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just looking for a desk, our Design Consultants can help you at any stage of the design process to ensure a stress-free experience.

Curious about our interior design process? Read: The Interior Design Process for Buying Furniture: From Start to Finish

Wondering how color can affect mood? Read: How to Choose the Perfect Color Palette for Your Home Decor