If you’re wondering how to successfully work from home or just looking to improve your productivity and comfort while working at home, the solution may be in your workspace. Everything from your desk chair to your coffee maker can impact your efficiency and workflow. But with just a few simple upgrades, you can transform any room into a sleek, efficient work station.
Whether you’re choosing from a variety of laptop stands, between a chair or a floor pad, choosing products that combine comfort, functionality, and streamlined design can make all the difference in your workday. Remote work might require a home office setup that works perfectly for you throughout all work hours. Here are five items that can help revitalize your home office or designated work space.
#1 A Functional Desk
Your desk is the epicenter of your workday. Choosing the right desk that suits your space and your style can help you settle into a better workflow. Choose something that will cater to all your needs like storage for an external monitor or a place to store your IPad or noise cancellation headphones. Keep these factors in mind as you browse for your perfect desk:
- Measurements – Take a look at your work area and measure the space. This can help you estimate how big your desk can be. While it may be tempting to fit a large desk into your space, an oversized desk can make a room feel cramped and cluttered. Instead, determine the length and width that will allow you some breathing room throughout the day.
- Workspace – Your day-to-day work may require a particular workspace. If you’re an architect, you may need a large, flat space to work on designs. If you’re a website designer, you may need a wide desk to support multiple screens. If you’re looking to have ample desk space but still need your computer then consider one of our monitor mounts. Reflect on what you need to feel productive in your space.
- Storage – Look for desks that accommodate your work from home office supplies. If you have lots of filing cabinets and storage already, you might prefer a minimal desk. Be sparing with desktop knick-knacks to reduce clutter. If you’re short on space, look for desks with lots of built in drawers to optimize storage. Only keep the essentials in your desk drawers and eliminate duplicates and unused gadgets.
- Style – The beauty of the home office is in its flexibility. You can create your workspace according to your personal aesthetic. Your desk is a perfect opportunity to express your style. So as you search for your ideal desk, consider your personal tastes. Do you lean towards a mid-century modern aesthetic? A more minimalist style? Or maybe you prefer a classic wooden desk with intricate carvings?
Consider Sit-Stand Desks
Thinking about a sit stand desk for your work space? For those who get antsy sitting down all day, look for desks with adjustable height. Mount-It! offers a selection of sit-stand desks that function either as a traditional office desk or a standing desk. Standing desks encourage good posture, and provide necessary relief from hunching while seated. This way, you can adjust your desk to fit your needs.
Already have the perfect desk but need some variety? Opt for a sit-stand converter to place on top of your current desk. This device raises your computer to the perfect height, so you don’t have to compromise on anything.
#2 A Comfortable Chair
While sitting at a desk may not seem like a strenuous activity, an unsupportive office chair may lead to aches and pains. You might be tempted to switch to a kitchen chair or even an arm chair while you work from home, but those seating arrangements aren’t always conducive to a productive work environment.
To take care of your task list and your body, you need a desk chair that can support you from 9-5.
A few things to consider while shopping for desk chairs:
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Breathable Fabric – Look for chairs with mesh backing for increased air circulation. If possible, opt for a fabric that’s easy to spot clean. Even the most fastidious people spill coffee. Be wary of moisture and warmth-retaining fabrics like velvet or wool. While they may seem cozy in winter, come summer you will be sweating through your clothes before lunch. Instead, look for airy fabric blends that can help wick away heat and moisture.
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Wheels – Maybe you like to swivel and scoot around your office. Maybe you prefer a stationary chair. Deciding whether or not you’d like wheels on your chair can help to narrow your options while searching. Keep in mind that some chairs with wheels include a “lock” option, so you have the best of both worlds.
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Adjustable Height – For optimal comfort, look for chairs with adjustable seat height. This allows you to find a level that works for you while sitting at your desk. An adjustable height can also support a healthy posture, and therefore a healthy back.
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Seat Cushion – Your sit-muscles need a little extra cushioning to keep you going from project-to-project. Which is why your office chair should have a comfortable seat cushion. You may want to veer away from plastic or metal chairs as these might be hard and uncomfortable.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Find a chair that aligns with your personal style or complements your color scheme. You want your chair to be practical and pretty!
The best way to determine whether or not a chair will work for you is to sit in it. See if you’re able to visit a nearby office store to try a few chairs. This will help you decide what style you’re looking for, and what design provides the most comfort.
#3 A High-Quality Coffee Maker
One of the most important things to add to your list of work from home stuff? Coffee. While a wireless keyboard or blue light blocking glasses may be nice, a cup of coffee can help get your workday off to a productivestart. But a low-quality coffee maker may set a bleak tone for the day. Instead, invest in a coffee maker that enhances your mornings and gives you something to look forward to.
Coffee makers come in many different varieties. A quick Google search yields so many results that making a decision can quickly become overwhelming. Thus,here are a few varieties to help narrow down the search:
- Drip Coffee Maker – This is the old standby. A drip coffee maker is great for those who like to have more than one cup. It’s also ideal for sharing.
- French Press – A perfect option for single servings, a French press also appeals to those who like sampling different bean varieties.
- Espresso Machine – If you savor the jolt of espresso or the indulgence of coffee concoctions, consider investing in an espresso machine. They’re surprisingly easy to use, even for those who have little to no experience using one. Additionally, you’ll save money on trips to the coffee shop when you can make your favorite coffee beverages at home.
- Electric Kettle – If you’re an avid tea drinker, consider purchasing a high-end electric kettle for your office. Many kettles offer exact temperature control for each tea variety so you can brew the perfect cup every time.
The energy provided from our morning drinks is often integral to our work routine. Additionally, many of us rely on coffee or tea for concentration. Being that most of us are part of the WFH workforce, having a coffee maker or kettle at home is essential to our everyday rhythm.
Best yet? Once you find your perfect machine, you’ll likely save money you would’ve otherwise spent at coffee shops.
#4 Personal Artwork
Your office should reflect your personality and interests, so feature artwork that speaks to you. Personalize your workspace to feel unique and inspiring—don’t be afraid to show flare.
- For a cozy space, use lamps and fairy lights. Select whimsical art and inspirational poems and quotes for the walls. Choose soft colors, and add plush cushions to your chair. If you need to get into a creative zone, light a candle or two.
- For a professional, polished look, select classic black and white photographs and landscape paintings. Keep decorating simple and sophisticated and stay away from clutter and tchotchkes.
- If you like your office to feel personal and homey, frame pictures of family and friends. Considering hanging your children’s artwork on the walls and placing sentimental gifts on your bookshelves.
Don’t underestimate the power of decor. Without artwork, your office won’t look complete and you won’t feel as inspired or innovative. Just because artwork can’t optimize your workflow or improve your posture doesn’t mean it’s not a vital component of a productive workday.
#5 Ergonomic Accessories
It’s important to prioritize your physical well-being when you’re working long hours at home. If you find yourself stiff and sore after hunching at your desk, try using ergonomically-designed items in your office space. Accessories that alleviate aches and pains are work from home must-haves. Find a solution that specifically caters to your needs, so you feel your best every day.
- Floor Pads – A cushioned floor pad is a perfect companion for your standing desk. The thick padding relieves pressure in your joints and back when you’re working for extended periods of time. This way, you’ll be able stand comfortably through long meetings and intricate projects.
Mount-It! offers a soft floor pad that relieves pressure in your back and feet, and helps alleviate fatigue from standing. The grippy surface won’t slip and slide around while you work, and provides stability and comfort. As a bonus, the floor pad protects your hardwood floor from scratches and scuffs from hard-soled shoes.
- Laptop Stands – If you’re on the computer all day, a laptop stand significantly improves your work experience. Mount-It! carries a selection of laptop stands all suited for your work specifications. The ergonomic model displays your laptop at an adjustable angle, which reduces eye strain and promotes good posture. This way, you avoid bending over for long periods of time in front of the computer.
Additionally, using a laptop stand alleviates pressure on hands and wrists. If you’re typing all day, you may notice soreness in your hands and warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. By altering your typing angle, a laptop stand prevents muscle fatigue and relieves discomfort. If you also have a tablet and want to utilize both screens, consider getting a tablet desk stand to provide a more efficient desk setup.
Work from Home Supplies for a Better Workday
Reinventing your workspace won’t happen overnight. Luckily, with the right accessories, a comfortable chair, and easy-to-use products from Mount-It! you’ll settle into your new routine in no time.
The trick is to replicate what you’re used to at your actual office, then optimize your space with the newfound flexibility alloted by working from home. Have you always wanted a knee-high ottoman to kick your legs up while you’re on your laptop? How about two desks positioned as an “L” for added surface space? While that might not have been possible in your office, it’s likely that you have more wiggle room at home.
At the end of the day, your must-haves are going to be dependent on what you need to be productive and accomplish the type of work required of you. With that being said, the WFH transition is an invitation to make your workspace absolutely, infinitely, and completely yours.
Sources:
The Strategist. Everything You Need to Work From Home, According to People Who Do it Every Day. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-work-from-home-essentials.html
Refinery29. Useful Items To Enhance Your WFH Skills This Fall. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/03/9568399/work-from-home-products#slide-38
Cosmopolitan. 20 Work-From-Home Essentials That’ll Make You Feel Like a Freaking Boss. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g31677927/work-from-home-essentials/
