Working from home has become the new normal for many people over the last year; and given the benefits for both workers and employers, remote working models are likely to stick around even after the pandemic is over.
This shift in how we work requires us to rethink our home office space. It is critically important for our mental health to keep our living space and workspace separate. Your home office should provide a neat, comfortable environment where you can focus for long periods of time with minimal distractions. For some, this might sound like a difficult task — but don’t worry! We have a few tips to help you optimize your office space to fit your needs.
Your desk and chair are of primary importance.
This may seem obvious, but the main elements that affect the quality of your workspace are your desk and office chair. If your desk doesn’t have adequate storage for your papers and supplies or space for your computer, you are going to feel very disorganized. Additionally, if your chair doesn’t adequately support your body, you are likely to suffer from back pain and muscle tension. So how can you be sure that you are selecting the right office furniture for you?
When shopping for a desk, take into consideration how much storage space you require and how much surface area your computer and other office tools will occupy. Your desk should be large enough to hold everything you need with some room to spare.
Additionally, you may want to consider a desk that can be raised to a standing position. Standing desks are excellent for your back health and circulation — especially if your job requires long periods of deskbound work. If you’re looking for quality desk options, please visit us! Our store carries both stationary desks and motorized standing desks in a variety of finishes and styles.
Furthermore, your office chair should properly cradle your body to promote healthy posture and circulation. We recommend sitting in your chair before making a purchase to ensure that you’ve found the right fit for you. With the amount of time spent in your office chair, it is worth your time and investment to get a seat that is truly comfortable for extended periods of time. If your body is comfortable, you will be able to perform at your highest level and feel healthy while doing it. Our store carries a variety of chairs for your needs, including Stressless office chairs. Visit us today to try them out for yourself.
Find a way to create privacy and separation from the rest of your home.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges with working from home is managing distractions. You may have other family members at home creating noise or excitement, or maybe you live alone but your TV and refrigerator seem to draw your attention away from your work (trust us — we get it).
The simplest way to mitigate these distractions is to find a space that can be secluded or separated from the rest of your home. A separate room that allows you to close the door and have privacy is ideal. But you can also use curtains or movable partitions if you don’t have a dedicated room for your office. Positioning your desk to face away from distractions (such as your TV screen or living room) is also a good way to help your mind to focus. Any steps you can take to make your space quiet and private will help you to work more effectively and efficiently.
Use minimal and practical accessories to enhance your space without causing distractions.
Finally, we recommend keeping your office décor minimalistic to ensure that your space is not overly stimulating or distracting. House plants are excellent for creating a sense of calm and adding some subtle color to your office. Area rugs are another great addition for your space, and they even help to provide some sound proofing and eliminate echoes in your room.
You might also consider decorative shelving or bookcases for additional storage. When it comes to paint colors and décor, avoid overly busy patterns and bright colors if you feel they may cause distraction. With every design decision you make, simply ask yourself, “will this element enhance my focus, or will it hinder it?”
We hope you’ve found these tips to be helpful as you evaluate your office space. Keep in mind that our store is a one-stop-shop for all your home office needs. Whether you are looking for a desk, chair, storage furniture, or rugs and accessories, we have you covered. Stop by our Roanoke showroom or schedule an appoint at our Lynchburg Design Studio to learn more about how we can make your office a dream space.
