Working from home works best with a space that tells your brain “this is where I work”. It does not need to be a separate room, but it should be comfortable for hours, well lit and organized enough that you can start immediately.
Choose the location
A spare room with a door is ideal for focus and calls. Otherwise, a corner of the bedroom or living room, a wide landing, a closet converted into a “cloffice”, or an alcove can all work. Look for natural light, an outlet nearby and a spot away from the household’s busiest areas.
Ergonomics first
These matter more than looks, as you will spend thousands of hours here.
- Chair: adjustable seat height, lumbar support and armrests. Your feet should rest flat on the floor, knees at roughly hip height.
- Desk: about 28 to 30 inches high for most people, or a sit-stand desk to alternate.
- Screen: top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, about an arm’s length away. On a laptop, use a stand with a separate keyboard and mouse.
- Keyboard and mouse: elbows at about 90 degrees, wrists straight.
OSHA’s computer workstation guide explains the details.
Light
Place the desk perpendicular to the window to avoid glare on the screen and shadows behind you. Add a desk lamp for task light and good front lighting for video calls, so your face is not in shadow.
Sound
Hard rooms echo on calls. A rug, curtains, a bookshelf and a soft chair help; see reducing echo and noise. A door sweep and headphones help in a busy house.
Cables and tech
A surge protector, a cable tray under the desk, and a charging station keep the area tidy and safe. A wired internet connection or a good mesh Wi-Fi point makes calls more stable.
Make it pleasant
A plant, art, a color you like and a comfortable temperature make it easier to work here every day. If the office is in a shared room, choose furniture that matches the room and a cabinet that closes so work disappears at the end of the day.
Small-space solutions
- A wall-mounted fold-down desk.
- A narrow console desk behind a sofa.
- Shelves above the desk instead of a wide unit beside it.
- A screen or bookcase as a room divider.
Keeping the desk clear is a separate challenge, covered in the best ways to organize your home office.
