Home Office Setup Ideas for a More Productive Workday

If you hot desk at home (hello, working from the kitchen table while your other half is gaming in the living room…), or you have a room set up for work that still feels like it's missing something, this one's for you. A good home office setup comes down to a few basics: a spot that's only for work, the right desk and chair, good light, and less clutter. Start with the quick checklist below, then borrow ideas from the designers, organizers and coaches we've gathered advice from.

How to Set Up a Home Office: A Quick Checklist

If your main goal is to make your home office more comfortable, start with steps 2 to 4: the desk, the chair and the light.

1. Pick a dedicated spot. A spare room is ideal, but a corner of the living room or a guest room works too. What matters is that it's the place you go to work, and ideally not your bedroom.
2. Get a desk at the right height. A sit-stand desk lets you set one height for sitting and another for standing, so you can change position through the day.
3. Choose an adjustable chair. An ergonomic chair that you can set to your height and your desk makes long days more comfortable.
4. Sort out the light. Put your desk beside a window if you can, and add a task lamp for the evenings. Our desk lamp vs overhead lighting guide covers what works where.
5. Plan storage so the desk stays clear. Drawer units and filing cabinets keep papers and supplies within reach and off your work surface.
6. Tame the cables. Route cords under and behind the desk so they're out of sight and out of your way. Here's how to organize cables under your desk.
7. Check your video-call backdrop. Look at what's behind you on camera and aim for tidy, not bare.
8. Add a few personal touches. A plant, a print or a couple of photos make the space feel like yours.

What Makes the Ideal Home Office?

Your ideal home office has to strike a delicate balance between being somewhere that's distinctly different from the rest of your living space, but comfortable and still with a relaxed vibe.

You've obviously got to be able to work well in it, but it should still feel like home. Personal belongings like pictures and art, or plants and flowers, create a welcoming feel, and our modern office design ideas have more inspiration.

Think also about how your space looks on those all-important video calls (our guide to a desk setup with a laptop and monitor helps here). Clean, distraction-free walls are great but can sometimes feel too cold, while excessive clutter can be overwhelming for both you and the people you're talking to. Strike a balance between minimalism and personal touches.

If you share the house, an office pod is another way to get a private spot to focus.

There are lots of other considerations, like:

• Wall colors and interior schemes: Do you want neutral and calm, or something bold and energizing to help you focus and knuckle down? Plain walls, or patterned wallpaper and paint designs?
• Flooring: Think about carpeting or rugs, or whether a finished wooden floor would be better. You'll need something hardwearing that's easy to clean and maintain.
• Desk, chair, and furniture combinations: An ergonomic chair is a smart place to start. Staying comfortable and sitting in a good posture while you work matters, as does having the right kind of desk and space for your computer. Would an easy chair or sofa in the room help you take regular breaks through the day?
• Personal belongings: Family photos, artwork, or mementos of good times help remind you why you're there, working hard and achieving.
• Coffee and tea equipment: Getting out of the office during the day is always a good idea, but when you want to stay put, a small coffee machine or kettle keeps hot drinks on tap without disturbing anyone else at home.
• Shelving and storage: What are your storage requirements? Work out what space you need for office equipment and paperwork. Consider shelving and drawer units for books and the important items you must have to hand (all the essentials like chips, cookies and candy).
• Computer and other tech items: Your tech is a big investment, so factor it into the layout. Do you have a printer or phone that needs a home?
• Lock on the door: It may seem trivial, but at the end of the day you can lock your work in one room and leave it there. It keeps things secure, and gives you privacy when you really can't afford to be interrupted.

Home Office Ideas From People Who Work From Home

We've gathered advice from interior writers, designers, professional organizers and coaches. We've kept the practical parts of each answer, so pick what suits your space.

How Can You Make a Home Office an Inviting Place to Work?

“Whilst too much can cause your desk to look messy, a few choice items that truly inspire you are certainly a good thing. Postcards of places you love, a mood board, or carefully selected print and pattern to enliven your home office will help create a productive space. But be careful not to go overboard: too much clutter will only clutter your mind.” Sarah Barratt and Rachel Edwards writing for Country Living.

What Should Your Decor Considerations be?

“The first thing to keep in mind is that your office is essentially an extension of your home. If you want it to flow, then keep the style of the adjoining rooms in mind. My home has an organic modern design style, and so I continued that into my office. Start with a color palette that coordinates. I chose the colors in my tile, which coordinate with my wainscoting and wallpaper. From there, you can choose your decor accents.” Sarah Symonds, Writer and Designer at Grace In My Space.

What if You Don't Have a Dedicated Room to Turn Into an Office?

“Home office ideas aren't limited to a dedicated space. With a carefully considered layout, it's possible to turn a guest room into a dual-purpose space that can accommodate overnight visitors and also work as an office, too. The key to this partnership and organizing a home office of any kind is built-in storage, which conceals clutter and work-related papers, keeping the room ordered.” Jennifer Ebert writing for Homes and Gardens.

How Can the Space You Work in Positively Affect Your Productivity?

“Focus and Concentration: Having a dedicated spot to work (that is not your bedroom, if you can avoid it) helps create a mental association between that space and work. This can enhance your focus and concentration, allowing you to dive deep into your tasks without getting easily distracted.

Reduced Distractions: Working in a well-organized and clutter-free environment can help minimize distractions. Keep in mind that you don't need to be a minimalist or a neat-freak. If you have a lot of clutter, even just swiping it all to one side or under your desk can work as an immediate focus enhancement. You just want to have your visual field be as clear of clutter as possible.

Inspiration and Creativity: Your work environment can also influence your creativity and inspiration. Consider personalizing your workspace with items that motivate and inspire you, such as plants, artwork, or meaningful quotes.

Everyone's preferences may vary, so it's essential to find a workspace setup that works best for you.” Alexis Haselberger, Owner of Alexis Haselberger Coaching and Consulting

Her list also covers ergonomics. Our take: an ergonomic chair, an adjustable desk and good lighting make long days at your desk more comfortable.

What Do You Think Makes the Perfect Office Interior to Inspire Productivity?

“I think that being close to natural sunlight is the best thing you can do to create an inspiring workspace. Nothing inspires more than being energized and ready to go. And the added bonus, it's absolutely free. You just have to align yourself with Nature.” Gala Magriñá, Well AP, CFSP, HID, Principal and Founder, galamagrinadesign.com

What Steps Can You Take to Ensure Your Work Space Inspires Productivity?

“In order to create an environment that inspires productivity, check in with your 5 senses. Visual elements are often the best place to start. What colors create the energy you thrive in to do your best work? Do you need natural light, a dimly lit room, or other specific items (like a photograph of your kids or pet) within view to keep you focused and motivated?”

Temperature and sound come next, and she treats both as personal settings worth getting right:

“Be sure you either have control over the thermostat, or have clothing layers within reach to adapt to a space that is too cold or too warm.

Some people need background noise and others work best in silence. A set of noise-canceling headphones &/or an app that provides various sounds and instrumental music is a low-tech solution to creating a productive environment.” Elisabeth W. Galperin, Owner and Business Coach, Peak Productivity

How Would You Keep a Home Office Tidy and Organized?

“Start by decluttering your workspace: get rid of any unnecessary items and only keep the essentials. Too much "stuff" means too much visual and mental clutter and can keep you from being productive and focused. Once you declutter your space, make it a habit to clean up at the end of each day, so you start fresh and clean the next morning.

Also investing in storage solutions like shelves, baskets, and organizers will help keep things off your workspace and keep, what I call "the uglies" like papers, receipts, and bills, out of sight. Labeling can be a game-changer, ensuring you know where everything is at a glance.” Lori Brasseur, Owner of Our Repurposed Home

How Can You Protect Your Mental Well-Being When You Work From Home?

“After two decades of working from home, I can attest that setting clear boundaries is the best way to maintain your well-being. Find something to hang outside your workspace so the rest of the family knows you are not to be disturbed. Learn to say no to customers and clients wanting meetings outside of your working hours. And most importantly, find time for yourself that you hold sacred for working out, getting outside, or absolutely nothing at all!” Paul Strobl, MBA, Master Life Coach and owner of Confide Coaching

What Should You Prioritize When Looking to Set Up a Home Office Space?

“When looking to set up a home office, I suggest first and foremost taking time to truly understand the main purpose of the space. Keeping the space free of clutter so as not to distract yourself or those watching you on a video call is imperative. Having your everyday or monthly "go-to" files close at hand is helpful to prevent yourself from having to get up which could lead to distraction and piles instead of putting items where they belong. Making the space personal to you also helps to create function.” Andrea Krohn, CVOP™, President, NAPO-LA, LA Move Consultants

Which Essentials Should a Home Office Have?

“There are a few items that are non-negotiable, in my opinion, when setting up a home office. One of the important things to prioritize is quality ergonomic furniture. A comfortable chair and a spacious desk are essential.

Along those lines, you will definitely want to prioritize connectivity. Ensure a stable and secure internet connection. Invest in a quality router and consider a backup internet source to prevent disruptions during virtual meetings or deadlines.

Lighting and acoustics are also important for a well-functioning home office. Additionally, consider using task lighting. To minimize noise disruptions, use curtains, rugs, or acoustic panels.

Lastly, and often overlooked, you'll want to establish boundaries with those who share your home. Clearly define your working hours and communicate them to others in your household. This helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and minimizes interruptions during crucial tasks.” Karen Highland, Webmaster at Frederick Real Estate Online

In practice, that means a chair and desk that adjust to you, and a desk placed near natural light with a task lamp for the evenings.

How Can You Keep a Home Office Clutter and Therefore Stress Free?

“Creating and sustaining an environment that supports who you are and who you are becoming is wholly personal. There is no one-size-fits-all plan for this. But there are some guidelines and must haves that I find helpful in my home office.

• A planner. That is where I capture ideas and notes to reduce the steady stream of sticky notes that might otherwise be scattered everywhere.
• A dry erase board to zoom out and see my bigger picture for the week.
• An analog clock to externalize the passing of time, and structure to my mornings and my evenings.
• Frequently used tools are close at hand in a drawer or box.
• A few visuals on the wall to inspire me and colors and art to make me smile.

Having opening and closing routines add structure to my day.” Jennifer Raphael, CNC, CPO®, RN, ADHD/Neurodiversity Coaching and Consulting, Less-Stress Organizing Solutions

What Two Things Make for a Great Working From Home Space for a Full-Time Virtual Assistant?

“The two things that make the perfect work-from-home space for a virtual assistant are equal parts functional and inspirational. I love to have both a standing desk with a walking pad as well as a beautiful desk with art or bookcases that make zoom calls and filming content a breeze.

Think about ways you can create a functional space while also bringing you joy. For me, this is a clean workspace where everything I need is within reach and fresh cut flowers on my desk each week!” Amanda Rush Holmes, The Virtual Assistant Studio

Where to Start

Work through the checklist at the top: get the spot, the desk and the chair right first, then sort the light, storage and cables. Once the basics feel good, borrow the ideas above that suit your work from home setup.