Having a dedicated home office or workspace used to be a nice-to-have, something extra in your home that you may not have needed if you did not work from home on any kind of regular basis. Today, however, more employees are working from home than ever before. If you've been working from home - and will be doing so for a while - you should make the most out of your office space to maximize your productivity. Wondering how you can do your best work from the comfort of your home? Skip the commute and check out our tips on creating a home office.
Setting Up Your Home Office for Success
Even if you don't have a separate room available for your home office, there are still a number of changes you can make to optimize your workspace. To start with the basics, look for a desk that will fit everything you need to get your work done - computer, notepads, drawing space - and pair it with an ergonomic chair that will offer support throughout your workday.
Take your setup one step further by making changes to your environment.
Office Lighting and Window Treatments
Setting up proper lighting, whether installing a new light fixture or a desk lamp, to look your best for every video call. Controlling the natural light in your workspace can help, too - especially if there tends to be a glare from the sun at a particular time of day. Investing in window treatments like an easy to adjust roller shade or sheer can help control light and privacy while you work.
Want to adjust your window treatments while you're on a call or in the middle of a project? Smart shades and blinds make it easy! With automated window treatments installed in your workspace, you can adjust the lighting as needed without leaving your desk
Define Your Home Office with an Area Rug
Putting an area rug in your workspace also has a number of benefits. If your space currently has a floor with a hard surface, like wood or vinyl, a smaller area rug can help prevent your desk chair from scratching or damaging the floor.
Area rugs can also help define your designated work area if you are working in a room that shares multiple functions. Separate your workspace from your living room or kitchen with a large area rug.
Building and Renovating a Home Office
If working from home has become your new normal, and you have some extra space, you may want to think about renovating a properly designated room to be your office. Consider a custom desk setup, adding storage space, and customizing the home office with window treatments that match the overall aesthetic you want to achieve - whether it be a traditional dark-wood study vibe or a clean and modern minimalist look.
Remodeling Your Home Office Flooring
Renovating the floors in your new home office can be a great way to freshen up the space and help create your ideal aesthetic.
A traditional hardwood flooring option can help you achieve that classic "study" look in your home office, with options ranging in a variety of shades and species.
Vinyl or laminate flooring options stand up well to scratches, and they come in a variety of design options from bold patterns to traditional wood looks.
Wood-look tile is another great option for the traditional look - and it will stand up to the occasional spill if you ever knock over your morning coffee.
Carpet is also a good choice for home office flooring, as it offers some sound absorption for all of your meetings and calls. Carpet is very comfortable underfoot, as well, especially if you tend to work from home without shoes! If you go with carpet, look for a low pile option, as this will help with your desk chair's mobility.
Ready to set yourself up for success? Stop by one of our showrooms to get started on your home office renovation today!
