Whether you’re working from home more than usual or you find yourself gravitating to your home office to concentrate and relax, it’s important to have a coherent space you can work in.
Often, when you’re first setting up your home office, your efforts are centered mostly around making the furniture fit into the room and getting the configuration right. Seldom do we consider the effect of the details of our surroundings on the productivity we’ll be trying to achieve later in that very room.
The truth is that the details make all the difference. If you’re looking for some quick and easy ways to help turn your home office into a sanctuary you can work, concentrate, or relax better in, then start with these tips.
A Durable Leather Desk Mat
A desk mat might not be the first item you’d think of when it comes to increasing productivity and focus in your office, but these handy little tools have multi-purpose benefits.
Desk mats are great for protecting the surface of your desk from scratches, dents, and marks. They also help you keep the desk tidy – which does increase productivity and comfort!
Even better if you choose a tough but classic-looking leather desk mat. Although having a stylish work area isn’t a must for productivity, having an area that looks appealing and welcoming to you can help put you in the right mindset to work, and leather desk accessories go the extra mile.
A Good Desk Lamp
Depending on where your home office is located in your house, its natural lighting is likely subject to change throughout the day. If you’re spending several consecutive hours in your office, your lighting probably isn’t very consistent.
Many scientific studies have linked office lighting to productivity and alertness. So, finding a good desk lamp that can help you focus without straining your eyesight is a must.
Choose a good lamp with an adjustable neck so that you can position it however you like depending on your task. A lamp with adjustable tones, such as an LED lamp, can also help you stimulate greater production with white-toned lights, and with blue-tone lights, it can help you wind down at night without disturbing your sleep cycle.
A Comfortable Desk Chair
Even though a good desk chair seems like an obvious thing to have in your home office, there’s a good chance that you still have an uncomfortable desk chair that doesn’t offer lots of ergonomic support.
An ergonomic office chair is a great investment for anyone who spends a lot of time in their home office. Good features for an ergonomic chair include adjustable height, a large and deep enough seat, and good lower back support, which mitigates pain.
You don’t have to sacrifice style to achieve comfort, though. Many ergonomic chairs come in sturdy, stylish varieties. Don’t be afraid of a substantial desk chair with carved wood details and leather cushioning.
A Modern Yet Cozy Desk
Lastly, you will want a desk that you can comfortably sit at for hours on end. When desk shopping, look for one that reaches a comfortable height when sitting. You don’t want to strain your wrists when typing. Also, check that the height is compatible with your chair.
In terms of its appearance, look for a desk that has a solid, warm color like mahogany or chestnut brown. Whether you go for wood, metal, or polymer materials, a solid color will make it look more high-end.
You can choose how many drawers you want. If your desk has multiple drawers, try to get fashionable antique knobs. You can mix and match different patterns for a funky look. If you want to keep it sleek, purchase minimalist knobs that blend in with the desk.
Some other accessories you may wish to get for your desk include:
- Patterned mouse pad
- Ergonomic keyboard
- Pencil holders in the shape of words, characters, animals, or crystals
- Standing desk converter
- Icons with uplifting messages or pictures you like
Make sure to choose decorations that express your personality while retaining their function. Also, review some basic color theory to ensure everything matches and evokes a specific mood. Softer shades provide a calming feel, while brighter colors will energize you. Figure out if you would benefit from a relaxing atmosphere or an invigorating one.
Final Thoughts
Contrary to popular belief, style and comfort can go hand-in-hand. Your home office is one of the most important places to strike this balance.
If you want to achieve more productivity, focus, and sustained concentration while working or even just want to be able to better relax in your home office, try out some of these tips for amping up your space with both style and comfort.