Working from home requires a functional, well-designed environment. To be productive and comfortable, it's essential to set up a home office properly, optimizing space and choosing ergonomic furniture. Discover our 10 key steps to creating a practical, comfortable workspace.
1- Set up the right room in your home
Before setting up your office, it's important to consider the space available and opt for a quiet place conducive to concentration. If space allows, opt for a dedicated room, isolated from the rest of the house, to avoid distractions. Consider soundproofing your office if you're in a noisy environment.
If you're short of space, it's possible toset up a workspace by exploiting a small unused area. A corner of the living room, an under-staircase or even a dining room can be transformed into a home office with the right furniture. Preferably near a window to benefit from good lighting.
2. Prioritize natural light
Good natural light improves comfort and reduces eyestrain. It's advisable to place your desk near a window to optimize natural lighting throughout the working day.
If this is not possible, a desk lamp with adjustable intensity will compensate for the lack of light. It's also essential to avoid direct light sources that could cause reflections on the screen and affect your comfort.
3. Get a comfortable seat
Working at home requires good equipment, starting with an ergonomic office chair. An ergocentric chair, for example, offers excellent lumbar support and an adjustable seat, ideal for spending long hours in front of your screen.
It's important to choose a chair with adjustable height and armrests to limit muscular tension. A footrest can also be a good option to improve comfort.
4. Add greenery
A home office should be both functional and pleasant to live in. Adding greenery can create an inspiring atmosphere and make the environment warmer. Plants also improve air quality and add a decorative touch.
For a small space, choose hanging plants in front of a window or pots on a wall shelf and you're done. If you work from home in a dimly lit room, opt for hardy varieties such as pothos or sansevieria.
5. Organize your space with practical storage units
A well-organized office promotes efficiency and reduces stress. Maximizing storage allows you to work without clutter.
- Incorporate drawers, a filing cabinet and office furniture adapted to your needs.
- Keeping your documents organized and within easy reach makes it easier to manage tasks.
- Use dividers and boxes to optimize space.
6. Delineate office space
Separating your office space from the rest of your interior helps structure your work at home. Creating a separate office allows you to concentrate better and limit interruptions.
If the room is shared, a partition, curtain or carpet may be enough to mark the separation. A double desk can be an excellent solution if several people need to share workspaces.
7. Choose ergonomic and functional accessories
The design of an office area also requires the right accessories. A flat-screen monitor support aligns the screen at eye level and prevents neck pain.
The use of a mouse pad, an adjustable keyboard and an organizer helps to structure the workstation and optimize efficiency when telecommuting.
8. Elevate your screen to prevent back pain
When you're typing at the keyboard, your screen should be at eye level to avoid strain on the back of your neck. A work table with an adjustable support or articulated arm lets you adjust the inclination and height to suit your comfort.
A height-adjustable electric desk is an ideal option for alternating between sitting and standing throughout the working day.
9. Choose the right colors for your office space
Colors influence concentration and creativity. Designing your office with the right shades helps you stay focused and improves the atmosphere.
Blue and green are known to encourage concentration, while warmer tones such as yellow or orange boost energy. If you're looking for decorating ideas, a cork or wood wall adds a natural, modern touch to the office space.
10. Have a wall organizer
An office needs to be structured to avoid clutter. A wall-mounted organizer helps create an efficient space while freeing up space on the work surface.
How do you create this space? Easy-to-install shelves, hooks or a corkboard keep information organized and tasks in front of you. Keeping track of your data visually helps you to manage your time better and avoid forgetting anything.
Setting up an attractive home office is an essential step towards working in optimal conditions. Take a look at these 10 tips for creating a functional, inspiring and ergonomic office space. Discover the best ideas for a well-organized office to suit your everyday life.