A home office is welcomed by many employees. Freelancers and self-employed people also carry out their work in their own four walls. For that they need a furnished and functional office. Preferably it is located in a separate room, for example the study. Basic equipment for the home office includes a desk, an office chair, as well as a computer and internet access. With the following furnishing tips, you as a home worker can create a pleasant atmosphere for working.
Lighting and color conditions play a decisive role in the study. Artificial light strains the eyes and the mood. For this reason, natural lighting is recommended. If the office faces south, large windows allow plenty of light to enter. Owners have free rein when it comes to color design. If the study faces north, light and friendly office colors are a good choice. White or cream-colored walls reflect the incoming daylight and visually enlarge the room. A light floor covering is also suitable to create a pleasant atmosphere.
The desk is the centerpiece of the office
If you work on a computer, the desk proves to be the focal point of the home office. On the desktop are the PC or laptop and important office supplies. Modern desks combine functionality with visual elegance. For example, choose an individually adjustable model made of light wood. Desktop surfaces made of natural materials like wood or leather feel pleasant to the touch. When writing, the wrists and forearms of the user rest on the surface of the desk. Materials such as glass or metal can feel unpleasant against the skin. At the same time they reflect light and can, at worst, interfere with your work.
If the desk is placed at an angle to windows and doors, this prevents sunlight from shining directly on the computer screen. Depending on your eyesight, the ideal seating distance to the PC is between 50 and 80 centimeters. For that reason a desk depth of at least 60 centimeters is recommended. How high the model should be depends on your body height. For women the ideal height is on average 68 to 70 centimeters. Men usually require tables with a higher desktop, which is around 72 to 76 centimeters.
Büromöbel-Experte: What does the perfect desk chair look like?
So that employees can sit comfortably at your desk, they need an ergonomic office chair. At Büromöbel-Experte you will find a wide selection of models. High-quality chairs enable individual adjustment of:
- Seat height,
- Backrest position,
- Position of the armrests.
Furthermore, recommended office chairs support “active sitting.” They move slightly with the body so that users can change their seating position. What the right chair for your home office looks like depends on the size of the room and your interior style. Classic “executive chairs” look elegant and give the room an authoritative touch. Pay attention to the seat area when choosing a model. When sitting, the thighs and lower legs should ideally form a 90-degree angle. Both feet should rest comfortably on the floor during work.
Storage keeps the office tidy
In addition to the desk and office chair, technical equipment as well as filing cabinets or sideboards belong to the office furnishings. A filing cabinet is suitable for storing documents, personal papers and folders. It is advisable to adapt all furniture in the study to a uniform color scheme. This makes the home office look orderly and stylish. To store specialist books, for example, you need a bookshelf. In dark rooms, furniture made of white wood provides a brightening effect. If you are interested in a vintage style, choose furniture in rustic oak decor or shabby chic, for example.
As small organizers, place a pen cup or storage boxes for note paper or paperclips on the desktop, for example. If you choose an organizer set, the office will have a coherent overall impression. Put the waste bin next to the workstation. Alternatively, hide it under the desk. If the room offers enough space, place a green plant near the desk. This is decorative and adds a lively touch to the home office.
If the study faces south, you will usually benefit from natural lighting. For north-facing rooms or in the evening hours you need additional light sources. In addition to a desk lamp, a ceiling uplighter is suitable. At the workstation the ideal illuminance is 500 lux. Choose adjustable lamps that emit a white, bright light. A warm white or neutral white light color is a good choice.
Furnishing the office as a cozy retreat
Work is easier in a pleasant atmosphere. For this reason, furnish your home office according to your needs and preferences. For wall colors, calming tones such as beige, brown or vanilla white are suitable. Decorative wall objects, pictures or accessories on the windows provide splashes of color. Alternatively, choose a modern wallpaper with graphic elements. Select a timeless design that matches several colors. That way you can redecorate your office in different colors if needed without having to repaint or re-wallpaper the walls.
Breaks during working hours promote creativity. If your study has enough space, set up a retreat corner, for example. Comfortable armchairs or a sofa with cushions that match the room's colors are suitable for this. Place a table with a coffee machine and cups next to it and your retreat area can also serve as a reception area for client visits.
