A home office is met with goodwill by many employees. Freelancers and the self-employed likewise carry out their work within their own four walls. For that they need a furnished and functional office. Preferably it is located in a separate room, for example a 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 can create a pleasant atmosphere for working as a home worker.
Light and color conditions play a decisive role in the study. Artificial light strains the eyes and the spirits. For that reason natural lighting is advisable. If the office is on the south side, large windows provide the light. Owners have free rein when it comes to color design. If the study is on the north side, light and friendly office colors are a good choice. White or cream-colored walls reflect the incoming daylight. They visually enlarge the room. A light floor covering is also suitable for creating a pleasant atmosphere.
The desk is the focal point of the office
When you work on a computer, the desk proves to be the focus of the home office. On the tabletop are a PC or laptop as well as important office supplies. Modern desks combine functionality with visual elegance. For example, you can choose an individually adjustable model made of light wood. Desk surfaces made of natural materials such as wood or leather feel pleasant. When writing, the wrists and forearms of the person working rest on the desk surface. Materials like glass or metal feel unpleasant against the skin. At the same time they reflect light and can, at worst, hinder you in your work.
If the desk is positioned diagonally to windows and doors, this prevents sunlight from shining directly onto the computer screen. Depending on your eyesight, the ideal seating distance to the PC is between 50 and 80 centimeters. For this reason a desk depth of at least 60 centimeters is advisable. How high the model should be depends on your body height. For women the ideal height is on average 68 to 70 centimeters. Men normally need desks with a higher tabletop. This is 72 to 76 centimeters.
Office furniture expert: What does the perfect office chair look like?
In order for employees to sit comfortably at their desk, they need an ergonomic office chair. At Office furniture expert You will find a wide selection of models. High-quality chairs allow 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 those working can change their sitting 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. They lend the room an authoritative touch. When choosing, pay attention to the seat area of the model. When sitting, the thighs and lower legs should ideally form a 90-degree angle. Both feet should rest comfortably on the floor while working.
Storage keeps the office tidy
In addition to a desk and office chair, electronic equipment as well as filing cabinets or sideboards are part of office furnishings. A filing cabinet is suitable for storing documents, personal papers and folders. It is advisable to match all the furniture in the study to a uniform color scheme. This makes the home office look orderly and stylish. For example, to store professional books you need a bookcase. In dark rooms, furniture made of white wood provides a brightening effect. If you're interested in a vintage style, choose furniture in a rustic oak finish or in a shabby look.
As small organizing aids, place a pen holder or storage boxes for notepads or paperclips on the desktop, for example. If you opt for an organization set, it creates a coherent overall impression in the office. Place the waste bin next to the workstation. Alternatively, hide it under the desk. If the room provides enough space, place a green plant near the desk. This is decorative and adds a lively touch to the home office.
If the study is on the south side, you will normally benefit from natural lighting. For rooms facing north or during the evening hours, you will need additional light sources. In addition to a desk lamp, a floor uplighter is suitable. The ideal illuminance at the workstation is 500 Lux. Choose adjustable lamps that emit a white, bright light. A warm white or neutral white color temperature is a good choice.
Set up the office as a cozy retreat
Work comes easily in a pleasant atmosphere. For this reason, arrange your home office according to your needs and preferences. For wall colors, soothing tones are suitable, for example beige, brown or vanilla white. Decorative wall objects, pictures or accessories at the windows provide splashes of color. Alternatively, choose a modern wallpaper with graphic elements. Pick a timeless design that works with several colors. That way you can redecorate your office’s colors when needed without having to repaint or rewallpaper the walls.
Breaks during working hours boost creativity. If your study offers enough space, for example set up a retreat corner. Comfortable armchairs or a sofa, fitted with cushions that match the room’s colors, are suitable for this. Place a table beside it with a coffee machine and cups; in this way your retreat can also serve as a reception area when clients visit.
