Whether you work from home, have school-aged children or just want a conducive space for computer use or household paperwork, a dedicated home workspace can be a worthwhile investment. How you set up your space can impact mood, focus, creativity, productivity, comfort and even health. With that in mind, here’s what to consider when creating a home workspace where you can do your best work.
Location
Selecting a location for your workspace is the first step. A central, visible place helps with collaboration and accountability (such as for children’s homework) while a more secluded area offers greater privacy and fewer distractions (such as for a home office). Choosing a space near a window can help improve mood and minimize eye strain – just take care to avoid glare and direct sunlight. If you don’t have a dedicated room for your workspace, setting aside part of a bedroom, den, kitchen or hallway nook are all popular choices.
Amenities
Above all, your workspace should be comfortable and functional. Ensure that work surfaces and chairs are ergonomic for their intended user and activities. If the workspace will see extended use, consider a high-quality office chair and perhaps a standing desk. Lighting should be sufficient for reading printed text. Chalk, white, cork or magnet boards and storage solutions such as drawers, shelves, cabinets and organizers can help keep notes and supplies accessible and organized. A larger space may be outfitted to accommodate multiple users (with optional privacy dividers) as appropriate.
Décor
Your workspace’s décor should be inviting and inspiring but neither distracting nor austere. A bright white desk with matching chair, a basic light fixture and a decorative element or two is the simplest approach. Greenery in the form of potted plants is a great way to add a touch of life with several benefits. Browse the Internet’s wealth of resources for design inspiration to customize your workspace to suit whoever will be using it.
While it may be tempting to toss any old desk and chair together and call it a home workspace, taking some time to do it right can create a happy, productive and healthy setup that will provide benefits for years to come.
