Create Your Perfect Home Office

• Posted on May 03, 2016

Striking the right balance between form and function is important for good design in any room, but in a home office, it’s absolutely essential. Your office is a place where things have to get done—and if it doesn’t feel right, your work time can wind up full of frustration instead of productivity.

But how do you get a home office just right? You don’t want it to be a stressful space, but it can’t be too relaxing, either. After all, whatever your work is, you need to be mentally engaged to do it well.

So to help you turn a room into the perfect workspace, we’ve put together three of the biggest things to consider and how to get them just right.

The Desk

It’s the most important piece of furniture in your office. You want a desk that can make magic happen, so put some thought into it. Is a classic executive desk the way to go? Or will something sleek and super modern get your juices going?

And of course it doesn’t have to be a desk. If you work better standing up, consider a higher table with a stool for when you need to get off your feet. The point is don’t settle for something that won’t help you do your best work.

Then there’s the question of where to put it. Remember, you don’t have to shove your desk against a wall. Having space to move around your desk will help when you need to stretch—or to see the project from a new angle.

And if you can, have your desk either facing or next to a window. Your eyes and your brain will be better off with breaks from all that up-close work on your computer screen.

The Storage

Storage is another must-have in a home office, but it’s not something most of us associate with design. Black metal filing cabinets and cardboard file boxes are the standard for office storage. After all, they do the job. But they’re not exactly pleasant to look at.

Thankfully there are plenty of alternatives. File boxes now come in any color and design you could wish for, and open storage options give you versatility to organize in the way that works best for you. You can even use baskets instead of boxes.

And if you do want a classic filing cabinet, there are hundreds of styles and DIY tutorials to get just the look you want, from chalkboard paint to modge podge (if that’s your thing).

The Details

Wall décor. This is especially important if having your desk by a window isn’t an option. Choose things that are engaging and invigorating, that your eyes and mind can wander to in a productive way.

A Rug. Bare floors simply aren’t exciting. Even a simply light-colored rug to add texture and contrast will help the whole room feel more put together.

Supplies. You can add color and whimsy here, too. Who knows? A funky tape dispenser just might be the perfect finishing touch.