Many changes have happened over the past few years to make working from home (WHF) more and more common. Now that it looks like many people are continuing remote or hybrid work on a more permanent basis, they are carving out dedicated office spaces in their homes. With so many hours spent in these home office spaces, many people are making the investment in a functional and stylish home office furniture, including a desk, a comfortable home office chair, and the accent pieces and décor that can make these office spaces feel bright and cheery.

With the right office design, you can be just as productive at home as you are at the office. Not sure where to start? Use this home office buyer’s guide to strategize your office purchases and ultimately design a space where you will love to work.

Location, Location, Location

The first step in designing a functional and fashionable home office space is choosing the right room or part of a room. Find the ideal space in your home where you will be able to focus on your work and tasks. A spare room or designated office space is the obvious choice, but if you don’t have that available, you can still create a great place to get work done. Here are some common shared office spaces that can be dedicated to both work and play:

• Home office / guest bedroom: By choosing right-size furniture, typically on the smaller end, you can fit both the needs of a home office and guest bedroom into a single bedroom. Choose smaller scale furniture such as a compact writing desk for the office section of your room. For the guest bedroom side, you may opt for a sleeper sofa, futon, klik-klak, daybed with trundle, or other space saving bed design.

• Home office / gym: Many of the same space-saving strategies work for a home office and gym room combination. Additionally, you may choose to invest in a room divider to help section off the designated spaces and keep unsightly gym equipment out of your work time line of sight and video call backgrounds.

• Home office / living room: In many homes, the only space for a work area is a corner of the living room or family room. In this case, it’s important to choose home office furniture that complements the design of the room. You can also employ visual strategies to help separate the office space, such as using an area rug under your desk and office storage furniture. Another idea is using a credenza or hutch style desk in a family room, and closing it up in the evening when work is finished and it’s time to focus on family.

• Home office / bedroom: If a bedroom is the only space you have available for a work desk, it’s ideal to choose office furniture and accent pieces with sufficient storage so you can put away your work at the end of a day. Select office furniture and décor in neutral colors and simple designs, so you retain the calm and relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom that is so crucial for sleep.

• Cloffice: What is a “cloffice”? It’s a combination of the words “closet” and “office,” and it’s a closet that’s been converted into an office. In many busy homes, it’s the only solution for a semi-private work space. A small office desk and task chair usually make up the furnishings in a cloffice. Make sure to also employ plenty of lighting to avoid a cave-like feel.

• Home office / dining room: If the only workspace available is in your dining room or breakfast nook, there are ways to make the space accommodate both activities. For instance, a workspace table can be used for casual breakfasts in the AM, and with built-in USB ports, it’s easy to transform your table to a work-space during the day, and back to a dining table in time for family dinner.

Desk Strategy

Once you’ve decided on a space for your office, it’s time to pick out the big pieces. The first piece of furniture you should invest in for your home office is a quality desk. Take your workflow and preferences into consideration as you decide on the type of desk that’s right for your needs. Here are a few things you should consider when choosing a desk:

1. Do you need drawers? Most at-home workers will need at least moderate storage for office supplies like pens, staplers and more.

2. Do you use a laptop or desktop computer? Laptops take up less space and require a smaller desk, but can be less comfortable for long-term use.

3. Do you prefer to sit, stand or both? Numerous studies have shown that being immobile for hours is bad for your health. Standing and adjustable desks are quickly gaining popularity to give workers the freedom to sit, stand or do both.

Once you’ve contemplated these questions and your needs for a desk, you can choose from a wide range of models. On the larger end, an executive desk or L-shaped desk has plenty of space to spread out, and many models can offer refined good looks that are sure to impress. There are plenty of medium sized desks for small to medium-sized rooms and work space needs. Of course, many people are opting for a small writing desk or task desk that will suit their shared spaces and small office nooks.

The surge in popularity of small office desks isn’t just due to limited available space. So much is done digitally now, most people don’t need piles of paperwork and room for files on their desk. Smaller laptops take up less surface area and do not require big desks to organize and work efficiently. As these items get smaller, the size of home office desks scales alongside. Additionally, small office desks suit many people’s preference for a minimalistic design.

Ultimately, the size of your desk will depend heavily on your needs and available space. For many homes, it's best to forego the extras and focus on what you need to be successful to make the best use of the space you have at your disposal.

Ergonomic Home Office Chairs

Big, small, something in between; as important as organization is to being efficient, nobody can be productive day after day if they're stuck in an uncomfortable chair. Using an ergonomic office chair in your home office will vastly improve your day-to-day life and help ensure you won’t suffer from lasting discomfort or lower back pain. Using a chair that features a vertically adjustable back rest lets you find the ideal position for optimal comfort. At the same time, seats with memory foam or other performance material allows the seat to flex and conform to your body's movements, finding a more comfortable and productive position.

Home office chairs are often available in a wide variety of materials. One such option that’s seen a storied history of popularity is sleek leather. Leather provides longevity by resisting stains and tearing, and its classic good looks will never go out of style. There are also many upholstery materials that can enhance the aesthetic in your room, bringing in your favorite colors and even different textures.

Stay Organized

Once you have a work spot and a seat, it’s time to add functional accent furniture to keep your space organized. A popular option, especially with multi-purpose rooms, is a classic bookcase to keep and display important books. You can even add décor elements along with your books and files to create a stylish element that will look great as a Zoom background. If you are looking to store files and less attractive elements, consider a filing cabinet. In addition to standard metal cabinets, there are now a plentitude of aesthetically pleasing options. Look for a cabinet that will integrate seamlessly with an office or other room in your house. A variety of wood stains and styles are available to pair with your existing décor.

Finish with Accessories

Once you have the essentials: your desk, a comfortable chair and some effective storage, finish your office design with accessories. Here are a few home office accent and décor options to consider:

• Lamps - A well-lit desk is a key to success, or at least a key to keep eye-strain at bay. Add a desk lamp to your set up to help light your way. This is a great opportunity to continue adding your design. Don’t have the space on your desk? Utilize a floor lamp or built in lighting to brighten up your home office in order to gain precious desk space back.
• Inspirational Items - Set up an inspiration board above your computer or workspace to help you when you need a burst of creativity. You could hang a chalkboard to write notes and keep yourself on task.
• Wall Art – Don’t forget to brighten up your walls with some favorite paintings or other wall art. Go for whatever colors and styles you are drawn too. There are no rules here!
• Greenery - Plants can add a little life to your desk, so find one or two (or more!) that could fill your space with green and joy.
• Personalized Décor – There are many ways to add personalized touches to your home office space. Whimsical bookends could make an appearance and are a good way to contribute to the aforementioned organization. Small sculptural pieces can add charm to your desk or shelves. Finally, framed pictures of loved ones are a must-have for any office space.

Now that you’ve selected the ideal spot in your home for an office space and decided on the ideal office furniture, as well as accessories, it’s time to get to work!