If you’re among the millions of Americans now working from home, figuring out the best home office setup is now more important than ever. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you’re set up for maximum productivity. But it’s still a part of your home, after all, so you want it to be comfortable and stylish, too. Many companies are now moving toward more permanent remote office setups. You might be able to enjoy any investment you make in a home office for years to come.
Chances are the company you work for provides either some or all of your computer equipment and other electronics. We’re going to skip over the techy stuff and focus more on room design. Besides, there are plenty of buying guides for home office electronics available elsewhere online.
If you’re ready to take your home office to the next level, here are the key elements you need to consider to turn your workspace into a place you’re going to love.
First, survey your space
If you’re lucky enough to already have a spare room in your house to use as a home office, congratulations! You’re halfway to having the best home office setup imaginable. But if it’s still going to be a while before any of the kids move out, or you’re otherwise limited in terms of space, it’s time to get creative.
Is your home a revolving door of dinner guests? If not, the amount of square footage you can squeeze out of a dining room just by inching the table over a bit might surprise you. Does your family mealtime tradition hinge on your dining room? Consider converting the nook in your kitchen into an office. Not only will you be able to work away from any TVs or stereos others might be enjoying in a different room, but you’ll be as close as it gets to the coffee maker.
Really, any space that’s unused or underused can become the perfect home office with just a little careful planning. Laundry room, guest bedroom, corner of the master bedroom. Even an unfinished basement. Especially an unfinished basement, come to think of it.
It’s All About the Desk
Conventional wisdom suggests you shouldn’t skimp on your bed or bedding because you spend a third of your life there, right?. Well, guess where you spend a third of your workday? At your desk. Finding a desk and — even more importantly — a desk chair that are adjusted (or, better yet, adjustable) to your height is crucial if you want to stay comfortable and avoid body aches down the road. The best home office setup for you has to be personalized.
If you’re between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10, the standard desk height of 28 to 30 inches should be fine enough, especially if you have an adjustable desk chair. But for everyone else, pay close attention to how far off the ground the typing surface is on any desk you’re considering. If you’ve got the budget (or, better yet, if you can expense it), an adjustable desk that can convert to a standing desk at the push of a button is both trendy and ideal for your health. Consumer Reports has a fantastic guide to help you choose a standing desk that’s perfect for you.
Chairs are a little trickier, as the perfect chair can’t be reduced so easily to its dimensions. And a chair that feels comfortable after a 30-second test drive won’t necessarily stay that way after 40 hours of being planted in it week after week. The Spruce has a stellar guide for selecting a great office chair, but – spoiler alert – it really all comes down to how many parts are adjustable.
Wherever You Decide to Make a Workspace, Consider a Remodel
The best part about working from home (aside from the commute) is that, unlike in a company office, you get to choose everything from the color of paint on the walls down to the flooring. Now that you’re spending all this time hunkered down at home for your job, the least you can do to reward yourself is to bring your new workspace up to 2020.
In fact, as we get closer and closer to 2021, it’s now the best time of the year for remodeling part or all of your home. And since it’s your home office we’re talking about, you may be able to write off some of your investment. But you need to renovate before the New Year to see it on your next tax return. (Although, disclaimer: You’ll want to discuss it with your accountant first – we’re a construction company, not tax masters, so don’t take our word for it).
Some tasks, like painting and maybe even light drywall work, you might consider DIYing your way through. (Although here are three questions to help you decide whether you’re in over your head or not.) For everything else, that’s what we’re here for. (Learn the difference between a general contractor and a project manager here. Then tell us how you’d like us to handle your project.)
If you’re considering a full-blown remodel, our guide to choosing the right commercial flooring can get you started. Thinking your basement would make a great home office? Check out these basement finishing ideas. And here are five reasons to consider wood-like tile instead of traditional hardwood when redoing your floors.
We’re the Best in the Business
Ready to make your work-from-home space spectacular? Call or email Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers today for a free consultation. We know you only want the best in flooring and remodeling. That’s why it’s important to hire the best in the business, and at Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers, we can guarantee you that’s us.
Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers have been flooring and remodeling Kentuckiana for over 30 years. Our certified installers have the ingenuity and know-how to assist you in choosing the perfect floors for your home. Don’t take matters into your own hands—let us guide your next project.
