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Home office organization

The right layout, location and equipment can make sure your home office works for you

by Erik J. Martin

Three years ago, the pandemic forced millions of Americans to embrace the concept of working from home. Many companies have since called workers back to their original job sites, but 71% of businesses are permitting employees to work fully or partially from home, per a 2023 report by Buffer, a social media management tool. If you are one of the many who have learned to work efficiently from home but need to better equip your workspace, the following tips may help.

Barbara Oldham, a professional organizer in Topeka, Kansas, says a well-designed home office can increase productivity and work satisfaction. “When you have a designated workspace that is functional and comfortable, it can help you focus on your job and stay organized.” Conversely, a poorly planned space can make it difficult to concentrate, trigger fatigue and musculoskeletal problems, and result in clutter, lack of privacy and even safety hazards, she says.

Location. An ideal spot is a room with a door or an area with minimal distractions that will permit you to work comfortably without feeling crowded or compromised. In many homes, this means a spare bedroom, basement, attic or another private area. The average size of a home office in the U.S. is 120 to 150 square feet, according to online magazine Architecture Lab. The pros recommend a minimum of 100 square feet. Try to pick an area with one or more windows that allow for plenty of natural light.

Equipment. The experts interviewed for this story recommend equipping your home office with a minimum of the following: a desk, a rolling chair, lighting fixtures, one or more cabinets, bookcases or storage units, and perhaps a cart or stand for your printer and supplies. Opt for a desk—preferably an L-shaped one–with ample surface area to accommodate papers, files, your monitor, phone and knickknacks. Convertible standing desks with adjustable heights are popular nowadays to prevent unhealthy sitting for long periods.

Layout. “Try to place the desk or workstation facing a window for better light, without glare, and position your cabinet and storage units within easy reach or above the desk,” advises Margarita Bravo, an interior designer in Denver.

Give careful thought to where the outlets are located so that you can minimize cord and cable runs. “They’re not only trip hazards, but if the cords get damaged, they become fire hazards, too,” cautions professional organizer Christina Hidek, a Costco member in Cleveland, who recommends using cord channels and never placing cords beneath carpets.

If you have a desktop PC and shredder, they can be placed on the floor out of the way but not too far from your chair. Your printer and scanner should be situated on a sturdy surface like a nearby cart or shelf, preferably within arm’s reach of your chair.

“Lastly, opt for a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting. Use LED bulbs with a color temperature of 4000 to 5000K for optimal focus, and place task lighting, such as a desk lamp, on the side of your dominant hand to minimize shadows while working,” adds Bravo.

Aesthetics. The color you paint your office can promote productivity and efficiency, too. “Light blue helps reduce stress,” suggests Oldham. “Refreshing green promotes creativity and focus. Clean and neutral white makes a space feel open and bright. Gray, a sophisticated color, fosters a professional atmosphere and enhances focus,” she adds.

With the right planning, design and arrangement, you can create a comfortable, productive and safe home workspace built to take care of your business needs.

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