Setting up a home office properly can make you more productive, but how should you choose furniture to maximize its effectiveness? Furniture is going to be one of the most important elements of your room, responsible for providing you with both comfort and space—not to mention aesthetics that make it easier to be productive.
Types of Furniture to Consider
First, focus on the main types of furniture that you’ll need for a successful home office:
- Desks. Your desk is where you’ll be doing most of your work, so its shape and style can dictate your productivity, at least to some degree. Consider whether you want a traditional desk, a standing desk, or a desk that offers a unique style.
- Chairs. If you do most of your job while sitting, you’ll need a comfortable chair where you can spend your day in comfort. This is especially important if you’re concerned about your posture and back health.
- Bookcases. Most home offices benefit from the addition of bookcases. Obviously, you can use these to store your books and reference materials, but they’re just as frequently used for decorations.
- Storage. You may also want additional storage options, like filing cabinets or drawers.
Factors to Keep in Mind
When buying these types of furniture, make sure
1. Vendor reputation/reliability. There are many vendors to choose from, so select a vendor with a great reputation for reliability and customer service. For example, you can check out reviews for BTOD to learn how satisfied its previous customers have been. Make sure you evaluate not just the average star ratings offered by users; make sure you read the reviews as well. Does this vendor ship quickly? Do they stand by their products? Does the customer service team reach out if there’s a problem?
2. Manufacturer reputation/reliability. Most vendors offer an assortment of furniture from several different manufacturers and designers, so it’s worth doing some independent research on each. You may find that furniture from one manufacturer tends to fall apart after a year, while another tends to have a much sturdier, more reliable product. Also check out user reviews on the store itself, if possible.
3. Ergonomics. Ergonomics is the study of optimizing environments for the wellbeing of humans, and many companies now apply these principles in their designs. This is most noticeable in office chairs, but you may also find ergonomically designed desks, and peripheral items like keyboards. Ergonomically designed furniture tends to be much more supportive and comfortable, naturally reinforcing good posture. If used consistently, they have the capacity to reduce aches and pains and maximize your health.
4. Personal comfort. Most ergonomic furniture options offer some degree of comfort, but you’ll still need to optimize your decisions for your own personal comfort. Do you prefer a chair with a softer, more flexible back, or something with more rigid options? Do you enjoy a desk that sits taller, or one that’s closer to the ground? Consider your personal preferences carefully and choose something you genuinely enjoy.
5. Lifespan/reliability. How long is this furniture going to last? Generally speaking, you get what you pay for here; if you spend as little as possible on an entry-level model, it probably isn’t going to provide you much comfort or functionality for long. If you want a long-term option, you’ll need to invest in one.
6. Aesthetics/style. You’ll be more productive in your home office, and you’ll make a better impression on others, if you have a good sense of style. How does your furniture fit together? How does it complement the rest of the room? Does it look sleek and professional? Does its color and shape match your personality? While you’re at it, this is a good time to study the dimensions of your office and choose furniture that offers the best possible fit.
7. Price. Price is also worth your consideration. As previously mentioned, you tend to get what you pay for in the world of office furniture—at least to some degree. Spending more on furniture can often leave you with much higher-quality pieces. That said, you may have a restrictive budget you’re trying to stay within.
8. Delivery/setup. Also consider the method of delivery, and whether any additional setup or construction is required. Is this company willing to deliver your furniture for free? Will you have to assemble it when it arrives? How much time and effort will this take?
Ultimately, the furniture needs of every remote worker will be unique; you’ll have your own set of preferences, goals, and values to work with. Think about your situation carefully and keep your options open. It’s only a matter of time before you find the perfect furniture for your home office setup.
