Home office: 16 products and gadgets to make your workspace more efficient and comfortable - including desks

• Optimise your home office with ergonomic furniture to boost productivity and maintain good posture
• Incorporate cable management and custom shelving to enhance workspace organization
• Use a combination of natural light and ambient lighting to create a comfortable and well-lit environment
• Add ergonomic accessories such as a footrest and a supportive chair cushion for enhanced comfort
• Personalise your workspace with quirky decor to foster a calm and creative atmosphere

In the era of remote work, your home office becomes a critical space for productivity and comfort.

Whether you’re a freelancer, a full-time remote employee or just someone who occasionally works from home, optimising your workspace can significantly enhance your efficiency, boost morale and ensure long-term physical well-being.

But creating a home office that balances productivity with comfort isn’t just about functionality; it’s also about creating an environment that you enjoy being in.

Here’s how you can achieve this with some smart customisations, essential products and a touch of creativity.

Get the right furniture

Your choice of furniture sets the tone for your entire workspace, and investing in ergonomic furniture is not just about comfort - it's about preventing health issues like back pain, neck strain and repetitive stress injuries. The right chair

The centrepiece of any home office is the chair. An ergonomic office chair is crucial for maintaining good posture and reducing strain on your body during long working hours.

Look for chairs that offer adjustable height, lumbar support and cushioned seating. The Herman Miller Aeron Chair is a top-of-the-line option that combines all these features, offering superior comfort and durability.

For those on a budget, this Ticova Ergonomic Office Chair offers excellent ergonomic support at a more affordable price.

Adjustable standing desks

Incorporating a standing desk into your setup can revolutionise your workday, as they allow you to alternate between sitting and standing, which can reduce the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

The FlexiSpot Electric Height Adjustable Desk is a fantastic choice, with smooth height adjustments and a spacious work surface. Pair this with an anti-fatigue mat like the Topo Comfort Mat to reduce pressure on your feet during standing sessions.

Customise your workspace

Personalising your workspace can make it feel more like your own and can inspire creativity. Here are some DIY upgrades that can elevate your home office:

Cable management

A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind. Keep your workspace neat and tidy with effective cable management solutions. DIY options like using cable ties, Velcro straps or even a cable management box can make a significant difference.

Products like the JOTO Cable Management Sleeve can help bundle and hide those unsightly cords.

Monitor mounts and stands

Elevating your monitor to eye level can prevent neck strain and improve your posture.

A monitor mount, like the VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount, not only frees up desk space but also allows for customisable screen positioning.

Alternatively, a simple monitor stand, such as the AmazonBasics Adjustable Monitor Stand, can be a quick fix for better ergonomics.

Custom shelving and storage

Maximise your workspace efficiency by adding custom shelving. Floating shelves are an excellent way to keep books, files and decorative items off your desk while still within reach.

You can install your own with basic tools, or for a more refined look, try the Love-KANKEI Floating Shelves that are easy to mount and stylishly designed.

Adjust your lighting

Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of a home office, yet it plays a significant role in productivity and comfort - poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, which can all negatively impact your work.

Natural light

Natural light is the best option if you can get it - position your desk near a window to take advantage of sunlight. But relying solely on natural light isn’t always practical.

A good desk lamp, like this SLATOR Desk Lamp, can provide adjustable brightness levels and colour temperatures to suit different times of the day or specific tasks.

Ambient lighting

To create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, consider adding ambient lighting. This could be in the form of floor lamps, wall-mounted lights, or even string lights.

The Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance Lightstrip is a versatile option that allows you to customise the colour and intensity of your lighting to match your mood or the task at hand.

Enhance your comfort

Beyond the basics, there are several ergonomic accessories that can further enhance your home office setup:

Keyboard and mouse

An ergonomic keyboard and mouse can prevent repetitive strain injuries and make your workday more comfortable.

The Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard is designed to reduce strain on your wrists, while the Logitech MX Master 3 mouse offers a comfortable grip and precise control.

Footrests and cushions

A footrest, such as the Mind Reader Adjustable Height Foot Rest, can improve circulation and reduce lower back pain.

If your chair is a bit too firm, a memory foam cushion, like the Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion, can add extra comfort.

Do some office Feng Shui

Your home office should be a place where you enjoy spending time, so don’t be afraid to infuse it with personality. Quirky decorations and a bit of Feng Shui can bring a sense of calm and creativity to your workspace.

Personal touches

Add personal items that make you smile - whether it’s artwork, plants or unique knick-knacks.

Plants, in particular, are known to improve air quality and reduce stress. A Snake Plant is a low-maintenance option that adds a touch of greenery to your desk.

Aromatherapy

Introduce calming scents with an essential oil diffuser like the URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser.

Scents like lavender or eucalyptus can create a soothing environment that helps reduce stress and enhance focus.

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