While most of us start with a standard home-office that contains no more than a desk, a chair, and a laptop or desktop to get the job done, the layout of your office space area is just as essential as all the upgrades you make along the way from investing in functional scanners, modern laser printers, or any other additions that will enhance functionality. Even though your equipment is essential, the way you place and decorate your office space will impact both productivity and functionality. These expert home-office layout tips will help you create the perfect home office as you grow your remote career or startup business idea from home.
4 Home-office Layout Tips
1. Finding The Perfect Place
Ideally, your home office space should be in a quiet and secluded area of your home where the rest of the household won’t disrupt you. Location is vital when creating a functional workspace within your home, so consider transforming the spare room, doing it out with your dining room area, or even separating a room of your home by using a screen or even something as simple as an area rug. However, be sure to avoid creating your office space in your bedroom; even if your bedroom is the quietest area of your home, working from your bedroom can disrupt your sleep patterns and have you battling to separate your work life from your home life.
2. Face Away From Natural Light
It would be best to face your desk and chair away from the natural light source of the room as facing natural light will negatively impact the visibility of your screen and deteriorate your eyesight as a result. It is best to have your back to the window or at your side instead of in your face. You can place additional light sources in the room, ensuring none face directly towards your laptop or desktop screen.
3. Shelving And Storage
Shelving and storage are often overlooked when creating a home office layout as we assume these will be reachable regardless of where they are placed. However, it is usually best to install shelving above your desk or at your side, while your storage should not be too close to your desk to avoid a cluttered look. You can keep your essential documents and items on the accessible shelving, while less critical things can be stored in storage furnishings that are further away from your desk.
4. Accommodating Virtual Meetings
Suppose most of your meetings are held online. In that case, you should have your back towards a plain wall and away from natural light that will hinder streaming quality. You can have some decor in the background, although you should be sure to avoid having a chaotic background as it can seem unprofessional.
Last Words
There are tons of ways to layout your office space while conforming to the expert tips mentioned above. As not all rooms are built the same, you will need to consider the specifics of your chosen office space before placing each furnishing. Once you have found the perfect layout, you can decorate the space to make it more comfortable and motivational.
