How to Design and Furnish the Ultimate Home Office

Out of 15,000 working American adults surveyed in 2016, roughly 43 percent spent at least some time working remotely. And as more and more companies are starting to hire remotely, this number is only going to rise. As a result, many remote workers are converting part of their homes into an office so they can work productively from home, free of distractions.

Most people spend an average of $20,000 to $30,000 on their home office, which includes home office furniture, cabinets and storage, lighting, and accessories, among other things. If you're ready to swag out your new home office, these tips can help you design and furnish your idea of the ultimate home working space.

Choose a Dedicated Workspace Where You Won't Be Interrupted

Finding a dedicated workspace is of the utmost importance when you're working from home. Without one, you'll encounter all kinds of distractions, from the doorbell to the dog to the kids to your spouse. A dedicated workspace can help you focus on work so you can keep your business running and money coming in.

But first, you need to determine what kind of workspace you'll need based on what kind of work you do. For instance, if you work as a freelance writer, all you might require is a desk inside one of the rooms in your home. But if you run a home daycare, you might require several dedicated rooms. To help you select your home office workspace, here are a few go-to options:

New Addition. This is the most expensive option and involves building a new space onto your home's current structure so you can fill it with home office furniture and use it as an office.
Spare Corner. This is the least expensive option when it comes to building your home office, but it's also the least effective because you still risk facing distractions.
Converted Garage. A converted garage can be ideal, especially if you have a separate entrance, but it can be a costly project when you factor in communications, heat, and running water.
Kitchen. If you don't have roommates or children, using the kitchen table as a workspace is a good option, especially if you don't have a spare room or the budget for an addition. If you do have others living with you, however, get a partition to close off your workspace during office hours.
Dining Room. The dining room is a popular option because the table often provides a great place to spread out your work. However, a dining room offers little-to-no privacy, so it won't be ideal for people with clients.
Extra Bedroom. If you've got an extra bedroom to spare, by all means, use it. You can add a desk, a chair, a filing cabinet, or a bookshelf — whatever you need to make yourself more comfortable.
Attic. An attic could be a great place for your home office, but it also comes with its limitations. For example, walking up and down the stairs to use the bathroom or grab snacks might get annoying, and the oddly shaped ceilings and walls don't exactly invite renovations.
Basement. Basements are another great option for a home office space, especially finished ones. However, in any basement, there's always a risk of moisture that can negatively affect inventory, paper, and computer equipment.

Leverage the Room's Natural Light, and Set Up Bright, Indoor Lighting for Evening Hours

The lighting in your office can have a direct impact on your mood, energy, and productivity, which is why it's important to choose a workspace with plenty of natural sunlight. If you're unable to, you can always enhance the space with direct lighting in the form of desk lamps, floor lamps, or even task lighting.

This way, you'll have concentrated lighting and you won't have to rely on the sunlight, which is important if you're going to be working into the evening hours. When setting up your office space, consider where you'll place your computer or laptop to prevent glare.

Pick a Desk That's Big Enough, High Enough, and Wide Enough

When it comes time to pick out your work desk, consider affordable desks that combine form and function. Will you be using a computer? If so, you'll need one big enough for your tower, monitor, hard drive, and other work-related items. Also, consider whether you'll need storage (like drawers) and whether or not a particular desk is too big or small for your workspace.

A work desk can come in many different shapes and sizes, but you'll ultimately decide which desk is best for you. A corner desk can give you lots of space to work with, especially in smaller rooms, while a credenza desk is better suited for a living room or dining room. Most desks surfaces are between 28 to 30 inches from the floor, so weigh your options and start browsing.

Get Comfortable, Ergonomically Correct Seating

Now that you have a designated workspace and you've chosen your desk, it's time to pick out an office desk chair. But not just any chair. If you're going to be sitting at a desk for hours on end, you need a chair with good back support. Another feature to look for in office desk chairs is a waterfall front — the ones that curve down. The best office chairs encourage movement, are easily adjustable, and feature breathable upholstery.

Before you settle on a chair, it helps to try it before you buy it. Consider your upholstery choices, but also ask yourself, how often will you use the chair? How do you prefer to sit? Do you have any aches and pains? And what kind of work will you be doing? All of these questions can help you determine what kind of chair to purchase for your home office.

Furnish Your Office With Help From Jerome's

If you're finally ready to set up your home office, then get online and browse the office section of Jerome's Furniture to find the best selection of home office furniture for sale. Jerome's has a wide variety of desks, corner desks, office chairs, filing cabinets, bookcases, and office sets. Set yourself up for success with office furniture and accessories that boost productivity and promote a healthy work environment, free from distractions and obstacles.