A lot of us dream of creating home offices that look straight out of Pinterest and are ideal for Instagram. Anyone who has spent time working from home knows that it is easier said than done. Most of us have made the mistake of trying to create a space that is so lovely looking that we cannot wait to spend the day there. However, when we actually spend the day there, we feel that the space is cramped, the furniture is uncomfortable, and the decor is very distracting.
Fortunately, there is a chance to improve the home office through minor tweaks. You do not need to spend a lot of money. With just a few quick swaps, you can transform the entire workspace. However, before you begin, here are some common mistakes you should avoid when creating a home office.
1. Workspace Near the Bedroom
It is important to reserve the bedroom only for relaxation, since it is a place with a more calming environment and is meant to serve a purpose. Do not make the mistake of putting the workspace in your bedroom, and never work from your bed. It could lead to a marked decrease in sleep quality and will also hamper work. It is best to introduce some sort of separation between the workspace and your bedroom. Even if there is no desk anywhere else in the house, you can create a workspace in the living room but do not take the desk to your bedroom. If you have enough space in the backyard, consider a backyard home office, and enjoy the peace and natural light while working.
2. Bad Lighting
You need to be aware of the fact that lighting can make or break the workspace. Whether it is your home office or the corporate office, there is no exception to this. All of us have had the haunting experience with bad lighting, and we have suffered from harsh artificial lighting too. The right lighting is the one that goes unnoticed, which is natural lighting. Always try to have a workspace that is close to the window and receives ample natural light. In case this is not the option for you, consider buying a few lamps, and experiment with different bulbs until you have a setup that is bright and warm.
3. Wrong Chair
The ideal desk chair has to be comfortable enough for you to spend the day in but not so cozy that it makes you slack. It is important to have a chair that is structured and upright but not uncomfortable. The shape, height, or material will depend on how you like to work, and there are ample options from which to consider. Always try the chair, and experiment a little to figure out what you want. You can also consider investing in an ergonomic chair for your health and wellbeing.
4. Cluttered Desk
It is natural to feel excited about creating a home office, and we often fill them with cute decor items. Thus, we end up filling the desk with candles, plants, sticky notes, and other desk supplies. This might look good but will not function well to work around. Purge the items you do not require. Your desk is your workspace, and it does not need to be heavily decorated. Even crisp and minimalist decor can feel pretty.
5. Small or Uncomfortable Desk
Do not choose a desk that is too small to accommodate the laptop, or your notebook and other accessories you might need when working. A small desk will not be enough for your supplies. In addition, if you are having trouble with space, then you can store the often-needed items under the desk and maximize desk space. However, if there is space and if the budget allows, consider investing in a larger desk. It is important to pay the same attention to the desk as you pay to the chair. If you are obsessing about the type and material of the chair, consider the same for your desk. Invest in a desk that is comfortable to work on. It must have a smooth surface and should provide you with enough space to move around things without causing discomfort.
Final Comments
Avoid these mistakes when creating a home office in the future. It is important to weigh all the pros and cons and then choose a place that works best for you. Whether it is the lighting, desk, or accessories, paying special attention to them can have a direct impact on your productivity. Do not underestimate the power of a quiet space, natural light, and the right chair when working. Consider your requirements and preferences before you start to work on the space. You are putting time, effort, and money in your home office, and you need to ensure it is everything you dreamt.
