If you work from home (WFH), then you understand how important it is to find ways to set yourself up for success each day.
Think of the difference between starting your work day by walking into a bright, beautifully decorated office versus stepping into a dark, overcrowded work area with papers everywhere. The first would likely motivate you, while the second might make you dread the day ahead.
Creating a comfortable and constructive space that supports your daily needs can directly impact your attitude toward work. Let’s take a look at some simple ways to elevate your WFH space to maximize coziness and productivity.
If you work from home, it is important to carve out a space that is dedicated to your job. You don’t have to use an entire room — any available corner will do. This area will house all of the equipment and accessories you need on a daily basis. If you are limited in space, you can use an existing counter or hanging shelf as your desk.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose somewhere that will provide you with a distraction-free zone where you can get into your deep workflow with few interruptions. Consider the areas in your home that don’t have a lot of foot traffic, especially if you have kids or roommates. You’ll want a quiet and calm zone.
📸 Saija
Having a dedicated workspace also allows you to create better work-life boundaries. When you are in this area, it is time to buckle down and get things done. As soon as your work day ends, tidy up your desk area, shut down your computers, and take a moment to mentally check out of work. As a result, you can clearly separate work from home, even when your work happens there.
Many modern offices are evolving and adapting into cozier, home-like spaces that are far less sterile and stuffy than the average workplace once was. If traditional offices are improving, why should your work-from-home space look and feel bland?
Consider swapping out basic office accessories like a boring black stapler or a clunky keyboard for something more visually pleasing that suits your interior decor style. One of the perks of working from home is having the freedom to choose the office accessories you actually want. Small additions can make a big difference.
Anyone who sits in a desk chair for eight or more hours a day understands the impacts that a lousy setup can have on your body. Ergonomics is important for anyone who works from the comfort of their own home — emphasis on the word “comfort.”
You can skip the backache by upgrading to ergonomic furniture and products. For instance, a good desk chair offers support for your back, head, and arms for better posture throughout the day. A laptop riser allows you to bring your monitor to eye level so you are not craning your neck to look down while you work.
Among the simplest ways to make your WFH space more comfortable and constructive is to declutter your work area. Take some time each week to clean up, throw away trash, and organize all your equipment. Put your items in designated areas so you can easily find the things you need without digging around.
📸 HGTV
If you are having trouble creating a tidy-looking space, consider investing in storage solutions that can hide some of the clutter. A label-maker can further boost your organizational efforts and allows you to keep track of what’s in your drawers, containers, and shelving.
Having the right lighting in your WFH space is essential for making the most of your day. If you have a nearby window, consider letting the natural light in while you work. Your body responds to the light, and it makes you feel more awake. If your setup doesn’t accommodate natural lighting, consider introducing a good reading lamp to reduce eye strain and keep your office bright during work hours.
📸 Val
For WFH folks, blocking out distractions is a must if you want to get through your to-do list efficiently. By investing in a Bluetooth speaker or noise-canceling headphones, you can set yourself up for full concentration. Whether you’re listening to a playlist, white noise, or a podcast, having something to listen to your favorite audio on will elevate your WFH game.
Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home are also handy for those working from home. They make it easy to quickly ask questions, set reminders and create timers without interrupting your workflow.
People who work from home spend the majority of their waking hours in their workspace. You might as well make the most of it! When choosing how to decorate and organize your station, consider small ways to introduce mood boosters, like seasonal decor or sentimental knick-knacks.
For example, you may light your favorite scented candle at the beginning of each workday or hang cute photos of your furry friend on your wall. Think of things that make you happy by just looking at them. Sprinkle a few items throughout your work area and create a space you actually want to spend time in.
Introducing a few plants is one of the best ways to make your WFH space feel more zen. They’ll add a natural element to your workstation that can actually boost focus and reduce stress levels. If you’re new to caring for plants, consider starting with low-maintenance options like succulents or a spider plant.
If you still feel like you don’t know where to start in making your WFH space comfier and more constructive, consider creating a mood board of other people’s home offices that inspire you. Sites like Pinterest make it easy to find and save images.
Look up office spaces with the design styles that interest you. For example, you might search with terms like “bohemian workspace” or “mid-century modern home office” to discover the elements that will work best with your personal taste and preferences.
Overall, your goal is to create a workspace that brings you comfort while allowing you to get things done throughout the day. As a result, you can enjoy improved productivity and a better work-life balance.
Transforming your WFH space into a haven of comfort and productivity is now easier than ever with the DecorMatters app. Place items on templates, decorate with real furniture and visualize your dream workspace even before making any changes. Download the DecorMatters app today, explore, play, design, and make working from home an experience that truly matters!