Building a Home Office That Actually Works

After years of remote work becoming the norm, many of us are still working from kitchen tables, couches, or makeshift desk setups. It's time to build a workspace that supports your productivity and health.

Related reading: Check out our guides on remote team management and ergonomics for long coding sessions for more workspace tips.

The Foundation: Your Chair#

You'll spend 8+ hours a day in this thing. Don't cheap out.

What to look for:

• Adjustable lumbar support
• Seat height adjustment
• Armrests that don't interfere with your desk
• Breathable material (mesh > leather for long sessions)

Popular choices: Herman Miller Aeron, Secretlab Titan, or the budget-friendly Autonomous ErgoChair.

Desk Setup#

Height Matters#

Your elbows should be at roughly 90 degrees when typing. For most people, this means a desk height of 28-30 inches.

Standing Desks#

The research is mixed on standing all day, but the ability to alternate between sitting and standing is genuinely beneficial. Look for electric sit-stand desks with memory presets.

Monitor Position#

• Top of screen at or slightly below eye level
• About an arm's length away
• Slight tilt (10-20 degrees) back

Lighting: The Underrated Factor#

Bad lighting causes eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Good lighting can transform your energy levels.

The ideal setup:

1. Natural light from the side (not behind your monitor, not behind you)
2. Ambient overhead lighting that's not too harsh
3. Task lighting (desk lamp) for focused work
4. Bias lighting behind your monitor to reduce contrast

Avoid cool white lights in the evening—they mess with your circadian rhythm.

Cable Management#

A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. Invest in:

• Cable trays under your desk
• Velcro cable ties
• A good power strip with surge protection
• Wireless peripherals where practical

The Little Things That Matter#

• Plants: They improve air quality and mood
• A good webcam: Your laptop camera is terrible
• Quality headphones: For focus and calls
• A second monitor: The productivity boost is real
• A whiteboard or notepad: Sometimes analog is better

Temperature & Air#

• Keep the room at 68-72°F (20-22°C) for optimal cognitive performance
• Consider an air purifier if you're in a city
• Open windows when possible—fresh air helps

Boundaries#

The hardest part of working from home isn't the setup—it's the boundaries.

• Have a dedicated space (even if it's a corner)
• "Commute" to work: take a walk before starting
• Close the door (literally or figuratively) at end of day
• Don't eat lunch at your desk

Your home office should be a place you want to work, not a place you're trapped. Invest in it accordingly.

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Further Reading:

• OSHA Ergonomics Guidelines - Official workplace ergonomics standards
• Cornell University Ergonomics Web - Research-based ergonomic recommendations
• Learn more about our editorial team and how we research our lifestyle content.