Remote workers, hear our call! Whether you’re new to a work-from-home setup, or you’ve been at it since 2020 (or even longer), you probably know that having a comfortable, well-designed home office can make the world of difference in how much time you actually want to spend in it. And by extension of that, your productivity too.
Here, at Michael Murphy’s, we fully understand the importance of creating a space that works for you. That’s certainly something that varies from person to person, so it’s important to get an idea of what helps you focus and put in those hours. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you design, or even just tweak the perfect WFH setup! Let us know which ones work for you, or which ones we’ve left out.
Location
First (and most important) things first. No matter your working hours or style, it all comes down to location. Choose somewhere in your home that’s got lots of natural light. If it’s quiet, even better. If you can, try to avoid your bedroom. It’s better for our mental health and sense of routine if we can separate work and leisure spaces – so keep your bedroom as a space of relaxation, if possible. If you are using your bedroom, a good tip is to make sure you have a distinct ‘zone’ for your work area – this way you aren’t tempted to head back for a midday nap in between meetings. We’ve all been there, we know how it is.
Furniture
Now that you’ve nailed down a location, the next step is to consider your furniture. Maybe you’re a classic WFH-er and your spot at the kitchen table is non-negotiable, or perhaps you like the idea of a single space designed solely as a place to work away on your emails. In that case, a desk is the perfect solution.
When choosing a chair, especially so if it’s not a match to your desk (or table) of choice, ensure that it’s a comfortable fit. Remember you’ll be here for eight hours, five days a week! Both desk and chair should be functional. Meaning your desk must be able to accomodate both your laptop and other documents you might need throughout the day. And if you’re overwhelmed while exploring chair options, the most important thing to remember is back support. Any other cool features after that are a bonus, but comfort is key!
If you’re a little bit more unconventional, and you prefer to do your remote working from the couch, not to worry, we got you! If you’re considering upgrading your space, then it’s a good idea to look into sofas that come with some smart tech upgrades, like built in chargers, or LED booklights. The Bohemia is a perfect choice when combining style, comfort, and function!
Whether you’ve gone for desk, table, or couch, make sure to add some comfort to your new home office – some cushions or a throw are the perfect addition in the winter months to keep you warm and cosy.
Lighting
If natural lighting is hard to come by in your home (or you just happen to live in Ireland), then adjusting the lighting of your home office is a crucial step in creating the perfect environment. Good lighting is essential, especially if you spend a lot of time reading physical documents. If you’re lucky enough to make the most of a window, fantastic! But, as we all know, the nights draw in and we’re often left working away in the evening dusk as the light fades outside. A desk lamp or even a well-placed floor lamp can make all the difference, especially in the winter evenings.
Minimise Distractions
Possibly the biggest culprit when it comes to disrupting your perfect WFH ambience is the availability of distractions. If possible, make sure you’re not within eyeline of your TV, or any chatty housemates. Another good tip is to make sure anything you don’t need (i.e. the TV remote, the book collection you’ve been meaning to organise, or even your phone, if necessary!) is placed in a different room. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. Set yourself up for success by making your home office as functional and less distracting as possible! Another useful tip to avoid distraction is by making sure your space has everything you need close to hand, to avoid multiple trips for a charger, a pen, a glass of water… you know how it goes.
Important Takeaways
Your home office shouldn’t be a loathed space in your home, nor should it be a daunting dask to decorate! With the right furniture, and a little bit of thought, you can create the perfect area to work in. And that’s where we’ve got you covered. Take a stroll around our shop if you’re still unsure, go ahead and sit down in some chairs – test what feels right! Visit us to explore our range of furniture. Your new home office might just be around the corner! Keep the basics in mind, and you’ll be set up in the perfect WFH space in no time.