Sponsored by The Home Office
I’m feeling like a bit of a fraud writing this blog post because I have definitely always prioritised form over function in my own home office. I love my home work space. It has great natural light, colourful art on the walls, a stylish desk with brass legs, a soft rug underfoot, a good Zoom background… and a pink velvet chair on wheels which is giving me a terribly bad back! So actually, that probably makes me the best person to write this post!
Boring as it sounds, you really do need to consider the ergonomics of your home office. More of us are working from home (be it full-time or part-time) than ever before and there are definitely advantages and disadvantages. Having more autonomy over the space you spend your 9-to-5 brings with it the ability to create something with more personality, style and perhaps comfort. But if your good-looking chair is doing your back in, how’s that going to serve you in a few more weeks or months? Yes, it’s wonderful to be able to add vases, art and cool lighting (more on that later) but you really need to get the basics right first.
It’s no secret the standing desk is no longer a fad and the health benefits of incidental exercise are widely recognised. Even better, most are adjustable sit/stand desks so when you want or need to sit at your desk, old school style, you still can. Plus, ergonomic no longer has to equal dull and corporate looking. Phew!
As someone who has worked from home for more than a decade, I have a few top tips for making your home office feel more like home which are easy, affordable and won’t send you to the chiropractor!
- Consider what’s on the walls. Adding artwork is a great way to make your space feel less corporate and add colour and personality; making the space more you. You could even add a mirror to throw more natural light around or reflect a nice view from outside.
- Get yourself a bluetooth speaker and create a great workday playlist which is uplifting (but not so good it’s distracting!).
- Stick to a theme so everything feels cohesive, so that might be light and bright with pale timbers and white accessories, or more masculine with dark timber and black accents.
- Assuming you don’t wear shoes in your house, consider investing in a great rug for your office. I wish I’d realised sooner how soothing a soft rug under my desk would feel! It will also instantly make your room feel more put together and homely, rather than sterile.
- Consider all the senses. A fragranced candle is a nice touch; just keep it away from your papers! It’s also great to have a lovely smell you associate with being in the work ‘zone’.
- Where possible, pick things that combine form and function, like an adjustable desk lamp that also looks like something you’d pick for your bedside.
- Don’t skimp on the ergonomic chair. It really is important and these days doesn’t have to be black and ugly!
Online one-stop-shop The Home Office has plenty of good-looking options to create a space which is both comfortable and healthy and aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the rest of your home. They know creating the perfect home office to suit your life and work style can be daunting, and they believe that working from home should reflect who you are and how you work. Most of all, it should be inspiring and a complete expression of you.
You can shop by style and they’ve put together a number of packages, making it even easier for you to choose and buy. And then there’s the finishing touches: they also have a great selection of lighting, decor such as vases, planters and faux plants. And to round it all out, on top of a great selection of desks and chairs, they also sell things like monitor arms, laptop stands, shelving, storage and even scented candles for your desk!
So, now I’m in my 40s, as well as working five days a week since my youngest started school, I’m definitely going to be investing in some more ergonomic choices for my back and I, and I encourage you to do the same!
The Home Office is a great place to start!
Giveaway
We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win an Ergonomic Essentials Package from The Home Office, in your choice of black/walnut or white/oak worth $844.
This includes:
- 1 UP Premium Sit Stand Desk (Single Motor) – 1400x700mm, black or white frame, Walnut or Oak desktop with rear cable management hole
- Fluid Chair with Armrests – Black Fabric/Black Frame or Grey Fabric/White Frame.
Complete the form below by midnight on Wednesday 3 April 2024 to be in the running. Open to Australian residents only.
Sorry this competition has now closed
