fbpx

How To Create Your Own Home Office Space: 9 Tips For Functional & Comfortable Home Office Setup

By Rob Orr / Last updated: Nov 25, 2022

custom-home-office-design

Are you tired of working from home in a cramped space at your kitchen table, or a lackluster home office with bad lighting, poor ventilation, and uncomfortable furniture?

It doesn’t matter how big or small your space is; you can design a great home office that’s functional and comfortable and works for you.

Of course, not every home office design will work for every person, but that’s what makes a “custom” home office great. Different people who work from home have different needs. What boosts one person’s productivity level might not be the best design for someone else.

So how do you create a customized home office design that fits your personality, style, and work?

Should you hire an interior designer to design your space?

Where can you find inspiration to create your own custom-designed home office?

All these questions and more are answered below, so keep reading!

Real quick, before we get too far into it here, if you want to connect with other remote workers or would love to make your home office space the best join my free private Facebook group, Home Office Hacks here.

How to design a home office that works for you

A good home office setup has everything you need to get your work done effectively and productively. Unfortunately, not every home office setup is a good one. If your home office setup is going to suit your needs, it should have all of your office essentials.

  • Ample storage space
  • Easily accessible office supplies
  • Organization solutions
  • Display space
  • Room to move comfortably

Depending on what type of work someone does, a file drawer might be necessary. However, these take up quite a bit of space. Stacking one file drawer on top of another can make use of vertical space.

Here’s the bottom line: your home office should be designed specifically for your needs. You’ll want to consider what types of items you need at your desk and where those items should be stored.

When you work from home, it’s important to have a space that you feel great about.

After all, your home office is where you will be spending the majority of your day when you’re someone working from home.

Here are 9 tips on creating a home office design that will serve you well.

1. Pick the right location

The first step to designing a custom home office is finding the perfect spot for it. Ideally, you want a room that has plenty of natural light and is relatively quiet. If you don’t have an extra room to spare, try to find a spot in your home that isn’t too close to high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen.

2. Make a plan

Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your home office, it’s time to start planning. Having a clear understanding of what kind of work you’ll be doing in your office is vital. Do you need a lot of desk space for paperwork? Will you be spending most of your time on a laptop computer? Do you need space for a PC tower? Do you need storage for files and supplies? Once you know the kinds of things you’ll be doing and know what kinds of tools & resources you’ll need to have, you’ll start getting a clearer picture for what you need from the layout of your office.

3. Choose the right furniture

One of the most important aspects of designing a custom home office is choosing the right furniture. You want pieces that are both stylish and functional. For example, if you’re short on space, look for a desk with built-in storage or a bookshelf that doubles as a desk. A standing desk will allow you to stay active even while working. And make sure to choose chairs that are comfortable enough to sit in for long periods of time, an ergonomic chair will ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the work day.

Depending on the work you do, you will need different areas in your office. Obviously, you need a workstation with your computer, keyboard, mouse, etc. You will also probably need a place to plug in your phone and tablet, provided that you work from those as well.

Do you use many tabs at once? You will likely work best with dual monitors. Take that into account when setting up your desk space. What other areas do you need?

  • Do you need a couch for relaxation?
  • Do you need a large screen for presentations?
  • Do you need a bookshelf to reference books while you work?
  • Do you need a ladder for your bookshelf?
  • Do you need seating for clients or guests?
  • Do you need wall space for a large whiteboard?

Make sure you cover all the concepts and features you want to have when you’re planning your custom home office, and think outside the box too.

As an example, do you want to have a kegerator in your home office? What about a coffee bar?

My friend Alan Dean implemented a large interactive video whiteboard that he uses in his home office.

interactive video whiteboard

There are amazing things you can do with your home office so don’t be afraid to be creative!

4. Add the right storage solutions

One of the most important aspects of any home office is storage. There should be plenty of space to store files, books, and other items so they’re out of sight but still within reach. To maximize storage space, consider adding shelving units, filing cabinets, and bookcases. When it comes to storage, cabinets and cubbies can help to keep your office organized. Drawers are also a great way to store important documents and supplies.

5. Add some personal touches

Once you’ve chosen the furniture for your office, it’s time to add some personal touches. Hang artwork that inspires you, add some cozy throw blankets for chilly days, and bring in plants to liven up the space. These personal touches will make your office feel like your space, and not just another room in your house.

6. Make sure you’ve got great lighting

Lighting is another important aspect of designing a custom home office. You want to avoid glare on your computer screen, but you also don’t want your office to feel like a cave. Look for task lamps that can be positioned to reduce glare, and consider adding some overhead lighting as well. LED lighting can help to create a bright, welcoming space and deliver some really cool lighting effects. Natural light is always best, so if possible, position your desk near a window.

7. Minimize distractions

When you’re working from home, it’s easy to get distracted by things like laundry or dishes that need to be done. To stay focused on work, try to minimize distractions as much as possible. If possible, close the door to your office so you’re not tempted by household chores. And if you have kids at home, arrange for childcare during work hours so you can focus on getting things done.

8. Select the right electronics

In order to have a functional home office, you’ll need to select the right electronics. A computer, whether it’s a laptop or a desktop, is obviously a necessity, but you’ll also need a printer, scanner, and fax machine. Be sure to choose products that are compatible with each other and easy to use.

9. Make it comfortable

In order to be productive in your home office, it’s important that you feel comfortable there. So make sure to adjust the temperature and ventilation as needed and keep noise levels low by using headphones or earplugs if necessary.

By taking the time to design a custom home office, you can create a space that suits your unique needs and helps you to be more productive.

What makes a home office design work

The most important considerations when creating a custom home office is to consider your professional needs.

What do you do for a living?

For example, a writer will need a different workstation than an architect. Do you primarily use a laptop or desktop computer? Do you need additional desk space for drawing software?

A home office that works will provide you with a comfortable space to remain productive throughout your workday.

A modern office should have plenty of storage options that do not feel cluttered, such as upper cabinets. However, you cannot keep your most used items in upper cabinets all the time, or you will constantly be standing up to get them.

Consider what you frequently use versus what you use occasionally. Maybe a traditional filing cabinet will not work in your space. You still need plenty of storage, though. A custom storage solution using the resources you have available could do wonders. Familiarize yourself with the art of organization.

The best design for your office space meets your needs as a professional. Only you know exactly what you need to get your work done effectively throughout the day. However, we are not always the best judges of our own limitations. Consider these following tips when choosing how to design your home office.

  • Choose a place in your home that offers you solitude if you need it.
  • If you are disorganized, ensure you have an effective way to create order from your chaos.
  • Make sure your desk is as long and as deep as you need it to be, even if it is built into the wall.
  • Always opt for a comfortable, supportive ergonomic office chair.
  • Think outside the box when it comes to storage.
  • Give yourself plenty of lighting.

While some people work well amidst the hustle and bustle of other people, those of us who work from home typically prefer peace and quiet. This is why it is so important to find a spot where you can be alone while you work without excess noise.

Next Steps

Want to join others who are creating the most amazing home offices and get more tips, tricks and hacks on how to make your home office the best it can be?

Join my brand new free private Facebook group, Home Office Hacks to connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best!

Best Degrees for Remote Work: Unlocking Your Digital Nomad Potential

The remote work revolution is here, and it's reshaping the professional landscape. But what about the academic ...
Read More

Who Needs Silicon Valley? Discover Technology and IT Services Remote Jobs You Can Do From Anywhere

Imagine this: working on cutting-edge tech projects. From the comfort of your own home. Too good to ...
Read More

Sales and Marketing Remote Jobs You Can Do From Anywhere

There's a revolution in the working world, and it’s happening right here, right now. This isn't your ...
Read More

Show Off Your WFH Setup!

We're on the lookout for the most impressive and functional home office setups out there. This is your chance to showcase your workspace and get featured on Home Office Hacks.

As an Amazon Associate Home Office Hacks earns from qualifying purchases.

Home Office Tours
A Student’s Guide to the Ultimate Home Office by Regina Deleste
In the heart of Manila, Regina Deleste sips from a wonderfully aromatic cup of coffee brewed from ...
Home Office Setup
Ergonomics and Comfort: Mastering Home Office Setup for Productivity and Wellbeing
Transforming your home workspace into an ergonomic haven is more than a comfort—it's a necessity. Yet, many ...
Home Office Tours
Chris Gillespie’s Epic Home Office Setup: More Than Just a Gaming Room
Step into Chris Gillespie's world, where his home office isn't just a space – it's an immersive ...
Work From Home Life
Unleash Your Work-From-Home Potential: How To Transform Your Home into a Productivity Paradise
Setting up a home office is a strategic decision that goes beyond finding a spot for your ...
Home Office Tours
Crafting the Perfect Space: Kacper’s Minimalistic Home Office Mastery
Imagine a world where your office is more than just a desk – it's your sanctuary. That's ...

Rob Orr

Rob is a graduate of Florida State University and the founder and Senior Editor of HomeOfficeHacks.com, a website dedicated to helping people navigate the unique challenges of working from home. As a remote working veteran with over 10 years of experience, Rob has developed a deep understanding of the strategies and solutions that can help people thrive in this environment. He is a respected expert in the field, renowned for his clear, engaging, and informative content. An award-winning web designer, developer, and digital marketer, Rob is also the owner of a digital media company that publishes a variety of web properties. His dedication, resourcefulness, and creativity have earned him a reputation as a respected leader in the remote work and digital media communities, inspiring others through his work and passion for lifelong learning.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *