Remote workers know any place can be an office if they try hard enough. That doesn’t mean they should, however. Not all locations are created equal. The loud background of a coffee shop has nothing on the calm solitude of a home office. Whether you’re a regular contractor or freelance worker, it’s a good idea to set up a home base where you can find your focus.
Concentration doesn’t have to come with a gigantic budget or a huge home. You can create a practical work space regardless of your square footage or your bank account. Simple additions to your home can create a practical workspace that you’ll actually want to work in. Keep reading to learn about our suggestions for creating a home office that encourages productivity and helps you reach your full potential.
A Suitable Desk
It can be as luxurious as a solid oak desk or as simple as a piece of wood balanced on two small bookshelves. Whatever you use as a work surface, it’s important to check that it hits all of the ergonomic check points. The desk should be tall enough that your forearms are parallel to the floor when you’re typing at your keyboard. Don’t forget that the screen of your computer should also be at eye level.
Embrace the Light
We have the habit of recreating the pattern of cubicle life back at our home, so resist the urge to place your desk up against a wall far from the window. Natural light will help you get through your work day and give you a better night’s sleep. In fact, a recent study of light exposure in the workplace has found that people who work near windows get an average of 46 more minutes of sleep each night. Tackling a long day doesn’t seem so bad when you’ve woken up on the right side of the bed.
Unfortunately, we can’t all leave our windows completely uncovered through the day and night. For those of us with concerns of privacy, one of the many Hunter Douglas shades from our selection would be a great addition to your windows. These shades function to let as much natural sunlight into your space while also giving you the option to protect your inner spaces from prying eyes.
Don’t, however, forget about light fixtures! Day light will only last so long before you end up working through the dark, especially during the winter months. Make sure you have a few lights positioned on your desk to illuminate the way until your work day ends.
Maximize Space
If you don’t have a lot of square footage to work with, you need to cut corners when you can. Floating shelving units and vertical files let you store paper and other work essentials on the wall and away from the floor and desk, where space can be tight. If you’ve made your own desk, like the one mentioned above, don’t forget to take advantage of the shelving space in the cabinets you’ve used to prop up the table’s flat surface.
When you’re ready to transform your home into a permanent work space, pick up the phone and call our design consultants. One of our shade experts will help you choose which product will best suit your space. Together, you’ll find a quality-made window covering that will let the most amount of sunlight into your home office. Though simple, our shades, as well as a few of the above additions to your home, can create a relaxing and quiet space for you to work that’s guaranteed to help you focus.