12 Must-Try Home Office Setup Ideas for 2024

Remote and hybrid work is becoming popular daily. According to Owl Labs, 16% of companies are fully remote, and about 62% of workers aged 22 to 65 work remotely at least sometimes. There have been many surveys showing that working from home can boost productivity. For example, Stanford and the University of Chicago found that remote workers are 9% more productive.

However, working from home also has its challenges. You might face disturbances, lack of focus, or physical discomfort without the correct setup. A home office that is well set up will address these issues. Read on for the best home setup ideas.

Although I am myself a freelancer, I decided to find one more expert who works from home. I reached out to Kartik Ahuja, a digital marketer with more than seven years of experience in growth marketing. Kartik has built his career by helping businesses increase brand visibility and generate steady leads online. He says his success is not only about his skills but also his home office, which helps him work more productively. Below are the 12 best home setup ideas that have personally worked for me and for our expert.

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace for Focus

 Kartik put much emphasis on how important it is to have a dedicated workspace. 

“My office is a room in my house that no one else has access to, which makes it a private sanctuary where I can focus without interruptions.”

A dedicated workspace is one of the most essential things in a home office setup. When you set aside a specific area just for work, you will be more focused and organized since it is just you and work. Ideally, your home office should be a separate room you can close off from the rest of the house. You can go for even a nook under the stairs or a converted closet if you have limited space.

With a dedicated workspace, you separate your work life from your personal life. This separation helps you avoid distractions and maintain focus, much like what traditional office environments do.

2. Invest in Smart Devices

As someone working from home, you want to finish your official tasks as soon as possible so that you can have a stable work-life balance. Smart devices are gadgets connected to the internet or other devices and can operate interactively and autonomously. With them, you can streamline daily routines, save time, and create a more productive workspace. Below are some of the most useful ones:

• Smart plugs. With smart plugs, you can control electronics remotely. You can switch on your computer or office lights before you even enter the room. Some of the best I have seen are EIGHTREE Smart Plug and Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A from Amazon. It has features like voice control, timer, away mode, etc.
• Smart speaker/voice assistant. Devices like Amazon Echo or Google Nest help make work become hands-free. With these devices, you can schedule meetings, set reminders, and even control other devices with voice commands.
• Smart blinds. They come with a motor that is stored in the roller or headrail and connected to a power source. You can use it to control natural light and privacy, adjust them with your voice or an app, or set them on a schedule.
• Smart doorbell. A smart doorbell notifies you when someone is at your door. The best ones, like the Blink Video Doorbell and Google Nest Doorbell, come with a camera that you can use to communicate with the visitor without you leaving your desk. It helps minimize interruptions, giving you more time to focus.
• Smart notebook. When you write in a traditional notebook, the information is fixed there, and if you lose it, you may not retrieve it. But with a smart notebook, whatever you are writing on it can automatically be scanned and stored on the cloud. It’s a great way to stay organized without wasting paper. Ahuja agreed with this: “Another thing I do is keep a smart notebook (Rocketbook Core) on hand to jot down ideas and tasks as they come up throughout the day. This helps me stay organized and makes sure nothing gets overlooked.”

3. Create a Zen Zone for Mental Breaks and Meditation

A Zen zone is a small, peaceful space in your home office dedicated to mental breaks and meditation. Here, you relax, clear your mind, and recharge. 

“One of the first things I did was create a Zen Zone for taking mental breaks. This is where I do breathing exercises to help me refocus. I use an easy technique: breathe in deeply for four seconds, hold for four, and then slowly breathe out for six seconds. Doing this for a few minutes really helps clear my mind.” 

A Zen zone can help you reduce stress, improve focus, and make you more productive through:

• Meditation. Sit comfortably in your Zen zone and focus on your breath for five to ten minutes. It will help clear your mind and reduce work-related stress. You can use a meditation app like Headspace or Calm to guide you.
• Breathing exercises. According to a study, people who undergo ten minutes of breathing exercises two times a day will experience less stress. So, you have to practice deep breathing exercises. For example, you can inhale for four seconds, hold for four, and exhale for four. It will also help calm your nervous system so that you can stay focused and relaxed.
• Stretching. Stretch gently, focusing on your neck, shoulders, and back. It will help release physical tension and improve circulation to keep you alert and productive.

Companies often have these zones in their offices, and they can come in different names. For example, Google calls theirs “meditation rooms.” It is very helpful as employees can spend time there refreshing and getting ready for their remaining tasks.

To create this space, choose one of the corners in your room, keep a soft cushion, calming artwork, or a small indoor fountain. Spend a few minutes here during breaks to reset your mind. Schedule regular sessions, let’s say a 10-minute meditation after lunch, to keep your energy and motivation high throughout the day.

4. Invest in an Ergonomic Chair and Other Furniture

According to a University of Cincinnati study, over 75% of people working from home face poor posture issues due to not seating correctly. This can lead to back pain and discomfort. That is why you need an ergonomic chair. It is designed to comfortably support your body when you sit down for a long time. It has features like adjustable height, lumbar support, and armrests. I do not need to explain how important this is, as I believe you already know. However, there are other furniture you may not have heard of or think was needed.

Wireless Charging Table

As the name implies, you do not have to do much other than place your devices (that support wireless charging) on them, and the device starts charging. One of the most popular charging tables is the OIXDESIGN Wireless Charging Table. It has a charging power of 7.5W/10W and can charge your phone from low to 100% in 4 hours. This keeps your workspace tidy and ensures you can charge your gadgets without stress.

Ergonomic Under-Desk Footrest

If you sit in your workspace and your legs do not comfortably reach the floor, then you need a footrest. It helps improve your posture and reduce pressure on your legs. I recommend you go for the Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest since it has 100% memory foam, a non-slip buttom, and a machine washable cover.

Side Table or Rolling Cart

I use a side table/rolling cart as an extra surface space for items I don’t need directly on my desk. I keep my coffee cup, books, etc. I use the Modern Small Side Table, and I love it since it is transparent and comes with rolling wheels and brakes. It was also very easy to assemble. This side table helps keep my primary workspace clear.

5. Pick the Right Monitor and Computer

It might sound a little unimportant, but another crucial setup idea is to get the right monitor and computer. It helps improve your workflow. Do some research on the best picks for your niche. 

For example, if you are a writer, go for high-resolution monitors like the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q, Sceptre 4K IPS 27, and SAMSUNG 32" UJ59 Series. A display with high resolution reduces eye strain during long hours of writing. An Intel i5 or i7 processor with 8GB of RAM is okay for smooth computer performance.

Web designers, on the other hand, need more extensive, high-resolution monitors with color accuracy. A curved screen, like the Samsung Odyssey G7, Sceptre 34-inch Curved Ultrawide, and LG 34WP60C-B, gives you an immersive experience. It also helps reduce eye fatigue. Video editors need to go for a powerful computer with an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and a monitor like the BenQ PD3220U. They need monitors with precise color grading and fast processing, and these give them precisely that.

Some professionals, like graphic designers, video editors, software developers, data analysts, etc., would need more than one monitor for multitasking. For example, Ahuja uses three screens, and each serves a different purpose.

“I have three screens on my desk, each dedicated to a different part of my work. One handles communication like emails and chats, another is for managing projects, and the third is where I do my creative work. This setup helps me switch between tasks easily without losing my focus.”

6. Get Some or All of These Equipment for Your Workflow

Ahuja says there are some equipment you cannot help but have around.

“I have a few essential tools like noise-canceling headphones to block out background noise, a document scanner to keep my workspace paper-free, a wireless mouse and keyboard for flexibility, a laptop stand to maintain good posture, a desk lamp with adjustable brightness, and a high-speed external hard drive for backups.”

So, as you set up your home office, you will need some “extra” equipment to make you more comfortable. Below are some of them:

Noise-Canceling Headphones

You may not really see it as essential, but noise-canceling headphones are invaluable in a home office. They help block out distractions, be it the hum of household activity or street noise. These headphones also help enhance the quality of video and audio calls since they reduce background noise. When this happens, you will focus on the conversation and present yourself professionally.

Ergonomic Keyboard

A good keyboard is essential for long typing sessions. Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce strain on your wrists, lowering the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Choose one that suits your typing style and ensures comfortable use, which is crucial for maintaining productivity over extended periods.

Adjustable Desk Lamp

Proper lighting is vital as it helps reduce eye strain, especially during late-night work. With an adjustable desk lamp, you will be able to control the brightness and angle, and this makes it easier to clearly see your workspace. To even make it better, you can go for lamps that have light therapy feature, which mimics natural sunlight to improve your mood, energy levels, and focus, especially if your space is in low-light situations. It helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm to reduce fatigue and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

High-Quality Webcam

If your role involves regular virtual meetings, a high-quality webcam like the Logitech MX Brio Ultra or Logitech Brio 101 is a must. You need clear video and sound, as these are vital for effective communication with clients, colleagues, and executives. If you invest in a good webcam, you will boost your professional image and enhance your credibility.

Laptop Stand

A laptop stand is a small addition that brings big benefits. It elevates your laptop to eye level, and this prevents neck and spine strain. This simple change helps improve posture and keeps your device cool.

7. Use Natural Light to Brighten Your Workspace

Natural light is the sunlight that comes into your workspace through windows and other openings. You have to ensure you place your workspace in an area where natural light can easily enter. According to the World Green Building Council, a non-profit organization that helps catalyze the uptake of sustainable environments, you will feel more engaged and focused if you are exposed to natural light. With this, you will get more productive throughout the day.

Natural light does more than just brighten your space; it boosts your mood and energy levels. Additionally, when you are exposed to natural light, it'll trigger the production of Vitamin D, which has been shown to fight depression, diabetes, and chronic pain. A study by Future Workplace, an HR advisory firm, reported that 78% of workers agree that when they have access to natural light and outdoor views, they become happier and it improves their well-being. 

Ahuja himself values natural lighting, and according to him, that was one of the prerequisites for setting up his space.

“When I chose this space, I thought about a few things. First, I wanted a room with lots of natural light, so I picked one with a big window that lets in plenty of sunlight and offers a beautiful view of nature. As a result, this connection to the outdoors really lifts my spirits and keeps my energy up throughout the day.”

Natural light helps enhance cognitive functions. According to a study by the Polytechnic University of Madrid, when you expose yourself to natural light, your productivity level increases by over 60%. Additionally, the study found that natural light helps stimulate intellectual abilities like attention, concentration, memory, and creativity. With these cognitive boosts, it'll be easier to tackle complex tasks and maintain a high level of performance all day long.

8. Incorporate an Under-Desk Bike

With an under-desk bike in your home office, you will stay active while working. Staying active benefits both your physical and mental health. People that exercise during work reports that they notice improved life quality as it helps reduce repetitive strain injuries, occupational stress, and burnout syndrome, according to a study published by PubMed Central.

You can go for popular ones like the DeskCycle 2 and FlexiSpot Desk Bike. Use it for short intervals of 10 to 15 minutes several times throughout the day. Additionally, the best time to use an under-desk bike is if you have tasks that require less focus, like reading emails or attending virtual meetings.

9. Arrange Your Desk and the Whole Space to Perfection

Ajuha keeps his space clean and organized and according to him, that has been helpful. 

“I also make sure I keep my space clean and organized at the time, but most especially when I'm done with work for the day. You know that feeling you have when you come back to a fully arranged bedroom after a stressfull work day? That's the same here. When I put everything in its place, I am able to come back the next new day with a clear mind, ready to take on whatever challenges come my way.”

It is good if you always arrange your workspace. According to this research by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute, if your space is too cluttered, it will hinder your brain's ability to focus and process information. On the other hand, if your workspace is tidy and organized, it will enhance your performance at tasks, memory, and creativity.

To perfectly arrange your desk, keep the tools you use the most close so you can easily reach them. Items like pens, sticky notes, and your planner should be right in front of you, so you don’t have to get up every 15 minutes. You can tuck away every other thing — like paperwork or extra supplies — in drawers or storage boxes. You have to focus the setup on functionality since it'll make it easy for you to stay organized and efficient throughout the day.

At the end of each workday, clear off your desk. When it is clutter-free it sets a positive tone for the next day. This makes it easier to dive into work without feeling overwhelmed. An organized desk looks good and helps you start your day with energy and focus.

You also have to keep your goals in sight. There's this extra motivation that comes when you keep a visual reminder of what you’re working towards. It could be a framed photo, an inspiring quote, or a simple sticky note. As you're seeing it every day, you will be motivated to be focused on your objectives.

Add a touch of nature, like a small plant to brighten your workspace and improve your well-being. According to Benenden Health, if you expose your lungs to fresh air, especially through the scents of flowers and plants, it helps relieve stress and anxiety. Oxygen affects the levels of serotonin that is being released in the body, and this makes you feel happy and relaxed. Plants help reduce stress and make the environment feel more inviting. Plus, caring for them during breaks is a great way to relax.

You also need to manage your cables to reduce clutter and create a calm, organized space. You don't want to see scattered cables everywhere. So, use cable organizers to keep everything neat, and add an air purifier to ensure the air you breathe is clean and refreshing. 

10. Ensure You Personalize Your Space

One of Ahuja’s favorite colors is green, and he tries to personalize his space to be that color. He said that this has helped him feel calm whenever he steps into his office.

“Most things in my office is in shades of green, which is one of my favorite colors. I call it a consistent color scheme, and it creates this sense of visual harmony that helps me feel calm and focused.”

When you personalize your home office, you get a boost of mood and you become more motivated. The colors you choose have a big impact on how productive you are. Research from Lund University’s Department of Environmental Psychology found that color impacts the activities of the brain and your well-being. According to them, blue hues have a calming effect, and red tones might increase stress.

According to Color Psychology, green is calming, yellow makes you stay more focused, and orange lifts your mood. As I have already stated, you need to have some plants around, too, as they help enhance your space, relieve stress, and improve concentration. When your space reflects your style, you'll create an environment that inspires you to do your best work.

11. Use Helpful Devices

Think of buying some of these devices if you don’t have them as they are very helpful.

Cable Management Solutions

These help keep your workspace neat and organized. They include clips, sleeves, and under-desk trays. You do not want to see clutter around your workplace; that is why you need these. They help make your setup look more professional.

Air Purifier

An air purifier or cleaner is a device that removes contaminants from the air in your workspace to improve the air quality. I use the LEVOIT Air Purifier, and it is very effective. I like it because it is free of allergens. It helps me feel more refreshed and focused throughout the day.

Blue Light Glasses

Since you are going to spend a lot of time in front of screens, blue light glasses will help reduce eye strain and improve your sleep time by filtering out harmful blue light. I use the Livho 2 Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses because they are 100% UV400, but you can check others out because there are many options online.

12. Ensure a Reliable Internet Connection

I saved the best for the last, like they say. Of course, without an internet connection, there is no home office setup because you can not work without being connected to your employer, client, or team. So, you must ensure you have a reliable internet connection, especially if your work involves video calls, transfer of large files, or constant collaboration. 

Go for global services like Starlink or HughesNet if you need high-speed internet. They offer robust connectivity even in remote areas. If your router is far from your workspace, your internet speed could get slow, or connections could even drop. In that case, you can use Wi-Fi extenders like the TP-Link RE650 or repeaters such as the Netgear Nighthawk, which will help boost your signal. 

Additionally, you can rearrange your router to a more central location to improve speed and stability. When you invest in a quality connection, your workflow will remain smooth and uninterrupted. 

If you want to create a home office that helps enhance your work output, you have to invest in ergonomic furniture. Choose the right tools and arrange your desk so you can easily have access to it. Add equipment like noise-canceling headphones, a laptop stand, and use natural light. 

Additionally, stick to a color scheme and personalize your space with plants and inspiring images. Finally, make sure you have a reliable internet connection of course. This is to ensure there are no disruptions. These practices have worked for me personally, and they have also worked for our expert.

“This setup has helped make a huge difference in how I person at my work. With a dedicated, distraction-free space, I am able to focus deeply, and keeping my tools and environment organized helps me work more efficiently. If you’re setting up a home office, I highly recommend you take the time to create a space that not only meets what you need at work but also inspire and motivate you every day.”

With this type of set up, you will be more efficient. It will help you enjoy working from home more. Start transforming your space today.

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