Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Treana Wunsch
If you’re starting a small business and you plan to run it out of your home, you may be wondering, what do I need to set up a home office space?
To set up a home office space you’ll need to have the right space, equipment and supplies. You’ll have to strike a balance between it being an effective space and a space you want to be in for extended periods of time. If you keep ergonomics and design in mind, you’ll end up with a productive space that’s a joy to work in.
In this article, I go into detail on how to set up the perfect space for your home office. Setting the foundation is the most important aspect of your home office.
What are the advantages of having a home office space?
There are plenty of reasons to set up a home office. For starters, it can be a great way to save on renting commercial space. A home office can also be a more relaxed and comfortable environment than a traditional office, which can boost productivity. And, of course, there’s the convenience factor—a home office allows you to work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
What kind of space do you need for your home office?
Assuming you have the room in your home, you’ll want to designate a dedicated space for your office. This way, when it’s time to work, you can sit down at your desk and get into the right mindset straight away. If need be, you can even leave yesterday’s work on the desk but I don’t recommend this.
If you don’t have an extra room to spare, try setting up a small desk in a quiet corner of your home. Make sure there’s enough light and that the chair is comfortable. If this is the only space you have available, you will want to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones if you live with others who make a lot of noise.
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What size should your home office space be?
Your home office space should be large enough to comfortably fit all of the furniture and equipment that you need, without being so large that it feels empty or cluttered. The size of your home office will also depend on the amount of storage you need for files, books, and other materials. If you have a small home office, consider using vertical space for storage by adding shelves to the walls.
According to the article Home Office Size Guide by Home Office Mate, a home office used full-time should be 50-100 square feet. Most homes have a small bedroom or den this size which is perfect for a home office.
My home office space is around 100 square feet and it’s perfect for my small business.
What door is best for your home office?
When you work from home, it’s important to have a space that is both comfortable and conducive to productivity. One of the first things you need to consider is what type of door to use for your home office space.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a door for your home office space, including noise reduction, privacy, and style. If you live in a busy household or apartment complex, noise reduction should be a top priority.
Since your home office space should be as free from distractions as possible, glass doors are not ideal. They can be beautiful and allow more light in but they also allow noise and distractions in. I would recommend a solid core door as this will create privacy as well as reduce any outside noise.
If you want to keep your hollow core door, there are ways of soundproofing it. You can add weather stripping and a door sweep. You can also add acoustic panels to your door.
Should your home office space have a lock?
If you work from home, it’s important to have a dedicated space that’s separate from the rest of your living area. As I mentioned above, your home office space should have a door that you can close to minimize distractions and help you stay focused.
A locked door also provides a measure of privacy and security for your work documents and materials. If you have clients or customers coming to your home office, a locked door will ensure that confidential information stays safe.
If you are using the lock for privacy only, a simple locking door knob that locks from the inside only will suffice. If confidentiality is an issue, being able to lock your office from the outside is important. I recommend a keyless lock so you’re not carrying around keys just to get into your home office.
Overall, having a locking door for your home office space can help boost your productivity and peace of mind.
What type of lighting is best for a home office?
If you’re going to be spending any significant amount of time working from home, it’s important to set up your home office in a way that promotes productivity. One of the most important aspects of a productive home office is good lighting. Here are a few reasons why:
Good lighting can help reduce eye strain. If you’re looking at a computer screen all day, you need to ensure you have enough light so your eyes don’t get too tired. This can be accomplished by having a light source that’s not too bright and not too dim, and by making sure there’s no glare on your screen.
Good lighting can also help improve your mood. Studies have shown that people who are exposed to more natural light tend to be happier and have more energy than those who don’t.
Natural light is always the best light so your home office should have windows that let light in. If this isn’t a possibility, make sure you get light bulbs that mimic natural light as closely as possible.
Which window coverings are best for a home office?
There are several reasons why your home office should have good blinds. First, they can help you control the amount of natural light that comes into your space. Even though natural light is the best light, too much direct light can be distracting and make it difficult to focus on your work.
Second, blinds can also provide privacy from nosy neighbours or passersby. This is especially important if you work from home and need to make private phone calls or have confidential meetings via video conference.
Lastly, blinds or curtains can help to block out unwanted noise from outside, giving you a quiet space to concentrate and be productive.
Whether you choose roller shades, Roman shades, wood blinds, or another type of window covering, be sure to select a high-quality product that will meet your needs and help you create a comfortable and efficient home office. You don’t need room darkening treatments as you want to have some light come in. Light filtering treatments are best.
My home office currently does not have window coverings so I can personally speak to this. So depending on the time of day and how sunny it is, I can’t work in my home office. This is extremely ineffective. Getting blinds is top of my list.
Does wall colour matter in a home office?
Your home office should be a space that is both functional and comfortable. The colour of your home office can play a role in how productive you are while working.
If you want a space that promotes creativity and energy, consider painting your home office yellow or green. Blue is also a good choice for a calming and serene work environment.
If you find yourself constantly distracted by your surroundings, opt for a more neutral colour like white or beige. This will create a clean and simple look that will help you to focus on your work.
Adding chalkboard paint to one wall in your office is also a great idea for making notes and brainstorming.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, these are a few simple tips to help make your home office space more productive. By following these guidelines, you can create an environment that is both comfortable and conducive to getting work done. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see the difference it makes in your workday.
Stay tuned for my other articles about setting up your home office. Up next, furnishing your home office.
This article was all about creating a productive home office space.
One Response
Exactly!