Tips for a Better Home Office Layout and Design

Whether you're converting a corner of your bedroom or attic into a home office or have a separate room exclusively for it, you will need to set up the best layout and design for maximum productivity. The goal is to keep all the equipment and furniture in the home office without it getting too cramped and cluttered.

Here are some points to remember to create a good layout and design for your home office.

• Don't place your computer in such a way that the monitor is facing the window. The glare will hurt your eyes.

• To make the room appear larger than it is, position the biggest (or tallest) furniture farthest from the door or entry.

• Position your computer desk and another desk for writing either back-to-back with about 2 feet in between or in a 'L' shaped formation, that way you'll only use a single chair when going from one task to another.

• As much as possible, use natural light when working in the daytime to save on electricity. When it gets dark, use fluorescent overhead lighting or a lamp that properly illuminates your whole desk.

• If your job requires the use of a drawing or drafting table, there should be a window to its left if you're right-handed or the right, if you're left-handed. This is to minimise shadows on your work.

• Get storage cabinets (either built-in on your work desk or wall-mounted) and filing cabinets to keep books, manuals, documents, and additional office supplies. Cabinets keep these items accessible but not in the way of your work.

• Make sure your home office has a window to let the air in and circulate or if this isn't possible, at least have air conditioning in the room.

• Sort cords and wires and bundle them. The back of work stations and office cabinets are good spots to hide unsightly wires.

• If you're fed up with cords and wires and need to be mobile around the home office or outside of it, get a cordless phone and a laptop.

• Place a good old-fashioned blackboard or corkboard where you can see them well. Write down or post notes there so you won't have to forget anything.

• Place real plants in your home office. You'll be surprised how fresh oxygen can lessen the stress of working all day.

• Get ergonomic office chairs and tables to reduce pain and prevent injury that may stem from sitting on your bum for hours. You know you have a good chair and table when the top of your monitor is below or at your eye level and your feet are planted firmly on the floor. A chair that's reclined a little is best to lessen the pressure on the spine, thus minimising lower back pain.

• The colour choice for your home office can also be important, and blue (imaginative and progressive) is a popular choice. Since most home office furniture will likely be in neutral colours of black, brown, and grey; white and cream colours for the wall are also highly popular.

These are just some of the practical tips you can apply in your home office layout and design so you can work in comfort and improve work productivity.

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