As in this new normal situation, many of us are in WFH. It has become necessary to create a formal workspace within the home itself. A minimalistic work-from-home office for being simple, efficient and creating a good workflow while giving a formal look to space. Here are a few tips for designing a work-from-home office.
Segregate your Home Office - First thing to select the area, a quiet area within your home as a change of scenario; any room other than the bedroom is advisable. A room is preferable with an abundance of natural light and away from daily circulation within the house. If the home office is not within an enclosed space, then demarcate it with partitions—you could choose a fabric divider, a tall console or even a curtain. Demarcation also help family to understand that you are in your work area and no one should disturb you unnecessarily.
Choose Ergonomic Furniture
Desk - The minimum width of a freestanding desk ranges between 48 and 72 inches, the depth of which ranges between 24 and 36 inches, and the height is around 30 inches. The minimum clearance between the desk and the back wall, file cabinets or bookshelf is between 33 and 36 inches so that one can freely move around and access the file cabinets. Go for an ergonomic table that is comfortable to use and can be adjusted according to the user’s height.
Chairs - Buy an ergonomic chair which is adjustable, ensures good back support and comfort, while working long hours. Choose a chair that ensures smooth movement move and is easy to maneuver. You can adjust the chair’s height as per your height and comfort. If the home office is within a compact space, then opt for a chair that can be tucked within the desk, so that there is adequate circulation space.
File Cabinets and Shelves - You should Consider sliding panels for the file cabinet, where each panel can go up to 21 to 24 inches. Note that the spacing between each shelf within the file cabinet ranges between 14 and 16 inches. The height of file cabinets should be 30 inches, the width of a double-door file cabinet ranges between 30 to 36 inches, and depth between 15 to 16 inches. One can incorporate built-in wall shelves in materials such as glass or plywood which gives a neat look to the home office.
Adequate lighting - One should prefer desk near a window to bring in maximum natural light onto your working desk. Good lighting is one of the essential requirement for video calls and bad lighting often leaves shadows in your face and the background. A window also help as a break away and you enjoy the outdoor views. A combination of overhead lighting and a table lamp will create a well-lit space that is conducive to working.
Color - An all-white space tends to look clean, neat and quite impressive. We suggest, wooden furniture adds warmth and breaks the monotony of the neutral color walls. Too much artworks and decorative accessories on the walls/shelves should be avoided which create a distraction.
Personal touch - To get rid of area looking bland and boring add a personal touch which can be decorative pendant light, a rug or strategically placed photographs or some achievement medals etc.
Potted plants can also be added which improve indoor air quality and make the space come alive. It also adds color to space.
Conceal the Wiring - Last but important, any wires or cables should not be be visible as they give a cluttered look. Conceal the wiring with an efficient cable management system under the desk or opt for wireless technology options for the computer peripherals like the printer, mouse and so on.
There can be many more, but we think if you can do this it will not cost but surely increase your sitting time in your work area.
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