Whether you're a student heading back to school, a freelancer who works from home, or an employee with a dedicated office, having a workspace that both functions well and feels good is essential to your productivity and well-being. (Don't believe me? Try sitting in an uncomfortable desk chair for eight hours and see how much you get accomplished...) No matter what your office needs are, these four tips will help you create a beautiful and functional workspace, just in time for back to school season:
Choose the Right Desk for Your Needs. If your work is mostly done virtually, a small desk with room for a laptop and lamp may be all you need. If you deal with a large volume of paperwork or like to spread out while doing homework, a larger desk with storage drawers and shelves will help you keep your workspace tidy and functional. It's important that your desk fit with the way you work best.
Invest in a Good Office Chair.
Office chairs have improved greatly in style and function in recent years. It's not just about bulky, clunky options anymore! There are many great ergonomic designs now available that also happen to be stylish. Try out a desk chair before you buy to make sure that it's comfortable for you, and take a look at these tips for buying an office chair.
The Right Lighting Makes All the Difference. There are three basic types of lighting that work together in your home: ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides general illumination in a room; task lighting is brighter and is specifically directed to help you perform a task better (like reading); and accent lighting adds drama by creating visual interest. In an office, task lighting is most often introduced in the form of floor and desk lamps. Choose task lighting that allows you to see without eye strain, and that eliminates troublesome glare or shadows. Here's how to choose the best desk lamp for your home office.
If Space Allows, Include a Comfortable Reading Chair. An ergonomic office chair is great for completing tasks on the computer, but if your school or work requires you to read good old fashioned books, a comfortable reading chair will be a welcome addition to your workspace. Choose a comfortable upholstered chair that you can relax in while still enjoying proper back and neck support.
Back to school season is just around the corner, so get started with these four tips to create a beautiful and functional workspace now! By the time your much-needed holiday break comes, you'll be glad you did.
All images via Lamps Plus.