The Ultimate Guide to Creating A Home Office Setup

Working from home sounds great – until you’re hunched over a kitchen table, shifting in an uncomfortable chair and fighting distractions all day.

A lousy setup doesn’t just hurt your back – it drains your focus, zaps your energy and makes every task feel twice as hard. 

But a great home office? It boosts concentration and even promotes happiness, making your workday feel effortless. 

Luckily for you, it doesn’t take many steps to create the perfect home office setup. Whether you have a full office or just a spare corner, this guide will help you turn it into a workspace you love – one that keeps you productive, pain-free and even excited to get to work!

Essential Furniture For The Best Home Office Setup

1. Pick A Chair That Won’t Damage Your Back In The Long Term

A cheap chair seems fine – until you realise your lower back is screaming, your shoulders are stiff, and you’re hunched over like a gremlin by the end of the day. The reality? A good chair isn’t a luxury but it’s really a necessity if you want to stay comfortable and focused.

• Any Hbada Office Chair is a great choice of ergonomic chair. With a mesh back, basic lumbar support and adjustable height, they’re simple but effective.
• Spending long hours at your desk? The SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Chair steps it up with better back support, a headrest, and a reclining feature to keep you comfortable during marathon work sessions.
• Want the best? The Herman Miller Aeron is the holy grail. Perfect lumbar support, breathable materials, and fully adjustable everything. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

💡Tip: If your feet don’t fully touch the ground on your chair, you might want to consider a footrest. It will not only make you more comfortable but will also improve circulation and provide better support for your body. 

2. Your Desk Should Work With You, Not Against You

Even if your morning goes as smooth as can be, sometimes there’s not stopping that that mid-afternoon slump, where your energy crashes, your back aches and your focus is nonexistent!

The good news is that it’s usually nothing to do with your willpower but actually your desk.  

Sitting for hours slows circulation, stiffens muscles and leaves you feeling anything but focused, so you need to make sure your desk is comfortable and even supports a healthier home life. 

For me, once I got a standing desk I found a massive difference in my mental focus and productivity. Plus with a standing desk you get: 

• Less back pain – Sitting for hours compresses your spine, while standing keeps your posture in check.
• More energy – Standing increases blood flow, so you don’t feel sluggish by 3 PM.
• Better focus – A quick position change wakes up your body andkeeps your mind sharp.

Ready to make the switch? Here are the best standing desks:

• FlexiSpot EC1 –  Smooth height adjustment, sturdy frame and no wobbling!
• Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk – The premium pick. Sleek bamboo top, fully adjustable height, and rock-solid stability even at max height.
• Not ready to commit? The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 sits on top of your current desk, so you can try standing without replacing your entire setup.

3. The Perfect Companion to a Standing Desk? An Under-Desk Treadmill

A standing desk is a great start, but standing still for hours isn’t much better than sitting. The real benefits come from movement.

An under-desk treadmill keeps you active without interrupting your workflow. Even a slow walk for 30-60 minutes while reading emails or taking calls can make a huge difference in your energy levels throughout the day.

The UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill is a compact, quiet option that lets you walk while working without distracting background noise.

Or if space is an issue, the WalkingPad P1 is ultra-slim and folds flat, so you can easily slide it under a couch or desk when not in use.

Working hard shouldn’t come at a cost to your health. So make your office space somewhere that not only supports your best work but also helps you feel healthy and vitalised, instead of a space where you feel nagging back pain 20 minutes in!  

4. Get a Laptop or Desktop That Won’t Slow You Down

Nothing kills momentum faster than a sluggish computer. If your laptop takes forever to load a file, freezes mid-task, or struggles to keep up with multiple tabs, you’re wasting time and energy.

The right device should handle your work effortlessly, whether you’re writing, researching, or juggling client calls.

For a budget-friendly option that doesn’t feel slow out of the box, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great choice. It’s fast enough for writing, research, and web browsing without constant lag or crashes.

If you want the best laptop for writers, then the MacBook Air M2 is thin, lightweight and powerful enough for serious workloads while keeping a battery life that lasts all day. For me, after using Microsoft Surfaces, Acers and more, there’s no comparison to the Macbook. 

Writers who prefer a desktop setup should consider the Apple Mac Mini M2. It’s small but powerful, letting you pair it with any monitor and keyboard while taking up minimal desk space. 

5. Add a Second Monitor and Stop Wasting Time Switching Tabs

If you’re constantly flipping between documents, emails, and research, a single screen is slowing you down.

A second monitor saves time, reduces distractions and keeps your workflow smooth. Instead of toggling between tabs, you can write on one screen while referencing notes or research on the other.

Writers and researchers will appreciate the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, which makes text crisp and easy on the eyes, perfect for long writing sessions.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the ASUS VA24EHE 24” Monitor delivers great performance without the premium price tag.

Designers and coders should check out the LG UltraFine 5K, which offers incredible colour accuracy and sharp visuals for creative work.

6. Fix Your Keyboard and Mouse Before Your Wrists Give Up

You have a supportive office chair, a second monitor, and maybe a snazzy standing desk, but if your office space doesn’t prioritise functionality, then you’re missing out. The big piece you’re missing? A keyboard and mouse that feel effortless to use and make a huge difference in both comfort and productivity.

A bad keyboard makes typing slow, uncomfortable, and frustrating. A bad mouse? Even worse. If you’re feeling wrist pain, stiffness, or fatigue, your setup isn’t working for you.

For a great typing experience, the Logitech K860 Ergonomic Keyboard provides a split design and built-in wrist support, helping keep your hands in a natural, strain-free position. 

Prefer a mechanical keyboard? The Keychron K6 is a compact, wireless option that delivers a tactile, responsive feel without taking up too much desk space. Mechanical keyboards aren’t just satisfying to type on – they can also help reduce finger strain over long writing sessions.

A good mouse is just as important. The Logitech MX Master 3S is designed for all-day comfort, with a sculpted shape that supports your hand naturally. Switching to an ergonomic mouse could make all the difference if your wrist aches after a long work session.

Apple user? If you’re in the Mac ecosystem, the wireless Apple Magic Mouse 2 is a stylish, lightweight option. It also pairs well with the Apple Magic Keyboard which offers a sleek, low-profile design with smooth, silent keys that feel amazing to type on. It’s not the most ergonomic, but its compact layout keeps your desk minimal and clutter-free.

7. Stop Working in a Mess – Organise Your Space for Better Focus

A cluttered workspace leads to a cluttered mind.

If your desk is covered in cables, notebooks and random office supplies, it’s adding to your mental load – whether you realise it or not. Cleaning up your space makes it easier to focus, work faster, and feel less stressed.

For small spaces that need extra storage, consider floating shelves, wall-mounted organisers or under-desk drawers that act as storage space so you can keep things tidy and organised. 

The SimpleHouseware Desk Organizer is an easy way to store everyday essentials like pens, notebooks, and chargers without creating clutter.

If you deal with a lot of papers, a filing cabinet or and IKEA letter tray keeps everything within reach without piling up on your desk.

Don’t Forget About These Game-Changing Accessories For Your Workspace

You’ve got the big stuff sorted in your new home office – chair, desk, monitor and more. But the right accessories? They take your setup from good to next level.

These small but mighty additions boost comfort, organisation and focus so you can work better, for longer.

1. Anti-Fatigue Mat – Stand Without the Strain

If you’re using a standing desk, standing on a hard floor for long periods can cause foot fatigue, knee discomfort, and lower back pain. An anti-fatigue mat works by providing a cushioned surface that encourages subtle movement, improving circulation and reducing strain on your joints. It’s a simple upgrade that makes standing more comfortable and sustainable throughout the day.

2. Laptop Stand – Better Posture, Better Comfort

A laptop stand lifts your screen to eye level, improving posture and reducing neck strain. If you’re using an external monitor, a stand keeps your laptop as a secondary screen at a comfortable height. But even if you’re working solely from a laptop, pairing it with an external keyboard and mouse allows you to maintain a more ergonomic setup while keeping the benefits of portability.

3. Music – Get in the Zone with Brain.fm

Music isn’t just background noise, but it can also be specifically designed to help you focus. One of my favourites is Brain.fm which combines human and AI-generated music specifically designed to target brainwave frequencies associated with focus and attention.

Unlike standard playlists, its tracks are engineered to minimise distraction and help you stay in deep concentration for longer. I’ve found it incredibly effective for staying locked in during work sessions.

4. Cable Tidy – Say Goodbye to Desk Chaos

Messy cables don’t just look bad – they make your workspace feel cluttered and unorganised. A cable tidy keeps everything neat and out of sight. If you want a simple fix, cable sleeves bundle multiple cords together for a clean look.

Cable clips attach to your desk to prevent wires from slipping to the floor. For a more permanent solution, under-desk cable trays keep everything hidden and off your workspace entirely. Cable management will make a big difference, especially if you have multiple monitors and devices.

5. Desk Pad – Smooth, Stylish, and Practical

A desk pad isn’t just for aesthetics—it protects your desk, provides a smooth surface for writing or using a mouse, and adds a clean, cohesive look to your setup. Leather and felt options give a premium feel, while extended mouse mats double as desk pads with added grip.

6. Printer – The Best Compact All-Rounder

Even in a digital world, sometimes you need to print contracts, notes, or reference materials. If you want something small and efficient, the HP OfficeJet 250 is one of the best compact all-in-one printers. It’s wireless, lightweight, and does the essentials – printing, scanning, and copying – without taking up too much space.

7. Blue Light Glasses – Protect Your Eyes

Staring at screens all day can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Blue light glasses filter out high-energy blue light emitted by screens, helping to reduce these effects.

If you often feel wired but exhausted after long workdays or suffer from headaches, they’re worth trying. I also can’t tell you the difference these glasses have had on my quality of sleep; blocking that blue light before I go to sleep has made an incredible difference in my sleep quality.

8. Monitor Arm – More Flexibility, Less Desk Clutter

A monitor arm lifts your screen off the desk, freeing up valuable space and allowing for height, tilt, and rotation adjustments that a regular monitor stand doesn’t offer.

Unlike a monitor stand, which simply raises the screen to a fixed height, a monitor arm lets you adjust the position throughout the day allowing you to create a better position for your head and neck. If you work with multiple screens, a dual monitor arm makes it even easier to arrange them in an optimal setup.

9. Noise Cancelling Headphones – Block Out Distractions

Your home office might not always be quiet. Whether it’s construction outside, a noisy neighbour, or family members talking in the next room, distractions are everywhere. The fastest way to stay in the zone? Block it all out.

Noise-cancelling headphones let you create a distraction-free workspace, no matter what’s happening around you. The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 is a great budget pick, or if you want industry-leading noise reduction and crystal-clear sound, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is one of the best options available.

Silence distractions, put on your focus playlist or other music of choise and get to work.

Make Your Home Office A Space You Actually Want to Be In With A Few Tweaks

A functional home office setup is great. But a space that feels good to work in? That’s next level. The right atmosphere can make your workstation more inviting, boost creativity, and even improve focus. A few simple tweaks can turn a plain setup into a space that inspires you to sit down and get things done.

Art – Surround Yourself with Inspiration

Blank walls don’t exactly spark creativity. Adding artwork to your workstation makes it feel more personal and engaging. Whether it’s prints of your favourite artists, photography, or even a pinboard of ideas, having something visually stimulating in your workspace helps break up the monotony of a screen-filled day. If you like to switch things up, framed prints with changeable inserts let you rotate pieces depending on your mood.

Personalisation – Make It Your Own

Your home office should feel like your space, not a generic corporate cubicle. Small personal touches like a plant, a favourite picture or an inspiring quote will make it feel more like or a favourite book on display. Essentially, make the space feel more inviting.

If you love a clean, minimalist aesthetic, go for sleek, neutral-toned accessories. Prefer something bolder? Inject personality with statement colours, vintage pieces, or even a custom desk mat that fits your style.

Lighting – Set the Mood, Boost Productivity

Bad lighting can make even the best setup feel uninspiring (and cause eye strain). Natural light is ideal, but if you’re working late or in a darker space, ambient lighting makes a huge difference.

A warm desk lamp adds a cosy feel, while LED strip lights behind your monitor can reduce eye fatigue and give your workspace a more modern edge. If you’re using a laptop, an adjustable desk lamp with warm yellow lighting can help prevent glare on your screen.

Want a flexible option? Smart bulbs let you adjust brightness and colour temperature to match your focus levels, making them perfect for long work sessions or you might prefer a bright light when taking Zoom calls.

Ready To Work From Home In The Best Office Space? 

Your home office isn’t just a place to work, but it’s where you spend hours every day, so it should work for you, not against you. A well-designed setup boosts focus, keeps you comfortable and makes every task feel a heck of a lot easier.

If you’re still working from the kitchen table or a makeshift setup, then perhaps it’s time to consider a standing desk that supports both productivity and comfort. Then you can start looking at your chair, lighting, organisation and game-changing gadgets. Just make one change at a time so you’re not overwhelmed! And remember, even the smallest upgrades can make a huge difference in how you feel and perform throughout the day.

So, invest in a workspace that fits your needs, reflects your style and keeps you motivated because when your office works for you, so does everything else.