Remote workers often set up a designated office, especially if the home is their main worksite. Painting it a favorite color conducive to work, furnishing it, and adding functional and decorative items will give you a good atmosphere. If you use Zoom calls, you will want your office to look professional and tidy.
Home offices are not only convenient but also comfortable and customizable. A wide variety of essentials, as well as decorative items, makes it possible to create a beautiful, functional, and homey office space at home. your home office decor should fit your definition of a space that is comfortable and professional.
What are some items an average remote worker needs when setting up a home office? Is there a general consensus when it comes to the color palette and professionalism, especially during video conferences? What can you do if you only have a tiny room or not enough space to create a home office at all?
Table of Contents
Why Do Remote Workers Set Up Dedicated Offices At Home If Space Is Available?
A home office provides remote workers with privacy and comfort. Moreover, it increases productivity by minimizing distractions. When you enter a dedicated working area, you are aware your goal is to focus on the work, making it easier to quiet your mind and put chores and worries aside for a few hours.
It also physically separates your working space from the rest of your house, which promotes a better work-life balance. Leaving your computer at the desk helps you get up and disconnect, signaling to your brain that it’s time to relax.
What Do You Need In A Home Office?
Depending on your job, you may or may not need the home office essentials listed here, but here are some suggestions based on what an average remote job may require:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Standard/standing desk or standing desk converter
- Ergonomic home office chair
- Floor lamp/desk lamp
- PC/laptop
- Monitor/multi-monitor setup
- Keyboard and mouse
- Laptop stand
- Filing cabinet
- Notepads and pens/markers
- Scanner
- Laser printer
What Is A Good Color For An Office Space?
Color psychology research confirms the effect of different colors on mood, performance, and even consumer behavior. If you want to increase productivity or creativity, consider painting your home office space in one of these colors:
- White
- Blue
- Yellow
- Green
- Red
Although red can help you feel more active and energized, a whole office painted red could be overstimulating or cause negative emotions. A red accent wall is a good way to incorporate the color while keeping the rest of the space neutral and calming.
How Might You Decorate A 10×10 Home Office?
To make a small home office functional and cozy, keep it simple — get a desk, a comfy chair, and some wall decor. Consider equipping a small space with a minimalist built-in desk for your desk accessories and a floating shelf where you can put some lux decorations or LED lights. If you want to add more office furniture, get small pieces that don’t take up much floor space.
Position your desk near a window if possible to make sure you have enough natural light. Hang a curtain or purchase roller blinds, according to your preference. Use a table lamp for extra light on cloudy days or if you tend to work after the sun sets.
What Are Some Ideas For Decorating A Home Office?
When brainstorming home office ideas, first, think about what interior design style you like the most. Home office design can be:
| • Contemporary | • Transitional | • Minimalist |
| • Coastal | • Eclectic | • Maximalist |
| • Traditional | • Industrial | • Rustic |
| • Modern |
There are also Bohemian, Scandinavian, Art Deco/Art Nouveau, and many other secondary styles.
Next, think about office wall and floor colors. Do you want the color palette of the room to be unified? Would you prefer an accent wall? Do you want laminate flooring? Many modern home office decor ideas include laminate or vinyl with a simple area rug. Do you like wall art? If so, you may like to take on a DIY gallery wall project.
There are also many home office desk varieties. From a simple acrylic or wood desk to eye-catching epoxy resin, everyone can find something that matches their vibes and fits their budget.
Other pieces of furniture you can add include a bookshelf, open shelves, cabinetry, a coffee table, a storage ottoman, etcetera. Home office design ideas often include decor that complements the rest of the space and a glam centerpiece on the shelves to give it a pop of color.
How Can You Make Your Office Always Look Professional For Zoom Meetings?
If you spend a lot of time in meetings, use a neutral color such as white or beige for the walls of your home office. The monochromatic color scheme and simple patterns work well for the whole room/work area visible on camera.
Make sure your home office background is clutter-free. If you want to have visible home office decor, you can put office-related items on a bookcase instead of framed family photos, for example. You can also set up a physical or virtual backdrop.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Have Room For A Dedicated Office?
If you don’t have a spare room that you can convert into a home office, you’ll need to designate a work area in a common space. Create a nook in the living room, dining room, bedroom, or kitchen corner with or without a panel. A closet or a wide hallway/stair landing can work too, as long as it’s a distraction-free zone where you can focus uninterruptedly.
Since this will likely be a small space, consider using a foldable desk with a swivel desk chair that can be (re)moved when you finish work. Alternatively, use a lap desk while working on a couch. Keep in mind a proper desk organization or keeping essentials close by will help you immensely in ensuring you have access to all the items you need during your workday.
