6 Work From Home Office Essentials You Need In 2024

There’s a science to working from home.

There’s more to remote work than your company-provided laptop, work phone, and a sofa or dining chair.

To work effectively and perform your best in your remote job, you need to surround yourself with the right environment.

The good news is that you don’t even need a massive room to have the perfect home office space. You can implement some of the below ideas with a small space. And the items don’t need to cost you a fortune either, but they will significantly help you stay focused and productive while maintaining your health and wellbeing.

In an interview, several experts shared their top tips for how to design your work-from-home office space and what factors you should bear in mind when working remotely:

Mark Mcshane, founder of Cupid PR has extensive experience in running large enterprises and start-ups, and is currently leading a fully remote team, which has given him insights into creating effective work-from-home office spaces. His advice on features, color schemes, essential items, and considerations for the home office?

“In designing a work-from-home office, the criterion should be such that it is functional and inspiring. I would begin with a basic color scheme situated around soft grays, whites, and beiges to help bring about a calm and professional environment,” he says. “Enunciate this neutrality with pops of color in deep blues or greens for the commanding effect, which puts energy and interest into a room without being too much to distract.”

Mcshane also recommends adding decorative features that allow for personal touches, making the space. “These may include fine art prints, plants, and stylish storage. Lighting is equally important: check that you are getting sufficient natural light and supplement it with adjustable desk lamps fitted with LED bulbs, which help guard against straining your eyes,” he advises.

Low-Cost Office Essentials For Your Remote Job

On a shoestring budget? These must-have items have you covered:

1. Ergonomic Chair

“Comfort is everything, as an ergonomic chair will help in supporting your posture and gives you lesser instances of back pain,” recommends Mcshane. His personal favorite is the Hbada Office Task Desk Chair, which is a budget-friendly option currently available on Amazon for $99.

2. Desk

“You will want your desk to be sturdy. You might want to check the SHW Home Office 48-Inch Computer Desk on Amazon; it provides ample space without breaking the bank,” Mcshane says.

3. Lighting

“Invest in quality lighting, such as LED task lights and overhead fixtures,” recommends Ryan Norman, founder of Norman Builders, a home remodeling company in New Hampshire. “Proper lighting reduces eye strain and improves focus. For those on a budget, natural light is free—place your desk near a window.”

3. Laptop Stand and Keyboard/Mouse Combo

“For keeping your screen at eye-level, preventing strained necks, a laptop stand is quite a worthy investment,” Mcshane says, “like the Amazon Basics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop Stand.” Laptop stands can also help prevent overheating of your laptop, which can result in malfunctions.

Keyboard and mouse combos can help with your typing comfort and efficiency, such as Mcshane’s recommended Logitech combo.

5. Storage Solutions

Last but not least, storage is important to declutter and help you stay focused. One easy and inexpensive storage option that Mcshane recommends is the Keter Modular Drawer System. In addition to Amazon, storage solutions, as well as a chair and desk can often be found at retailers such as Staples, IKEA, Target, Office Depot, and Walmart, in options that fit most budgets and are generally good quality.

6. Artwork, Plants, And Other Personal Touches

And if you have some money to spare, you can add to these essentials with inexpensive (or expensive if you prefer) touches to add character to your space. Like Maria Szandrach, CEO of Mentalyc, says, “Prioritize essentials first and gradually add more items as your budget allows.”

Kristin Kintlian, co-owner of Bonsai Builders, a luxury home construction company in Massachusetts, recommends: “Add personal touches to make the space your own. Artwork, photos, or live plants can boost creativity and motivation.”

Szandrach shares that she even has a few succulents and a snake plant in her work from home office.

What To Consider When Setting Up Work From Home Office Space

What are some things you should consider before purchasing items for your work from home space?

1. Your Routine

“Consider how you’ll use the space and set it up for your needs,” Kintlian continues. “Measure the area, create a floor plan, and think about your daily routine. The right office configuration will make working from home seamless.”

In Kintlian’s home office, she has a desk facing away from the window to avoid glare on her monitor, a bookcase for reference materials, and cabinets to keep everything organized.

2. Color Scheme

Ashley Southworth is a founder and creative director at Southworth Interior Design located in Bakersfield, California, and she has been working remotely since July 2023. She recommends her clients to choose a color scheme that they naturally gravitate towards. “Considering the psychology of color is also a beneficial approach as studies have shown that colors such as blue, yellow, or green can boost efficiency and creativity while red and orange can promote higher activity levels,” Southworth says.

“When it comes to design, I personally love a dark and moody room but I would try to steer a client away from using this approach in a home office as it may prevent productivity and instead encourage a few too many siestas.”

Naptime or mid-afternoon slumps anyone?

3. Style

According to Southworth, World Market carries a wide variety of comfortable and stylish desk chairs at excellent prices if you’re looking to go more up-market. “The Paige Charcoal Gray Linen Square Back Office Chair is a great classic option while the Rifle Paper Co. x Cloth & Company Oxford Office Chair comes in a variety of colors with whimsical designs.”

“Target consistently carries stylish desk accessories that don’t break the bank,” she says. But for art, her go-to is digital art downloads on Etsy. “There are literally thousands of printable art options with many being under $10. I purchased this Vintage Southwestern Gallery Wall Set by Arte Serene Co. for my personal home office and I am obsessed! For a more high end look I recommend having your digital art printed on giclee; however, I doubt anyone will notice if you print yours from your local neighborhood 1 hour printing service.”

4. Noise Level

“Choose a quiet area, if possible, or soundproof, if necessary,” advises Alina Samchenko, COO of tech start-up HireDevelopersBiz.

5. Lighting

Reiterating what Mcshane and Norman mentioned earlier, Pam Hutter, a California-based architect, says, “Focus on natural light by placing your desk near a window. Add task lighting, ambient lighting and overhead lighting for different needs.”

Hutter also suggests that you should plan your office with purpose and efficiency in mind. “The right setup and gear make working from home both productive and enjoyable. Invest in the essentials, then add personal touches to inspire you. Your home office should motivate you to start and end each workday,” she says.

6. Work/Life Balance

Last but not least, Norman adds, “If possible, separate your office from living spaces with a room divider or partition. The physical barrier helps establish work-life boundaries.”

Samchenko reminds professionals:

“Remember, the trick to a working home office is finding or creating a space in which you can be both comfortable and productive. In other words, it pays to take some planning time and make an investment in your setup—it could make half the difference between your productivity and well-being.”