Dream Home Office Essentials: Must-Haves for a Functional Workspace

Whether you work from home or just need a quiet space to pay bills, etc…you will benefit from a dedicated space to work in peace. It doesn’t need to be anything huge, but when you’re setting up your work space, crafting the perfect spot involves a few key pieces and may feel a bit overwhelming at first.
In this post, I’ll share some of the essential elements you need to consider, along with some ideas and tips to create your dream home office.

Home office workspace idea featuring a small traditional office — **Paul Raeside/Country Life**

I’ll also be sharing real-life home office examples in unique decor styles, from the elegance of Parisian chic to the laid-back boho decor that will spark up your inspiration!

Dream Office Essentials: Must-Have Elements for a Functional Workspace

I’m sure you’ll find inspiration and useful tips. Interested? Read on and get ready to be inspired and discover how to make your home office the space of your dreams.

When we spend most of our active working hours in our home offices, our workspace is more than just a desk and a chair; it’s the place where our ideas come to life! In my own home I shared how last year I was finally able to get my own dream home office that doubles as a guest room. It’s where I work every day and have have my daughter and her husband stay here often when they come to visit See the full reveal post here!

Having a functional workspace is essential not just for productivity’s sake but also for your overall health and sanity.

Home office workspace idea featuring a small office divided by glass doors — **Houzz**

But, sometimes the lines between home and office can get blurry and that’s why the first thing to tackle is the location of your home office.

Home office workspace idea featuring a closet office — **Nesting With Grace**

There needs to be a division between your professional and personal life. From the temptation to lie on the couch to constant household distractions, it’s challenging to stay focused if there’s no clear separation between your home life and your work life.

Home Office Location Ideas and Tips:

Ideally, you want a spot that’s quiet and free from constant interruptions.

If you have a guest room or spare room, that’s the best option. But if you don’t, worry not! You can make use of a nook, a corner of your bedroom, a hallway, or even a well-organized part of your living room.

Home office workspace idea featuring a small desk palm beach regency style living room — **Essentials Emilie Fournet Interiors/Houzz**

Space dividers, for example, work amazingly well to separate spaces visually, and depending on your budget, there are tons of styles to pick from.

Closet offices (cloffice) are also a fantastic option if you’re short on space, as well as folding wall desks.

Look around your home and check the spaces you have around you that may work best for your lifestyle and remote work needs. You may be surprised!

After you’ve decided on your home office space, let’s look at ergonomic furniture and equipment, two of the most important aspects of a functional workspace.

The Essentials: Desk, Chair, and Monitor

Typing away for hours on end, attending virtual meetings, and tackling our to-do list without the proper support can damage our posture and this can lead to aches, pains, and decreased productivity.

Home office workspace idea featuring a wall mounted desk — **A Clear Space**

That’s where ergonomic furniture comes in! It’s a total game-changer for your well-being and productivity if you work from home.

Let’s break down the essential elements of ergonomic furniture you need in your home office: the desk, the chair, and the monitor.

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Ergonomic Desks & Lighting

Ensure your desk has the correct height for your body and the type of computer you’re using to promote a correct posture throughout the day.

Standing desks are truly fantastic if you spend many hours working from your desk, as they allow you to adjust the height and work standing up.

Home office workspace idea featuring a standing desk next to a sofa in a living room — **Ergonofis**

If you, like me, prefer something a little more vintage and standing desks are too much, adding a monitor or laptop stand to raise your screen to eye level is a fantastic option that you can place on any desk of your choice.

While on the topic of your desk set up, we can’t not mention lighting. The correct lighting can improve your productivity and avoid eye strain. If you have a window in your designated home office space, place your desk facing it or next to it to get all the benefits of natural light.

Traditional home office workspace idea featuring a small traditional desk and lamp shade — **Real Homes**

If you don’t, opt to invest in a desk lamp that lets you adjust the brightness to suit your tasks and add a couple of ambient lights to help diffuse light. This light layering works amazingly to avoid screen glare and straining your eyes.

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Comfortable Chair & Accessories:

Your chair is where you’ll spend the majority of your day, so invest in one that offers proper lumbar support and is adjustable to your body. Look for a chair with adjustable height, armrests, backrest angle, and lumbar support to keep you comfortable and pain-free.

Traditional home office workspace idea featuring a small desk with a traditional armchair — **@living_in_a_landmar**

You also may want to look into footrests if your feet dangle when sitting, as it also helps with proper posture and better circulation.

No matter how fancy and ergonomic a desk is, if it’s cluttered with stuff and cables keep getting tangled up, your space won’t feel functional. That’s why storage solutions also have such a huge impact on your home office. In small workspaces, this is particularly important.

Home office workspace idea featuring a vintage desk flushed against a window — **Daily Dream Decor**

Storage Solutions & Cable Management

Consider vertical storage options like wall-mounted shelves or bookcases to maximize floor space. Storage containers, drawer organizers, and filing systems to keep your documents, supplies, and knick-knacks neatly arranged are always useful. A clutter-free desk and workspace are a game-changer for maintaining focus.

Don’t let a tangle of cables add chaos to your space. Use cable organizers like clips, nets, and boxes to keep your wires neat and out of sight. It not only looks better but also reduces the risk of tripping hazards.

It makes your entire workspace feel and look much more tidy and increases functionality.

Home office workspace idea featuring a hidden desk — **Resource Furniture**

Now that you have a clearer idea of some key elements you need to consider when crafting your perfect home office workspace, it’s time to start! Below, I’m linking some of my favorite WFH products to make your home office routine and lifestyle more comfortable and functional.