7 Tiny Tweaks That’ll Make Your Home Workspace Comfortable and Inspiring

If you’ve suddenly found yourself working from home, odds are you’re now navigating the nuances of getting settled and focused. How do you transform the spot you’re used to lounging in into a space where you take care of business eight hours a day? It actually doesn’t take too much effort to make helpful changes that can turn your home into a focus-friendly space. Here are seven tiny tweaks for creating a better WFH environment. 

First and foremost, you need a place to set up and actually, you know, work. If you have a dedicated office with a desk, great. If you live alone and can use the kitchen table or coffee table, fantastic. But for those who don’t have the luxury of carving out a designated workspace, or if you share your home with someone else, the next best thing is to create a makeshift office in an empty corner or along a small stretch of blank wall space.

Start by purchasing an affordable but sturdy fold-out desk like this bamboo one from The Home Depot. You can set it up in the morning and tuck it away at night in a matter of seconds. If you don’t have room for a desk (or if you really like the idea of sitting on your bed), invest in a lap desk (like this one), so you have a sturdy, raised surface to set your computer and other essentials on.

Buy: LapGear Bamboo Lap Desk, $39.99 from Amazon

If you’re going to be sitting all day, that wooden kitchen chair isn’t going to cut it. Invest in a comfortable, supportive desk chair that won’t leave you feeling achy after a day of work. Check out some of our favorite office chairs for a little inspiration.

If you don’t have space for a new seat, at least treat yourself to a cushion. This small memory foam one will give you all the right types of support and comfort, but our editors are also sweet on Purple’s seat cushion, which is a big more splurgey.

Buy: Concord Memory Foam Chair Pad, $14.99 from Bed, Bath & Beyond

Natural light is thought to improve productivity and boost mood. If possible, position your workspace near a window so you can catch a few rays and sneak a peek outside every now and then. Not only will this allow you to feel more awake, but it’ll also help you maintain a sense of connection to the outdoors, as well.

If you can’t set up shop by a window, try sitting as close to one as possible. And if all else fails, consider something like the HappyLight. It’s shaped like an iPad, but its only function is to emit white, natural-looking light. There are smaller, cheaper versions available as well.

Buy: HappyLight Full Size, $79.95 $69.95 from Veriflux

Getting natural light is important, but you also need to make sure your overheads are at their best. Swap any dull bulbs for new ones to make sure your space is well lit. LED bulbs are a good move, if you haven’t already upgraded to them. If you have the option, go for something with dimming capabilities, so you can adjust the brightness as needed.

Buy: Charge Up LED Bulbs, Starting at $16 for 2 bulbs from Brilli 

Your photos and plants might still be at the office, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t recreate that vibe in your new WFH space. Surround yourself with things that make you happy, such as photos of family and friends, plants, and candles for a soothing vibe if you’re into scent.

You’ll be doing a lot of charging throughout the day—phones, laptops, iPads, headphones, and every other device you own. Keep things organized and avoid overwhelming all of your outlets—and floor space—by getting a work-only power strip. It makes it easier to keep all your tech organized, charged, and close by. That way, you can ensure you won’t be tripping over cords or fighting your roommate, partner, or family members for an outlet.

Buy: Globe Electric Designer Series 3-Outlet USB Power Strip, Starting at $15.99 from Bed, Bath & Beyond

There’s no doubt about it: You’re going to face distractions while working from home. You’ll hear people talking outside. You’ll hear your neighbor’s music. You’ll hear every door that opens and closes. A pair of noise-canceling headphones will help block out distractions and get you in the zone. You can go big with an expensive (but highly recommended) pair like the one Bose offers, or opt for something more mid-range like Sony’s under $100 alternative, which is all you really need.

Buy: Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, $399.95 from Bose