Best Home Office Ideas To Increase Productivity

Desk, laptop and ergonomic chair showing the best home office ideas for productivity

Having worked from home on and off over the years, I have come to appreciate how impactful my workspace is.  Yes, the decor is important since your surroundings have a direct impact on your creativity and your overall mood.

However, today, I wanted to review some of the best home office setups for productivity.

After all, that should be the focus of our design. These office decor ideas are not expensive but will help your efficiency since they will help you to focus on your job.

Let’s dive in…


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An organized desk showing how to create a home office

How Do I Set Up A Home Office?

First, take a few moments to review all areas of your home to consider which space would be best claimed as a work environment.

Try your best not to rush this process and be mindful that interruptions will affect your productivity.

If you are fortunate enough to have a dedicated room, such as an empty bedroom that can be used for office space, then your space is pretty much an easy setup.

However, if this is not your case, look for other areas in your house, such as a finished basement or attic.

The point is, if you are going to be productive, you would want to avoid having to pack up your office at the end of each workday.

Therefore, using a kitchen table or another area that is shared by others in the home would not be the best choice.

If space is tight, you may need to think outside of the box.

For example, how about using a large empty closet and removing the doors to create a dedicated space for your work environment?

Some people may find this a bit too closed off, and if that is your case, how about finding a corner within a room?

Organic Modern Office Decor Ideas

Shop the room: SHOP ALL ITEMS HERE

Consider An IKEA Corner Desk Idea

Corner nooks work great for your home office since a corner desk will provide plenty of working space. Second, corners of a room are usually near a window which gives you the extra benefit of sunlight.

Amazon Basics L-Shape Office Corner Desk, 55-Inch, Espresso
  • L-shaped: fits nicely in a corner; same length on both sides for maximum space; can accommodate 2 or 3 monitors
  • Versatile: works well as an office desk, computer desk, writing or drawing desk, gaming desk, crafting space, and more

To keep your office area private, consider placing a decorative privacy wall to keep the space divided from the rest of your home.

Benefits of using natural light for your home office

Adding a privacy wall is especially crucial if your workspace is in your bedroom as this would “allow” you to feel a little discounted from your work environment.

Sorbus 8 Panel Room Divider 6 ft. Tall – Privacy Screen, Extra Wide Double Hinged Panels, Diamond Double-Weaved, Partition Room Dividers and Folding Privacy Screens, Wall Divider for Room Separation
  • ROOM DIVIDER SCREEN (8-PANEL, BEIGE) — This partition style screen divides your room for privacy or simply to display as a decorative accent
  • CREATES PRIVACY — Suitable for dressing privacy, porch privacy, privacy from neighbors on patio — Covers windows, blocks off unsightly items, divides sleeping areas for guests

IKEA Desk Ideas

Ikea desk idea with plants
Ikea desk idea

How Do I Build A Cheap Home Office?

Many people try to over-complicate this process, but in reality, a cheap home office setup involves the following: a desk, a way to stay organized, and some privacy.

Since most of your time will be spent on your desk, it’s essential to make this the focal point of your design.

One of the best home office ideas is a desk that matches the decor in the rest of your home, like this white and wood desk
Source: West Elm
A glass desk is perfect for any design style in your home workspace
Source: West Elm

Of course, you need to be comfortable; therefore, your choice of seating is also important.

With office chairs, think about whether ergonomics or design are more important to you. If you have to sit for long periods of time, it might be best to get an ergonomic chair to avoid back and neck pain, even if the design isn’t your absolute favorite.

But if you only need to sit for short periods of time, think about whether you’d like a comfy, decorative chair instead.

Some of our favorite home office chair ideas:

A soft and comfy velvet chair is the perfect addition to your home office
Source: Pier1
An ergonomic chair is a home office essential if you sit for long periods of time
Source: Pier1

Use Professional Office Decor Ideas To Get Home Office Ideas

The positive aspects of working from home are apparent. However, working from home also has some real challenges which can be discouraging and hurt the growth of your business.

If we examine some of the benefits of working in a professional environment, we can incorporate some of those ideas right into our own home office spaces.

In other words, when you show up for work, you realize you are there for one main reason, to earn a living.

Best Home Office Setup For Productivity

For optimal productivity, try to include the following:

  • Proper office equipment: desk, printers, scanners, etc. We love the HP Deskjet Printer for its sleek design, and the fact that you can copy, scan, and print from your laptop or phone!
  • Ways to stay organized: filing cabinet, shelves, wall bins.
  • To help you maintain a set schedule include a clock in your decor.
  • Tools for productivity such as project management software.
  • Privacy to reduce distractions from family and friends.
Sale
Amazon Basics Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard, 36 x 24-Inch, Aluminum Frame, Silver/White
  • Dry erase board with aluminum frame; ideal for meetings, presentations, home chores, and more
  • Durable, smooth surface for writing on with dry erase markers; wipes clean easily; never stains or ghosts

Remember that your shelves and wall bins don’t have to look corporate! These days, it’s easy to find items that match the rest of your decor.

Geometric metal shelves showing how a home office doesn't have to look corporate
Source: Pier1

For example, these organization tools would look great with farmhouse or minimalist decor:

Sale
Bush Furniture Key West 2 Drawer Lateral File Cabinet in Linen White Oak | Document Storage for Home Office | Accent Chest with Drawers
  • Coastal and Farmhouse Charm – The Key West Collection’s 2 drawer file cabinets for home office boast a relaxed, open appearance that complements homes with coastal or farmhouse styles.
O&K FURNITURE Double Wide 6-Shelf Bookcase, 80.7” Industrial Large Open Metal Bookcases Furniture, Etagere Bookshelf for Home & Office, Vintage Brown
  • Wide Open Design: This sturdy double wide bookcase with 12 open shelves that are spacious for storing books and displaying attractive showpieces in your living room, study, bedroom and office decor.
Desk Organizer, Pen & Pencil Holder – Desktop Caddy with 5 Compartments – Multi-Functional Table Storage Box for Home and Office with Adjustable Wooden Dividers – White
  • TIDY DESK, TIDY MIND: Use Tidear Desk Organizer to tidy up your desk, improve your concentration, boost your effectiveness and reduce your daily stress. An organized desk is even good for your mental health!

Use Your Home Office Decor For Being Productive

Like many of you, I enjoy my short commute to work but…

Since I am passionate about my business, it’s really easy to fall prey to working endlessly; therefore, you need to ask yourself the following questions.

Do you LIVE to work, or do you WORK to live?  

Although you can find enjoyment in your work, PLEASE keep your priorities as your primary motivation.

I realized that it could be easier said than done; however, these action steps will help you accomplish that.

Home offices

TIP # 1 Design Your Days

Create a work schedule that follows those of your family members so you can devote your off hours to them if possible.

For example, if you have children, why not focus on your hardest work tasks while they are at school?

TIP # 2 Design Your Morning Routine

Most successful business people will testify that waking up early is vital as you are the most productive.

The morning is quiet, and your mind will be more focused.

TIP # 3 Work SMART, not hard.

Many of us can get distracted easily when working; therefore, to help avoid this, create a TO-LIST of goals you wish to accomplish for the day. It could be as simple as writing things down on a sheet of paper.

For me, I run my business and life off my whiteboard. Over the years, I tried online planners, calendars, and software but have never felt they were as effective.

One reason why this works so well is that I can quickly grab my dry eraser marker and scribble a quick idea or task throughout the day.

This helps me clear my thoughts and allows me to get back to my current project.

Second, having your goals, notes, and projects as a consistent reminder not only gives you a sense of urgency but also helps you prioritize tasks to be the most effective.

Read: How To Create A Mood Board

Office Decor Ideas – DIY Dry-Erase Planner

Whiteboards or dry-erase boards need two things in order for them to work.

  1. Smooth writing surfaces such as glass or acrylic
  2. Writing tool.

Acrylic whiteboards can be very costly, so as an alternative, you can use a large glass picture frame.

Clock In With Style

This may sound a little odd, but I find it helpful to have a clock in my master bathroom. It helps keep me punctual as it consistently reminds me time never stops.

Further, I use Alexa to set timers and alarms throughout my workday.

Limit Your Distractions

QUESTION:

Would your family call you endlessly if you were in a professional office setting? No!

If you find people are not respecting your time, first evaluate what message you are giving out. One phone call can disrupt your workflow for more than the time you are on that conversation.

Set your boundaries and train those around you.

If you are UNABLE to do so, you may need to rethink being self-employed. I get you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, so communicate your reasons.

Please, don’t overcomplicate your approach…

The Best Home Office Setup For Productivity Includes Ways To Stay Organized

Here are a few of my favorite ways to create a stylish office. We built a 10-foot-long drafting-style desk for two.

To keep things off my desk, I use wire baskets for paperwork. Once the paperwork is completed they are filed in a cabinet.

To define the spaces between my husband and me, I used different tabletop lighting and mugs to hold some odds and ends.

Not sure how or why I currently have construction pencils, screwdrivers, or iPad styluses in my mug…but I’m sure my husband will think I stole them.

Woman working at her desk that is organized for home office productivity

home office decor should be filled with things that make you happy and motivate you to be successful in your business. The office design should be functional, but it can definitely be pretty too and match the rest of your decor!” data-pin-title=”The Best Home Office Ideas for Productivity” />

Home Office Inspo

When designing your office, try to arrange your furniture to best utilize your real estate.

For the most part, I like to begin by anchoring the room where the desk will live. What?! I know…let me try to paint you a picture.

In one of our previous properties, we did not have a spare room to create an office.

Instead, we used the mudroom which was located off the garage. The previous owner used it as his auto part store!

Home office inspo ideas

Surround Yourself With What Inspires You

Best home office ideas for productivity

This should be easy as it’s a personal one. 

As we become adults we get burdened down with responsibilities, chores, and things that are NOT fun.

Fill your office with things that bring you pleasure.

Let me provide you with the definition of pleasure: causing a feeling of pleasure or enjoyment, a mood.

Now, that we are on the same page – let’s create your mood.

For those of you who are in the creative field, you know what makes you happy and gives you those butterflies…use that to inspire your space.

Home Office Decor On A Budget

A desk is made up of a tabletop and something to hold it up.

Keep it simple by purchasing two inexpensive bookshelves for your base and using a piece of wood as your top.

Ikea is always a good idea.

Growing up in New Jersey and New York, we are naturally drawn to anything but a cookie-cutter style. 

So our simple desk would consist of something like… finding an old door as your tabletop and if it’s not leveled, purchase a glass for it.

We’re not that simple but we’re frugal.

DIY Desk Idea

Make Good Use Of Your Wall Space

The last thing you want in your home office space is an uninspiring, blank wall.

But you don’t want something distracting, either. To make the best use of your office wall, aim to include a wall clock. This will help you stay organized and on time.

We love this wall clock for its sleek, modern design:

A sleek wall clock is one of the best home office ideas for productivity
Source: Etsy

To motivate yourself in your home office, you can print out some of your favorite inspirational quotes or get motivational posters.

And to keep you in a good mood, print out your favorite photos, or at least a few!

Finally, you can create a bulletin board of to-dos and accomplishments on top of a beautiful fabic.

Best Home Office Ideas To Increase Productivity – Conclusion

The best home office setup for productivity is one that helps you stay inspired and allows you to truly enjoy the workspace.

Your home office decor should be filled with things that make you happy and motivate you to be successful in your business. The office design should be functional, but hey let’s make it pretty too 😉

For more home styling tips and tricks, drop by anytime.

A stylish desk and chairs showing the best home office ideas for productivity

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2 Comments

  1. Great tips for office organization. I like the tip for using an old door for a desk, but the glass top might set you back. Any tips for how to find that? I look forward to reading more of your blog.

    1. Hi Andrea! Thrift shops, Habitat ReStores and reaching out to house flippers. Most contractors are will to give unwanted items away to avoid paying to have them removed.

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