Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Team Ideas24
Working from home? Then you can probably relate to the everyday challenge of focusing and getting as much work as you can get done!
There are many factors that can keep us from being productive in our home office, and all of these make up what we describe as an unfavourable environment. But even if your home office seems unsuitable for getting things done, there are several measures you can do to turn the situation around…
Now the work desk is a big factor that affects your productivity primarily because it’s exactly where you do all the work. But before we get into what you can do about it, the very first thing you should do is to establish your work space. If you don’t have an extra room for a dedicated home office, assign a certain spot where you can be free of distractions. You can ask your family to refrain from going to this area, especially when you are working.
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Productive Home Office Setup
When that has been dealt with, you can then focus on making sure your work desk helps you be the most productive that you can be! These points that we have for you below will guide you…
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Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is an important factor to consider when choosing a spot for your work space. If you can choose a room in your house, one with abundant natural lighting would be your best option. If you don’t have an extra room and are simply looking for a small spot, choose an area with a window.
Natural lighting is linked to increased productivity, and it reduces instances of getting a headache and eye strain.
Standing Desk
Working mostly on a computer? Sitting continuously for several hours a day is unhealthy! Even though you are following the recommended hourly breaks, having a standing desk is also better. This way you can work undisturbed if you need to, and at the same time you are allowing your blood to flow properly throughout your body. This helps you think better and work more productively! (If you are interested to know more about this topic, here’s a related article for you.)
Plants
Many studies now prove that having plants in the work space is beneficial – it increases productivity and workplace satisfaction. It decreases stress levels and looking at it for a few minutes even relaxes your tired eyes.
Music
It’s already a known fact that music can do wonders for our brains. When in the workplace, music can help us focus, especially when we are doing a repetitive task. So find or create a playlist that works for you. You can also use a noise-cancelling headphone to drown out unwanted noise around you.
Organize Items and Schedule
There are a few people that work best in chaos. But for most situations, organizing your papers, files and what have you is of course better as it saves you from wasting precious time trying to look for what you need.
The same goes with your work and tasks schedule. Make sure to write every task and deadline on your planner or calendar so that you are always on track.
Invest in Quality Office Equipment
Last but not the least, invest in quality equipment and make sure that they are always up-to-date. Nothing is more time-consuming, wasteful and frustrating than a frozen screen or an unresponsive program!
These guides are simple measures. But if you follow them, you’ll be more productive and in control of your home working environment!
How about you, do you have any tips and tricks for a more productive home office? :)
Ergonomic Essentials for a Healthy Home Office Setup
A well-planned home office setup doesn’t stop at aesthetics. It also needs to support your physical well-being. If you’re working long hours at home, poor posture and repetitive strain can creep in quickly without the right setup. That’s why ergonomics should be a core part of your planning.
Choose the Right Chair
The foundation of an ergonomic home office setup is your chair. It needs to support your lower back and promote a healthy sitting posture. Look for a chair with adjustable height, lumbar support, and armrests. If your feet dangle or your knees sit higher than your hips, it’s time to make changes. A footrest or a properly adjusted seat can make a big difference.
Desk Height Matters
Your desk should match your height and working style. If the surface is too high or low, it can cause wrist pain, shoulder tension, and long-term posture issues. Sit with your elbows at a 90-degree angle while typing. If you’re using a standing desk, make sure your forearms stay parallel to the ground and your screen remains at eye level.
Monitor and Screen Position
Neck and eye strain are common problems in a poorly arranged home office setup. Your screen should be about an arm’s length away and the top of the monitor should line up with your eyes. This keeps your head in a neutral position and reduces tension. If you use a laptop often, consider getting a separate monitor or a laptop stand paired with an external keyboard and mouse.
Wrist Support and Keyboard Placement
Keep your wrists in a neutral position by placing the keyboard and mouse close to each other and at the same level. Avoid resting your wrists on hard surfaces while typing. Wrist pads or soft desk mats help reduce stress on your joints. These small upgrades in your home office setup can prevent repetitive strain injuries over time.
Take Breaks and Move Often
Even the most ergonomic home office setup won’t replace the need for movement. Stand, stretch, or take a walk every 30 to 60 minutes. A reminder app or a smartwatch can help you stay on track.
Putting ergonomics at the center of your home office setup keeps you comfortable and productive. It’s a smart investment for both your work and your health.
Lighting Options Beyond Natural Light
Natural light is ideal for any workspace, but it’s not always available or consistent throughout the day. That’s where smart lighting choices step in. The right mix of artificial lighting keeps your home office setup functional, comfortable, and visually appealing. Poor lighting causes fatigue, eye strain, and can even lower your motivation. A well-lit space helps you stay alert, focused, and productive—regardless of the time or weather.
Ambient Lighting for Overall Illumination
Start with ambient lighting, which provides the general light for your entire room. Ceiling-mounted fixtures or overhead LEDs are common sources. Go for bulbs that offer a warm to neutral color temperature, around 3000K to 4000K. These tones feel natural and reduce the harshness associated with overly white or blue light. A consistent light level helps your eyes adapt, especially when transitioning between tasks or moving around your home office setup.
Task Lighting to Support Focused Work
If you regularly write, read, or use a computer, task lighting is a must. Desk lamps are the most popular option, but placement matters. Keep the light source opposite your dominant hand to avoid casting shadows. Adjustable gooseneck lamps or articulating arms allow you to direct light exactly where you need it. Choose lamps with brightness control so you can fine-tune your lighting depending on the time of day and the task at hand.
Accent Lighting to Set the Mood
Accent lighting adds dimension to your home office setup and makes it feel less sterile. This can include LED strip lights behind your monitor, a floor lamp in the corner, or a small wall sconce. While accent lights aren’t meant to illuminate your workspace, they soften the overall environment. This balance helps reduce eye strain caused by high contrast between a bright screen and a dark room.
Color Temperature and Bulb Choice
The color of your light influences how you feel and how well you concentrate. Cooler light (5000K and above) mimics daylight and helps boost alertness. It’s best for early mornings or when you’re handling demanding tasks. Warmer light (around 2700K) promotes calm and is more suited for late-afternoon or evening work. For flexibility, try smart bulbs that let you switch between temperatures or adjust brightness through an app or voice assistant.
Avoiding Glare and Shadows
No matter how many lights you add to your home office setup, glare can ruin the experience. Use matte surfaces on desks and walls to reduce reflection. Position screens perpendicular to light sources when possible. If overhead lighting is unavoidable, consider diffusers to soften the effect. Blinds or sheer curtains also help control glare when working near windows.
Thoughtful lighting transforms your home office setup from a basic corner into a well-balanced workspace. When natural light isn’t enough, these artificial options give you control over comfort and productivity, day or night.
Soundproofing Ideas for a Quieter Home Office Setup
Noise can be one of the biggest productivity killers when working from home. Whether it’s traffic, barking dogs, or household chatter, these distractions can disrupt your focus and slow down your workflow. A quiet environment is essential for deep work, video calls, and overall concentration. Soundproofing your space doesn’t have to involve a full renovation. With a few smart adjustments, you can create a calmer and more productive home office setup.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
One of the first steps in reducing noise is to identify where it’s coming in. Gaps around doors and windows often let in more sound than you’d expect. Use weatherstripping, draft stoppers, or acoustic caulk to seal these weak spots. Even a solid door sweep can make a noticeable difference. If your home office setup is in a shared space, a closed door that seals properly can act as the first line of defense against outside noise.
Use Rugs, Curtains, and Upholstery
Hard surfaces like tile or wood floors reflect sound, which amplifies echoes and noise. Adding thick rugs or carpet can help absorb sound, especially in larger rooms. Heavy curtains or thermal blackout drapes do double duty by blocking both light and sound. Upholstered furniture like fabric chairs or a soft couch also helps dampen ambient noise, making the space feel more acoustically balanced. These soft materials don’t just improve comfort—they also contribute to a more peaceful work atmosphere.
Add Acoustic Panels or Foam
Acoustic panels absorb mid to high-frequency sounds and reduce echoes in your home office setup. They’re easy to mount on walls, especially behind your desk or around a shared wall. For a DIY option, some people use foam panels or even thick cork boards to create a similar effect. You can also hang decorative acoustic art that blends into your design style while quietly improving the sound quality in the room.
Soundproof with Bookshelves and Storage
A wall of books or storage shelves can act as a sound buffer. Filling the shelves with books, boxes, or files creates mass that absorbs noise instead of reflecting it. Place bookshelves against shared or exterior walls to create a barrier between you and the source of the noise. It’s a practical solution that also adds storage and a touch of visual interest to your office.
Noise-Cancelling Tools and Tech
Sometimes, full soundproofing isn’t possible—especially in apartments or open layouts. That’s where technology comes in. Noise-cancelling headphones are an excellent solution for focused work and calls. You can also use white noise machines or calming background sound apps to mask unwanted noise. These tools create a more consistent audio environment, reducing the impact of unpredictable distractions.
Conclusion
A productive home office setup starts with intentional design. Lighting, ergonomics, and sound control all contribute to better focus and daily comfort. Even small upgrades can lead to big improvements in your workflow. With the right setup, working from home becomes smoother, healthier, and more rewarding.
