Small Office Essentials — Hint: A Small Desk is #1

Do you work from home or in a smaller office? You might think that you have to compromise features and productivity due to a lack of space, but there are ways around that!

When you work from home or from a small office, it’s not unusual to assume you simply have to go without some of the features that foster increased productivity enjoyed by workers in larger offices. But think again. From a tidy, small desk to the best lighting, here are six must-haves that you can incorporate into your small office or home office to ensure you’re able to work at maximum capacity while feeling comfortable and inspired throughout your workday.

1. A high-quality small desk

As you’re already quite aware, your desk is the foundation for all that happens in your office, big or small. When you work from home or if you work in a smaller office space, a comfortable desk is essential for optimum ingenuity and productivity at work.

There’s nothing worse than struggling through tasks all day long when you’re distracted by back or neck pain due to a less than an ergonomic workstation.

When in the workplace, you’re likely to spend the majority of your workday at a desk. Given that, the quality of your posture is integral to your work performance.

A small desk doesn’t necessarily mean cramped or uncomfortable. Not at all. A smaller desk can offer you the space and versatility you need to not only work comfortably for eight hours a day but to be highly productive as well. With so many quality options to choose from – height-adjustable or standing desk, efficient corner units, and more – you’ll be able to find exactly what you need to fit your space and your individual physical needs.

2. A comfortable, ergonomic office chair

Another office essential to help you work at your very best is a high-quality, ergonomically designed office chair. It doesn’t have to be an oversized executive chair to fit your body perfectly for your long workdays. There are any number of compact chair designs that can accommodate and adjust to your body dimensions and ensure your comfort at your small desk throughout the day.

Adjustability is key: the backrest should be adjustable and follow the shape of the spine and provide adequate lumbar support. Likewise, the arms of the chair should adjust to ensure you can sit with your shoulders relaxed, and your elbows should maintain a 90-degree angle when working at the computer. The seat cushion should be ample, and the fabric breathable. Look for a model that swivels to help support you as you reach and move at your small desk throughout the many hours you’re seated.

3. Functionality and organization

You may believe that without the ample space of a large desk, you have to compromise functionality and organization. Not at all. Even a small office, and a small desk, can provide the organization you need to be comfortable and productive as you perform your various work tasks.

Choose a small desk with plenty of drawers, or include a drawer or filing unit conveniently tucked beneath your desk. Use the vertical wall space above your desk for shelving with attractive, labeled bins and containers; books and resources; personal mementoes, and more. Keep your paperwork sorted in magazine holders or decorative trays. Arrange the supplies you need every day in an attractive desk organizer to keep things within fast and easy reach. If you’re in a corner, consider a matching credenza for your small desk to arrange an L shaped desk configuration with the work surface on one side, storage and electronic accessories such as a printer, on the other.

4. Natural light

If at all possible, arrange your office space to include ample natural light. Some studies affirm the impact of natural light on not just productivity but mood and mental health as well.

Don’t be afraid of positioning your small desk directly in front of a window to enjoy, and draw inspiration from, the view. Alternatively, arrange your office in such a way that light illuminates your workstation but without causing glare on your monitor. Regardless of how you leverage the window light, it will enhance the ambience as well as your state of mind, helping to keep you focused throughout the workday.

If natural light is in short supply, choose several attractive desk and floor lamps with daylight bulbs to help mimic natural light for similar results.

5. Embrace colour

As you consider your work area, don’t forget about the power of color when it comes to how you can work most effectively. Similar to natural light, the color scheme of your office can influence your mood and productivity for better or for worse.

Choose shades that complement each as opposed to busy, more chaotic patterns that could be a distraction. Opt for a cool palette that will help promote calm – blues and greens are known to enhance mood as well as performance. For example, a neutral or natural-toned small desk with a blue chair and pale gray wall with a few green, leafy plants help set a peaceful, harmonious, and creative ambience – perfect for a small office.

6. Get personal

No matter if your small office is at home or another location, a few personal mementoes – kids’ artwork, family photos, or unique keepsakes – help keep you connected to your loved ones and bring up happy memories.

Feel free to include your favorite pieces of artwork, framed family photographs, or anything else that expresses your individuality. It’s sure to give you the lift you need when you confront challenges or frustrations that inevitably occur in any workday.