55 Work From Home Office Essentials To Boost Productivity

Are you looking for ways to improve your productivity and enhance your home workspace? If so, you’re in luck!

In this article, I’ll be discussing 55+ different home office essentials that can help you get the most out of your time. We’ll look at all of the important considerations when it comes to your workstation, managing the stress and distractions in your environment, and setting up a space that gives you separation between home and work.

So, whether you can’t keep working at the local coffee shop or you’ve been working from home for years, this article is sure to cover some must-haves for a home office that you may not have thought of. Let’s get started!

What are the work-from-home essentials?

These are the non-negotiables for remote workers; the absolute must-haves for a home office. Of course, you can make do with the kitchen table or a coffee shop, but you’ll notice a big difference in your comfort, focus, and overall mental health when working from home if you prioritize these recommendations.

Ergonomically Correct Workstation

Ergonomics is all about configuring a work setup that allows you to work comfortably and be most productive. It includes everything from the office chair you sit in, to the lighting of the room you work in. It plays a significant role in maintaining your physical and mental health, so creating a work-from-home setup that’s perfectly designed for you is critical.

1) Height-Adjustable Standing Desk

If you’re looking for a way to add a little more variety to your work-from-home setup, you might want to consider investing in an adjustable sit-stand desk.

This type of desk allows you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, which can help to improve your posture and alleviate back pain. Additionally, standing desks have been shown to boost energy levels and make you more productive.

If you’re worried about standing for long periods, don’t be – plenty of automatically adjustable sit-stand desks allow you to raise and lower the surface as needed in a matter of seconds.

2) Ergonomic Chair

Anyone who has worked from home knows how important it is to have a comfortable desk chair with lumbar support. After all, you spend a lot of time sitting in it!

An ergonomic office chair is a great investment for your home office that is worth every penny. They tend to be more adjustable than traditional office chairs, so you can find the perfect position for your body. These chairs are designed to:

• Provide maximum lumbar support and comfort
• Help reduce the risk of back pain and other problems
• Be more adjustable than traditional office chairs
• Help improve your posture and promote better circulation.

Source: Herman Miller

3) External Monitors

Another way to create a more ergonomic work-from-home office setup is with external monitors. Working solely off of a laptop screen can be tough on your body and make you less productive.

Curved monitors can make your home workstation look more stylish and modern while also reducing neck and eye strain. More of the screen will be in your peripheral vision, allowing your eyes to move around the computer screen more comfortably.

4) Monitor Mount

If you’re only going to make a few improvements, make sure mounting your monitors is one of them! Adjustable monitor mounts are a great way to create a more ergonomic home office setup.

You can find mounts that allow you to adjust the height, angle, and distance of your screen, meaning you can fully customize the placement to reduce the strain on your neck and eyes. There are even mounts that have multiple arms, in case you have an extra monitor or two.

So ditch those factory stands and invest in a mount that will let you take full control of your workspace.

5) Laptop Stand and/or Lap Desk

If you do most of your work on a laptop, you’re going to want to make sure you have a laptop stand for when you plug into your work desk. Laptop stands help to improve your posture by raising the screen to eye level and they can help to keep your laptop cool by providing extra airflow.

If you find yourself working on the couch often, then you might want to go a step further and consider a lap desk. Lap desks allow you to work on your laptop while seated in a comfortable position, and they often have built-in fans to keep your laptop cool.

6) External Mouse or Trackpad

Using a laptop’s built-in trackpad for extended periods is a recipe for wrist pain. Instead, you should look for an external mouse that fits the palm of your hand, or a trackpad that is designed for comfortable use. You might also want to consider an ergonomic mouse that has a vertical design, which can help to reduce wrist strain.

7) Mechanical Keyboard

If you spend a lot of time typing, it’s worth investing in a mechanical keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are designed for comfort and durability and can help reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are a variety of different mechanical keyboards on the market, so you can easily find one to fit any budget. You can even play around with custom keycaps to turn your keyboard into a decorative element of your home office space.

8) Natural light

For many people, a home office is simply a spare room or corner of the house. However, natural lighting can have a big impact on your productivity and mental well-being. Ambient lighting helps to reduce eye strain, and a bright space can give you a much-needed energy boost during long work days. If your home office is in a room without natural light (i.e. a den), consider finding a new location to work from or, as a last resort, invest in a simulated sunlight lamp.

If possible, try to set up your desk near a window so that you can take advantage of natural light. You’ll find that you feel more alert and productive throughout the day.

9) Desk Lamp

Many people don’t realize the importance of task lighting. Desk lamps are great for providing light when you’re working on a project or trying to read. They help your eyes and keep you from getting headaches. They’re also a great option for those who work late and need a night light that doesn’t ruin their sleep.

10) Overhead Light

Even if your home office area gets plenty of natural light, there will be times when you need to add some ambient light. An overhead lighting solution is a great way to do this. You can find overhead lights that are specifically designed for home offices, or you can opt for a more general light fixture. Just make sure that the light is bright enough to illuminate your entire workspace.

11) Blue Light Blocking

Do you find yourself working extended hours and into the evening? If so, you’re going to want to limit the amount of blue light your eyes are taking in, especially before going to bed. Too much of this light can disrupt your natural sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

One way to reduce exposure is to use a filter on your computer screens. These filters are designed to block out harmful light while still allowing you to see the screen.

There are also eyeglasses on the market that claim to reduce blue light exposure; you can even add blue-blocker to your prescription glasses.

Optimized Home Office Setup

Just what makes for an optimized home office setup? These home office essentials take your ergonomic home setup to the next level by allowing you to work more efficiently in your direct workspace.

12) Maximum Office Desk Space

One of the most important work-from-home essentials is desk space. You need room to work, and the amount of physical surface space your desk has is key to making you as productive as possible. If you can fit an L-shaped desk into your home office layout, you should seriously consider getting one.

The extra surface space can give you the room you need to reduce clutter, not to mention they can fit perfectly into the corner of a room. What’s best is you don’t have to sacrifice ergonomics to get one as there are plenty of L-shaped standing desk options to choose from. You’ll have no problem finding the right desk for your budget, style, and sit or stand preference!

13) Strong Internet Connection

Having a stable internet connection is a work-from-home necessity. The last thing you need when working from home is low-quality video calls and intermittent internet service. It limits your productivity and can lead to some embarrassing moments where you’re scrambling to reconnect in the middle of an important presentation.

You’ll likely want a home internet plan that’s a minimum of 100 Mbps, although it will depend on what you do for work and how many people in your household are online concurrently. You’ll also want to ensure you have solid hardware, such as a high-speed router.

14) Desk Pad

Want to soften your desk surface, prevent scratches, and make it more stylish? Then you need a desk pad! Desk pads come in all sorts of materials, colors, and sizes, so you can find one that fits the aesthetic of your space. They can be placed alongside a mouse pad, or be used to replace one altogether.

15) Wireless Devices

If you want to achieve a minimalist workspace, you’re going to want to ensure you have as few cables as possible. While you can’t avoid all of them, going with a wireless mouse, wireless keyboard, wireless headphones, and Bluetooth speaker immediately gets rid of a handful of cables that would have otherwise been directly on your desk. Trust me, the extra investment for wireless is worth the declutter!

16) Cable Management System

While you might not be able to get rid of all the cables in your home office, there are ways to minimize their impact on your office space.

Find a cable management system that allows you to tuck away excess cables and keeps them out of sight. This way, you can avoid the messy look of tangled cords and keep your desk looking clean and organized.

17) Notebook

While there’s no shortage of apps for writing notes and managing your to-do list, there’s still something to be said for a good old-fashioned notebook.

A notebook is a great way to jot down ideas, make sketches, and record meeting notes. Plus, it’s another piece that can add to the home office look and feel you’re going for!

18) Wireless Charger

Another way to keep a minimalist desk setup and reduce the number of cables on your desk is to use a wireless charger for your devices. You can get a wireless phone charger that doubles as a stand, or even a desk pad with built-in wireless charging functionality. Both options will reduce your clutter and give you easy access to your fully charged devices throughout the day.

19) Desktop Organizer

Pens and paper seem to multiply overnight, and important documents have a habit of disappearing into the abyss. But it doesn’t have to be that way! A desktop organizer can hold all of your papers, pens, and other office supplies. This is a great way to make your desk area more attractive while helping you to be more productive.

Comfortable Environment

Your body is only as strong as your mind, so this section is all about the home office essentials that enable your brain to be the best it can be.

20) Real Plants

The benefits of quality indoor plants are often taken for granted. Different types of plants help with different things, such as improving air quality, reducing stress, and boosting your mood. Not to mention they help with home office aesthetics!

21) Essential Oil Diffuser

Diffusing various types of essential oils is also a great way to improve your state of mind while working. Oils like rosemary and peppermint are especially great for mental clarity and alertness. You’ll want to ensure you have a high-quality essential oil diffuser that can run for several hours at a time.

22) Air Purifier

Air quality plays a massive role in your physical and mental health. If the air quality in your home office is anything less than ideal, you’ll want to seriously consider getting an air purifier to ensure you’re breathing clean air.

23) Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Working from home can be a great way to get heads-down time compared to a traditional office, but it can also present a whole new set of distractions. Housemates and family members are just one example that can easily break your rhythm and make it hard to focus.

Having a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones is key. Not only do they block out sound, but they can also serve as your “closed door” for others to know not to bother you.

24) Temperature Regulation

Regulating the temperature of your work area is an important consideration. You don’t want it to get too hot or too cold, and you want to ensure you have air circulation. This can be done with a fan or a portable A/C unit. You can even get a personal air conditioner that sits right on your desk!

25) Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is another aspect of working from home that is often taken for granted. In a traditional office, trips to the water cooler are a social opportunity and are a routine for most people. For that reason, it can be easy to forget about hydration when you’re working from home. Getting a good water bottle and starting a routine of filling it up regularly is a great way to stay hydrated when you work from home.

26) Mindfulness App

It can be so easy to fall into the trap of rolling right out of bed and into your office chair after working from home for a while. Developing a mindfulness routine is the key to keeping yourself in a productive state of mind while working from home. Even something as simple as a daily meditation can make a huge difference. There are several great mindfulness apps out there that can help you find a system that works best for you.

Quality Video Setup

Working from home means you need to be ready for video calls, so a quality video setup is a must-have for any home office. Depending on your line of work, a built-in microphone and webcam might not cut it! If you ever find yourself live streaming or recording video content, you’re going to want to consider these recommendations.

27) High-Quality Microphone

Audio is the single most important aspect of work-from-home video setup. High-quality microphones cut out background noise and create a crisp, clear sound that will make you sound professional. So whether you’re live streaming video games or participating in conference calls, you’ll only be as good as your microphone.

28) External Webcam

Unless you have one of the latest laptops, you’re going to want to get a high-quality camera to improve your video quality. External webcams offer HD resolution, autofocus, and low-light correction that can take your work-from-home video setup to the next level.

29) Ring Light

Lighting is important for any video call, but it’s especially important if you’re live streaming or recording videos. Ring lights are a great way to ensure you have even, flattering lighting no matter what time of day it is. While they’re most commonly used by content creators and streamers, it doesn’t hurt to have one on hand for important video conferences.

30) Green Screen

Not everyone has the liberty of setting up a professional background for their work-from-home setup. The last thing you want during a video conference is to have distractions in the background. If you can’t always be in control of what happens behind you, consider picking up a green screen to keep on hand.

What are some home office “nice-to-haves”?

While these aren’t exactly work-from-home “essentials”, they can go a long way in creating a home office space that you’ll absolutely love. The key to successfully working from home is to have a home setup that fosters a strong work-life balance. If you’re currently working on a kitchen chair, you might want to park this section until you get a good office chair. These considerations are all about squeezing out that extra 5-10% of productivity by making the best home office setup for you.

Supplements

Taking care of your mind and body is always important, but doing so can be challenging in the work-from-home lifestyle. If you don’t stay on top of it, you may end up feeling stressed, anxious, foggy, and unmotivated. Getting exercise and eating healthy foods should always be your top priority, but natural, high-quality supplements are a great way to make sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need to work optimally.

31) Energy Supplements

If you find yourself feeling fatigued or struggling to stay focused throughout the day, energy supplements may be able to help. Natural ingredients like caffeine, ginseng, and L-theanine, can give you the boost you need.

32) Brain Health

Brain fog is so common, and the worst part is that most people don’t even realize they’re living with it. Imagine if you had a pebble in your shoe all the time; you’d get used to it, and eventually, you wouldn’t even notice it until it was removed. Adding a vitamin or supplement for brain fog is something that has personally helped me focus and be more productive.

33) Stress Relief

If you’re constantly stressed, your mind and body health will eventually come undone. It’s important to find ways to de-stress, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or natural supplements.

Wall Art & Decor

Your home office is a reflection of you, so don’t be afraid to show off your personality. Wall art and decor may seem trivial, but never underestimate the importance of having a space you feel great being in. Make your home office somewhere you look forward to going every day.

34) Dimensional Wall Art

If you want to add some personality to your home office, dimensional wall art is a great way to do it. Dimensional wall art is anything that sticks out from the wall, giving your space some extra dimension. This could be anything from a sculpture to a tapestry.

35) Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a great way to add some visual interest to your space. You can mix and match different pieces of art, photos, and even mirrors to create a one-of-a-kind look. It can also make for a great video background and a conversation starter on conference calls

36) NFTs

NFTs, or “non-fungible tokens”, are digital assets that are unique and cannot be replicated. NFTs can be used to represent anything from digital art to video game assets. You can think of them as “digital collectibles”. While NFTs are still a relatively new concept, they’re quickly gaining popularity as a way to add value to digital assets. You can display your NFTs with digital screens or even have them printed on physical canvases.

37) Floating Shelves

If you’re looking for a way to add some storage and aesthetic flavor to your home office, floating shelves are a great option. Floating shelves provide a place to store books, plants, pictures, and other decor without taking up too much space. They add a touch of sophistication to any room.

38) Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to add some color and pattern to your home office. There are so many different options available, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style. You can even get custom-made wallpaper with your favorite design or photo.

39) Accent Lights

Accent lights are a great way to add some decorative lighting to your space. They can be used to highlight artwork, photos, or even plants, and they look great on camera. I’m a big fan of using LED strip lighting on the back of things like furniture and monitors to make a cool border effect on the wall.

Latest Technology

If you want to be productive, having the latest technology can help. Whether it’s a new computer, phone, or even just a better set of headphones, having the latest and greatest can make a big difference. But we already covered those must-have items, so let’s look at some other tech that can help you boost your productivity.

40) White Noise Machine

If you find yourself easily distracted by background noise, a white noise machine can be a lifesaver. White noise machines generate calming sounds like rain or waves, which can help you focus and block out distractions. They’re a great alternative to noise-cancelling headphones if you can’t fully disconnect from the outside world!

41) Smart Lightbulbs

Smart lightbulbs are a great way to improve your home office lighting. They can be controlled with your voice or phone, and they can even change colors. It’s important to be able to change things up from time to time, and a simple lighting adjustment can do just that.

42) Smart Speaker

A smart speaker is a great way to add some music to your office instead of using your laptop speakers. They can also be used for conference calls, to set alarms, and for a variety of other tasks. Most smart speakers have a built-in home assistant like Alexa or Siri, which can help you keep on top of your day-to-day tasks.

43) Smartwatch

A smartwatch can be a great way to stay connected without having to constantly look at your phone. You can use it to check the time, see notifications, and even track your fitness goals. I use my Apple Watch to remind me to drink water and get up to stretch my legs.

44) Robot Vacuum

While a robot vacuum may seem like an unneeded luxury item, it makes it so there’s one less thing for you to worry about. They’re relatively inexpensive and they do a great job of keeping your floors clean. It’s well worth the extra cost, especially if you’re someone who has trouble staying on top of cleaning.

45) Under-Desk Treadmill or Elliptical

Walking while you work is a trend that hasn’t stopped; and for good reason! Walking is a great way to get your blood flowing and increase your heart rate. But sometimes it’s just not possible to walk and work at the same time. That’s where an under-desk treadmill or elliptical comes in. You can get one for a great price and it’ll help you get your steps in.

46) Coffee Maker

While I’m not personally a coffee drinker, I know a lot of people who swear by having a coffee maker for when they work from home. Coffee makers can save you a lot of time, not to mention the money saved from going to coffee shops less often.

47) Coffee Mug Warmer

This is another one for coffee lovers that pairs nicely with a coffee maker. I’ve been told a coffee mug warmer is a must-have. It keeps your coffee warm to the very last drop and prevents it from getting cold as you work. No more reheating your coffee every 20 minutes!

48) Get an exercise bike

If you want to do a quick workout before work or on your lunch break, getting an exercise bike is a great way to do it. It’s not uncommon to see people with a Peloton in the background of their video on Zoom calls!

Luxury Items

This section might not be relevant to everyone, but maybe you need to maintain a certain image in your job. It’s also perfectly valid if material things make you feel good! Here are some ideas for ways to make your work-from-home office space more luxurious.

49) Luxury Furniture

If you have the budget for it, luxury furniture can make a big difference in your home office. A comfortable executive chair and desk can make a world of difference. You might also want to consider extra chairs if you ever conduct in-person meetings.

50) Luxury Pen

A high-end pen is not only a great way to add to your home office’s style, but it can also make writing that much more enjoyable. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time writing, why not do it with a pen that makes you feel good?

Plus, when people see your office, they’ll be impressed by your taste when they see that you’re using a Montblanc or Parker pen.

51) Luxury Watch

If you’re someone who likes to have a watch, upgrading to a luxury model is a great way to add some style to your work-from-home routine. A nice watch can also be a great conversation starter when you’re on video calls. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but getting a quality luxury watch is a great way to help you feel more put together when you’re working from home.

52) Luxury Desk Clock

If you don’t want to wear a watch, another great way to add some luxury to your desk is with a fancy clock. A beautiful clock will make your desk look more sophisticated, and you’ll feel more professional because of it.

53) Luxury Pencil Cup

This might seem like a small thing, but a luxury pencil cup is a great way to add some style to your desk. It’s a subtle way of showing your clients and coworkers that you’re serious about your work, and it can also make you feel better about your workspace.

54) Luxury Coffee Mug

If you’re going to be drinking hot beverages while you work, why not do it in style? A luxury coffee mug is a great way to make your work-from-home office feel more luxurious. You can find mugs made of glass, porcelain, or even metal. They come in all sorts of designs, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.

55) Home Aquarium

A home aquarium is a great way to add some luxury to your office space. It’s also a great way to relax and de-stress. Watching fish swim is incredibly calming, and it can help you focus when you need to. Plus, it makes for a great background for video calls!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my home office look good?

Choose a Design Style

The first step to making your home office look good is to choose a design style that fits your taste and helps get your creative juices flowing. You can go for a traditional, modern, contemporary, or minimalist look. Once you’ve decided on a style, stick to it when choosing furniture and decor.

Go with an open concept

If you have the space, go for an open concept office. This will make your space look bigger and brighter. You can also use the extra space to add some luxury items to your office.

Arrange a living area

You’ve probably seen video backgrounds with nice living areas inside a home office. Putting a sofa, coffee table, and area rug in your work-from-home office doubles as a decorative touch and functional space.

Consult an interior designer

If you aren’t sure where to start, you can always consult an interior designer or decorator. An interior designer will be able to help you plan a functional layout and overall design, while an interior decorator can help you choose the right furniture and decor.

What are the must-haves for a home office?

Your home office should be a place where you can focus on your work and get things done. That means it should be free of distractions and have everything you need to be productive.

Focus on the home office essentials

• A comfortable chair
• A desk with plenty of surface area
• Good lighting
• Plenty of storage space (i.e. file cabinet)
• Supplies like pens, pencils, paper, etc.
• Good internet connection

Try to have as many of the must-haves I mentioned in this article as possible, assuming you can fit them into your designated work-from-home space and budget. And once you have the essentials taken care of, don’t forget about the “nice-to-haves” that you value most!

How do I decorate a small home office?

If you have a small home office, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your space.

• Use light colors: Light colors make a room look bigger and brighter. They also help create a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Get rid of clutter: A cluttered home office will make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. So get rid of anything that isn’t necessary.
• Add storage: Maximize your storage space so you can keep your desk free of clutter. Use vertical space!
• Use mirrors: Mirrors reflect light and make a room look bigger than it is. You can use them to your advantage in a small home office.
• Bring in nature: Adding plants or flowers to your office will help liven it up and make it feel more inviting.

By following these tips, you can turn your small home office into a stylish and functional space.

How can I make my home office cozy?

Making your home office cozy is all about creating a space that’s comfortable and inviting. Here are a few things you can do to make your home office cozier:

• Add a rug: A rug will add warmth and texture to your home office. It’ll also help reduce noise levels if you have hardwood floors.
• Bring in a blanket: A cozy blanket can add both warmth and style to your home office.
• Add some greenery: Plants or flowers will help liven up your space and make it feel more inviting.
• Use scented candles: Scented candles can create a relaxing atmosphere in your home office.
• Hang some art: Hanging art on the walls of your home office will add personality and make the space feel more like your own.

Incorporating these recommendations can make your home office a cozy and inviting space that you’ll love spending time in.

Conclusion

So there you have it, 55+ ideas to help you create a home office space that inspires productivity. Be sure to start with the work-from-home essentials, like having an ergonomically correct workstation, an optimized workspace, a comfortable environment, and a good video setup. From there, you can get into the nice-to-haves that make you feel better about the space you’ll be spending so much time in!