City life is a productivity sap for many workers. The constant noise, traffic, and morning rush can leave you feeling exhausted before you even get to the office. By the time you reach your desk, you're already halfway through your energy reserve, yet you still have a full day of work ahead. 

Fortunately, there's an alternative to this daily grind: working from home. The calm and peace of your own space offer a welcome break from the usual workplace chaos. It's no wonder more people now prefer working remotely or adopting a hybrid system. 

But remote work isn’t as easy as it looks. You might be tempted to sit on the sofa with your laptop, replying to emails in your pyjamas. While that sounds cosy, it’s worth having a designated workspace with the right furniture to keep your health and efficiency in check for long-term success. Our guide will show you how to set up a perfect home office with ergonomic furniture that takes care of your posture and productivity.

Benefits of Working Remotely in a Dedicated Space

Working from home has become the new norm, and it's a big change for many of us. Balancing work and personal life in the same space can be tricky and, frankly, unsustainable over time. Here’s why a separate work area is necessary for remote workers.

Focus

To stay focused while working from home, you need to replicate a traditional office environment to some degree. Traditional offices may seem boring, but they were designed to remove distractions and keep you focused. When you create a dedicated workspace at home, you’re effectively separating your personal life from your professional tasks. This helps you feel the same sense of purpose and focus as you would sitting at your desk in the office. 

Productivity

A constant workspace means you won’t waste time switching spots or searching for pens. Everything is at your fingertips, allowing you to concentrate fully and achieve your daily goals. This space becomes synonymous with work, and when you sit down in your dedicated workspace, your mind automatically shifts into work mode. In this singular, undistracted environment, you're not multitasking; you're giving your undivided attention to your tasks at hand.

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Discipline

In a traditional office, you're surrounded by an environment that naturally pushes you to work, even on days when motivation is low. At home, though, it's easy to get sidetracked if you’re not mentally committed. When you create a specific area for work, it naturally encourages discipline. You learn to manage your time and energy better, and these habits spill over into other areas of your life. Essentially, you’re in control, following your own schedule and becoming more mindful of the direction you want to go.

Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and personal life at home takes conscious effort. Without a dedicated workspace, you're inclined to either get absorbed in your personal space or become too rigid about work. While your mindset plays a huge role, your environment also influences this balance. 

Creating a proper remote setup helps you mentally switch between work and relaxation. When you step into your workspace, your mind gears up for productivity. Conversely, leaving that space signals it's time to unwind. This physical separation helps you mentally disconnect, so it’s less likely for you to overwork and burn out.

Comfort

Working from home can be great, but without a proper workspace, your body might pay the price. Sitting in a chair that's not designed for long hours can lead to back and neck pain, cramped legs, and even headaches. These issues make it hard to stay focused and can compromise your work quality.

An office table for a home workspace is built to keep you comfortable and supported throughout your workday. The height, design, and structure of the desk help you keep proper posture, reducing the risk of physical discomfort.

Plan Your Dream Home Office

Whether you're working remotely or balancing a hybrid schedule, your workspace should be a reflection of you and your needs. To create your dream workspace, consider the following key elements.

Find the Ideal Location

When thinking about where to set up your home office, a spare room is often the ideal choice. It doesn't have to be a dedicated office per se; many people repurpose an empty bedroom or even a basement corner. But not everyone has an empty room just waiting to be transformed.

If space is tight, think outside the box (or, should we say, inside the house). Pay attention to the parts of your home that usually go unnoticed. The kitchen table is an obvious choice, although constantly packing up before each meal can be a hassle. Instead, look for less conventional spots around your home. You can turn an unused corner in the lounge, a large but neglected closet, or even the nook under the stairs into a productive workspace.

You instinctively develop certain feelings about the spaces you spend time in every day. These subconscious impressions help you maintain order and give a sense of purpose to each area. When you sit at the kitchen table to work, your brain gets mixed signals — it's a place to eat, but now you're telling it to focus on tasks. If you must work in a shared space like the kitchen or living room, make sure you've finished other activities there first.  Create a designated spot for work and stick to it.

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Ensure Privacy

If you’ve got the luxury of a dedicated room for your office, you’re all set with those four solid walls and a door that shuts out the chaos. Privacy and peace come naturally in such a setting. But what if your workspace is nestled in the corner of your bedroom? One solution is to add a privacy divider. 

Traditional solid dividers that sit on the floor work well, but if you’re looking for something lighter and possibly more stylish, consider hanging a curtain divider from the ceiling or a rod. Curtains are generally inexpensive and can easily “close off” your workspace. Choose a subtle piece that blends in with your decor, or go for something bold to add a bit of personality to your office corner.

Usage

Think about who else will be using the space and plan accordingly. If your kids will be doing homework here, or if your partner also works from home, you might want to consider a partner desk setup. This way, two people can work comfortably side by side.

If you often host client meetings, having your mini office in the living room is more practical. It’s easier to accommodate clients and stay in work mode without transitioning from one room to another. A multifunctional console table that extends to seat people could serve dual purposes, but investing in a proper work desk is always a good idea for regular use.

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Find the Right Home Office Table

Creating a focused and productive workspace at home starts with choosing the right desk. Before you make a purchase, there are a few factors to consider. We'll discuss them here.

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Home Office Size

The size of your space will ultimately guide your choice of desk. In a compact room, a small desk can work wonders. For instance, a slim, straight rectangle desk keeps the area open and uncluttered. Meanwhile, a floating desk can be mounted on the wall. It gives a sleek and modern look that saves floor space. Credenza desks offer both surface area for work and storage to keep your essentials out of sight but within reach.

On the other hand, if your home office has a bit more square footage but still needs to maximise utility, consider an L-shaped desk. They fit neatly into corners, freeing up the rest of the room and giving you more work surface without the bulk. Corner desks are great options — they tuck away nicely and make efficient use of your space.

A spacious home office can accommodate a larger U-shaped desk. This type of home office computer table is perfect for hosting virtual meetings or collaborating in person. It defines your workspace and gives you plenty of room to spread out and stay organised.

Further to that, if you like to stay active, a treadmill desk could be just what you need. These desks allow you to get in some steps while you work, promoting a healthier lifestyle without compromising productivity. 

Desk Type

Before choosing a home office desk, think about how you plan to use it. If your work is mostly online and you use a laptop, a writing desk sounds like a good option. These desks are slim and have just enough space for your computer and a few notebooks. But they don't offer much storage.

For an even more minimalist option, consider a secretary desk. This versatile piece can double as furniture for storage or decor, making it easy to place anywhere in your home, from the office to the kitchen. A hidden keyboard tray can be pulled out for work and tucked away once you’re done.

Executive desks bring a classic feel with their spacious design and built-in storage. They offer plenty of surface area for spreading out your work and usually come in U- or L-shaped configurations. 

For multitaskers who need to keep their gear organised, a computer desk with a hutch provides practical storage and an efficient workspace. And if you want some flexibility, go for an adjustable home office table. It lets you switch your position, easily converting to a standing desk mode, which can benefit your posture and overall health.

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Ergonomic Design

When you’re comfortable working on your office table at home, productivity flows naturally. Here are some design elements to check out:

  • Height – The table should allow you to sit comfortably with your legs under and your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Your wrists must stay straight, and your shoulders relaxed.
  • Depth – Make sure there's ample depth to reach your keyboard and mouse easily. The top third of your monitor should be at eye level.

Material

Your choice of material not only affects the desk's aesthetics but also its longevity and care requirements. For instance, solid wood desks have a timeless, classy look. With options like oak, maple, and walnut, you get varied colours and grains that fit both traditional and modern homes. On the downside, they do need more maintenance to stay scratch-free and in prime condition.

Veneer desks use a thin layer of wood or other material on a more affordable core, offering the aesthetic appeal of solid wood without the hefty price tag. They might not last a lifetime, but they can certainly make your home office look polished and professional.

A metal desk is ideal if you want something that stands up to heavy use while still looking stylish. It gives a sleek, modern vibe or even an industrial look, depending on the design. Plus, it’s often lightweight and can be paired with glass or wood to add some visual interest to your workspace.

Glass desks, with their clean lines, can make your contemporary home office feel more open and spacious. They're easy to clean and maintain but require a bit more care to avoid breakage.

Furl Innovative Home Office Options For Productivity

Humans are adaptable. Nowadays, many of us live in smaller apartments without a guest room or even a dining room. Turning an entire room into an office may seem impossible, but don’t be discouraged. 

At Furl, we have a different philosophy.  We want you to live comfortably and work productively wherever you are. That’s why we've designed clever tables that can transform any room. And when we say any room, that’s exactly what we mean.

little home office table

Little Home Office

The ‘Little Home Office’ by Furl takes up a mere 0.09 m² — roughly the width of your hand — yet transforms any space into a functional and stylish office. Its fold-down desk makes it almost invisible when not in use, giving you a functional workspace without the clutter.

This compact unit comes with power outlets, USB sockets, and a glare-free LED light. With adjustable shelving and base compartments, you'll have all the space you need for tech gadgets, files, and more. It caters to everything from remote work to creative projects, proving that even the smallest spaces can boost your productivity and keep you organised.

Tiny Home Office

Furl’s Tiny Home Office is a wall-mounted desk that's as compact as it is clever. With a depth of only 12cm, it’s a smart solution for any room. You'll barely notice it's there when folded. Whether you prefer to sit or stand, it offers the flexibility you need for optimum comfort. Mount it on the wall at any height and adjust it later by simply moving the wedge bar. 

Despite its small footprint, the Tiny Home Office is packed with features. You'll find storage, integrated power, USB sockets, and even a glare-free LED light. The interior back wall doubles as an organisation board, keeping everything you need within arm's reach.

tiny home office table

Ergonomically Designed Home Office Chair

If you're using a standard dining chair or one not designed for prolonged use, you'll likely end up with a sore back and neck. It's better to start with a proper chair from the beginning to avoid discomfort later on.

When choosing an office chair, make sure it complements your room decor and doesn't feel out of place. Although aesthetics shouldn't be your main concern, your chair shouldn't clash with your existing style. Thankfully, there's a wide variety of styles available, so finding one that looks good is the easy part. More importantly, keep an eye out for specific features that enhance comfort and support.

  • Lumbar support cushions your lower back, keeping your spine's natural curve.
  • A height-adjustable seat ensures both feet rest flat on the floor.
  • Armrests that adjust to your height offer a natural resting position for your arms.
  • Breathable materials like mesh keep you comfortable even on warmer days.
  • A five-star wheelbase provides the flexibility to move around without straining your body.

How to Position Your Monitor?

Setting up your home office requires more than just a comfy chair and a sturdy desk. Your laptop is probably already part of your setup. However, its placement can significantly impact your comfort and efficiency. If it's too close or too far away, it can cause unnecessary strain on your eyes. Ideally, your monitor should be about 20 inches (51 cm) from your face. A simple way to check this is by stretching your arm out in front of you from your natural sitting position — the tip of your middle finger should just touch the monitor.

Regarding height, position your monitor so the top is in line or slightly below eye level to avoid neck strain. This simple adjustment can make your workdays much more comfortable. If needed, use a monitor stand to achieve the right height and reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.

Choosing the Right Keyboard & Mouse

For a comfortable typing experience, look for a keyboard that allows your wrists to rest in a neutral position. Such keyboards have a slight downward slope of about 15 degrees. This subtle angle helps keep your wrists in a more natural, flat position as you type, unlike the slight elevation many modern keyboards provide with their small feet. This elevation can cause your wrists to flex awkwardly.

For the mouse, find one that contours naturally to the shape of your hand. A well-designed mouse reduces unconscious gripping and finger tension, which can prevent longer-term issues like nerve damage.

Position both your keyboard and mouse so that they align with where your hands naturally rest when your arms are on your chair's armrests. This setup ensures you maintain good posture and minimise strain throughout your workday.

Home Office Lighting

When setting up a home office, it's easy to focus on furniture and equipment while overlooking one vital element — lighting. The right lighting can make those long work hours a lot more bearable. Our homes aren't typically built for non-stop work, so a bit of creativity is necessary.

One useful tip is to place your desk near a window. Natural light can reduce your reliance on artificial lights and even lift your mood. Plus, having a view outside is a nice break from the screen. Don't forget that direct light can create annoying glare on your screen, making it hard to focus. Indirect light, however, provides a softer illumination that's kinder on the eyes. 

If you can't get enough natural light and notice signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), consider using a SAD lamp. These daylight-simulating lamps don't need to be on all day; just an hour or two of use can make a big difference in how you feel.

To get the best lighting setup for your home office, mix different types of lighting like ambient, task, and accent lights. Ambient lighting gives you general illumination, task lighting focuses on your desk for specific jobs, and accent lighting highlights important areas or objects.

How to Personalise Your Home Office?

The best part of working from home is having the freedom to design an area that boosts your productivity and keeps you comfortable. It's important to maintain a balance, though — your office should be inspiring without being overly relaxing. 

Adding plants is a great idea since they refresh the air and bring a touch of nature indoors. When it comes to colours, avoid anything too loud that might distract you during meetings. Instead, choose a bold accent for a bit of flair while keeping the surroundings neutral. Little touches like a favourite bookmark on your desk or a coffee mug that makes you smile can keep you in work spirit all day long.

Final Thoughts: Crafting Your Ideal Work-from-Home Setup

In today's fast-paced world, creating a home office that meets both your professional and personal needs is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. From ensuring focus and productivity to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, a well-thought-out workspace can be the difference between a productive day and an exhausting one.

By investing in ergonomic furniture, considering privacy solutions, and choosing functional pieces that complement your style, you can transform any corner of your home into a hub of efficiency and comfort. Whether it's a compact table that folds away when not in use or an adjustable desk that supports your posture, your setup should reflect both your work habits and personal taste.

Remember, the key to long-term success in remote work is not just about the tasks you complete but how well your environment supports your goals. So, take the time to create a space that works for you, and enjoy the freedom that comes with it.