Use these ideas to create a home office that works for you, from choosing the right room to buying a desk, chair, filing system and lighting!
Creating a comfortable and functional home office is easier than you might think. All you need is a plan of action and some helpful guidelines to get yourself started. In this Design Lesson, we’ll take you through the entire process of setting up your own home office. These tips are also handy if you only require a small family work space for household management or school projects.
Choose a site
Your first and most important decision will be choosing the location of your home office. The space you select can be its own room or part of another living area. Here are a few spaces to consider:
The Attic
Provides privacy, space and a view. Side walls may supply good seating space even if the ceiling isn’t high enough for standing. Must meet provincial building code requirements for head space and loads; may be expensive to renovate to meet structural and working needs .
A Finished Basement
Offers privacy and quiet for concentrated work; can shut door to rest of the .
Good choice as amenities are typically present. Can be damp and cold with low ceilings.
A Spare Bedroom
Makes an ideal office space, offers privacy, access to natural light and electrical outlets. More likely to offer ample square footage for a desk with computer and storage needs.
A Closet
May be a candidate if you do not require a large space. Work surface and storage can be easily incorporated. Can be easily hidden away behind a closed door when not in use. May not accommodate privacy.
Master Bedroom
Convenient location, privacy needs can be met if space not used during the day
Sleeping and working areas can be separated with a screen. If bedroom is shared, may disrupt others, especially at night .
Kitchen
Best suited for household management work. Can be comfortable with good lighting. Near food preparation and accessible to other family members so chance of damage to equipment or materials.
Living/Family Room
Suitable if you’re able to create a work corner away from other activities. Simple to organize. Offers little privacy.
Dining Room
If dining room not used on daily basis this is a popular choice. Dining room table provides good work surface. May require extra maintenance to keep tidy when not in use.
Garage
Only if space is not used for automobile storage; good idea if you require large space and privacy. May need renovations to make comfortable. Can be expensive to insulate and make weather tight.
Addition
Can design space from scratch to meet requirements . May take a long time to construct. Is expensive and should be well-planned.
Separate Structure
Can be an existing garden shed, artist studio or pool house. Can be expensive if built from ground up. Costly to maintain with separate heating/cooling, electricity, etc.
Assess your needs
Once you have decided on a location for your home office, compile a list of all your equipment and furniture requirements to help determine the layout of your space.
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