Golden Rules For Creating a Home Office

How many of us are working from home, balancing a computer on our knee or trying to find ever-shrinking space on the dining room table, and wished we had a home office? The reality of working from home has revealed many benefits but also pulled the curtain back on some shortcomings in our own homes. There has been an increasing number of prospective buyers who are asking which properties have a home office before they agree to make an inspection. As a room, a home office is not as important as a quality kitchen or bathroom, but it’s quickly moving from fashionable to essential. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, it’s worth considering whether you have some spare space to establish a small workspace. Don’t convert a bedroom, as buyers value these almost above all else. Instead, see if you can maximize an alcove, the basement or another area that is underutilized.

Here are a few ideas for how you might approach the project:

Keep it simple – Cute and small works. All you need is space for a desk, chair and maybe a floating shelf overhead, plus connection to a wireless network. Check out retailers online that will offer ready-made furniture for the job. 

Be comfortable – Invest in a quality, ergonomic chair and set up your workstation properly. The standard height for a desk is 29 inches. Consider a footrest. Nothing will keep you from your desk more than uncomfortable furniture that might actually injure you. 

Lighten the mood – It’s great to be near a window, but that’s not always possible. So, invest in a great desk lamp and overhead light. Keep the lamp away from the screen to avoid glare.

Cut cable clutter – Solutions vary from using a simple Velcro strap to buying a desk designed to store cables. 

Be organized – Contain your paperwork and office supplies in boxes so they’re kept out of sight. Untidy and cluttered homes struggle to sell.

Go for green – You don’t need a jungle, but a plant near the desk can soften the visual impact and add a little tranquillity.

Resist bold colors – Because you’re thinking of selling soon, use only neutral tones for your office. Don’t be loud and proud with paint as prospective buyers may not share your taste and back off.