Creating a comfortable, productive home office is about more than just picking the first (or the cheapest) chair and desk you find online.
Unfortunately, this is the route many people take when designing their new home office. But they quickly realise that the chair is doing nothing for their back, and their desk has wobbly legs that clang every time they type.
Don’t be like this person. Instead, follow our advice to create the most ergonomic, functional and practical home office that’s a wonderful place to work.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most common mistakes people make when designing their home office.
1. Choosing a chair for looks rather than ergonomics
It’s a trap that many people fall into, but usually only once. After the first time, it becomes clear that ergonomics and comfort are a priority when you’re sitting in a chair for 7+ hours every day.
At Slouch, we create quality office chairs that look good and feel good. Our chairs are rigorously tested to ensure they reduce the risk of aches and pains and actually support your back to keep your comfort levels high all day long.
When you’re buying a new office chair, you should consider how the chair can be adjusted to best suit you. This could include height, seat tilt, lumbar support, recline and seat depth for optimum pain-free working. These things should come over aesthetics.
2. But also not considering aesthetics
On the flip side, some people focus purely on ergonomics and end up with a space that feels cold or mismatched.
Your home office should be somewhere you enjoy spending time, so balance ergonomics with a style that reflects your taste. Go wild with colour, choose the furniture that you’re drawn to and make it all work in a space that feels a little bit like you.
Who says your chair needs to be plain black or blue? Our office chairs come in a range of colours, including pink!
3. Purchasing the cheapest office chair you can find
It’s always tempting to nab a bargain, but in the long run, this could cost you more (both in terms of discomfort but also replacement costs).
Budget-friendly chairs often compromise on materials, adjustability and durability. They don’t have the ergonomic functions that will help to ease your back and neck pain, and they certainly won’t last as long as a quality office chair that’s been made with care.
Investing in high-quality, rigorously tested furniture is better for your body, your wallet, and the planet.
4. Going over budget
While going under budget for a bargain can be an issue, it’s also an issue to overspend. Office furniture can range from hundreds of pounds to thousands of pounds, so setting a budget in advance helps you to figure out where you draw the line.
Do you really need a state-of-the-art, £3,000 office desk that’s made from mahogany and finished with Italian leather detailing? Perhaps not.
5. Purchasing fixed rather than adjustable furniture
Adjustable furniture is a practical necessity, and not just a trend. Fixed desks or chairs might sit one person just fine, but if your work needs change or you share the work space, then flexibility is key.
Adjustable desks and chairs allow you to switch between sitting and standing, adapt your posture and accommodate future changes without the need to buy new furniture. Your wallet and your back will thank you.
6. Buying without considering the layout first
A beautiful office chair or desk can quickly feel out of place if it doesn’t fit in your home office space properly.
Before you buy anything, measure the room or the area and consider how your furniture will fit in. You’ll also want to think about where your power sockets are, where you want to sit in relation to any windows or doors and where your storage solutions will go.
Planning ahead prevents awkward layouts that can hinder your productivity.
7. Neglecting storage solutions
Neglecting your storage options can leave your home office feeling chaotic, no matter how beautifully designed the rest of the room is. And a cluttered workspace is a productivity killer.
Consider purchasing a desk that has integrated storage, shelves or filing solutions to keep your desk surface clear. This will make it much easier to focus and keep a clean, inspiring work environment.
8. Forgetting about the lighting
It’s easy to focus entirely on furniture and forget the importance of lighting. But it is so important. Poor lighting can strain your eyes and even affect your posture as you lean closer to your screen.
The best kind of lighting is natural, so a room with a big window or even a skylight is a winner. If your natural light is limited, then good quality artificial lighting is crucial.
Make sure your desk and chair setup works in harmony with your lighting sources, and consider adjustable lamps to create a flexible, well-lit workspace.
9. Binning your receipts
Granted, receipts aren’t usually physical these days, and you’re more likely to buy your office furniture online than in person. But our argument stays the same.
Keep any copies of your proof of purchase and your warranty just in case you’ve bought a faulty piece of furniture or it’s not up to the standard you expected. Even the highest quality, sustainably made furniture can have occasional defects, and proof of purchase ensures you’re covered.
Have you been guilty of making one of these nine mistakes in the past? Don’t make them again. With Slouch office chairs and desks, you’re investing in quality that will last for years to come. Discover the difference our office furniture could make for you today.