Skip to main content

5 ways to craft an ergonomically sound home office

Stiff necks and aching backs are just some of the issues that can evolve if you are working in a poorly put-together workstation. With so many people working from home, there is an opportunity to gather all the essential elements of a home office. This way, you can make your work space personal and ensure the best conditions. Not only will you be more productive, but you will also feel better once work is completed. Here, we explore the keys to putting together an ergonomically sound home office.

The perfect chair

It makes sense that since you are sitting in it for most of the day, the chair is arguably the most important element in your office. When selecting, it is important to find one that supports your spinal curves. What you want to avoid are any gaps between the back of the chair and your spine. It should closely follow the lines of your spine. A term to look for when purchasing a chair is one with lumbar support — this means the chair is designed to promote proper alignment.

If a new chair is not in your budget, a lumbar support pillow or even a seat cushion can turn almost any seat into one you can comfortably sit in for long periods. This will also naturally encourage you to sit back against the seat and prevent one of the biggest no-no’s — leaning forward while you work.

Once you have a chair with support, you will want to customize it to fit your individual specifications. Adjust the height so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are flat. If armrests are adjustable, make sure your arms can comfortably rest on them with shoulders relaxed.

Desk and display height

Clean home office
Ken Tomita/Pexels

Once you are sitting in the correct chair, it is important to ensure the desk itself is the optimal height for you to sit comfortably. If the desk you have is too low, add boards or blocks under the legs. If it is too high, raise the chair and use a footrest for your feet below. The last thing you want is a cramped space, so try not to use the area under your desk as a storage catchall. Make sure there is plenty of clearance for your legs, knees, and feet.

The monitor should be at arm’s length directly in front of you. The top of the screen should be slightly below eye level, just behind the keyboard. Keep in mind that a display can easily be raised in height by putting it on a monitor stand or even placing some books under it. What you want to avoid is the need to be turning or straining your neck in order to see it.

Keyboard and mouse

The keyboard and mouse should be placed in a location you can easily reach. It is optimal to have both in a place that allows you to keep upper arms close to your body, your hands slightly below elbows, and wrists straight. As you work, try to use keyboard shortcuts to reduce extended mouse use. If possible, adjust the sensitivity of the mouse so you can use a light touch to operate it. It is also a good idea to alternate the hand you use by occasionally moving the mouse to the other side of your keyboard.

Lighting

plants in office
cottonbro/pexels

Natural light is shown to improve a sense of well-being and boost productivity. The more sunlight and views of the outside, the better. It will decrease eye strain, and glancing outside periodically gives your eyes a break from staring at the monitor. If your office space doesn’t have windows, be sure to have both overhead and task lighting.

Stress reducers

Your physical environment plays a role in your mental well-being. Try to keep the space clutter-free. Keeping shelves and desk space clean and organized is shown to reduce stress hormones. Adding personal touches to an office will make the space feel like your own. Plants bring nature inside and clean the air. Studies show having botanicals in our environment reduces stress. Noise-cancelling headphones allow you to tune out distractions and focus on the task at hand. Essential-oil diffusers are an inexpensive way to add scent to your space and help promote a relaxing atmosphere.

Finally, throughout the day make sure to stand up every so often, walk around, or stretch. Taking small breaks and moving your body will help you stay more refreshed and ready to work.

Editors' Recommendations

Darcey Gohring
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Darcey Gohring is a freelance writer based just outside New York City. She served as the managing editor of New Jersey…
25 stellar staircase ideas to freshen up the look of your home
Not ready for an entire remodel? Update your staircase with one of these ideas
Young woman on stairs in a loft caring for potted plants.

If you want to change the interior of your house, you can change out throw pillows and invest in new furniture, but your stairs are a set thing, right? Not quite. You may not be able to move stairs or rip them out entirely, but you can get creative about your stair design.

Changing up your staircase can be one way to upgrade the look of your home and it isn't as difficult as you may think. If you aren’t sure how to accomplish this, we’ve got 25 ideas ranging from subtle to dramatic to help you figure it out. Keep reading for inspiration on how to update your staircase.

Read more
What colors go with taupe? Striking ways to design your home
Looking for a versatile neutral? Try using taupe and pairing it with some fantastic complementary hues
Taupe wall paint with taupe chairs and a large plant

With a range of dark and light shades to choose from, taupe is a versatile color fit for sleek wall tones, soothing accents throughout the room, or simple shades on furniture. While some people avoid this neutral tone, worried that it will appear drab or dull in their spaces, knowing how to use taupe in your home design will help you best take advantage of this stunning neutral color. And whether you love this hue or not, knowing what colors go with taupe can aid you in choosing the right tones for your color palette, especially if you need a gorgeous neutral backdrop.

So, if you love taupe or are eager to incorporate it into your design, then we have a few tips for you. Below are some of the best complementary shades for taupe, as well as the most striking ways to style it in your home.

Read more
7 queer-owned Etsy art shops to support this Pride Month
Show your Pride support and buy from these Etsy shops
Crowd waving Pride flags

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by supporting small businesses, such as queer-owned Etsy shops. By purchasing products from one of these Etsy shops, you are not only giving your hard-earned dollars to a marginalized community but also shopping small. Many of these home products are handcrafted, and one-of-a-kind, and all of them have one thing in common — their customers can’t say enough good things about them.
Fabulously Feminist
This shop strives to bring together products that are gender and eco-friendly. For home, it offers colorful prints, mugs, and wall hangings. Many of the pieces include reaffirming sayings and quotes with eye-catching botanicals (and nature is certainly "in" this year). The New England-based owner, Callie Garp, combines her passion for feminism and gender studies with her love of art in her figurative-based paintings and prints.
The Sisters Stoned
Scent is a secret weapon in home design. If you love the look and smell of candles, check out The Sisters Stoned. Owned by two best friends who turned their candle obsession into a business, this store has a scent for everyone. We especially love their sets like this aromatherapy one, which comes with five candles and gets rave reviews.
That's So Andrew
We love the simple white mugs with black lettering from That's So Andrew. Owner Andrew Taylor strives to create moments of happiness throughout the day, and his mugs do just that. They include simple affirmations that promote pride as well as quotes that will may you smile.
Cottage Craft Handmade
The soaps from this shop are so pretty you may never want to use them (or you could always just buy two). I layer the handmade works of art to create unique patterns and interesting designs. Scents range from lemon poppy seed to sandalwood, patchouli, and vanilla amber. Display them in your bathroom or give them as a gift.
Ray of Gay
This store’s motto is: Sometimes the world is black and white, so we try to bring a splash of color. It sells LGBTQIA and Pride merchandise, including flags and pillows, as well as some adorable desk mats.
Lovestruck Prints
This store sells adorable and colorful clothing, accessories, illustrations, stickers, and other screen-printed items from Montréal, Canada. It supports all LGBTQIA communities, and if you love cats on top of it all, this shop is definitely worth checking out.
Pride Asylum
Pride Asylum is an Etsy Star seller with thousands of perfect reviews. If you love jewelry, this shop has it all, with specific pieces for pansexual, transgender, nonbinary, pronoun, gender fluid, and more. It also has new hats, T-shirts, and more. If you "favorite" this shop, you'll get access to sales and further discounts.

Even if you don't identify in one of the groups above, showing your support for everyone, especially given today's climate, is critical. Safety and support are basic human rights every person should feel. Not only does shopping and giving money to these queer-owned small businesses show support, but someone could see you walking down the street in a "Protect Trans Rights" shirt and it may make all the difference in the world to them.

Read more