Creating a home office is something that many of us aspire to. Whether you’re working from home on a regular basis, telecommuting, or just want a designated space for work, it’s an upgrade that can have significant benefits.
However, upgrading your home office on a budget may seem like an impossible challenge. After all, most home offices we see in magazines and on TV are expensive custom spaces with high-end finishes and furniture.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can create an affordable workspace without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to upgrade your home office on a budget by repurposing common items to suit your new workspace and DIYing the rest with inexpensive materials at hand. Keep reading to discover how!
Give Your Computer Screen Some Elevation
Whether you work on a desktop computer or laptop, spending hours at a time looking at a screen can cause eye strain and fatigue. To combat this and create a more relaxing workspace, consider raising your screen to eye level.
This will help to prevent you from craning your neck and getting a bit of much-needed relief from the constant blue light coming from your screen. You can elevate your screen in a number of ways. You can use a stand made for the purpose, or mount your screen to a wall.
If you go for the wall solution, you can also use the extra space for storage to keep your desk clear. With your screen at eye level, you can create a much more relaxing and comfortable workspace that is better for your health and productivity.
Invest in a Good Office Chair
Along with being a place to store and work on your computer, your home office is also where you spend a significant amount of time while at home. A decent office chair can make a world of difference in your comfort and the quality of your work.
Evaluate your work habits to determine which type of chair will suit you best. For example, if you’re someone who likes to get up and move around regularly, a chair with wheels may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you tend to stay stationary while working, a stationary chair would be a better choice.
Office chairs come in a range of prices, so don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money to find a chair that fits your needs. You may also want to consider second-hand options; these can often be just as good as new models and may even offer better support for long-term comfort.
Organize Your Desk
A clean and tidy work space will make it easier to focus and help you to avoid getting distracted. Once you’ve cleared away any unnecessary clutter, you can make your desk more functional with some simple additions.
- Adding shelves to store items like books, paperwork, and magazines.
- Organizing your computer and any other electronics.
- Keeping your desk stocked with essentials like a stapler, paperclips, pens, and more. Keeping your desk clean, organized, and stocked with the essentials to support your work will make your home office much more functional. Doing so will help to minimize distractions and keep you focused on your work.
Consider Adding Some Colourful Prints To The Walls
A home office doesn’t have to be stark and white. Adding colourful prints and posters to the walls can help to make your home office more personalized. You can go with a themed wallpaper or decor, choose something inspirational, or simply frame a picture that you really like.
If you have little ones, you could also use the walls as a way to introduce them to the concept of working on a computer by creating a “kids’ corner” with a colourful border. If you go with casual wallpaper, you can also switch it up whenever you like.
No matter what you choose, colourful prints and posters are an easy and cost-effective way to give your home office some character and personality without breaking the bank.
Add Some Plants
Plants have been shown to improve air quality, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. In your home office, they can help to maintain a clean and healthy environment that is conducive to work. You don’t need to go out and buy expensive plants in order to reap their benefits.
Dollar stores and other budget-friendly retailers sell plants that are perfect for improving your air quality at a fraction of the cost of a typical indoor plant. For the best results, choose low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for. You don’t want to spend so much time taking care of your indoor plants that you don’t have time to work!
Allow The Natural Light In
Natural light can do wonders for your productivity and mood. If possible, arrange your desk near a window, so you can take advantage of the sunlight. If that’s not an option, try using a light therapy lamp to mimic the effects of natural light.
Clean Up Your Cables
A tangle of cords and cables can not only be unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. Take some time to untangle your cords and use cord management solutions to keep them tidy. This will not only make your home office look neater, but it will also help you avoid tripping over cords!
Paint Your Walls A Bright Colour
If your home office is feeling a little drab, try painting the walls a bright, cheerful colour. This will instantly make the space feel more lively and can help boost your mood.
If you’re not ready to commit to painting an entire wall, you can try hanging some colourful artwork or using washi tape to create patterns on the walls.
Make Your Home Office Somewhere You Want To Be
Your home office should be a space that you enjoy spending time in. By following these tips, you can upgrade your home office on a budget and transform it into a productive and motivating space!
Creating a home office is an excellent idea for anyone who works online, telecommutes, or simply wants a designated space for getting work done. Creating a home office on a budget may seem like an impossible challenge, but there are plenty of ways you can repurpose common household items and DIY the rest with inexpensive materials at hand.
From repurposing common items to suit your new workspace to investing in a good office chair, there are plenty of low-cost ways to transform your home into a functional and comfortable workspace.
