Easing back into work: 7 tips for maximizing home office comfort

As the holiday season winds down, it’s like turning the page to a new chapter. Some embrace it with outright joy, while others, well, maybe a tad more reservedly. But we can all agree on one thing: a thoughtfully set up workspace provides a gentle, refreshing boost as we ease back into the work groove.

1. Adaptability for added comfort

A workspace that can be effortlessly adjusted accommodates life’s changing demands. At its best, the same workstation can serve you from school years to retirement, and the size, storage capacity, and features of a modular workstation can be fine-tuned as needed.

The master of versatile storage furniture, Swedish brand String Furniture, offers an array of options for creating a unique workspace. The work desks and folding tables that attach to the String panels provide an excellent framework for a space-saving desk. The newer String Works collection introduces an electrically adjustable desk, allowing seamless transitions between sitting and standing work positions.

• String Furniture’s String Works adjustable desk >
• All desks >

2. Dim the lights to suit your mood

The lighting of your workspace defines its ultimate ambiance and coziness. For overall illumination, opt for an anti-glare ceiling light, and for your work surface, a focused desk lamp is key – the award-winning Tolomeo desk lamp by Italian brand Artemide is a true classic for this purpose.

If you don’t feel like it, there’s no need to start a pitch-black autumn morning with the full glare of a daylight lamp. Just as well, you can begin your workday in a softer, more atmospheric lighting, setting the mood. A dimmable desk lamp allows you to tune your workspace lighting to match the current weather and your state of mind. As darkness falls, you can add to the ambiance by lighting a few candles alongside the dimmed lamp.

• Artemide’s Tolomeo LED table lamp >
• Dimmable desk lamps >

3. Ergonomics first

When it comes to choosing a work chair, giving a straightforward piece of advice is a bit tricky, as ergonomics are always a personal matter. However, a general rule of thumb is that the longer you spend in your chair at a stretch, the more diverse adjustment options it should offer. Our recommendation? Begin by selecting chairs that match your individual ergonomic needs and then pick the visually appealing option that resonates with your aesthetic taste.

For those seeking versatile adjustment options and sturdy back support, we can recommend Vitra’s AM Chair or ID Mesh task chair. If you’re looking for a high-quality work chair without a traditional backrest, options like the ILOA saddle chair or LIIKU active chair from the  Finnish brand myKolme might be appealing. For those in search of stylish alternatives with a classic minimalist aesthetic, Normann Copenhagen’s swiveling office chairs from the Form collection could be a perfect fit.

• Normann Copenhagen’s Form Swivel 4L armchair >
• All office chairs >

4. Keeping it neat

A functional workspace has a place for everything, even the tiniest items. In addition to cabinets and drawers, having a designated storage solution for small items that tend to clutter or get lost amidst larger items is advisable. Muuto’s Sketch Toolbox offers various-sized compartments for storing pens, sticky notes, cords, and other small essentials. And when needed, you can easily move the organizer aside to free up desk space.

• Muuto’s Sketch Toolbox >
• All containers >

5. Botanical companions

Houseplants not only enhance the coziness of your workspace but also contribute to better air quality. Watching a potted colleague grow can be a delightful experience, and a well-cared-for plant might reward you with a stunning bloom. Iittala’s ceramic Nappula pots make charming additions to your home office or workplace.

• Iittala’s Nappula plant pot >
​​​​​​​• All planters and plant pots >

6. Key tasks on a board

Are you a fan of lists? Even if you’re not, a task list on a memo board can help clarify your thoughts and time management. You don’t need to overwhelm the board with tasks; at the beginning of the workweek, you can select three sets of tasks to focus on for that week. Of course, leave some space on the board for postcards, photos, and other visual inspirations. Fortunately, the oak-framed Rim pinboard by Danish brand Form & Refine offers plenty of room for both work tasks and creatively inspiring mood board content.

• Form & Refine’s Rim pinboard >
​​​​​​​• All memory boards >

7. Time for a break!

Adequate breaks are integral to well-being at work, and during breaks, it’s best to step away from your desk. In addition to outdoor walks and short exercise and stretching sessions, we also suggest indulging in a classic practice – lounging in a reclined position – ideally, at least once a day. Your work area’s dedicated relaxation spot can be a comfy armchair, daybed, or plush Fatboy bean bag.

• Fatboy Original Stonewashed bean bag >
​​​​​​​• All bean bag chairs >

Read also:

• Back to school! 10 products that’ll help you create an inspiring and personalized learning space >
• Before and after: How our interior designer created a remote workstation in a bedroom >

Text: Nora Uotila Images: Manufacturers