5 reasons why your home office is making you unproductive

A home office is just that, a ‘home’ office. It should have the right balance as a room in which to work, concentrate and enable productivity, function and yet still feel comfortable.

There are a few design layout and styling tips which can help improve your space when working or studying from home.

Too much clutter

Clutter is a distraction. It affects your decision-making and can block productivity. A tidy home office means better workflow, more focus and peace of mind.

Make a designated area for brainstorming and memos, post-it notes, and pinboards. But keep excess bits and bobs at bay, with ample storage in the area, such as a desk with integrated storage or a sideboard/cabinet in the space.

Keep things simple with this Chester Computer Desk with Tall Shelves, and streamline all your paperwork. Available in black or brown oak effect wood Melamine, it’s the perfect size desk for your computer and would make light work of keeping all in order. With multifunctional tall shelves for books and boxes, it will transform your work-life balance, in a dedicated corner of the room. Its minimal design will add both beauty and zen to any interior scheme, and the open shelving enables easy access to files and documents. Why not add some trailing houseplants too for an eco feel. 

The wrong desk

Your working environment needs the right desk.

Create the environment you desire, be it a minimalist breathing space or creative studio with the tools to sketch or study and choose a neutral wall colour. Another brilliant desk from the Chester range is the Chester L-Shaped Corner Desk, which will fit snug into the corner of your office. The L shape means it can be assembled as either a left or right orientation to suit your space.

Also available in our children’s range is the Chester White Kids Corner Desk, with ample space to accommodate a laptop, books, stationery and any other school homework essentials. Just the item for little ones to have a special space to study and focus on their education and learning.

The wrong chair

Having a comfortable and easily mobile chair is the number one most important thing.

These swivel chairs are designed with both comfort and support in mind. The luxurious Light Pink Wren Velvet Chair has a 360-degree swivel function, so you can move around your desk with ease, as you please. The pink velvet looks beautiful against the four black tripod legs and textured tufted backrest detail, and also comes in a classic light grey.

The Isabella Swivel Chair is a classy industrial chic addition to any office space. Soft and cosy, yet sturdy and supportive. If you are going to be having meetings in your home space, it’s nice to have a couple of statement chairs to complete your office when greeting clients.

The wrong lighting: Not enough light or too much can be off-putting and affect your concentration levels.

Low hanging soft lights above the desk or table are a way to remedy too strong lights, and of course, you should allow in as much natural light as you can.

These gorgeous yellow Room 9 Ceramic Pendant Lights, inspired by industrial French spun steel shades, are handmade in the UK and would make great office lighting, alone, or as part of a set. Browse the different shapes and shades, such as this calming blue hue.

Altering the height of lighting with overly high ceilings will solve any distant lighting issues. So, change any fixed light fittings to drop pendant light shade alternatives.

Not Creating a Separate Office Area in an Open Plan Scheme

A gallery wall or separate flooring can help create clear division lines in a space. Fill your office with inspirational objects, and allow art and colour to influence your mood. Yellow is uplifting, white is serene and calming, red is exciting, and blue is energizing. Hang the right art for your office and let your home office reflect your personality!