Home Office Setup Ideas That Will Up Your WFH Game

It’s not surprising that more people are working remotely than ever before, with one study by Forbes claiming that almost 41 percent of the population spends at least some time working out of the office each week. What was once somewhat of a pipe dream for many is now simply a way of life. But working from home full time is unlike when you telecommuted because there was a huge snowstorm or your kid was sick. To make it work, you need a home office setup you’ll enjoy returning to daily — not just the dining room table.

So we’re here to share some work from home setup ideas. Take a look at our basic suggestions, and from there, you can trick out your office with a wish list of extra features and gadgets. We’ll also talk about how you can pay for all this stuff (hint: you might be able to get your employer to foot the bill). 

Let’s get to work!

Best Home Office Setup Ideas at a Glance

Home Office Necessities:

• Excellent Internet and Wi-Fi Connection
• A Functional Computer
• Monitors, Keyboards, and Mice
• A Chair You Love
• An Awesome Desk
• Dedicated Office Area

Home Office Wish List:

• More Space
• Plants
• A High-Performance Computer
• Premium Speakers
• Cell Phone and Accessories
• Lighting
• Exercise Equipment
• Art
• Outdoor/Portability Options

Home Office Necessities 

Yeah, you’re excited to buy that nifty USB cup heater you saw in the in-flight magazine last year. But no amount of warm coffee will make up for a sub-par office chair. So before discussing extra luxuries, let’s take care of your home office setup basics.  

Test your internet with an online speed test.

Excellent Internet and Wi-Fi Connection 

Before we dive into this section, take this online speed test. Note the results.

If you’re looking at speeds of 50 Mbps or more, then you’ve likely got plenty of bandwidth for most basic office functions, like email, browsing, streaming, Zoom calls, and file uploading. If your internet is slower than 50 Mbps, it’s time to upgrade. 

While you might be able to scrape by with 25 Mbps or less, you’ll start to run into problems with basic functions, like downloading files. You’ll also notice major slowdowns when your spouse is streaming The Mandalorian or your kids are playing Roblox using the same Wi-Fi connection. 

Spending a few extra bucks a month to upgrade to a faster internet connection (and a decent Wi-Fi router) is one of the easiest and most essential things you can do to get the best home office setup.

A Functional Computer 

Of course, your great internet connection isn’t going to get you very far when your computer is still running on Windows 7. Heaven forbid, Windows XP.

If your employer doesn’t provide you with a laptop but your personal computer just isn’t cut out for your WFH setup, you’re not alone. Computer sales went through the roof after the coronavirus pandemic began, although they saw a decline in 2022. But upgrading your device doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Most companies' digital infrastructure works best with Windows, and most core office job functions are best done on that platform. If you're on the same OS, working with your company's systems will be easier, so we recommend you opt for a Windows machine. Common quality brands include Dell, Lenovo, and Acer. If you’re in the design space and have the money, then consider a beautiful, ultra-powerful Macbook Pro.

And if your work doesn’t require serious video editing or other software, then buy a Chromebook. These stripped-down machines cost just a few hundred dollars and can perform all your essential work-from-home functions.

Large monitors can make a huge difference in home office comfort and productivity.

Monitors, Keyboards, and Mice 

Have you always wanted to look like one of those cool hacker-genius characters from 90s action movies? Then it’s time to get yourself a second (or even a third) computer monitor. 

Seriously, looking at a little laptop screen all day is a surefire way to burn out. Getting a second, larger monitor will help you focus, stay organized, and multitask more effectively. Buying a monitor for around $100 is a no-brainer for your home office computer setup. 

And while you’re at it, get yourself an ergonomic keyboard and a wireless mouse. This will save you a ton of time and energy daily, not to mention a great deal of wrist pain later in life (ergonomic keyboards can help prevent arthritis).

A Chair You Love 

The average office worker will sit for several hours a day (although we recommend taking some breaks). So it's time for a change, if you’re reading this while slumped over on a hard, wooden chair you stole from your dining room. 

You can buy a perfectly good office chair with lumbar support, adjustability, swivel action, and comfortable fabric for $100-$150. Your back and your gluteus maximus will thank you. Or you can get one of those balance ball chairs, if that’s what you’re into. You do you. Just do it comfortably. 

Looking for suggestions? Here are some options that’ll enhance your work from home station setup:

• Primy Office Ergonomic Desk Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Support and Height in Black
• Flash Furniture High Back Desk Chair in White
• Serta - Hannah Upholstered Executive Office Chair - Soft Plush - Beige

Dedicated Office Area 

Your home is where you relax, sleep, cook, eat, socialize, and do everything else you love. Your work can seep into these other activities if you're not careful. A dedicated home office setup is essential, so working from home doesn’t become living at work. 

If you live in a house or a large apartment with a spare bedroom, a half-full storage room, or an unfinished basement, then setting up a home office for remote work shouldn’t be too hard. Just be sure that everyone knows it’s your office now and not a playroom for the kids. 

You might ask yourself, “How can I work from home when I live in a one-bedroom apartment?” But if you take some time to declutter your home or move some of your stuff into portable storage, you can probably find a suitable nook or corner that feels sufficiently separated from the rest of your home. 

Try clearing out a large closet or setting up a bookshelf to divide a larger room. Some very innovative work-from-homers have even turned a wide hallway into an office. If you look online for small home office ideas, you’ll almost certainly find someone who’s found a way to make it work with less space than you have.

There are plenty of things beyond a simple chair and desk that you can add to your home office to up your WFH game. 

Home Office Wish List 

Wondering, “How do I make the perfect home office space?” If you want to move beyond the basic home office setup ideas, let's talk about the fun stuff, like house plants, stereo systems, and exercise bikes. Here are some things that should be on your wish list. 

More Space 

Sure, you can work at that tiny desk in the lightless corner of your living room while your kids run around screaming about lord-knows-what. But wouldn’t it be nice to have a 10’ x 10’ room with some natural light and a door to keep everyone out? 

People move for jobs all the time, and this isn’t any different. Consider moving into a home with an extra room or a basement that can serve as an office. If you’re still working from home in two years, you’ll be delighted you invested now. 

But there may be ways to get more office space in your home without moving. Have you considered framing and finishing that dingy basement room? Have you looked at putting an insulated shed in the backyard? If you’ve got a little DIY spirit, the Internet is full of clever home office design ideas. 

It can be tough working inside all day, but bringing a little nature to your workspace makes it easier.

Plants

We all love a good houseplant. But did you know that having a little cactus or spider plant on your desk can actually lower your stress and anxiety levels? So go ahead. Buy yourself some green, leafy friends. 

A High-Performance Computer 

We already talked about the need for a functional computer. But if you’re looking to invest in a truly fantastic home office that you can work in for years, you might want to up your computer budget. 

This is especially true if you work with professional software, like video editing, photo manipulation, or drafting programs. Having to tell your boss or your client that you can’t complete a project because your computer is an old clunker is not a good strategy. 

No matter your industry, a faster processor, more memory, and a solid-state drive can help shave a few minutes off daily tasks. Those minutes add up. Plus, you won’t have to worry about upgrading your computer as often if you shell out for a higher-end device now. 

Premium Speakers 

You don’t need an awesome stereo system in your home office setup. But how else will you bump the new Drake album to help you get through that last hour of the workday? Those laptop speakers just aren’t going to cut it. Here are some that’ll keep the beats fresh all day long:

• Creative Pebble Pro Minimalist 2.0 USB-C Computer Speakers
• Logitech - Z407 2.1 Bluetooth Computer Speaker System with Wireless Control
• Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT 5-inch Desktop Active Monitor Speaker Pair with Bluetooth

After all, one of the reasons to work from home is that you can play your music as loud as you want, right? 

Cell Phone and Accessories 

Unless you want to go retro and get a home office landline, you will be doing some work on your smartphone. That’s a great reason to nab a new phone — you may be able to expense your phone bill, too, depending on your company. (One of the benefits of working from home? You get to keep all of the cool gadgets.)

You may also want to invest in a higher-end headset, so no one hears your kids screaming during your calls and Zoom meetings.

Here are a few of our affordable favorites:

• 23" Farmhouse Ceramic Urn Pot Table Lamp - Nourison
• Aislinn Metal Desk Lamp
• Dimmable Nightstand Lamp With USB Port

Now your home office setup will look slightly less like the inside of a Walmart and more like the inside of a serene and beautiful temple of productivity. 

Combine work and exercise for the ultimate in multitasking.

Exercise Equipment

If the pandemic didn’t make you invest in a home gym already, maybe your home office setup is the perfect excuse. 

How would you like to take your business calls while you burn some calories on your Peloton bike or write emails while taking a lovely stroll on your treadmill desk? The health benefits of moving while you work are enormous.

If you don’t have an extra $1,000 lying around to invest in exercise equipment, don’t worry. Even outfitting your home office with a yoga mat can remind you to take a break to stretch in the middle of the day.

Art

Nothing is less inspiring than a blank white wall. So take a few minutes to spruce up your home office with artwork. 

Some popular home office design ideas include putting bookshelves (and books) up on the wall, framing your kids’ artwork, and, of course, inspirational posters.  

Outdoor/Portability Options

Who doesn’t like a change of scenery? If you get tired of the indoors and want to take this office show to the great outdoors, consider having an outdoor work from home setup, too. What would that look like, exactly? First, you’ll need a reliable laptop and dependable outdoor furniture, especially a table and chair. If you’ve already got that checked off the list, ask yourself if you need some shade to block your screen from the sun’s glare. This is a great excuse to shop for umbrellas and pergolas. And we suggest investing in an anti-glare screen protector and some Bluetooth headphones while you’re at it. Those leaf blowers can really interrupt a call.

Say you want to leave your home office but don’t want to head outside. Maybe you’ve got painters in the room, a housekeeper vacuuming the floors, or you need to clear the space for some other reason. How do you create a portable work from home setup? Here are some ways to get the (remote) job done:

• Portable monitors: This affordable one from Amazon is ready to use and compatible with several ports and devices.
• Traveling workstation: A rolling cart like this option lets you travel from room to room with ease.
• Wireless keyboard: Laptop monitors and keyboards can be restrictive. If you’re using a portable monitor, you may want to add a wireless keyboard to your portable work from home setup.
• Mobile hotspot: If you want to get out of your home office — and we mean really far out of your home office — you may want a personal hotspot, so you have a reliable internet connection without relying on public or guest networks. Mobile hotspots use cellular data to connect devices to the internet through a single access point. Ask your cell phone provider for more details.

How To Budget for Your Home Office 

It can be easy to go a bit overboard with your coronavirus home office ideas. How are you going to pay for all of this, especially in a time of such economic uncertainty? We’ve got some tips to help.  

Ask Your Boss About a Home Office Budget

The best way to pay for your home office is to not pay for it. Get your employer to front the bill. (Or if you’re self-employed, get Uncle Sam to help by deducting it from your taxes — just be sure to check with your CPA.)

As companies push their employees to work from home more frequently (or indefinitely), many create funds to help staff offset costs. After all, employers save a boatload of money by not heating/cooling the office, cutting complimentary snacks/coffee, and, in some cases, getting rid of the office altogether. 

If your company hasn’t already talked to you about a budget for your home office, ask about it. You can point out that basic expenses, like high-speed internet, are essential to your position and should, therefore, be paid by the employer. 

Use the Money You’re Saving 

You may have noticed that you’ve saved some money on gas since you stopped commuting to work. Maybe you’re also saving money on food by making yourself a salad instead of ordering lunch from the food truck outside your office. 

Those expenses, and any others that you’re saving on while working from home, can be redirected into your home office budget.

Take Advantage of Home Improvement Loans

If you’re considering renovating your house in some way to make more space for your home office — finishing your basement, putting in a new wall, or building an extension, for example — then you might want to get a home improvement loan to help you pay the cost. 

Maximize Tax Deductions

If you’re self-employed or an independent contractor, you can probably write off many of the expenses related to your home office setup. In many cases, you’ll be able to deduct $5 for each square foot of your home that is used as office space (that’s $1,000 for a 200-square-foot office). 

Unfortunately, due to changes in the tax code, employees will not be able to deduct office expenses from their taxes. So if you used to work in an office but were just told to work from home because of the pandemic, you probably don’t qualify. Even more reason to ask your boss about a home office budget!