Home Office Options

Gone are the days when you only had the choice of a desk and chair for your home office. Today’s home office furnishings options are all but endless. Just decide what you need to accomplish, then purchase the pieces that will help you get the job done.

An umbrella creates a focal point for your patio or lawn.

Desks and work surfaces are available in virtually every style and size. But before you start shopping for yours, take stock of how much surface and storage space you’ll need.

If, for instance, you use a computer, you’ll need room for the requisite monitor, hard drive, keyboard, printer and, perhaps, a CD-ROM player. Likewise, almost everyone needs a fax machine, answering machine, telephone, and miscellaneous desktop accessories.

While most people purchase conventional desks, more are requiring extra space. If you fall into this category, you might consider a workstation. Often with an L-shaped configuration, it provides approximately twice the workspace of a traditional desk, plus it offers all kinds of storage specifically designed to house office essentials. Another popular option is the office armoire in which two tall doors open to reveal a drop-down work surface and storage space. And, don’t forget the multiple options that modular furnishings offer.

Chairs, too, have vastly improved — in terms of aesthetics and comfort. Once you’ve determined your style preference, give careful consideration to the ergonomics. If, for instance, you use a computer, look for a chair with separate adjustments for lumbar support, arm height and seat height.

Storage is something you can’t have too much of, so give it careful thought when plotting your office. Take stock of how many linear feet of open and closed storage you need, then multiply that figure to allow for future growth.

Finally, don’t forget those furnishings that will put the home in home office. A comfortable chair for reading, an ottoman for put-your-feet-up comfort, even a home entertainment unit can add up to an office ready for any job. The addition of accessories — in everything from art to collectibles — is sure to make work pure pleasure.

• Work surfaces should be between 28 and 29 inches high;
• Keyboard surfaces should be between 24 Ѕ and 28 inches from the floor;
• An adjustable chair can compensate for the difference in an ideal desk height;
• A good office chair should have a seat height adjustment from 17 to 22 inches;
• Take stock of how many linear feet of open and closed storage space you need, then multiply that figure to allow for future growth.