Remote working has become the norm for many of us in recent times. This shift in work behavior looks set to remain permanent for significant proportion of us. So, instead of sitting at the kitchen table, we’re now making separate a home office space.
If you’re one of the 22 million people continuing to work from home, you’ll want to make your home office as comfortable as possible. Find out how to make a cozy home office with these 7 tips
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1. Cozy Home Office Furniture
Regardless of how you choose to set up your home office, one thing is guaranteed: a desk and chair. It’s vital that your work setup is comfortable and ergonomic. The importance of ergonomics for productivity has long been understood, and shouldn’t be overlooked when you choose your office furniture.
Perhaps the most important is your office chair. It needs to be fully adjustable so that you can align it to your body dimensions. For the ultimate comfort, your feet should be able to rest flat on the floor, lower back supported, and armrests available.
You should also be able to adjust the tilt and be able to recline your comfortable office chair. For extra coziness you could choose a chair that reclines right back, so you can take a moment to kick back and ponder between tasks.
2. Create a Cozy Glow
Lighting is an important part of creating a cozy environment that still inspires productivity. Too dark and you’ll be drifting off, too bright and it will feel like a doctor’s office! Finding the balance will depend somewhat on the size and type of your house.
If you have access to abundant natural light in your office space, make use of this and see if you can position your desk to make the most of it. Natural light is crucial for wellbeing and, in turn, productivity.
If you lack natural sunlight in your home office, don’t worry! Invest in some table lamps and floor lamps to give your office a cozy glow. Avoid overhead lighting, it creates a stark feeling and may contribute to migraines.
3. Source Some Stylish Storage
When you picture office storage, your mind may go to the utilitarian metal filing cabinet. While this can still look stylish in certain settings, it’s unlikely to bring the warm, cozy vibe that you’re trying to make at home.
For stylish storage, feel free to think outside the box. A retro sideboard combines function with style and makes for a warming feature in your office. You could also repurpose a vintage dresser as a stylish shelving space.
If contemporary cozy is more your thing, add some floating shelves to your walls. They’re easy to fit, incredibly versatile, and you can showcase your books and files.
4. Inspiring Interiors
With the current resurgence of minimalism, we’ve become accustomed to seeing all-white aesthetics in every room of the house. However, if you’re trying to create a cozy home office vibe, the best home office decor tip is to add a little color.
For a calming ambiance, try a soft blue shade of wall paint. Natural earthy tones will help you to feel grounded and collected. A pop of something warm like red, pink, or orange can make you feel empowered and energized.
If you don’t want to repaint your walls, you could add some colorful wall art or soft furnishings. You can even add an accent rug to add some hygge to your work area.
5. Perfect Office Plants
In case you’ve been buried under a rock for the last couple of years, plants have made a big comeback. No Instagrammable space is complete without a couple of leafy additions. Not only do they look fresh and natural, they also invoke a sense of connection to nature.
Having plants in the office has many benefits, including increased wellbeing and productivity. If you’re not naturally green-fingered, stick to some low-maintenance options. Cacti and succulents don’t need a lot of attention to thrive.
Adding a couple of indoor plants to your home office will make it feel both calm and revitalized, and this energy will transfer to your work.
6. Cozy Home Office Scents
As well as the visual elements of your home office, consider how your other senses are experiencing the space. Smell is a powerful sense and can affect your brain function on different levels.
Try out some different scented candles or essential oils to great a cozy atmosphere and change the aroma in your home. Lemon, jasmine, and lavender scents have calming properties which can help keep stress low.
Candles or oils with rosemary, cinnamon, or peppermint will keep you feel stimulated and energized. Or, opt for a non-scented candle and just enjoy the comforting flicker of the flames!
7. Productive Home Office Playlist
While we’re on the theme of sensory experiences, have you considered how listening to music can affect your work? One of the many benefits of working from home is the option to listen to music while you work (unless your type of job prevents it).
If you like to listen to music while you work, you might go straight for the high-tempo electro-pop to keep the energy high. Research actually suggests that slower music is better for focus and concentration.
There are playlists on streaming services specifically curated for home office working. Try out a piano jazz playlist for a cozy vibe. Or, make your own cozy home office playlist.
Settle In and Get Busy
With these 7 tips, you’re well on the way to creating your perfect cozy home office! All you need to do now is settling in and get working on your goals. Don’t forget to get other essential stuff for your home office.
If this has got you thinking about what to do with the rest of the house, check out this guide on how to switch up the furniture in your bedroom!
