Between the rise in telecommuting and the increase in the number of people starting their own home-based businesses, it’s not surprising that home office design has become a hot topic. Setting up office furniture isn’t difficult, but there are some questions you will need to ask yourself before you begin. Taking the time to think about what you hope to accomplish in your workspace will make it much easier to create an office that fits your needs.

Instructions

1. Map out the room to help you decide where to put all the furniture. Your map doesn’t have to be an artistic masterpiece; even a quick sketch will make it easier to see flaws in your home office design. Mark the placement of electrical outlets to make sure you will have a suitable place to plug in your computer, printer and other office equipment.
2. Decide how much desktop space you need, and figure out the best place for the desk. Do you want it by the window so you can look outside while working, or will that be too distracting for you? Will there be enough light where you put the desk, or will you need a lamp? Where would you like the desk in relation to the doorway?
3. Find a chair that will be comfortable for you to sit in for long periods of time. If your chair is uncomfortable, you’ll be miserable the entire time you’re working.
4. Decide where you will put the printer. Will you have a table especially for the printer or will you put it on top of another piece of furniture, such as a file cabinet?
5. Ask yourself if you need a filing cabinet. If so, do you have room for one and where? Set it up in a spot where it will be convenient for you to get to. You may also want to add a message board or corkboard in this area as well as a basket for papers that need to be filed at a later date.
6. Consider if you will need extra chairs in your office. If you will be meeting clients in your home office, you will need to have a comfortable place for them to sit. In a small office, the chairs can be facing your desk, but the ideal setup would be to have a separate corner for client meetings with chairs and a coffee table.
7. Assemble each piece of office furniture, starting with your desk. Count all of the included pieces and gather any necessary tools before you begin. Most ready-to-assemble furniture is not difficult to put together, but many people find the task is easier if a friend or family member helps.