30 useful desk accessories that make your work setup more comfortable and productive
Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard
I've had this trusty wireless keyboard for years, and it's still one of my favorite desk accessories. It's sleek and portable, making it easy to work from home or pack it in my bag and take it to a coffee shop or co-working space. Plus, it connects to multiple devices at once, so I can seamlessly switch from my laptop to a tablet. — Will Fischer, senior content strategist
Egchi Acrylic Laptop Stand
I wanted a sleek monitor stand that wouldn't make my space look cluttered, and I found it in this acrylic option. It has a little shelf where I can store my notebook, a pen, and my , which keeps clutter off my desk, and I like that it's clear so it doesn't make my workspace feel heavy. It also comes in a bunch of sizes, so make sure you measure the base of your monitor stand to get the right one. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Reviews
Insta360 Link 2 Webcam
The original Insta360 Link has been one of our favorite webcams. It has a motorized gimbal that smoothly tilts and swivels the camera, while subject tracking software allows it to follow you to keep you centered. What's impressive is the excellent 4K video quality. This new version has improved noise cancelation, and it's cheaper than its predecessor. — Les Shu, deputy editor, Reviews
Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook
This is a good compromise for me as someone who learns better by writing things down but doesn't want to waste the paper or give up digitized notes. When you write on the Everlast notebook pages with an accompanying pen, you can later erase your writing with a damp cloth and reuse the same page over and over again. You can also digitize your handwritten notes using an app. I personally love it because it feels just like writing on paper, but reduces waste and the storage of tons of old notebooks. We also included it in our Buying Guide to the best smart notebooks you can buy. — Mara Leighton, senior digital culture reporter
3D Art Calendar Memo Pad
My boyfriend gave me this desk calendar over the holidays last year, and it's brought me joy every day since. Every other day, you tear off one layer of paper (showing two calendar days), slowly revealing the interior design. Plus, the acrylic box holding the calendar can light up, adding more delightfully silly ambiance to your workspace. — Lily Alig, kitchen editor
Madesmart Classic 4-Compartment Organizer Tray
I love having a drawer in my desk, but its all too easy for it to become a junk drawer. This compartmentalized organizer lets me keep office supplies like pens, tape, little knickknacks, and other tools from just rolling around and having free rein. Everything has a home. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
Purple Royal Seat Cushion
I was influenced to try this seat cushion after occasionally stealing it from my former boss, who was influenced to buy it after reading our Purple seat cushion review. Its signature GelFlex Grid design makes sitting at a desk all day a lot more comfortable and even helps me to maintain my posture. (This is the same stuff the brand uses on its mattresses to relieve pressure on your back.) It's also very breathable, and it comes with a washable cover in case you spill anything. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Reviews
Secretlab Memory Foam Lumbar Pillow
This memory foam lumbar pillow made the international move with me from the UK to my new home in New York, where lots of downsizing was in order. It's compatible with any chair, and I sometimes use it on the sofa, too; this thick cushion from Secretlab is from the same brand that makes some of the best gaming chairs in the world and offers excellent soothing support for your lower back. It's available in various detailed patterned designs, some inspired by Harry Potter, Warcraft, and more. The velour covers are luxurious and don't get too hot and clammy against your back during extended desk sessions, even in the summer. We'd avoid the newer 'Pro' model, though, as it's much thinner, offers less support, often falls down when you get up, and is more expensive for some reason. — Brendan Griffiths, senior commerce director
Lego Bonsai Tree
Bonsai trees can be great stress relievers and bring calm to a desk. What's great about this Lego model is that there's no maintenance involved. Relax as you put together this 878-piece set, and admire it when you need to channel some inner peace. Keep it green or swap in cherry blossoms.— Les Shu, deputy editor, Reviews
Room Essentials Organizer Task Lamp
The Room Essentials Organizer Task Lamp does it all. It features a USB port and a regular plug outlet for charging items. Five compartments help you keep pens, scissors, paper clips, and other knickknacks organized. Oh yeah, it also provides extra light for your desk. I've had this lamp for about four years, and it's continued to serve me well. — James Brains, senior reporter
Satechi Dual Vertical Laptop Stand
For those who prefer to have their laptops closed when connected to a large monitor, this stand does two things: It reclaims some of your desktop by propping it up vertically and allows for better airflow to the bottom of the laptop. It's machined out of aluminum to match Apple's MacBooks, and there's also space to hold a and tablet. — Les Shu, deputy editor, Reviews
Speks Magnets
I always keep fidget toys from Speks out on my desk to play with during meetings. They keep me from using my hands to check every message that pops up while I should be focusing on what other people are saying. They're also great for those moments when I need to just sit and think about something! I'll spin my chair away from my computer so I'm not distracted and fidget for a few minutes just to give my hands something to do. I find that this is one fidget toy that helps with my mental clarity and focus. Read our full review. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Reviews
CloudValley Magnetic Holder for Laptop
When staying up to date with social media or looking something up quickly that I need, having my handy is essential. To prevent the constant reach and set down dance, having my propped up and easily visibly allows me to scroll faster and more freely. — Kayla Bickham, former style and beauty fellow, Reviews
Google Nest (2nd Gen)
I've written about how much I love my Google Nest as a nightstand companion thanks to its unobtrusive sleep-tracking capabilities, but it's also a great deskside smart display. I can seamlessly adjust my thermostat or lighting with my voice without disrupting my workflow, listen to music, and I love looking up at a rotating slideshow of my favorite pictures or seeing my calendar at a glance. Read the full review. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
Fluidstance The Level
I had a makeshift standing desk setup at home, and if you've ever had something similar, you know the position can be tiring on your feet. Fluidstance's balance boards help you stabilize your body and relieve some of the tension of standing, plus they're just plain fun to use. I found it to be a great way to train my balance and keep my body moving, and I love that the wooden design actually looks attractive, too. — Connie Chen, contributor
iOttie iON Wireless Plus Fast Charger
My ideal workspace is neat and clutter-free, so I like to keep the number of things on my desk to a minimum. In doing so, I've gotten rid of wires wherever possible. The iOttie iON Wireless Plus is my solution to doing away with my normal iPhone cable. It looks great, doesn't take up much space, and charges my iPhone a lot faster than the standard power adapter and cable. — Amir Ismael, men's style editor
Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
If you prefer to use a mouse but hate the wrist pain that comes with it, the Lift Vertical is the ideal input device. Its ergonomic design repositions your hand to avoid putting any undue stress, while accurate tracking means fewer hand movements needed to point your mouse cursor. For hours of productivity, this has become one of our go-to mice. — Les Shu, deputy editor, Reviews
Nomad Rustic Brown Leather Mouse Pad
I love the sleek look of this mouse pad, but more importantly, I love that it's huge. When I'm trying to screenshot something, drag an image around, or move between my two monitors, it accommodates my sweeping motions. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Reviews
I actually use this as a desk pad instead of a mouse pad. It adds style and personality to my desk while also keeping my keyboard and planner from slipping around. — Malarie Gokey, lead training coordinator, Business Insider
Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug 2
I'm the kind of person who makes tea and forgets about it until it has become iced tea. Having a smart mug that keeps itself warm with a heating pad is life-changing. My Ember mug — which I named "Hot Stuff" as a joke and a reference to an album by The Killers — keeps my tea warm hours after I've made it. — Malarie Gokey, lead training coordinator, Business Insider
Courant Catch 3 Wireless Charger
Courant is a startup that takes care of your functional needs (like charging your ) while maintaining style and sophistication. Its sleek, Qi-certified wireless charger is made from high-grade aluminum and features a braided nylon cord and pebble-grain Italian leather top, making it the most luxe charging option your money can get. If you want to make your desk look as stylish as you do, this tech accessory will impress both you and your coworkers. — Connie Chen, contributor
BetterBack Support Posture Belt
I swear by the BetterBack for helping me to maintain good posture at my desk and relieving both upper and lower back pain throughout the day. I have a few slipped discs in my spine, so I deal with pretty chronic discomfort. This is the only tool (not counting stretching and acupuncture) that has ever helped mitigate my pain, which helps me focus on my work instead of on my back. You can read my full review of the BetterBack here, and I'd suggest speaking with your doctor before using this. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Reviews
Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Working from home means a steady stream of voice and video calls. Having a quality microphone is the one accessory that will be appreciated by your co-workers. The Logitech Blue Yeti is easy to connect to any Mac or PC using the included USB cable, provides great audio quality and looks stylish. It can also serve double-duty for podcasting, gaming and more. — Chris Meinck, SVP of Commerce
Post-it Cat Pop-up Note Dispenser
I'm obsessed with Post-It notes and cats, so this cat-shaped Post-It note dispenser is one of my favorite desk decorations. It holds my Post-Its perfectly and it looks cute on my desk. It's also weighted so it's hard to knock over, and if a real cat happened to walk on my desk, they'd struggle to knock it off. — Malarie Gokey, lead training coordinator, Business Insider
Felix Gray Nash Eyeglasses
I don't need prescription eyeglasses, but I wear a pair of blue light glasses when I work long days and later at night to avoid messing with my circadian rhythm since that's the kind of thing that can ruin a week (and my energy) by Wednesday morning. They're also just a welcome break from direct exposure to my devices sometimes. Read our full review here. — Mara Leighton, senior digital culture reporter
Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Water Bottle
One of our best water bottles, I use this stainless steel bottle everywhere I go. It keeps my tea hot for hours, my cold brew cold for over 24 hours (with ice cubes intact), and has a conveniently durable build and no-drip or drop design for the gym. It's pretty cheap for a stainless steel water bottle, and the clip at the top means I can attach it to backpacks or duffel bags with clip-on straps for easy carrying. — Mara Leighton, senior digital culture reporter
ODISTAR Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
I always have snacks and or something small to nibble on to keep me going throughout the work day. That's why a mini desk vacuum comes in handy. I can snatch any crumb up I see at the moment which saves me time on the weekends when I do my deep clean. — Kayla Bickham, former style and beauty fellow, Reviews
6 Pack Transparent Sticky Notes
Sticky notes I can see through are something I rely on constantly. I can place it over any text in my planner or book and annotate without covering anything important up in the process. The best part is that once I remove the sticky note, my page is still clean. — Kayla Bickham, former style and beauty fellow, Reviews
Did you know the work-from-home trend has skyrocketed? It’s now the new standard for many. Investing in quality home office furniture is more important than ever. The right pieces can make your workspace better, helping you stay productive and healthy.
Essential home office furniture is more than just a desk and chair. It includes ergonomic seating and smart storage solutions. These items help create a comfy, organized, and inspiring work area at home. Whether you’re setting up a new office or improving your current one, knowing the key pieces is essential. It’s the first step to a productive and home office setup that meets your professional needs.
Understanding the Work-From-Home Revolution
The trend of working from home has grown fast, becoming the new standard for many. A well-set home office plays a big role in this shift. With nearly one-fifth of workers now remote, having a good home office is key. It ensures comfort, boosts productivity, and helps keep work and personal life separate.
The Rise of Remote Work Culture
The global pandemic has pushed remote work forward, leading to more people working from home. This change has made us rethink our work spaces. Now, creating a professional and productive home office is more important than ever.
Impact on Home Office Design
Remote work has changed how we design home offices. People are spending more time and money on making their work spaces both functional and nice. They focus on ergonomic furniture, efficient storage, and more. The goal is to make a home office that boosts productivity and comfort.
Creating a Professional Environment
Creating a professional space at home is vital for remote workers. It’s about choosing the right furniture, lighting, and decor. This helps create a space that encourages focus and productivity. With the right setup, like comfy chairs and adjustable desks, remote workers can meet their professional needs and enjoy their work-from-home life.
Essential Home Office Furniture: Building Your Workspace Foundation
Creating a productive and comfy home office begins with the right furniture. These essential home office furniture items are the base of your workspace. They meet both your needs for function and comfort. An ergonomic office chair and a desk that fits your workspace essentials are key. Each piece is vital for an efficient and productive office setup.
Choosing the right desk is key. Home offices often use:
- L-shaped desks
- Stand-up desks
- Floating desks
- Writing desks
- Executive desks
- Armoire desks
An ergonomic chair is vital for comfort and support during long work hours. Look for adjustable lumbar support, height settings, and tilt to keep you in the right posture and avoid health issues.
Good storage solutions like file cabinets and bookshelves are needed for organizing papers, files, and supplies. This keeps your space tidy and clutter-free. Desk organizers can also boost your workstation’s efficiency.
Proper cable management is key, more so in smaller home offices, to keep things clean and organized. Use cable trays, raceways, and clips to hide wires and cords.
By picking and arranging these essential home office furniture items wisely, you can make a workspace essentials that suits you. It will boost your productivity and create a comfy, inspiring work space.
Selecting the Perfect Desk for Your Needs
Choosing the right desk is key for your home office. You can find standing desks for an active work life or L-shaped desks for more space. Think about desk size, height adjustability, and ergonomics for a comfortable workspace.
Standing Desk Options
Standing desks boost posture, energy, and productivity. They range from 68cm to 146cm to fit different heights. Electric sit-stand desks make height changes easy.
Standing all day can improve focus and well-being. This makes standing desks a great choice for your home office.
L-Shaped Configuration Benefits
L-shaped desks offer lots of space and flexibility. They let you arrange your workspace for better workflow and productivity. The Nevi Sit-Stand Desk and the HAY Copenhague 190 Desk are top picks for their design and adjustability.
Space-Saving Solutions
For small home offices, there are desks that save space. The Mode Desk has storage drawers in six colors. It offers lots of space without taking up too much room.
The Passport Work Table is compact but fits a laptop, notebook, and more. The Copenhague 90 Desk by HAY is also space-friendly and easy to clean.
No matter your needs, there’s a desk for a productive and comfy home office. Look at size, function, and ergonomics to find the best desk for working from home.
Ergonomic Office Chairs: Your Key to Comfort
An ergonomic office chair is key for a comfortable home office. It helps you stay focused all day. Look for adjustable lumbar support, height settings, and tilt options.
These chairs are comfy for long hours and help keep your back straight. A good ergonomic chair boosts your work life and health.
Over 50 office chairs were tested for the best ones. Steelcase Series 2 was top for comfort and ergonomics. Flexispot BS11 Pro was best for posture with strong lumbar support.
Chair Model Best For Price Range Weight Capacity Steelcase Series 2 Overall Comfort and Ergonomics $400 – $700 400 lbs Corsair TC100 Relaxed Budget-Friendly Under $250 / £200 250 lbs Sihoo Doro C300 Back Pain and Lumbar Support $300 – $450 300 lbs Flexispot BS11 Pro Posture Support $300 – $450 275 lbsGetting an ergonomic chair is vital for comfort and productivity. Look for lumbar support and customization. This makes your workspace comfy and healthy.
Storage Solutions and Organization Systems
Keeping your home office tidy and efficient is key. The right storage can turn your space into a productive and inspiring place. From file cabinets to bookshelves, the right choices can make all the difference.
File Cabinet Essentials
File cabinets are vital for keeping documents and supplies safe. You can find them in various sizes and styles. Whether you like metal or modern designs, there’s something for everyone.
Look for cabinets with multiple drawers. This makes it easy to organize and access your files.
Shelving Units and Bookcases
Bookshelves and wall shelving units are great for storage and adding style. They let you display books, plants, and personal items while keeping your space clean. Choose modular designs to customize your setup.
Desktop Organization Tools
Keeping your desk organized is essential for staying efficient. Use desktop organizers like trays and pen holders. They keep your essentials within reach.
Add stylish touches like gold-accented supplies or natural wood organizers. This can make your office look better.
Storage Solution Key Benefits Trending Features File Cabinets Secure document storage, multi-drawer organization Classic metal, modern designs, customizable configurations Bookshelves and Shelving Units Dual storage and décor, versatile layout options Modular designs, natural wood tones, blending with home décor Desktop Organizers Accessible storage, minimizing clutter, stylish accents Trays, pen holders, drawer dividers, gold/natural finishesBy using smart storage and organization, you can make your home office better. It will be a place that shows your style and helps you stay productive.
Creating an Effective Lighting Strategy
Proper office lighting is key for a productive and comfy home office. While natural light is the best, it might not be enough. To get the best lighting, you need to mix different types.
Begin with ambient lighting for overall light. Then, add task lighting for specific areas. Don’t forget accent lighting to highlight important features. A good desk lamp or adjustable LED light can help reduce eye strain and make your workspace better. Think about the color temperature of your lights to make your space comfortable and productive.
- Use natural light as much as you can to improve mood and work.
- Add task lamps and adjustable lights to fill in where natural light is lacking.
- Stay away from overhead lights that cause glare or shadows on your work area.
- Try out different color temperatures to find what works best for you.
With a smart lighting plan, you can make your home office look great and work well. This will help you be more productive and feel better overall.
Lighting Type Purpose Recommendations Ambient Lighting General illumination Ceiling-mounted fixtures, floor lamps Task Lighting Focused illumination for work areas Desk lamps, adjustable LED lights Accent Lighting Highlight specific elements Wall sconces, track lightingMonitor Stands and Cable Management Solutions
Creating a great home office starts with the right tools. Monitor stands and cable management are key. They make your space both functional and stylish.
Ergonomic Viewing Heights
Adjustable monitor stands are a big help for your back and neck. They keep your screen at eye level. This makes working more comfortable and helps you stay focused.
Wire Organization Tips
- Use cable management systems to hide wires and keep your desk clean.
- Get cable organizers, clips, and sleeves to keep cords neat and hidden.
- Think about a cable tray or cable channel for a tidy desk setup.
Adding monitor stands and cable management to your office makes it better. It looks good and works well, helping you stay focused and productive.
Incorporating Biophilic Elements in Your Office
Adopting biophilic design can greatly improve your home office’s atmosphere. Adding natural elements makes your workspace calm and motivating. It benefits both your mind and body.
Begin by adding indoor plants to your office. Research shows they clean the air, lower stress, and spark creativity. Choose plants like succulents, ferns, or flowers to brighten up your space.
Make the most of natural light by placing your desk near windows or skylights. Natural light boosts mood, focus, and energy. If natural light is scarce, use full-spectrum lighting to mimic sunlight.
Use natural materials like wood, stone, or rattan in your decor. These materials bring a calming and grounding feel. They can be furniture, shelves, or decorative pieces.
By following biophilic design, you can turn your home office into a productive and peaceful space. Surround yourself with nature’s healing power. Your focus, creativity, and job satisfaction will improve.
Professional Background Setup for Video Calls
In today’s world of remote work, having a professional background for video calls is key. Your virtual meeting setup greatly affects how others see you. By choosing the right backdrop, you can boost your professional look and make calls more interesting.
Backdrop Design Elements
Think about what makes up your video call backdrop. A new wall paint, nice artwork, or floating shelves with photos can make a big difference. Make sure your background is clean and free of clutter. Clutter or personal items can be distracting during calls.
Virtual Meeting Aesthetics
The look of your virtual meeting setup matters a lot. Get a good webcam and microphone for clear sound and video. Good lighting, like two-point or three-point lighting, can make you look sharp. Avoid bright windows or harsh shadows, as they can mess up the camera’s light and make you hard to see.
Choose a virtual background that shows your style and brand but stays professional. Try out different setups to find the best one for you. This will improve your video call experience.
Color Psychology and Office Productivity
The colors in your home office can greatly affect your mood and focus. By choosing the right office color scheme, you can make your workspace more inspiring. This can help you stay motivated and productive.
Research shows that certain colors have specific effects in the workplace. For instance, blue can help you concentrate better. On the other hand, yellow can make you feel more creative and positive. Using these productivity colors in your workspace design can improve your performance in your home office.
- Blue color promotes calmness and productivity in the workplace.
- Green color enhances creativity and reduces eye strain.
- Yellow color stimulates optimism and energy among employees.
Colors like red and purple can also be useful. Red can increase alertness, while purple can boost confidence. By understanding color psychology, you can pick colors that meet your needs and increase your productivity.
Color Psychological Impact Productivity Effects Red Physical stimulation and alertness 31% more effective for detail-oriented tasks Blue Intellectual concentration and calmness Best for creative thinking and brainstorming Yellow Emotional energy and optimism 52% of people associate it with joy, boosting creativity Green Balance and relaxation Connected to contentment and satisfaction Purple Confidence and luxury Can enhance innovative ideas and decision-makingBy carefully choosing office color schemes and productivity colors for your workspace design, you can create a home office that boosts your productivity. It will inspire and motivate you to be your best self.
Maximizing Small Space Home Offices
For those with limited square footage, maximizing every inch is key when setting up a home office. Using multifunctional furniture like fold-down desks or storage ottomans is a smart move. These items serve more than one purpose.
Don’t forget to use vertical space with wall-mounted shelves or pegboards. This keeps essentials within reach and saves floor space. It’s a game-changer for small areas.
When picking furniture for your compact workspace, choose space-saving designs that do more than one thing. Tribesigns has a range of options, like L-shaped corner desks and compact writing surfaces. Their furniture often comes with storage like shelves, drawers, and monitor stands, keeping your space tidy.
Adding natural elements can make your office calm and productive. Place your office near a window or use vibrant colors to boost mood and creativity. With a bit of creativity and planning, even the smallest space can become a functional and cozy small office.
Creating Physical Boundaries: Doors and Partitions
Setting up physical barriers between your work and living areas is key for a good work-life balance. A door that closes at the end of the day helps separate work from personal time. If you can’t have a separate room, room dividers or partitions can work well. They help you step away from work and enjoy your personal time, lowering stress and boosting well-being.
Dividers and partitions do more than just block sight. They also help you stay focused by cutting down on distractions. You can choose from adjustable, preassembled, or dual-purpose dividers. The important thing is to pick what fits your needs and style best. By thinking about how you’ll use them, their color, and design, you can make a space that looks good and works well.
Getting the right furniture for your home office, like doors and partitions, really matters. They help you concentrate, reduce stress, and keep a healthy balance between work and life. This leads to better productivity and overall happiness.
