With the increase in telecommuting employment opportunities and more and more people working from home, it makes sense to make sure that you have a well-designed home office. Here are a few factors to consider when creating your professional home office:

Location

You’ll want to place your office in a convenient location, but privacy is also important so you won’t be distracted by outside noise. You could even consider making a private entrance from the outside so your business associates don’t have to walk through the whole house to get to the office. This is especially convenient if you run a business from home!

Furniture

Comfort is key when it comes to furnishing your home office. You’ll want to find a chair that gives you good support for a good length of time so you can get a lot of work done, and your desk should be set up so you’re not straining to see your computer or constantly reaching for your keyboard or mouse. Also think about using bookshelves to display literature or decorative keepsakes. Extra seating may come in handy when you need to get away from your desk, so consider adding a comfortable chair or a small couch.

Lighting

Ideally you’ll want as much natural light as possible. But even with several windows, you may still need a brighter work space. Recessed lighting is an elegant way to bring a subtle glow to the entire space, while task lamps can illuminate specific areas like your desk that require more direct light.

Storage

By getting rid of clutter in your work space, you’ll be able to focus on the task at hand. Keep an organized junk drawer in your desk for all your odds and ends, stuff that doesn’t really have a designated spot. The bookshelves that you use for display can also offer extra storage space, and file cabinets are a great way to keep all your paperwork organized.

Whether you currently work from home, hope to in the future or even if you just want a place to manage personal files, bills and so on, a home office is a valuable asset. Follow these tips for setting yours up, and you’ll make the most the space!