What Do I Need in a Home Office? A Complete Setup Guide

Wondering what you need in a home office so you can work comfortably and productively? We’ve narrowed down the essentials we think you absolutely need in your work-from-home setup.

There are the obvious working-from-home essentials, like a desk and chair, but there are some other items that may not immediately come to mind, but they’ll sure make working remotely a lot easier.

It’s also important to remember that your setup needs to be ergonomic, too — we don’t want any hunching over or straining your neck here! Your choice in home office furniture is very important, and it needs a bit more thought than just, “Oh, that chair looks nice”.

We’ve put together this guide to help you find all the best working-from-home essentials.

So, whether you’ve recently transitioned to remote work or want to improve your current setup, read on to see what items you should consider adding to your home office space.

See some of our home office highlights below (all available to shop right here at Fairway Furniture, with UK-wide delivery!):

The Essential Home Office Furniture

The best starting point for any home office is to ensure you have the basic furniture required to work comfortably. Balancing your laptop on a cushion on your lap doesn't cut it here!.

As the basics, you’ll need:

• A desk
• A chair
• And a desk lamp

Now, there are lots of styles, designs, sizes, and types of these furniture pieces, but you need to think carefully before you buy — especially when selecting your desk and chair.

You should consider:

• The desk height and dimensions
• The chair height and shape
• The space available in your home office
• How the furniture will fit in with your current decor
• Your budget and any additional features you may require

Sound like a lot? Don’t worry; here’s our recommendations and advice on choosing the best home office furniture…

A Functional Home Desk

The first thing you'll need to invest in is a functional desk.

We've seen a lot of makeshift desks since the forced working from home of the COVID-19 lockdowns, and so far, none of them beat an actual desk.

The two main things you should look for in a desk are the dimensions, including the surface area, and the functionality it offers.

The dimensions are key to ensuring the furniture actually fits in your space and can comfortably hold your laptop, monitor, and any other tools or accessories you need to do your job.

The functionality of the desk is a little more flexible, but still worth considering. Do you want a simple desk that's just a table, or do you want built-in storage like drawers?

Do you want a standing desk to avoid sitting down for too long? Perhaps you want to go high-tech and get a desk with charging ports and speakers?

These are all great features that can enhance your setup, but comfort is the first priority. Then, you can narrow down things like material, colour, and style.

A Comfortable Desk Chair

To accompany your new desk, you'll also need a desk chair that doesn't leave you aching or with numb buttocks after a full day's work.

When picking out a desk chair, look for features that keep you comfy and supported, especially if you’re likely to be in back-to-back meetings and unable to stretch your legs regularly.

Start with an adjustable seat height so your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees hit that comfy 90-degree angle.

Lumbar support is a must for your lower back, so go for a chair with adjustable or built-in support.

Adjustable armrests can take the pressure off your shoulders and neck, while a chair with a high backrest and good head and neck support makes everything feel a bit more relaxing.

Don’t forget swivel functions and smooth-rolling wheels to keep you moving easily and maintaining good posture all day.

Desk Lamps

Now that you can sit at your desk comfortably, you also need to be able to see comfortably.

During the winter months in the UK, it's likely to get dark before you finish work for the day (yes, we dread it, too), so it's important you have adequate lighting.

Adding a stylish desk lamp or a functional floor lamp near your workspace can really improve your lighting situation.

It gives you a focused, steady light that’s often way better than standard overhead lights and helpful for reducing eye strain, especially if you’re working at a computer in a dim or unevenly lit room.

Bad lighting makes your eyes work harder, which can leave you feeling tired, uncomfortable, and might even affect your vision over time.

By ensuring your workspace is well-lit with adjustable and task-focused lighting, you can create a more comfortable and productive environment while protecting your eye health.

Our Recommended Home Office Gadgets

Once you've got the basic necessities in place (a desk, chair, and lamp), you can get a bit more creative with what you add to your home office.

After all, working remotely is about comfort and convenience, so the more you can tailor your space to your needs, the better!

There are a few things you can use and add to your setup make your work-from-home days more productive and enjoyable. Here are our favourites!

Useful Home Workspace Storage Solutions

While gadgets are fun, having usable, clever storage is key to keeping your home office space organised and uncluttered.

While the type of work you do will influence how much storage space you need, we're firm believers that you can never have too much!

Here are our top recommendations for home workspace storage solutions.

Build it into Your Desk

If you're tight on space in your home office or you want to keep your essential paperwork and equipment on hand, opting for a desk with built-in drawers is your best option.

If you don't want everything hidden in drawers or you want to display work accolades, desks with shelving are a great alternative option.

Lockable Office Drawers

If you deal with sensitive paperwork or information as part of your job, it's important to incorporate additional security in your home office, especially if you have children or if your office also doubles as a guest room.

Investing in office storage that's lockable, like a classic filing cabinet, allows you to keep important documents secure from prying eyes. You can also get fireproof lockable drawers to give added peace of mind.

Don't Overlook Storage Footstools!

If you want your workspace to feel more like a home than an office, using a footstool as storage is the perfect solution.

Choosing a luxurious crushed velvet ottoman stool keeps your space feeling like home, instead of like a soulless office.

If you want to maintain a certain level of professionalism in your design, a classic neutral pinstripe design can work well.

Ottoman footstools are ideal for storing books, paperwork, extra cables, and much more, so you can keep your office free from clutter.

Incorporate Studious Bookshelves

No home office feels quite complete without a set of bookshelves filled with relevant textbooks or reference texts to help when you're dealing with a particularly difficult project.

If you want a more modern look, opting for an open shelf unit allows plenty of light and space to flow around your books, trinkets, and awards.

If you want something more traditional, a tall wooden bookcase is an ideal option.

Half-height bookcases can be useful for storing books and providing additional, accessible surfaces.

Alternatively, you can combine drawers and shelving to keep your home office furniture to a minimum.

How Do I Set Up My Home Office?

Wondering how to piece together and arrange all your home office items? Here are some tips from our team on setting up the perfect room…

Tip 1) Position Your Desk for Natural Light

Place your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light.

Exposure to daylight not only enhances your mood but can also reduce eye strain during long hours of work.

However, ensure the light doesn’t create glare on your screen by positioning your setup perpendicular to or in front of a window if possible.

Tip 2) Create a Dedicated Workspace

Designate a specific area of your home solely for work. By keeping this space separate from the rest of your living area, you’ll find it easier to establish boundaries, increase focus, and mentally transition into "work mode" each day.

Tip 3) Minimise Distractions

Keep your workspace free from unnecessary clutter or distractions. Use organisers, shelving units, or drawers to maintain a tidy area where everything has its place.

A clean space helps you stay focused and promotes a more positive working environment.

Make Remote Work Easy With Our Home Office Ideas

Creating a home office that feels like your own is key to staying productive. With a few simple ideas, you can design a space that’s both functional and full of personality.

Think about adding some smart organisation, comfy ergonomic furniture, and a touch of personalised decor to make it truly yours. When your workspace reflects your style and needs, working from home becomes so much easier—and a lot more enjoyable.

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