Part of being productive at work includes having the perfect workstation that fits your needs, your space, and your style. How can you design the perfect workstation? Not even sure what your style is? The key to designing the perfect office work area is to start with a desk and work your way up.
Find the perfect desk, chair, accessories, and more to fit your office space, work style, and storage needs. You're sure to get more done and be more organized when everything you need is within arms reach.
BONUS: Find the Perfect Clock
It's TIME to get the perfect office! Telling time is always so much more fun when you have a sassy wall clock.
Step One: Choose a Desk (option 1)
The first component of a workstation is, well, the workstation! You may already have a piece of furniture that you will be using as a desk, but if you don't this is a perfect opportunity to find a really great desk that fits your needs just right.
The following are examples of pre-designed (some assembly required) desks that fit against a wall or in a corner, and provide varying levels of storage and design.
The following are examples of pre-designed (some assembly required) desks that fit against a wall or in a corner, and provide varying levels of storage and design.
Step One: Build a Desk (option 2)
If you have the construction-savvy or are willing to give it a try, building a custom or built-in desk may be the way to go. There are hundreds of great patterns available for desks, and these are some of my favorites.
When you build your own desk, you have the power to change dimensions and scales to fit your needs. You can also add a little flair, or special features for your unique needs.
When you build your own desk, you have the power to change dimensions and scales to fit your needs. You can also add a little flair, or special features for your unique needs.
- Corner Cabinet
- This tidy corner cabinet is great for a child or teen's room. Includes a keyboard tray, shelf and top storage. Pattern by Black and Decker.
- Computer Armoire
- It looks hard but has clean and simple lines. This pattern from Popular Mechanics would fit great in a dining room, living room, or guest room where you want to be able to close up shop for the day and hide it all away. Features lots of storage space and a classy design.
- Desk and Shelf
- Another pattern from Popular Mechanics, this piece is part of a full bedroom set that would go great in a teen's room. Offers lots of verticle cubicle storage, a drawer, and square design.
- Built-in Corner Desk
- Mike Slone has even created a video if you need more help designing and installing this simple corner built-in. Provides the perfect base for a fully customized corner office workstation.
- Build a Home Office
- This fabulous desk pattern has lots of clear pictures and even includes a cord trough! Expand or contract the size at your will. Simple sleek design offers lots of vertical storage and space for notes and pinups.
Step Two: Consider Office Ergonomics
Ergonomics aren't a mysterious force that you need to be concerned with, they're the rules of body position that help you avoid discomfort and strain. Paying close attention to office ergonomics is important because computers and desks create all sorts of body position problems.
- Ergonomics: Workstation Design
- A great resource from Oklahoma State - check out the image that points out all the ergonomic issues you face as a computer user.
- Selecting Ergonomic Office Chairs
- An article that explains what to look for when selecting chairs for your office.
- Healthy Webmasters Choose Ergonomic Computer Products
- Computer products can also affect your body position. Learn what accessories can create the best angles and heights for optimum computer use.
- Computer Workstation Ergonomics
- The CDC even has some pointers on creating a health office workstation, and covers everything from reducing glare to proper lighting and wrist rests.
Step Three: Find the Perfect Chair
The perfect chair does more than just give you a place to rest your hinder, it also allows you to focus on your work, rather than your sore back and dangling feet. Chairs on wheels can be handy if you wish to wheel around your work area.
BONUS: Get the Perfect Coffee Mug
It's true, a desk isn't a desk without the perfect coffee mug. Find really awesome ones from our friends at CafePress!
Step Four: Arrange your Keyboard and Monitor
Keyboard drawers and monitor shelves help you adjust your technology necessities to the right angle and height so you put minimal strain on your back, wrists, neck, and eyes. If your desk doesn't currently have a keyboard drawer, installing one can be quick and painless. For monitors that don't adjust height-wise, consider a shelf that will raise it to the correct height and provide some extra storage underneath.
Step Five: Stash the Printer
That pesky printer can get in the way, no matter how small it is. Plus you have ink cartridges and reams of paper to stow. A printer stand can provide easy access while keeping it off your workspace.
Step Six: Go Wireless
Wireless keyboards, mouses (??), and internet connections used to be a luxury. With new designs in workstations and shorter cords (I'm sure it's just an optical illusion) it's becoming more of a necessity.
The good news is it won't cost you a fortune to go wireless. Add one piece at time until you're happy with your setup. Look to wireless adapters for genuine flexibility.
The good news is it won't cost you a fortune to go wireless. Add one piece at time until you're happy with your setup. Look to wireless adapters for genuine flexibility.
BONUS: Get the Perfect Mousepad!
Don't settle for that boring plain grey thing that came with your computer. Get a great mousepad that reflects your style.
Step Seven: Lights and Electricity
It's important to have proper lighting at your workstation. Sometimes you can rely on natural or overhead lighting, and sometimes you need a boost. Desk lamps are increasingly stylish and flexible. Don't forget the right light bulb to decrease radiant heat and provide that perfect white glow.
Surge protectors can be your savior when it comes to keeping your computer from frying during a storm. They help you avoid overloading your outlets and if you still have dial-up (you poor, POOR soul) or a desk land-line, are available with phone jack protection.
Surge protectors can be your savior when it comes to keeping your computer from frying during a storm. They help you avoid overloading your outlets and if you still have dial-up (you poor, POOR soul) or a desk land-line, are available with phone jack protection.
Step Eight: Get Vertical...with your Storage that is
Having things sitting on your desk, plopped in drawers, and stacked on the floor is enough to drive any office worker insane. Calm the clutter with storage that goes up, up, up!
Whether you're keeping it on the wall or above your head, vertical storage can be both convenient and attractive.
Whether you're keeping it on the wall or above your head, vertical storage can be both convenient and attractive.
Step Nine: Turn your Walls into Refrigerators
Ok, not really. But you can use new magnetic paints to give them a whole new level of versatility!
- Magnetic Paint from ABCstuff.com
- Learn how this grey latex primer can help you get stuck on your walls.
- Affordable Magically Magnetic Wall Paint
- Get a free sample to find out how great this stuff is!
- Remodeling with Magnetic Walls
- A how-to from HGTV on creating magnetic walls with this simple to use latex paint.
BONUS: Get Fabulous Magnets for your New Magnetic Wall!
Step Ten: Get Organized!
Now that you have a fabulous new workstation, it's time to get it organized! Here are some great articles on cutting the clutter and designing great decor. They'll help you decide what you need for trays and boxes, and what really needs to stay on your desk.
- Desk Organization
- Solve your poor space planning, poor work habits, and task indecision to get organized.
- Don't Agonize...Organize
- Are you fed up with the state of your office -- too much paper, not enough time, and clutter everywhere? Professional Organizer Diane Hatcher has compiled 10 of her most popular articles on office organization to help you move from frustration to action -- including tips on dealing with supplies, saving time at work, and getting rid of the piles.
- Spring Cleaning: Organize your Office
- If your home office is spilling over into your home life, swallowing overdue bills and forcing you to spend more time excavating tax documents than actually doing your taxes, it's time to introduce some order to your workspace.
- Organize Your Office and Improve Your Office Design
- 12 Steps to An Office Design That's Both Pleasing and Functional
- Best Ways to Organize Office Furniture and Lighting
- One of the most overlooked factors in designing an office space today is the lighting. Make sure you're getting just what you need.
- The Top 10 Steps for Organizing Your Office/Workspace
- Do you run late for meetings, misplace keys, files, important documents, or other items, run afoul of deadlines, or forget appointments? If so, you're not alone. Americans lose/waste nine (9) million hours per day looking for misplaced items, according to the American Demographics Society. If this is an area of challenge for you, follow the 10 simple steps below and get your work environment organized once and for all!
Step Eleven: Accessorize with Fun, Fresh, and Funky Stuff
Of course if you turn your wall into a magnetic center, you'll need some colorful magnets to jazz it all up.
BONUS: Stash Stuff in a Tile Box
Don't let your boss catch you doing this
Have you created your perfect workstation?
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mcochs
May 8, 2011 @ 7:16 am | delete
- Really nice lens! Blessed by a Squidoo Angel on 5/8/2011.
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IT_risks
Nov 7, 2008 @ 12:37 pm | delete
- Wow! You've got a lot of great ideas for an organized and efficient home office here. I'd love for you to visit me at The Secure CEO when you have a chance.
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Aug 11, 2008 @ 3:59 am | delete
- Good leans, especially the video at the last, I often sleepy I guess.ha...ha....
diagnostic set blood pressure monitor
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Aug 3, 2008 @ 9:31 pm | delete
- I love to work at home but I don't have any idea how to set up things so I can work peacefully. I know working at home has a lot of distractions and a very inappropriate workplace and ambience can destroy your focus! thanks for posting this! I'm sure it will help several work-at-home people! No more bosses! No more messes! Right on!
Mark Serra on where to order checks online
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kellywissink
Jul 3, 2008 @ 9:20 am | delete
- For those of us who spend a lot of time in an office, your suggestions are right on target and incredibly helpful. Thanks so much for putting all of this together in such a fun and organized fashion. Well done! To your success!
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