Having a home office is a necessity for millions of people today. Not only because of the boost remote working received during the Covid era, but also because there are increasingly more digital and remote professions that allow people to work from their own home. If you are at the stage where you need to set up your own workspace at home, here are some key tips on home offices, with some interesting ideas.
Choose a fixed place to work
Although this may seem obvious, there is always the temptation to work in less-than-ideal spaces that reduce productivity, such as the sofa or the bed. Our advice is to define a specific area of the home to improve your concentration.
Good lighting conditions
Natural light is essential for greater comfort and to keep you alert. Sunlight, as long as it falls indirectly and softly, helps improve cognitive abilities and makes you more productive at work. Find a spot in the home that is close to a window and complement this with neutral artificial lighting.
A tidy and clean space
A home office that is clear, clean and well-organised scores points for becoming a more efficient place to work. With this in mind, look for elements that make it easy to store and organise all the materials and documents you use. And don't forget to include an inspiring decorative touch to make the space more welcoming.
Office furniture
Home office furniture needs to be carefully chosen. From a desk that is large enough and comfortable to an ergonomic chair, along with everything surrounding your computer setup. Wardrobes, filing cabinets or drawers to gain storage space are also essential. You could even include a relaxation area as a reading corner, with a sofa or a pouffe.
Keep a storage unit handy
Expanding on the idea of furniture, it is worth thinking about a space outside the home that can be used to store furniture or equipment that is no longer in use. At Horizont Atlantic we offer these solutions in the form of storage units. They are not only useful for temporarily storing your belongings, but also come in very handy if you need to expand your workspace or carry out a move.
Inspiring colours in the office
Colours can encourage activity and improve concentration or, on the contrary, promote procrastination. In this regard, clean tones such as white, light grey or blue fall into the first group and even convey a sense of positive energy. However, when choosing colours you should bear in mind that, if the space is very small, more intense colours can create a feeling of oppressiveness.
The positive energy of plants
Greenery in indoor work areas brings good vibes and promotes efficiency in work tasks. Plants can also reduce episodes of stress and, in some cases, provide a pleasant scent. Moreover, if you choose indoor plants you won't need to give them excessive care, as they cope well for a long time without water and do not need direct sunlight.
Setting up a home office requires thinking about comfort, productivity, ease of movement and colour harmony. This space will be occupied for many hours each day, so it is worth making it your own and making it pleasant.
Frequently asked questions about setting up a home office
Can I deduct the cost of setting up a home office if I am self-employed?
Yes, self-employed workers can deduct part of the housing expenses allocated to professional activity: a proportional percentage based on the area used exclusively for work (office m² / total m²). Applicable to utilities (electricity, water, internet, heating), proportional IBI, specific office furniture and renovations/adaptations. Notify the Spanish Tax Authority of the affected m² on form 036/037.
What is the best chair for working from home for 8 hours a day?
For intensive prolonged use (8h/day), consider an ergonomic chair with: adjustable backrest, 3D adjustable armrests, reinforced lumbar support, adjustable seat height, wheeled base. Recommended brands: Herman Miller Aeron (high-end), Steelcase Series 1 (upper mid-range), IKEA Markus (mid-range), Songmics or Hbada (budget-friendly).
How do I organise the space if I have limited square footage?
Desk pushed against the wall (frees up the centre of the room), monitor on an articulated arm (keeps the desk surface free), vertical shelving on the wall above the desk, a wheeled filing cabinet that slides under the desk when not in use, cables managed with a cable tray or adhesive velcro under the desk. A height-adjustable desk is ideal if you have back problems.
What lighting do I need to avoid eye strain?
Indirect natural light (desk perpendicular to the window, not facing it), general ceiling lighting and an adjustable desk lamp. Bulbs with a colour temperature of 4000–5000K (neutral to cool light, better for concentration). Avoid reflections on the screen and extreme contrast between the screen and its surroundings (causes eye fatigue).
How do I separate work and personal life when working from home?
Set fixed start and finish times (just as you would in an office), switch off the computer at the end of the working day, use a dedicated room (ideally with a door) and clearly communicate to family members/housemates when you are "working". If you cannot have a dedicated room, define at least an exclusive "corner" and a closing ritual (closing the laptop, tidying away papers). More on remote working: moving with remote work.
