Knowing where to place your desk to increase productivity is a handy hack that promises to make developing a high-performance mindset when working from home a little easier.
There's no better time than now to think of you home office layout. After all, in recent years our work and home life have become more closely linked than ever before.a 2023 survey We found that UK employees work from home on average 1.5 days a week. This number will continue to grow as hybrid working becomes more popular.
Thankfully, working from home seems to have a positive impact on our well-being.a 2023 survey They found that people who worked 100% from home were, on average, 20% happier than those who couldn't work from home. but, the study It also suggests a 10-20% drop in productivity at home.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
So, while we used to work under a duvet cover or stand at a vanity table, the fact that we're likely to have more days of working from home means that there are solid and productive solutions. It means you need to find a solution.
Converting a space away from your living room or bedroom into a home office can do wonders for your productivity. If you're lucky enough to have a separate office space at home, your first thought may be where to place your desk.
It sounds like a simple question, but many factors play a role here, from the size of your home office to whether it has windows. Luckily, whether you're considering the idea of a small home office or trying to carve out a work zone in a separate room, we've called in the experts to help you put your desk in the right place. He helped me.
How does desk position affect productivity?
“There are common mistakes that many people make when working from home, including unnecessary distractions, blurring work-life balance, and poor posture that causes discomfort,” says Mental Health & Wellbeing. Coach Kathy Lawson said. westfield health. “However, the location of your desk at home can play a vital role in combating these issues and promoting health.”
Placing your desk right next to the door can create unnecessary distractions from the rest of your home, but placing your desk near a window that opens to natural light and the outside world can boost your productivity in surprising ways. Masu.
a 2018 survey According to a Cornell University study, workers exposed to natural light had 84% fewer problems such as headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision. Interface Human Space Research Report on the Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace It has been found that productivity and creativity levels increase by 6% and 15% when an office space has natural interior design elements, such as the idea of plants or views of greenery.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
Finally, the important consideration when it comes to home office desks is not the location of the desk, but how you want to customize your home office desk idea.a study Researchers at the University of Exeter found that employees who had control over the design and layout of their workspaces were not only happier and healthier, but were also 32% more productive. So why not treat yourself to a fancy new desk lamp or arrange some storage solutions for your home or office?
(Image credit: Future PLC)
What is the best location for your home office desk?
interior designer and founder AMC design, Ann Marie Cousins says the best position for your home office desk is “in front of a window, if you have one, so you can rest your eyes from time to time and look into the distance.” It's relaxing to look outside when the scenery is nice and the natural light is easy on the eyes.
'[Also] Use a good desk light and make sure you have overhead lighting above your desk to avoid sitting in your own shadow on dark days. ”
However, be aware that it may allow too much light while you work. “If possible, place a desk with a window behind your computer screen to avoid glare and reduce squinting and eye damage,” says Kathy. It may be worth considering blinds to prevent glare here.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Presenter, DIY interior expert, home coach, georgina barnettargues that it's also important to consider the rest of the room.
“Don’t turn your back to the door, turn your back to the door.” [your desk] It's perpendicular to the window, so you can see into the room and still benefit from the light. The only time I recommend placing your desk with your back to the room is if your room is cluttered and can interfere with your concentration. ”
Where should you place your desk in your small home office to increase productivity?
Positioning your desk perpendicular to the window not only uses less wall space, but is also useful for small home offices. Small home offices also require you to be more creative in saving space.
“If you don't have the space to keep your desk out at all times, it's worth investing in a drop-down desk or a study bed that converts into a desk during the day, but is out of sight from outside at night.” says Georgina.
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Think about where other items in your home office are located and how they impact your work. When you look up, the artwork evokes joy, and the desk next to the inspiration board reminds you of “the North Star in your current project,” says Anne Marie.
'[And] Always avoid placing your desk directly in front of the door, as the chair may hit you when the door opens. ”
Where to place your desk in a windowless home office?
In small offices or offices without windows, facing the wall may be your only option. Displaying posters and artwork on this wall will act as a perspective to the “outside world”, keeping your creativity level up and giving you something to look at when you take a temporary break from work.
Again, light is important, especially if there is no light coming in from outside.
“If you only have artificial light, the most important thing is to make sure your desk is well-lit,” says Anne-Marie.
Make sure your overhead light is directly above your desk and use a good desk lamp to give your eyes plenty of light.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Kasia Fiszer)
If you don’t have a home office, where should you place your desk to be more productive?
We understand that not everyone has their own enclosed home office space. But that doesn't stop you from carving out your own work-from-home haven.
'If you don't have a home office, think about light and sound when deciding where to position your desk,' says Georgina. “Natural light is always best, but if that's not possible, you should at least place it where it benefits from illumination. Ideally, it should be away from any noise that could disrupt the flow. From the washing machine. It is important that even the little ones do not have to listen to any distractions.
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“This also applies to household memories, which can be surprisingly appealing when you need to write a boring report.” It is important to forget. This will also improve her work-life balance. ”
To maintain work-life balance, consider working away from areas of your home that you normally use to relax.
'It's best to move your desk away from your relaxing areas such as your bedroom or living room,' says Georgina. “But if that's your only option, investing in smart storage solutions can help you turn your work day on and off.”
(Image credit: Future)
FAQ
How do I set up my home office for maximum productivity?
When setting up your home office for maximum productivity, place your desk near a window so you can work in natural light and enjoy all the productivity benefits of a view of nature. must be placed.
If your workspace is always cluttered, you may want to move your desk away from clutter to avoid distractions. Don't put your desk directly in front of the door because your chair might hit it when someone opens the door. This also limits distractions from other parts of the home. To inspire your work, put a poster or inspiration board on the wall opposite your desk.
“The main thing to think about when building an effective home office space is how you actually work, rather than setting your sights on a magazine-style dream office,” says Georgina. say.
“For example, if your job requires your desk to be cluttered with papers, make sure you have a large desk, plenty of storage space to keep everything organized, and a good set of cutlery within easy reach. Get some shelves and filing cabinets.”
Also, think about the space your technology will require and make sure it's easily accessible. “Think about putting your printer in a cupboard above a pull-out shelf so you can easily change ink cartridges and clear paper jams,” says Anne-Marie. [And] Check the space required for multiple monitors and space the screens far enough apart. Ideally, it should be right at the end of your fingertips when you extend your arm. ”
Which direction should the desk face?
“The ideal desk orientation is to face east, if possible,” says Anne-Marie. “When the sun rises in the east, an east-facing desk ensures a bright start to the day. This links to your circadian rhythm and is a great way to feel energized at the start of the day.”
“North facing is also good. If your office allows, face the door so you can greet anyone who comes to work.”