Working from home can be a boon or a bane, depending on how well-organized and comfortable your working environment is. With the best remote work setup for your home office, you’ll make sure it’s the former!
As the gig economy grows, employment trends have shifted towards remote working and digital nomadism.
The most significant advantage of working remotely is the flexibility it allows, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, from setting boundaries to combating distractions.
Beyond basic tools like a laptop and Wi-Fi, a well-rounded home office can make a world of difference in ensuring productivity and focus throughout the workweek.
So, let’s dive into the best home office setup for remote working.
What Is The Best Remote Work Setup For Your Home Office?
The ideal home office setup for your remote workspace is one that meets all of your needs—from ergonomics to aesthetics.
When it comes to creating the perfect home office setup, there are a few must-haves that will make your day-to-day much easier.
Gone are the days when you needed to work off of a traditional desk phone and live a fully sedentary desk life.
Your physical and mental well-being as well as having a good work-life balance are now a key part of your productivity when you are a remote worker.
To ensure you’re taking care of that, get an ergonomic chair and desk that fits your body and allows you to move around with ease.
Not only will this help reduce pain in your neck, back, and arms throughout the day but it will also help you focus better on tasks at hand.
Additionally, be sure to include a laptop stand or adjustable monitor arm so that you don’t strain your eyes when looking at the screen all day long.
In addition to ergonomics, it’s important to create a comfortable atmosphere with good lighting.
Natural lighting is best whenever possible; if you can’t open windows due to weather or other circumstances, invest in adequate artificial lighting solutions, such as task lighting and floor lamps.
Have decorations around the room to make it feel more inviting and add some plants for cleaner air quality – both of which can enhance your productivity levels.
Finally, think about soundproofing – when working from home, noise pollution can be distracting.
Invest in some soundproofing materials like rugs, acoustic foam panels, or curtains for a peaceful working environment.
With the right combination of furniture pieces and accessories – coupled with the proper organization – you are well on your way to having the perfect home office setup to create a productive environment!
17 Products To Create The Perfect Work From Home Environment
All you really need to work remotely are a decent laptop with good battery life and a reliable internet connection.
You could just work from a coffee shop or a coworking space where you’ll get a basic work desk within a dedicated workspace.
Hell, you could even throw in a portable monitor for more screen real estate.
However, the best home office setup goes way beyond that and there are 17 specific products that will help you create the ultimate remote workspace.
Adjustable standing desk
NewHeights S Series Premium Electric Standing Desk
An adjustable standing desk is an essential part of creating the perfect work from home setup.
This type of adjustable desk allows you to alternate between sitting and standing while working, which can provide numerous health benefits.
Standing desks help to reduce back, neck, and arm pain caused by prolonged sitting.
Additionally, a standing desk allows for more movement throughout the day which can help to enhance focus and productivity.
A great adjustable desk is an essential must-have for your home office ergonomic setup.
Make sure your desk can accommodate multiple devices, all your office supplies, and looks great within your dedicated home office space.
Ergonomic chair
Herman Miller Aeron Chair
An ergonomic chair is an essential part of creating the perfect work from home environment.
A comfortable office chair helps to decrease physical discomfort and stress by providing proper support for your body while remote working from your home office space.
It also encourages good seated position, which can reduce back and neck pain caused by slouching. Nothing like deck chairs!
The best home office chair has adjustable features such as armrests, lumbar support, and seat depth that allow you to tailor it to your specific needs, making it more comfortable for long hours of sitting.
Additionally, the materials used in ergonomic chairs are designed to be breathable and allow for airflow circulation, which helps to keep your body cool and prevents sweating.
Investing in a high-quality chair can help you stay productive at home by reducing fatigue and improving concentration levels throughout the day.
Remote workers spend the majority of their time sitting, even when they own a standing desk.
Wireless keyboard
Logitech MX Keys S
Using a wireless keyboard is beneficial when working from home, as it eliminates the need for messy wires and cords.
Additionally, make sure you select an ergonomic keyboard featuring a design that promotes healthy posture and long-term comfort.
By investing in a high-quality wireless keyboard, you can ensure that your work from home setup is both productive and comfortable.
Clutter-free desk, better aesthetics.
Wireless mouse
Logitech MX Master 3S
Using a wireless mouse allows for better freedom of movement and improved ergonomics while working from home.
It eliminates the need for cords and wires, making it easier to move around your workspace.
The wireless technology also helps reduce clutter and promote aesthetics in your work environment.
The best wireless mouses are the ones designed with ergonomics in mind.
Incorporating adjustable settings that allow you to easily customize it to your own needs, as well as a design that adapt to your natural hand posture.
Furthermore, many wireless mouses provide extra features such as programmable buttons and precision sensors which help to improve accuracy and speed when using them.
Investing in a high-quality wireless mouse can help to reduce fatigue and improve focus while working from home, allowing you to stay productive throughout the day.
External monitor
SAMSUNG 49” Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor
BenQ PD2725U
Using an external monitor while working from home can be incredibly beneficial for productivity levels.
By having a larger display, you have more space to work with, allowing you to see more of your work at once and reducing the need to constantly switch between applications or windows.
Furthermore, an external monitor can be adjusted to suit your ergonomic needs, including tilt and height adjustments.
Having a second screen helps to reduce eye strain, as you can spread out your work across two displays rather than cramming everything onto one smaller screen.
Investing in an external monitor can be a great way to improve comfort and focus while working at home, allowing for better productivity and fewer distractions throughout the day.
In most cases you can either go for one ultrawide monitor or a classic dual monitor setup depending on your preferences and office setup needs.
Webcam
Logitech 4K Pro Webcam
Using an external webcam can be incredibly beneficial to improve your video quality when working from home.
For starters, it provides you with the ability to improve the visual quality of your video when communicate with your colleagues or clients via video conferencing, which is something that can be difficult to achieve without a quality camera.
Having a good quality dedicated webcam allows for clearer images, providing recipients with a better overall experience when connecting via video calls.
Additionally, using an external webcam can help to improve the ergonomics of remote work.
With features such as facial recognition and auto-focus tracking, you no longer need to strain your neck and shoulders trying to stay in frame while on conference calls.
You can also easily adjust the position of your camera to improve visibility and reduce any glare from overhead lights that could distort the image being captured.
Finally, investing in an external webcam provides more flexibility and control over the settings used during video conferences.
Most webcams are also easy to set up and connect directly through USB ports on your computer or laptop for hassle-free setup.
Noise-canceling headphones
Apple Airpods Pro 2nd Generation
Noise cancelling headphones are a must-have for any remote working individual looking to maximize productivity and efficiency when working from home.
Without them, background noise from TVs, family members, pets, and other distractions can be disruptive and not letting you stay focused.
With the help of noise cancelling headphones, it is possible to create an environment that is conducive to concentration.
There are two types of noise cancellation technology – active and passive – both of which provide effective soundproofing capabilities.
Active noise cancellation technology works by creating counteracting sound waves that cancel out any background noise in the environment for true silence.
Passive noise cancelling uses the headphones’ material design to block out noise.
If you want to stay focused when remote working, active noise cancellation is usually best.
External microphone
RØDE NT-USB+ Professional USB Microphone
Using an external microphone can help remote employees elevate their conference call game.
With an external microphone, background noise can be eliminated or reduced significantly, allowing for better sound quality in video calls and recordings.
Using a dedicated microphone also offers more control over the settings used during video conferences, such as the ability to adjust gain levels, reduce echo, and increase clarity, making it easier for everyone on the call to understand one another.
Most external microphones are also easy to set up and connect directly through USB ports on your computer or laptop.
This makes it much easier to position a microphone in the perfect spot for capturing audio during video conferencing or recording sessions.
Additionally, when using an external microphone, you can benefit from features such as cardioid pick-up pattern which isolates sound coming from within a certain radius of the mic while rejecting any noise from behind it – perfect for keeping unwanted noises out of your recordings.
Overall, investing in an external microphone will allow you to create a professional sounding environment that is conducive for productivity and efficiency as part of your home office setup.
Light bar
BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light Bar
While natural light is generally best, adding a monitor light bar in your home office can provide a number of benefits for remote workers.
Light bars are typically designed to attach to the top of any computer monitor and provide a bright, uniform illumination that is both pleasing to the eye and reduces strain on the eyes.
Additionally, using a light bar guarantees even illumination across the entire screen surface without the need for adjusting brightness levels – perfect for those late night work sessions!
Furthermore, many modern LED light bars come with adjustable colour temperatures which can help promote an ideal environment for productivity and focus.
With this feature, you can adjust the hue of your screen’s background lighting to match your personal preferences – creating an atmosphere that is conducive for getting things done.
Lastly, having a light bar above your monitor means that you’re freeing up desk real estate by not using a traditional desk lamp.
Face light
Cyezcor Video Conference Lighting Kit
Using a face light for video calls can be extremely beneficial for remote workers.
It ensures that your face is properly illuminated while you’re on camera, making sure that details such as facial expressions and micro-gestures are clear and visible during the call.
Additionally, a face light will help you maintain proper eye contact with the camera instead of struggling to keep your focus on an off-center screen.
Many modern face lights come with adjustable brightness settings which allow you to vary the amount of illumination that is suitable for any given environment or situation.
Finally, having a face light will help minimize glare when speaking to someone through video conferencing, which can lead to improved clarity and increased engagement during conversations.
Investing in a reliable face light is sure to pay dividends with regards to looking professional on video calls!
Gaming mousepad
iLeadon Japanese Sea Wave Gaming Mouse Pad
A gaming mousepad is an essential component of a home office setup for those who need to work with comfort and precision.
Unlike regular mousepads, a gaming mousepad provides a much larger area to work with and more room for your mouse to travel.
This results in improved accuracy when working on tasks such as graphic design, photo manipulation and video editing that require precision and finesse.
Additionally, most gaming mousepads come with textured surfaces which provide additional grip and tactile feedback so that the cursor never slips away from where it’s supposed to be.
Moreover, many modern gaming mousepads are built-to-last – they feature reinforced edges that prevent them from fraying or curling up due to long-term use.
All in all, investing in a good quality gaming mousepad can lead to improved comfort and performance when working in your home office.
USB C Hub
Anker USB C Hub
A USB C hub is a great addition to an home office setup as it provides the convenience of docking multiple devices together.
By connecting peripherals such as external hard drives, monitors, keyboards, and mouse through the USB C hub, all these devices become instantly accessible from one single multi-port hub point.
If your laptop doesn’t support USB C, opt for a USB A hub.
In general, look for one that includes at least the following ports:
- HDMI
- USB A
- USB C
- Ehternet (if you have a cabled internet connection)
Investing in a quality USB C hub can make your home office setup more efficient and organized while providing the added convenience of connecting and disconnecting multiple devices swiftly.
Laptop stand
Oakywood Laptop Stand
Using a laptop stand can provide significant benefits both in terms of comfort and performance.
For starters, it helps reduce strain on the neck and back by elevating the laptop to an ergonomic height that allows for more comfortable use when seated.
Furthermore, a laptop stand can help improve productivity by providing a more stable base for the laptop which not only reduces the risk of accidental spills but also ensures that the laptop stays cool as it is lifted higher than the surface it is placed upon.
Additionally, many laptop stands come with features such as adjustable angles and integrated ventilation systems which make it easier to keep your laptop in good shape.
Finally, I’m also including standing laptop stands here if you need to make space on your desk and you are already using one or more external monitors.
Investing in a good quality laptop stand can be beneficial for anyone looking to maximize the potential of their home office setup.
Notebook/Notepad
Moleskine Classic Notebook Dotted
Notepads are the OG note taking tools being highly portable, lightweight, and easily accessible when needed.
Additionally, they provide a great way to quickly jot down ideas, to do lists, or any information without having to turn on your laptop or other device.
My personal preference is using dotted notepads as they provide versatile guides to write horizontally and draw quick sketches and diagrams.
Pen
MUJI Gel Ink Cap Type Ballpoint Pen 0.5mm
Using a high quality pen like the MUJI ones can be beneficial for anyone looking to maximize their productivity while taking notes.
A good pen provides an effortless writing experience that is comfortable and consistent.
It also offers superior ink flow which makes it easier to write quickly without having to constantly stop and start.
The smooth grip allows you to hold the pen comfortably, reducing fatigue from long periods of writing.
Finally, since most MUJI pens come in various colors you have the option of color coding your notes or highlighting important information for easy reference later on.
Air purifier
LEVOIT Air Purifier
An air purifier is an essential tool for anyone who works from a home office.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters help to remove dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other particles that can otherwise trigger allergies or cause respiratory irritation.
Air purifiers are also great for filtering out odors that can be distracting in a home office setting.
By using an air purifier in your home office, you will be taking the necessary steps to ensure a comfortable and productive working environment with improved indoor air quality.
Furthermore, depending on the type of filter used in the air purifier, it could potentially even improve the overall energy efficiency of your home by trapping dust particles which can reduce airflow and cause heating systems to work less efficiently over time.
Plants
The Sill – DIY Terrarium Kit
Adding plants to a home office space is a great way to make the area more inviting and productive.
Not only do succulents bring life and beauty into your workspace, they can also help reduce stress levels and improve air quality.
Succulents are low-maintenance plants that don’t require much attention or care, so even if you have a busy schedule it won’t be difficult to keep them alive.
Furthermore, having some greenery around you while working will give off calming vibes helping you stay focused on the task at hand.
If you like getting your hands dirty and want the satisfaction to look at something you made yourself, a terrarium might be another great low-maintenance option.
You only have to make it once and let it take care of itself.
Summary
By choosing high quality essential products for the ultimate home office setup, you’ll be set for maximum productivity, well-being, and comfort.
Investing in a high-quality office chair, noise-canceling headphones, and other ergonomic accessories will make sitting and standing at the desk for long hours a lot more enjoyable.
A good air purifier will keep the indoor air quality healthy and help reduce allergens or respiratory irritation.
Adding plants to your workspace is also great for reducing stress levels and improving air quality.
Invest in yourself and your future by creating a home office that works for you!
About the author
Karim Bel Hadj
As his name suggests, Karim is the founder of Creme de la Karim. He fell in love with remote working since he left his first corporate job and never looked back! And because something you love is almost always better shared, he is on a mission to help all remote workers and digital nomads make the most of this amazing lifestyle. You can reach out to him via Twitter @cremedelakarim