So you’ve finally made the leap from working at your desk to having a desk of your own. Congratulations! The feeling of being able to lock the door on noise and distractions, dedicate a whole wall to an achievable task and generally bring some focus to your work as an individual is something many of us only dream about. And yet, for most people there comes a point when continuing to work from home feels like too much of an imposition on mum or dad. Even if they don’t charge rent, the inconvenience of being under the same roof can make things feel just that little bit claustrophobic. Perhaps even more so than renting a desk in town or having to go all the way out there every day. To help you design your home office on a tight budget, we’ve collected seven key pointers that will help you achieve this goal while sticking to your budget…
Be realistic about your budget
More often than not, a person will select furniture and other home office essentials based on how their dream office would look, rather than what their budget can realistically accommodate. Obviously, we’re not suggesting you deck out your home office in IKEA Expedit, but there are ways you can select and furnish your home office on a budget that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something that feels cheap or ugly. If you’re currently working from home in an area with a kitchenette, you may be able to use some of that furniture for your home office. Most tables and chairs can easily be repurposed for a new use so long as they aren’t stained or otherwise damaged.
Utilise the space you already have
If you’re in the process of moving from home to home or office, then most of the furniture you have is going to be boxed up. If you have the luxury of space, utilising the space you already have in your current home may well be the best way to design a functional home office that won’t break the bank. If you have a high kitchen table, or a corner in a lounge that could be repurposed as a desk, you’re already saving the cost of renting a desk and some office furniture. And while high tables may not be suitable for the long term, they can provide the perfect place to begin your home office so you can get a feel for how you want to furnish it.
Don’t be afraid to DIY
Designing your home office on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to start buying second-hand furniture. In fact, buying cheap furniture that isn’t made to last is likely to be more expensive in the long run. But there are plenty of easy, inexpensive DIY projects you can undertake to give your home office that professional look and feel without breaking the bank. Painting your walls a neutral colour can instantly give the illusion of a bigger space. It can also be an ideal opportunity to bring some personality into your design with inspiring art. Having a focal point for your wall art is an excellent way to make use of otherwise empty wall space.
Use colour to bring light and airiness
If you’re designing your home office on a budget, you’ll no doubt be looking for ways to maximise space and minimise spending. It’s possible that the home office will be one of the smallest rooms in the house, which can make it feel even more cramped. By adding light, airy colours to the decor, you can create an illusion of more space and light, making it a much more pleasant space to work in. Specifically, you should look to add white, cream, grey and light blue shades to your design. These are some of the lightest colours you can use, and will open up the room while still retaining a consistent theme.
Commit to a chair you love
If you’re designing your home office on a budget, you’re likely to purchase a desk chair that is both affordable and functional. But when you’re designing your home office, it’s important that you don’t skimp on your chair. As you spend hours in your chair, it’s crucial that it be comfortable. You need to feel supported in the chair, with your spine in a neutral position, so you can work for long hours without experiencing pain or fatigue. If you purchase a chair that isn’t comfortable, you’ll spend more time trying to find a position that feels good than you would working. A good chair can be expensive, but it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run. You’ll spend less time trying to find a good position and more time doing the work that pays the bills.
Confine your desk essentials
When designing your home office on a budget, it’s easy to get carried away with the furniture. You may choose to purchase high-end office furniture, and that’s fine. But it may also be helpful to start with a budget-friendly desk and then add to it as you can afford it. With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure you buy the right desk essentials to keep your home office functional and efficient. You can purchase a desk organizer that comes with compartments for pens, pencils and other desk essentials. It will keep your desk uncluttered and allow you to easily locate your essentials when you need them.
Final Words
Designing your home office on a budget can be tricky, especially if you don’t know where to begin. But with the right tips and tricks, you can design a functional, comfortable and attractive home office without breaking the bank. Start by figuring out exactly what you need in your home office. Then, visit your local home improvement store or browse online to get ideas for items that will meet your needs but fit your budget. With a little bit of forethought and planning, you’ll have a functional home office to be proud of in no time.