How to create a space you love to work in… but that doesn’t break the bank.
Over the past few years, I’ve been on a journey to create a space I really love to work in.
And I say journey because it’s not a one-step process!
I’ve been happily working from home for most of my career, so I think about (and have more control over!) my workspace than most people. Even with that, I’ve evolved in what I want/need from an office setup.
Here are some things I’ve discovered as I try to craft a workspace I love. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments- what are you going to change about your workspace next? What did I miss?
Lighting
When it comes to lighting, there are a couple of things to consider:
First, how does the lighting make you feel?
Work can be a pretty stressful place, so if you find yourself struggling emotionally (been there!), it could be a good idea to incorporate some warmer light into your workspace. This can be done by lighting a candle, getting a lamp, or even going all-out and getting one of those snazzy daylight lamps.
Second, how does the lighting make you look?
For most of us, this is a practical consideration because we have to hop on video calls. There are a couple of things to consider here:
- Have something that lights the front of your face– if you’re on a video call, you don’t want to be backlit.
- Use something to diffuse the light in front of your face so it isn’t harsh. Personally, I use a lamp with a shade (it looks fairly normal sitting on my desk and adds a bit of beauty), but you can also get a ring light with a diffuser or, if you’re a photography/videography geek, use a professional-level softbox.
If it’s important that people can see your background, too, you might also want to consider how you’re lighting the rest of the room- admittedly, I’m still figuring this part out on my workspace.
Comfort
Second, you’ll want to design your space to be comfortable to use.
Of course, you’ll need to know what this means for you, but there are lots of good, ergonomic options when it comes to chairs, computer mice, desks, and other accessories.
Here are a few things I love about my workspace:
- the ability to stand. While I still haven’t quite figured out all the best ways to use my standing desk, I love it! Being able to stand helps me keep my energy up during the day, which is a game-changer for my overall mood and ability to get things done.
- lumbar support. I love my office chair so much that I wish my car had the same seatback!
- wireless keyboard. I didn’t think I’d love this, but it’s so comfortable to type!
- mat. Someday I’m going to get a standing mat, but right now I’m using part of my hubby’s exercise mat. It makes a difference!
- riser for my laptop. It’s not super pretty, but I currently have my laptop sitting on an oversized lego-style block. It keeps my screen at the correct angle so that I don’t get a neck cramp at the end of the day!
If you work in an office, you may not have control over every piece of furniture, but there may be things you could bring (or do) to make yourself more comfortable throughout the day. Think about it, and let me know what you come up with!
Ease of Use
Something that will add to your comfort (but that is separate from it) is how easy it is to use your space.
What do you need easy access to in order to get your work done?
What do you need nearby, but not super handy?
Is there anything in your workspace you don’t really use?
Is there anything that’s not there that would be nice to have?
Personally, I always have to have a pad of paper and a pen handy, so I make sure there’s room on my desk for them. Other, less-used things like sticky notes I keep in my desk drawer. (Admittedly, there are a few things in my drawer I should probably find another place for at some point because I never use them)
How You Feel
Finally- you want to create a space that makes you feel the way you want to feel at work.
Take a moment to picture how you’d like to feel when you sit down at your desk. Try to make a list of less than 5 adjectives to describe it. For me, these currently are:
- happy
- calm
- focused
You might have others to add, like:
- energetic
- creative
- compassionate
- excited
- inspired
- decisive
- thoughtful
The list goes on…
Once you know how you want to feel, it’s easier to evaluate your decisions based on those criteria. You’ll be able to tell if something fits your vibe by saying, “Will this make me feel more [fill in with your adjectives] in my works space?”
Finding Small Ways to Elevate Your Space
As you worked through the previous items on this list, chances are a few things stood out to you as things you’d like to change. I’d encourage you to focus on one or two small things you can change right now to elevate your space- we’ll work toward a big transformation next!
Here are some ways you can give your space a facelift without making dramatic, over-the-top changes (especially helpful for when you have to share an office space with others!)
- A candle (if your building allows you to burn it!)
- A diffuser (again, if it’s okay to have scents where you work)
- A piece of art
- A photo of someone you love
- An ergonomic mouse
- A wireless keyboard that makes it easier to type
- A pen that feels nice in your hand
- A planner that’s a little nicer than one you’d normally buy
- Headphones or airpods that block out noise and help you focus
Basically, if you can think of some areas where you’d like to improve your workspace, start asking yourself what small changes you can make to work toward that better workspace.
Add Something that Brings You Joy
Sometimes, the best parts of your office setup are the parts that don’t make sense to anyone else- but bring you a lot of joy. For example, my husband is a HUGE Lego nerd, so he got some brickheadz, put them together, and had them on a shelf in his office.
Whether it’s a potted plant, a coaster for your favorite cup, or something quirky that makes you smile, having something that’s totally you in your workspace can help you feel centered and happier.
Dream + Set Goals for Upgrades
Okay, so if you’ve taken stock of your lighting, comfort, ease of use, and the general vibe of your workspace. You’ve made some small steps toward where you’d like to be, and you’ve added a little bit of your personality into the space. But, there’s still work to be done to make it the way you’d like it to be.
Now what?
This is my favorite part! It’s time to dream a little bit.
Write down all the things you’d like to be different, that are within your control. Maybe you can’t control whether or not you have an office with a window, but you can buy a daylight lamp or hang up art that inspires you. You can get a new desk, new chair, and cover the walls of your cubicle with fabric or wallpaper… Whatever you can dream up.
Then, do some investigating: How much does your dream chair cost? Your dream desk?
Set a goal for 1) how much you want to save each month for these upgrades and 2) figure out how long it will take you to get them!
And then…
Add things as you can get them. (And send me pictures!)
You spend more of your waking hours working than you do on almost every other activity… So you might as well create a space that makes you happy to exist in.