The first and most fundamental consideration is height. In the UK, the standard desk height typically falls between 74 to 76 cm, which suits most people of average height. But this one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work. The right desk for your home office is one that allows your forearms to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle while you type, with your shoulders relaxed and your feet flat on the floor.
If you find yourself shrugging your shoulders or hunching forward, it’s likely your desk is either too high or too low. Over time, this can lead to muscle strain, back pain, and even repetitive stress injuries. Pairing the correct desk height with a supportive chair (which we’ll explore in the next section) is the most effective way to build a posture-friendly workspace.
Even if you love the look of a particular desk, don’t overlook this detail—it could mean the difference between a productive workday and one filled with distractions and discomfort.
Fixed, Standing, or Adjustable?
Once desk height is sorted, the next step is choosing the type of desk that suits your lifestyle. There’s no single right answer—it depends on how you work, how much space you have, and how you like to move throughout the day.
Here’s how the main types compare:
- Fixed desks: The classic choice for consistent routines. Affordable, sturdy, and ideal for those who spend most of their time seated. Choose one with a wide surface and built-in drawers if your work involves multiple devices or paperwork.
- Standing desks: Great for breaking up long sitting sessions. Standing encourages better posture, boosts circulation, and helps maintain focus—especially during long hours.
- Height-adjustable desks: Offer the best of both worlds. You can alternate between sitting and standing with ease, reducing stiffness and fatigue. Modern versions are sleek, quiet, and designed to blend into stylish interiors.
- Design diversity: Adjustable models now come in Scandi, minimalist, and industrial styles, making it easy to match your workspace aesthetic.
- Body awareness: If you often feel sore or tired after working, switching to an adjustable desk might be the single best investment you make this year.
Choosing the right desk type is about understanding how you work—not just where you work. The goal is movement, comfort, and a setup that adapts to you, not the other way around.
Surface Space and Storage Integration
Ergonomics isn’t only about sitting—it’s also about how easily you reach, move, and organise. The shape and size of your desk surface directly affect both posture and productivity.
Keep these points in mind when planning your workspace layout:
- Surface width: Aim for a desk between 120–160 cm wide to accommodate your monitor or laptop, plus room for essentials like notebooks, mugs, and accessories.
- Surface depth: Avoid extremes—too narrow leads to clutter, too deep forces you to overreach. A depth of around 60–75 cm works best for most home offices.
- Storage integration: Built-in drawers, cubbies, or shelves can help you stay organised—but focus on function over quantity.
- Legroom balance: Too many compartments can restrict movement and make your desk feel cramped. Keep it open and breathable.
- Visual calm: Choose a design that allows space for cables, devices, and lighting without creating clutter.
- Workflow fit: Place storage within easy reach to reduce distractions and maintain focus throughout the day.
A well-planned surface and smart storage setup can completely transform how your workspace feels. The goal isn’t to fill every inch—it’s to create space for clarity and flow.
Home Hub Tip: Mix function with feeling. Add one natural element—like a small plant or wooden accessory—to balance the tech-heavy side of your workspace and make it feel more inviting.
Choosing the Right Chair: Ergonomics First, Style a Close Second
A good office chair is more than just a seat—it’s your spine’s best friend, your posture’s secret weapon, and often the one thing standing between a productive day and a painful evening. Yet too many of us still make do with dining chairs, beanbags, or anything that happens to be lying around. If we’re serious about creating a healthy, long-term home office, investing in the best ergonomic office chair we can afford isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Let’s start by stripping the word “ergonomic” of its buzzword status. True ergonomic design supports the body where it needs it most. We’re talking about lumbar support that fits naturally into the curve of your lower back. Armrests that allow your shoulders to drop instead of hunch. A seat that doesn’t cut off circulation at the back of the thighs. And perhaps most importantly, adjustability that lets the chair conform to you—not the other way around.
The ideal home office chair should allow for smooth reclining, height adjustment, and even tilt tension if possible. Whether you work from a laptop or a dual-monitor setup, these small micro-adjustments allow you to stay aligned and comfortable for hours without the aches that creep in around 3pm.
Don’t be tempted to go for looks alone. A stylish chair that doesn’t support your body is an expensive piece of décor. If you’re spending five or more hours a day in that seat, it needs to do more than just match your paint colour.
Explore our Ergonomic Office Chairs designed to support posture, reduce fatigue, and complement any home office style.
Upholstered vs. Mesh: Comfort That Matches Your Climate
In the UK, our homes aren’t always optimised for long stints of seated work. Some of us deal with cold rooms in winter, while others overheat in summer upstairs offices. This is where chair material makes a real difference.
Mesh-backed chairs have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They’re breathable, sleek, and mould to the shape of your back. In warmer months, they help prevent overheating and sweaty discomfort—especially if your workspace isn’t near a breeze or fan.
Upholstered chairs, on the other hand, tend to feel warmer and more inviting. They’re great for comfort in cooler climates or rooms with minimal heating. Plus, upholstered styles offer more visual softness—ideal for blended spaces like bedroom offices or open-plan lounges.
There’s no universal winner here. Choose the material that aligns with your climate, your body, and your room’s aesthetic.
Matching Your Chair to the Room’s Aesthetic
Let’s not pretend that style doesn’t matter. Our workspaces are part of our homes—and they deserve just as much visual care. The good news? The best ergonomic office chairs today are no longer bulky black boxes on wheels. You’ll find designs that feature neutral palettes, wood accents, slim silhouettes, and fabric upholstery in calming tones.
If your home leans Scandi, look for chairs in oat, stone, or muted sage with natural wood bases. If you prefer industrial interiors, powder-coated steel and grey mesh can add the right edge. For mid-century spaces, a curved back, warm upholstery, and matte black frame will do the trick.
It’s absolutely possible to have a chair that supports your spine and complements your room. The key is to choose mindfully—after all, this is the piece you’ll see and feel more than any other.
Layout Matters: Designing a Space That Works for You
Getting the right desk and chair is critical—but they only do their job properly when placed in a space that encourages movement, focus, and comfort. That’s where home office layout comes into play. Whether you’re carving out a quiet corner in a busy home or converting an entire spare room, the way you arrange your furniture and lighting will have a direct impact on how well you work.
Whenever possible, position your desk near a window. Not only does this help reduce eye strain, but it can lift your mood and improve concentration over long work sessions. Exposure to daylight regulates our circadian rhythm, keeping us alert and energised during work hours—and helping us wind down more easily at night.
The ideal placement is perpendicular to the window, so you get soft side lighting rather than direct glare on your screen. If that’s not possible, a sheer curtain can help diffuse strong light while still allowing brightness into the space.
If your home office doesn’t have much natural light—don’t worry. We’ll cover artificial lighting in a later section. The key takeaway is this: don’t underestimate how much where you work affects how you feel while doing it.
Home Hub Tip: Even a small shift in furniture placement can change how your workspace feels. Try angling your desk slightly toward the door or window—this subtle adjustment creates a sense of openness and control, helping you stay focused and at ease throughout the day.
Zoning in Open-Plan Living
Many of us don’t have the luxury of a dedicated office room. If you’re working from a living area, dining room, or bedroom, the trick is to create psychological—and visual—separation between your work zone and your relaxation zone.
Even small changes can make a big difference. A rug placed under your desk, a slim room divider, or even a change in wall colour behind your workstation helps define the area as “workspace,” even within a larger room. This isn’t just aesthetic—it trains the brain to focus when you're in that zone and unwind once you step away.
Zoning also helps other people in your home understand boundaries. If they can see you’re in your ‘office’, they’re more likely to respect your time and focus.
Cable Management and Visual Calm
A cluttered workspace leads to a cluttered mind—plain and simple. That’s why cable management and storage strategy should be part of your layout from day one.
Invest in furniture with cable ports or back cut-outs. Use simple cable clips or adhesive runners to secure wires along the legs or underside of the desk. Keep your most-used accessories within reach and stash everything else in drawers, bins, or shelves just out of view.
This is about more than just tidiness—it’s about reducing friction. Every time we reach for a charger or trip over a cord, we interrupt our focus. A clean, well-organised layout helps create mental space for deep work—and that’s something every home office needs more of.
Small Space? Big Ideas
Not everyone has the luxury of a spare room to dedicate to work. In fact, many of us are carving out home offices in corners, alcoves, under-stair nooks, or even wardrobes. But a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort, style, or function. With the right furniture and some creative thinking, even the most compact area can become a high-performing workspace.
Fold-Down Desks, Wall-Mounted Storage, and Multi-Use Furniture
When every square inch counts, flexibility becomes your greatest asset. Space-saving desks and wall-mounted solutions can completely transform how a small home office functions—without crowding the room or compromising on style.
Here’s how to make small-space furniture work harder:
- Fold-down desks: Ideal for small flats and shared living spaces. Fold them away after work to reclaim your room and separate work from downtime.
- Wall-mounted options: Compact and functional, these designs often include discreet shelves or compartments for everyday essentials.
- Multi-purpose furniture: Choose pieces that can double up—a desk that also works as a dressing table or console keeps your layout fluid and flexible.
- Narrow profiles: Slim desks with a central drawer or clean, minimal legs create structure without bulk.
- Floating storage: Shelves above your workspace free up the desktop while visually elongating the room.
- Smart organisation: Use small baskets or lidded boxes to keep cables, pens, and accessories tidy but within reach.
The key isn’t to fit in as much furniture as possible—it’s to design intentionally. Focus on what you truly use during your workday and let everything else fall away.
Discover our Computer Desks designed to transform even the smallest nook into a stylish, productive workspace.
Prioritise Verticality and Simplicity
In compact offices, floor space may be limited—but your walls offer endless potential. Thinking vertically and embracing simplicity helps create a workspace that feels open, organised, and calm.
Keep these essentials in mind:
- Use your height: Tall, narrow shelving units add storage without eating up floor space.
- Stay consistent: Limit your materials and finishes—like wood and matte white—to create visual flow and avoid clutter.
- Declutter visually: Too many contrasts make a small room feel busy. Keep the palette unified and minimal.
- Add softness: Fabric pinboards, cork organisers, or linen blinds absorb sound and add warmth.
- Balance function and feel: Mix practical storage with decorative elements that make the space inviting.
- Design with intention: Every item should earn its place—prioritise comfort, focus, and light.
Creating a compact workspace doesn’t mean settling—it means choosing smarter. With the right mix of function and simplicity, even the smallest corner can become a calm, productive hub.
Aesthetics, Texture & Mood: Creating a Space You Want to Be In
Let’s face it—if your home office feels cold, cluttered, or uninspired, you’re far less likely to spend focused time in it. A well-designed workspace isn’t just functional; it also supports your mindset. And that begins with how it looks, feels, and flows.
This is where interior styling meets productivity. When you bring together calming colours, tactile materials, and thoughtful lighting, you create a space that makes you want to sit down and get things done.
Your choice of colour has a measurable impact on focus, mood, and mental clarity. Cool tones like pale blue or sage green are known to encourage calm and concentration, making them excellent choices for a high-focus environment. Soft neutrals—like warm white, greige, or taupe—create a clean backdrop that pairs effortlessly with wood, metal, or fabric furniture.
That said, your colour palette should also reflect the kind of work you do. If your job involves creative thinking, a deeper, more stimulating shade like navy, olive, or even terracotta might inspire more energy. For number-heavy or technical work, light, airy tones may help reduce visual fatigue.
What matters most is consistency. Whether you’re designing a full room or a small corner, choose two or three key shades and stick to them. This sense of unity brings an instant polish to your setup—even if you’re working in a shared space.
Browse our curated collection of Home Office Furniture — from ergonomic desks and supportive chairs to smart storage and elegant lighting. Each piece is designed to help you create a workspace that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
Personal Touches That Inspire Without Distracting
The best home offices feel like an extension of the home, not an afterthought. Once you’ve set your functional foundation, layer in personality—carefully. A favourite framed print, a small indoor plant, a textured cushion on your office chair… these aren’t just aesthetic—they serve a purpose.
Artwork that makes you feel grounded or motivated can offer a creative reset between tasks. A low-maintenance plant, like a snake plant or peace lily, improves air quality and brings nature into the room—something especially valuable in windowless or basement spaces.
Just be mindful of balance. Too many decorative items can become visual clutter. Choose pieces that either make you feel better, work better, or both.