When it comes to working from home, so many of us are stuck working from kitchen stools, coffee tables, or makeshift setups that are uncomfortable and uninspiring.

But in any given week, the average person spends more time working than doing pretty much anything else. So isn’t it worth investing in making your workspace — be it the spare room, a study nook, or at the actual office — a little more enjoyable?

Desks

When choosing a desk, start with size and scale. It needs to fit comfortably within your room, with space to move around it, but also accommodate your essentials: laptop or monitor, notebooks, maybe a cup of tea.

For smaller spaces, BoConcept’s Kingston Desk offers a slim silhouette with curved edges that will neatly convert a corner into a compact study nook.

If you have the luxury of space, something like the Solid Office Desk from Life Interiors or the Copenhague Desk CPH90 from Cult will make a strong sculptural centrepiece, in addition to adding warm timber tones to the room.

Desk Chairs

The best desk chairs strike a balance between comfort and aesthetic appeal. You want an adjustable, supportive shape, without sacrificing on style.

The Viccarbe Maarten Chair from Space Furniture has the best of both worlds; the swivel base with arm rests gives you functionality, while you can customise the upholstery if you want a leather finish for a vintage vibe, or something more colourful and modern.

DOMO’s Desk Chair also offers a classic ergonomic design, and the sleek black colourway is great for those professional office spaces where monochrome reigns supreme.

Storage

Every office needs storage. We suggest investing in a nice open bookshelf like the popular Compile Shelving System from In Good Company to make your office a bit more homely. It gives you space to showcase your favourite books, trinkets, and art, which is key to adding some personality to your workspace without cluttering up your desk.

But you still need somewhere to stow all those invoices, important documents, and tangled cables. Keep them out of view in a closed storage unit like the Fermo Sideboard by BoConcept.

Lighting

Having a well-lit space is key to being productive at all hours of the day, especially if you are prone to working late into the night or even early in the morning. But a fun desk lamp is also a great avenue for adding character to your office; take for example, the Apex Desk Lamp with its colourful steel shade.

Or why not move away from the harsh traditional office lighting with a more elegant pendant like the Coral Duo Dome Light from Lights Lights Lights? It’s elevated, while still being practical and professional.

Armchairs

While a desk and chair might be the core of any office setup, an armchair adds something to the mood and atmosphere. It gives you a place to step away from the screen without leaving the room entirely.

The Glove Occasional Chair by Ellison Studios will turn a spare corner into a cosy reading space where you can (comfortably) take those long phone calls, or pore over detailed documents.

And if your space plays with metallic tones, something like Atli Lounge Chair from Trit House will be the perfect bold statement piece that will tie the styling altogether.

Additional moodboard credits (from left): Futura Mobile by Flensted from Trit House. Redduo “D” Jug and Mug in Butter from Pan After. ‘Procession’ by Inga Dalrymple from Otomys. Wooden Doll No. 5 from Vitra. Kin Mom figurine by Architectmade, from Finnish Design Shop. Telephone Wire Bowl in Cream from Pan After. ‘Four’ by Emmanuelle McGlade from Workshop Series Two, Between Fields. Ceramic Vase by Rina Bernabei from Pépite. Ceramic Sculpture by Anna Gleeson from Pépite. ‘Blind dog, 2024’ by Noel McKenna from Niagara Galleries. Boje the skier boy by Kay Bojesen Denmark from Finnish Design Shop. Easton Olive Velvet Mini Cushion from L&M Home.