Having your own backyard office is an important piece of the puzzle when creating the ideal work from home space. If you plan on spending a lot of time in it you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable as well.
The best way to keep your backyard office comfortable is by choosing ergonomic office furniture, adding accessories that make your space more comfortable and creating a setup that’s easy on the eyes. Here are 9 ways you can make your backyard office more comfortable.
1| Choose the Right Lighting for Your Backyard Office
When we think about comfort the first thing that comes to mind is usually how we sit. Good posture is without a doubt important, but we shouldn’t forget about the comfort of our eyes.
Poor lighting conditions can strain your eyes and make it hard to focus on a computer screen. That’s going to make you less productive and you’ll have to take more breaks away from your computer screen.
A good desk lamp will do the trick in most circumstances, but you can also uncover windows to let in natural light as well if possible.
If you want to create the ideal lighting setup, you may need to add ceiling lights to your backyard office. This may require the help of a contractor if you don’t have the technical skills, but it’s a worthwhile investment to make sure you have a comfortable workspace to work in.
2| Find a Comfortable Ergonomic Chair that Will Allow You to be More Productive
We have a small desk in our bedroom that I sometimes work at if I just want to do some quick research. The desk is fine, but the chair’s a nightmare. The padding is almost non-existent and it kind of tilts to one side. I’ve been thinking about replacing it for a while — sitting in it is hard on the body.
If this sounds like the chair in your office, it’s time to think about an upgrade. In my backyard office I have a good quality ergonomic chair that supports my lumbar area, provides neck support and it has memory foam in the arms. This type of chair may cost a bit more than average, but it will make you more comfortable and allow you to stay productive instead of your back pain.
3| Add A Height Adjustable Desk in Your Backyard Office
Our bodies weren’t designed to sit all day long. Frequent breaks to stretch your legs and move around will help, but sometimes you may need to keep working at your desk for an hour or two. Instead of constantly shifting in your seat to try and find a comfortable position, you might want to consider a height adjustable desk.
There are two different types of these desks, both manually adjusted ones and electric options. With one of these in your backyard office you can spend part of the day sitting and adjust the height to a standing position when you want to stretch your legs. That way you can keep working on that big project and still be comfortable while you work.
4| Take Better Care of Your Body With Accessories Designed to Aid Comfort
You don’t always have to make big changes to your office space to make it more comfortable. There are some small accessories you can add to your office setup that can make a big difference. Here are a few great examples you might want to consider:
- Monitor stands
- Keyboard and mouse wrist rests
- Memory foam armrest pads for chair arms
- Lumbar support pillows
5| Add Personal Touches and Adjust Your Space for a Cozy Feel
Creating a comfortable workspace that you can be more productive in involves more than just your physical comfort. How you arrange your furniture and the extra touches you add to your space can make your home office feel more cozy. This will put you in a better frame of mind to take on the day.
You may have heard of the ancient Chinese tradition of Feng Shui. This philosophy suggests that how we arrange our living and working spaces can bring balance and harmony. When you achieve true Feng Shui you’re more at peace with your surroundings and you’re also able to focus better.
Adding things such as hanging plants, ornaments and wall decor can finish off your office space and create the ideal working environment. There are tons of great books that cover the topic of Feng Shui in greater detail that are well worth having on your bookshelf.
6| Stay Organized and Avoid the Clutter
A cluttered workspace can be a major distraction. Instead of concentrating on that project deadline you find yourself staring at the pile of papers on your desk in frustration. Your productivity will take a major hit if you can’t keep your mind on your work.
Fortunately, you have lots of options when it comes to office organization. You can add a desktop organizer, and a floating shelf in an unused corner or even a small office storage cabinet if you have the room.
7| Make the Air Cleaner with an Air Purifier
When you can breathe better it’s easier to keep your mind on work. If you choose to set up your home office in a backyard shed like me, you’ll want to take the quality of the air you’re breathing into consideration. Sheds aren’t generally designed with air flow and air quality in mind.
If you have electricity in your shed and a nice big window an air conditioner can help. You also may want to strongly consider an air purifier. A good one is designed to remove more than 99% of the impurities in the air around you making it much easier to breathe. It’s made a big difference for me and it can do the same for you.
8| Choose the Right Flooring for Underfoot Comfort
Flooring is critical in any workspace. Some sheds sit directly on top of dirt and that’s not a space you want to set an office up in. In my shed office we’ve installed thick plywood sheets with foam mat floor tiles over top. It’s comfortable on the feet and it’s non-toxic.
Another option you may want to consider is a nice area rug. They create a cozy atmosphere and they help to keep your feet warm. Just keep in mind that it can be a bit of a challenge keeping them clean in a backyard office.
9| Keep Moisture Out of Your Backyard Office
One of the toughest tasks you’ll face when setting up your office in a backyard shed or sunroom is keeping the moisture out. A dehumidifier is a good tool for removing excess moisture, but you’ll also want to make sure your space is insulated and watertight as well.
Keeping your backyard office comfortable just takes a little planning and the right additions to your new work space to make it feel cozy.
