The secret to designing a functional home office is planning and balance. What do we mean by that?
Before you start purchasing supplies and furniture, you have to make a list of everything you need to actually do your job from home. Sure, a laptop, a chair, and a desk are a no-brainer but if you are expecting to receive a lot of packages or physical documents, for example, then you’re also going to need some extra shelving and filing cabinets. And you have to consider this when you’re deciding where in your house to set up your workspace.
Related: How to Zen Out Your Home Office
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to the exact spot of your home office is the number of conference calls you normally have to be on—if the answer is “a lot”, then maybe find a quiet room or corner in your house (the living room is probably out of question).
This leads us to our second point—balance. Yes, this should be an environment that encourages you to be productive (so maybe stay away from setting it up near your TV) but this is also your home, which means you have the freedom to design it so that it is comfortable and functional.
Related: These Changes to Your Home Office Can Help Ease Your WFH Transition
You don’t have to opt for the same corporate furniture your normal office has just to evoke that hard-at-work vibe. Be creative and invest in pieces that you like and that are also practical and will make your work from home life easier and more inspiring.
Now, without further ado, here are 18 home office essentials to get you started.
Apple MacBook Pro
Before you start decorating and furnishing your home office, you have to make sure your laptop is powerful enough to allow you to actually do your job.
And the new Mac BookPro checks that box. In fact, it is the most powerful laptop in Apple’s lineup to date. It features a stunning 16-inch Retina display that delivers the most realistic images and video, a superfast processor that will allow you to power through even the most intensive workloads, and impressive memory capabilities (up to 64GB).
To buy: from $2,199, apple.com
Kelly Wearstler Elevado Desk
This gorgeous desk is sure to become the focal—as well as a talking—point of any room. The sleek architectural silhouette relies on the simplicity of geometric shapes and yet, the design is so incredibly impactful. It features a spacious desktop that will fit all of your work essentials and even has a pair of linen-lined drawers perfect to store writing tools.
To buy: $14,695, kellywearstler.com
Massoud Mauricio Croc-Embossed Directors Chair
We know a statement chair when we see one. Inspired by classic directors' chairs, this one will bring a cinematic vibe to your home office. It has an elegant brass frame, an extra wide seat and back that are both embossed in the finest croc-embossed leather.
To buy: $2,709, horchow.com
Most Modest Elin Toolbox
Keep your desk organized and cool-looking with this “toolbox” that can fit anything from your pens and pencils to envelopes, folders, and other office supplies.
It is crafted from matte aluminum, solid walnut wood (for the handle), and comes in four color options: grey, white, dark green, and black.
To buy: $100, dwr.com
Treku Kai Shelving
Furniture should accommodate your needs, not the other way around. And this modern shelving unit does exactly that. It comes with two movable dividers that let you customize the unit’s storage space to your preferences. So whether you need it for books, folders, or other work-related items, you can always adjust the design and size of the shelves to your liking.
To buy: $2,545, dwr.com
Montblanc Meisterstück Le Petit Prince Le Grand Rollerball Pen
When it comes to stylish writing tools, Montblanc’s Meisterstück collection is a true classic. It has been around for almost a hundred years and has become a customer favorite for its sophisticated looks and high-quality materials.
The Le Petit Prince rollerball pen is made from burgundy-hued resin and features three platinum-coated rings and a yellow lacquered star on the clip. Customize it by adding your name or initials on it.
To buy: $670, montblanc.com
Poketo Geometric Sticky Notes in Warm
Bid good old yellow square stickies adieu and instead opt for this set of multi-colored and multi-shaped ones. The eye-catching designs and bold hues will make it easier to spot them around the house or in your planner. Use them to mark the different types of daily activities on your calendar.
To buy: $8, design-milk.com
ANNA New York Ampliar Crystal & Gold Letter Opener
Add a touch of gilded glamour to your workspace with this stylish letter opener. The crystal quartz handle is edged in 24-karat gold and could do double-duty as a paperweight when you’re not opening your mail with it.
To buy: $75, horchow.com
Papier Mid-Year Planners
Papier’s gorgeous mid-year planners will actually make you look forward to filling them with activities. They not only come in tens of different designs but are also available in an undated version. Don’t forget to take advantage of the personalization option and have your name printed on its cover.
To buy: $29, papier.com
Louis Vuitton LV Crafty Clemence Notebook
Notetaking during a conference call may not be the most exciting activity but this cool notebook will change how you feel about it. The vibrant pattern inspired by graffiti art features Louis Vuitton’s monogram flowers as well as the company’s signature LV logo. We’d also use it as a travel journal.
To buy: $250, louisvuitton.com
Nomad Wireless Charging Pad for iPhone and Apple Watch
Nothing makes your desk messier quite like a ball of entangled cables. To avoid this, opt for a wireless charging station for your Apple devices like this one by Nomad. It has a modern and compact design that was created with functionality in mind. The padded charging surface is covered in luxury leather that is large enough to fit your iPhone and headphone case. There is a separate spot on it to charge your Apple watch.
To buy: $140, bestbuy.com
Aerin Clarkson Table Lamp
Creating a modern working space is all about the details. This sleek table lamp will not only come in handy when you have to work late but it will also add a touch of minimalist allure to your office. It proves that simple design can be quite impactful—the body that consists of a ringed base and a tapered linen shade is the epitome of contemporary elegance.
To buy: $725, begrdorfgoodman.com
Master & Dynamic MW65 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphones
Whether you are on a conference call or simply need to focus and “tune out” of your environment, these wireless Master & Dynamic headphones will come in very handy.
A single battery charge offers up to 24 hours of playtime while the built-in microphone enables you to make all of your calls hand-free. Turn on the active noise-cancellation mode when you need some quiet time to concentrate on work.
To buy: $500, bestbuy.com
Brother DS-940DW Duplex and Wireless Compact Mobile Document Scanner
Free up your drawers and desk from the piles of old documents and bills with this wireless scanner.
It can scan a single sheet of paper in just four seconds in both color and black and white versions. It is super compact and lightweight so it won’t take up much of your desktop space or, alternatively, you can also store it a drawer.
To buy: $150, brother-usa.com
Ralph Lauren Home Brennan Waste Basket
Ralph Lauren’s home line is a reflection of the designer’s sophisticated aesthetic. This waste basket was entirely hand stitched with premium leather that will develop a gorgeous patina over time.
To buy: $495, perigold.com
Catalina 2-Drawer Vertical Filing Cabinet
If you need to add some extra storage to your office but are not crazy about the classic metal filing cabinets found in every office, then opt for something more sophisticated such as this one from solid wood. It oozes an elegant midcentury modern vibe and has a beautiful natural walnut finish.
To buy: $2,092, perigold.com
Kristin Hart Shadows, Joshua Tree-Limited Edition
Don’t skip on wall art when you’re decorating your office. It not only makes for a pretty Zoom background but it will also make your home office a more pleasurable and inspiring place to spend your workdays. Natural landscapes are proven to reduce stress and restore mental energy so surround yourself wit beautiful imagery of your favorite spots like this beautiful art photograph of Joshua Tree National Park.
To buy: $1,650, saatchiart.com
