Office? Commute? Coworkers? Unless you mean the living room, five steps from the bedroom and the family dog, it’s been quite a while since we used any of those words.
We can’t believe it either, but it has been two years and counting since the pandemic forced many people to transition from the office to working from home. Most non-essential workers packed up their desks and scrambled to find an office space in their homes to get work done —despite roommates and spouses doing the same — children participating in Zoom school and the family pet making unannounced appearances on work calls.
Now that you’ve had plenty of time to settle, it’s time to do some Feng Shui for your office furniture and revamp your work-from-home setup for 2022.
Whether you need to fix your posture with a standing desk or ergonomic office chair, or just need a pop of productivity in the form of binders or books, take a look below for how to upgrade your WFH space in 2022.
Best work-from-home desks
Elephant in a Box Working Sofa, $1,498 (originally $1,648)
Yes, this is a sofa, and yes, we said desk.
For those who have been working from their couch for lack of a real home office space, this two-in-one space saver is for you. Elephant in a Box’s Working Sofa is just that: a comfortable sofa for relaxing and a built in desk for your 9-to-5. When not on the clock, the desk easily folds back up into the arm of the chair, and can be customized on the site to be on either the right or the left side, while the other armrest can be equipped with three USB ports.
Flexispot Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk, $219 (originally $309)
If you’ve been sitting all of 2021, it’s time to take a stand in 2022.
This standing desk from FlexiSpot is fully adjustable with just a touch of a button. The desk comes in many different colors including black, white and two tones of brown wood. It is also available in two different desktop sizes: a 48-by-30 inch table and a smaller 48-by-24.
Crank Adjustable Sit to Stand Up Computer Desk, $399
It’s time to crank up the productivity with this convertible standing desk.
This desk easily changes from a sit-down desk to a standing version with a side crank handle. It comes in a variety of sleek color combinations including black and silver, black and teak wood, silver and maple wood and white and walnut wood. It comes in two sizes as well: 48 inches for one computer or 60 inches that can fit two monitors or other office essentials. The desk is sold on Amazon and qualifies for free shipping.
Okelley Leaning/Ladder Desk, $194 (originally $268)
Maximize all the space your small home office has to offer with this ladder desk and ample shelving.
The desk doubles as a shelving unit, providing more space and storage for all your office needs. The desk unit has a pull-out drawer as well as a cubby space for books and paperwork, while the two other shelves above the desk provide room for a lamp, decorations and whatever else puts you in a productive mood.
Large Bed Multifunction Lazy Tray Table, $31.99
Want to work from your couch or even your bed? No one has to know with this tray built to bring the desk to you.
The large tray from Wayfair moves with you no matter where you choose to work for the day. It has plenty of room for a laptop or tablet, as well as a cup holder for your morning coffee and folds flat to use on a desk or to store away. The tray comes in both a light brown wood color and black to fit your decor needs.
Worky Life The Home Office, $150
Work on the go from home, a coffee shop or anywhere else with The Home Office kit. This awesome gadget opens and carries like a briefcase, but once opened, has room for your laptop, notepad, a headphone holder, plus a whiteboard and markers built in to the back. The coolest part may be the power strip in the back, so none of your tech goes dead in the middle of a meeting. The 15-piece kit is now $150 and makes for a great gift as well as a treat for yourself in 2022.
LifeSpan Treadmill Desk, $1,449
Get a move on, even while taking notes or on a conference call.
This treadmill desk from LifeSpan may extend yours, providing much-needed exercise and blood flow during an otherwise stagnate workday. The set up comes with both the flat treadmill and the desk, which comes in white, black or silver to match your home office decor. The desk ships for free, with delivery in one to two weeks.
Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine, $249
Put the pedal to the metal while you work with an under-desk elliptical.
From Cubii and sold on Amazon, the small elliptical packs a big punch when it comes to getting your steps in on the job. Simply place the small machine under your desk or near your chair and pedal at your own pace, adjusting the resistance as you see fit. It also features an LED display that shows tracking calories burned, strides pedaled, distance traveled and more with just a peek under the desk.
Standing Desk Balance Board, $160
Finding a good work-life balance is always a challenge, but finding balance at work just got a whole lot easier.
This balance board from Uncommon Goods is a great way to tone your core while practicing balance during the workday. Combine this balance board with a standing desk or find a countertop to work on while you engage your whole body in this easy workout. The board can withstand heels and won’t damage floors, making it perfect for both your home office and to bring with you once the real office opens up again.
Best work-from-home chairs
Humanscale World One Task Chair, starts at $549
What may look like an ordinary office chair is actually so much more.
From Humanscale, this sleek chair is actually designed with your unique back in mind, with a weight-sensitive recline that automatically supports your body no matter your position. The chair itself is lightweight — only 30 pounds — and can be easily rolled from the home office to the living room and back depending on where you want to set up shop. The mesh back also provides lumbar support to relieve any extra tension you and your back may carry after a long day at work.
Ergonomic Executivechair Chair, $329.99 (originally $599)
Take a seat, boss, you deserve it.
Give your office chair an executive upgrade with this chair from Wayfair that is both stylish and good for your back and posture. The ergonomic design has lumbar support for your tired back and extra-soft padding to make sure you stay comfortable during the entire nine-to-five day.
Union & Scale MidMod Fabric Manager Chair, $149
Give the home office a stylish upgrade with a sleek new chair with a pop of gold for added flair.
This cream-colored chair from Staples gives off boss vibes, with a high back and sculpted armrests. The seat has an adjustable height and tilt tension, as well as a tilt lock to keep you locked in the perfect posture while you work. The gold hardware and wheels give it an added element of style, perfect for both your home office during the day and your living room after hours.
Hbada Office Task Desk Chair With Flip-up Arms, $148
Working from home should be as comfortable as possible, and this chair is here to help.
Soothe that tired back and correct bad posture with this ergonomic chair from Walmart. The swivel design and adjustable height work wonderfully with any desk, and the armrests can be moved up and out of the way or pushed down to give arms and typing wrists a break with a simple push. The mesh back paneling is also great for breathability, avoiding a sweaty back even in a small home office with the heat on in the winter.
Tempur-Pedic Seat Cushion, $89
Bring the comfort of your Tempur-Pedic bed to your home office chair, with a seat cushion with the same cushy technology.
This seat cushion fits most office chairs and can be easily switched throughout the house as you move from the kitchen table to the office chair. Check out this padded seat cushion and then take a look at the lumbar cushion as well, pairing nicely for the best posture and a comfortable seat no matter where you work.
Flash Furniture Ergonomic Fabric Kneeling Chair, $134.99
Give your booty a break with this kneeling chair from Staples.
The ergonomic design keeps your spine straight, even while seated at a traditional desk, by using a kneeling position as opposed to a hunched-over traditional seat. The plush back support and knee pad take the pressure off of hips and knees for a comfortable seat without adding any strain to your back.
Alera Ergo Tilt Footrest, $21.67
Kick up your feet in 2022, and take some pressure off with this footrest for any home office set up.
Let the ergonomic design read your body’s mind and relieve some pressure from bad posture. The footrest is fully adjustable to make sure your body is aligned properly, helping your circulation, posture and providing pain relief after a long day at the home office. It is also easy to move from the desk to the couch or wherever you find yourself slouching, as it is lightweight and transportable.
Best work-from-home desk accessories
Video Conference Lighting Selfie Ring Light with Clamp Mount, $21.99
Never turn your Zoom camera off for fear of bad lighting again, with a clip-on solution from Amazon.
Ring lights aren’t only for YouTubers and beauty gurus, as they provide much-needed light to anyone working or video conferencing from home. The light itself has three different modes, providing a warm light for a natural glow, warm white for a bit brighter light and white light to illuminate even the darkest of rooms. The lamp is USB powered and clips right onto your computer or desk for easy access and a great angle every time.
The Inside Custom Room Dividers, $329
If you share a space with housemates-turned-coworkers or just need to separate your workspace from your living area, these custom room dividers are your new WFH BFF.
From The Inside, the dividers come in sets of three panels, in either a rounded shape or a rectangular panel. There are over 100 unique patterns to choose from, from floral-inspired vines and nature scenes to simple black and white designs or solid colors every shade of the rainbow. Each panel is handmade in the USA for exceptional quality and a unique design you won’t find in many other home offices.
Artifox Wall Shelf, $110
Well if this isn’t the most stylish shelf for your home office? The Artifox wall shelf is stunning and super practical too! It it has a bottom shelf for the larger stuff like books, folders and your glasses but also a top shelf and pegs for placing smaller items and hanging things up top. The shelf comes in black or white and features all the mounting hardware you will need.
Magis 360 Degree Container, 5 Drawer, $649
Never lose your office supplies again, especially now that you can’t just borrow a pen or staples from a coworker one cubicle over.
This five-drawer desk is a great way to stay organized while working from home, and an easy one, too. The drawers swivel out 360 degrees, making sure the back-of-the-drawer clutter stays at a minimum, as there really isn’t a front or back to each compartment. The unit comes on wheels to be easily installed under a desk or moved around the room as your change up your WFH area.
Blossom Task Lamp, $258
This is the year to blossom and achieve personal growth, at home and in the home office.
This flower lamp from Anthropologie adds a beautiful brightness to any desk, and not just from the lightbulb inside. The frosted glass flower shade emits soft yet bright light to illuminate your workspace day or night. The store recommends using type G / E12 bulbs for this lamp, with a maximum of 25 watts.
LASTAR Sunlight Light Therapy Lamp, $22.09
Wake up with the sun, even on a cloudy day with this sunlight lamp from LASTAR.
The circular lamp mimics natural morning light, giving you a reprieve from dark winter weather for a moment. The lamp contains 60 LED lights inside and the option to control your brightness from 100% down to 20% for a calmer setting. Sit about four inches away from the lamp for best results, making winter a bit brighter.
Rifle Paper Co. Clipfolio, $28
Everything is more official with a clipboard.
This floral board is more than just that, combining a clipboard with a legal-sized notepad inside. From Rifle Paper Co., the clip folio is perfect for taking notes during Zoom meetings, or serving as a flat workspace when working from the couch or from the bed. It has an interior pocket for storing papers and comes in five different patterns, all featuring different flowers in many colors and styles.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, $119
Breathe in and let out a sigh of relief during your stressful workday, with some help from Vitruvi and essential oils.
The stone diffuser is small enough to fit on most desks or in the home office space but diffuses a steady stream of essential oils to fill your office with a calming scent all day long. The diffuser comes in an array of colors like stone gray, black, white, terracotta and blush pink. Make sure to check back for limited edition colors like honey, rose and sea green, as well as to see their oil offerings.
Patet Home Sweet Office Set, $100
This set makes for a great gift for your WFH coworkers or as a treat for yourself to spruce up your desk. It includes a Homesick candle to sweeten the air around you, a planner and pen to get organized and a ruler and pair of scissors to tie it all together.
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