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Decor Tips

5 Home Office Ideas on a Budget + Setup Tricks

Published September 10, 2021

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of people have had to start working from home. The new working model has brought with it new, unexpected challenges and expenses for many. Considering the number of hours spent working each day, a comfortable environment is paramount to well-being.

Among just some of the things to consider are adequate lighting, chair comfort and table height. Falling short on any of these can lead to stress and discomfort. Insufficient or overpowering lighting can lead to eye strain or even migraines; an uncomfortable chair or desk can lead to enduring back, neck and shoulder tension, resulting in pain.

However, not everyone is willing or able to spend a lot toward creating a home workspace. Keeping an open mind and thinking outside the box will be useful in creating a great home office on a budget. Let's have a look at some things to consider.

How to Cut Costs

Rather than impulsively rushing through the door to buy a whole new living room, consider exploring cheap, budget-friendly options first.

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Use What You Have

You may find that you already have all or some of the things you need lying around the house in various disguises. Perhaps, the stand in your living room is the perfect height for a desk, or maybe your bedroom lamp offers just the right level of lighting for you to work comfortably for hours. Check around the house first, and don't be afraid to get creative.

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Consider Antique Decorations to Complement the Furniture

Splurging on vintage décor can mean going well over budget, but if you want a truly rare piece to elevate your home office, there’s nothing wrong with browsing second-hand thrift stores. While it will be hit or miss, you just might get lucky with a centuries-old typewriter or even a record player – for a fraction of what you would have paid at an antiques shop.

Wendell Mesh Rolling Office Desk Chair

$150

Luciana Taupe Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair

$150

Luciana Tan Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair

$150

Phoebe Blush Velvet Rolling Office Desk Chair

$195

Murray Black Faux Leather With Gold Base Rolling Office Desk Chair

$195

Moby Grey Faux Leather Low Back Rolling Office Desk Chair

$195

Amber Linen Tufted Rolling Office Desk Chair

$275

Moby Black Faux Leather High Back Rolling Office Desk Chair

$225

Moby Grey Faux Leather High Back Rolling Office Desk Chair

$225

Rhea Grey Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair

$85

Kyra Ivory Boucle Rolling Office Desk Chair

$250

Kyra Grey Upholstered Rolling Office Desk Chair

$150

Be Bargain Aware

Simply being aware of the savings and deals on the items you want can keep you on budget in the long run. Look out for store promotions and events, which are often held to keep stock flowing and rejuvenate supply. You might be fortunate enough to come across a great deal on a lamp, work desk, or office chair.

Whistler 2 Piece Office Set With 64" Desk + Mobile Filing Cabinet

$1,000

Aberdeen 3 Piece Modular L-Shaped Desk

$1,295

Aberdeen 66" Executive Desk

$950

Allen L-Shaped Desk

$795

Alton Cherry II 52" Executive Writing Desk

Pierce Espresso 56" Computer Desk

$595

Luciana Taupe Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair

$150

Luciana Tan Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair

$150

Austen 48" Writing Desk

$295

Aberdeen 4 Piece Modular L-Shaped Desk With Hutch

$2,150

Improving Your Home Office

One strong positive about working from home is that you get to make all the décor and furniture organization decisions. Unlike at the office, you don't need to share the space with colleagues and have unlimited freedom to explore possibilities. It could be a good idea to try out new things while maintaining a focus on comfort and well-being.

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Lighting

During the day, try to get as much as possible from the natural lighting. It might be a good idea to set your desk up by the biggest, brightest window in your home. Natural light is good for health as it keeps your hormones functioning optimally.

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Desk

Whether or not you have a suitable desk is of great significance and will have a notable impact on your health and wellness. A standing desk could be a good option for those adverse to sitting for long hours. You might be able to use a standard shelf for this, provided you have one of appropriate height.

Table Lamp-Slate Drip

$165

21" Beige Polystone Vase Shape Table Lamps Set Of 2

$139

Table Lamp-Twisted Rope

$109

Table Lamp-Curved Crystal Black And Clear

$229

19 Inch White Glaze + Wood Drop Table Lamp

$129

27 Inch Antique Silver + Mirror X Frame Table Lamp

$295

Table Lamp-Spinning Top

$195

Table Lamp-Sphere Bluetooth Speaker

$185

Table Lamp-Railay

$230

28 Inch Grey Cement Modern Genie Table Lamp With Grass Woven Shade

$329

27 Inch Blue Ombre Table Lamp

$365

Table Lamp-Adna Grey

$165

Last Thoughts

Having a comfortable working environment is of utmost importance if you want to maintain a positive relationship with your work. Working from home can pose new challenges for those used to an office environment. Get creative with your ideas – you don't need to break the bank.

Austen Filing Cabinet

$250

Jaxon Lateral Filing Cabinet

$495

Aberdeen Combo Filing Cabinet

$650

Rockport Lateral Filing Cabinet

$550

Saybrook Lateral Filing Cabinet

$395

Hawley Brown Lateral Filing Cabinet

$650

Dara 60" Console Credenza Storage Cabinet

$1,095

Provence 2 Piece Lateral Filing With Hutch

$1,500

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.