Best Desk Placement for Your Work From Home Setup

When you move into a new space or want to reorganize your home office the first question you will think of is “Where should me desk go?” For some they can just put it anywhere and get right off to work but form many including me, this is not so simple. Desk placement isn’t something you would know automatically. After thorough research and many years of trial and error, I’ve learned that the best desk placement can make or break your work from home setup.

Natural Light is Your BFF

If possible, try to place your desk near a window. Natural light isn’t just good for your vitamin D levels – it can actually improve your work performance. A review published in the Harvard Business Review states that access to natural light is the number one attribute workers want.

But here’s the catch – don’t face your desk directly towards the window. That glare on your screen is a recipe for eye strain. Instead, try placing your desk perpendicular to the window. This way, you get all the benefits of natural light without feeling like you’re staring into the sun all day.

The Wall Dilemma

Now, let’s talk about walls. There’s a big debate in the remote work world about whether you should face a wall or face the room. It seems like facing the room is best.

Here’s why: facing a wall can make you feel closed in and isolated. Plus, it’s just boring. When you face the room, you have a sense of openness and space. It’s also easier to take quick breaks and rest your eyes by looking at something in the distance.

That being said, if facing the room is too distracting for you (I see you, cat owners), try setting up your desk at a 90-degree angle to the wall. This gives you the best of both worlds – a solid background for video calls and a view of the room when you need a break.

Traffic Patterns Matter

Here’s something you might not have considered: the traffic flow in your home office. You don’t want to be constantly dodging people (or pets) as they walk by your desk. Not only is it distracting, but it can also lead to accidents. Nobody wants to spill coffee on their keyboard, trust me.

Try to place your desk in a low-traffic area of the room. If possible, position it so that people can easily walk behind you rather than in front of you. This keeps your workspace feeling more private and reduces interruptions.

Power Up

Let’s get practical for a second – you need power for all your gadgets. When deciding on desk placement, make sure you’re near enough to outlets for all your tech. Nothing kills productivity like having to get up every hour to swap out charging cables.

Pro tip: invest in a good surge protector or power strip. This gives you more flexibility with your desk placement and keeps all your cords tidy. Speaking of cords…

Cable Management is Key

Okay, I know cable management isn’t strictly about desk placement, but hear me out. The way you manage your cables can actually influence where you put your desk. A mess of cables can limit your placement options and make your workspace feel cluttered.

Invest in some cable ties, a cable tray, or even a simple cord cover. This will give you more freedom in where you place your desk and keep your workspace looking clean and professional. Trust me, your video call background will thank you.

Consider Your Backdrop

Speaking of video calls, let’s talk about your backdrop. In the age of Zoom, your background is part of your professional image. When placing your desk, think about what will be visible behind you during video calls.

A bookshelf, a plant, or some tasteful art can all make great backgrounds. Just avoid anything too personal or distracting. And please, for the love of all that is holy, make sure your bed isn’t visible if you’re working from your bedroom.

The Standing Desk Factor

If you’re using a standing desk (and if you’re not, you might want to consider it), your desk placement becomes even more important. You’ll need more space to move around, and you’ll want to make sure you’re not blocking any walkways when your desk is in the raised position.

Also, consider the view at both sitting and standing heights. What looks good when you’re seated might not work as well when you’re standing up.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, the best desk placement for you is going to depend on your specific space, needs, and work style. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you. And remember, it’s okay to switch things up now and then. Sometimes a change of scenery (even if it’s just rotating your desk 90 degrees) can give you a fresh perspective on your work.

So there you have it– my top tips for finding the best desk placement in your home office. Remember, your workspace should work for you, not against you.