The Cure to WFH Fatigue Is a Home Office Revamp
Twenty-four ways to upgrade your space, from desks to staplers.
Updated Oct 12, 2018 11:00 AM
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When the pandemic first hit, none of us could have predicted how long we’d be working from our beds, dining room tables, and sofas. But now that it looks like WFH is here to stay for the foreseeable future, it’s about time you semi-permanently devoted an area in your home to the daily grind.
The trick is to refresh your workspace with a few key pieces that are as stylish as they are professional. (Well, as professional as you can be while Zooming in sweatpants.) From big-ticket classics to smart budget finds, we’ve rounded up the best ways to give your home office a new feel. And because the WFH life won’t last forever, we’ve even included items that can do double duty—as in a rolling supply cart that can find its second act as a bar cart when all of this is over.
Desks
The classic: The then design director of Herman Miller debuted this colorful surface in 1958. Now it’s a mid-century modern classic that brightens up even the most menial tasks.
The splurge: Antique brass legs and a smooth glass top will make even paperwork feel like a fancy endeavor. This is the kind of furniture you dress up for.
The steal: Available in four color combinations and clocking in at just 42 inches wide, this small wonder makes a statement in compact spaces. An added bonus: The pencil drawer can be assembled on the left or right side.
Chairs
The classic: It’s pricey for a reason: There’s enough upholstery, seat height, frame, and caster options to cause serious decision overload. But at the end of the day it’s the solid construction and clean lines that make it worth every penny.
The splurge: If your back faces the rest of the room, at least consider a seat that looks good from every angle. The curvy lines and creamy velvet upholstery also feel comfy during extra-long shifts.
The steal: Once you’ve closed your laptop for the day, this mid-century pick can begin its second shift as a dining room seating option.
Wall Organizers
The classic: Available in seven colors and with a wide variety of accessory options, this wood pegboard works in just about any space.
The splurge: An ultra-sleek wall caddy is proof that organizing doesn’t just have to be utilitarian—it can be pretty, too.
The steal: This metal photo grid includes 20 chip-bag clips, four nontrace screws, four regular screws, one big basket, and two small baskets. In other words, it’s endlessly customizable.
Desk Lamps
The classic: Task lighting is a good fit for, ahem, tasks. From writing at your desk to reading in bed, it provides enough spot brightness without illuminating the whole room.
The splurge: Brass and marble partner up to make a lamp so beautiful that you might get caught staring on your next Zoom call.
The steal: Turn the base clockwise to adjust the brightness on this less-is-more option.
Wall Art
The classic: Minted offers a variety of limited-edition fine art prints that can come framed, too.
The splurge: A Slim Aarons shot of Truman Capote in his Brooklyn Heights home is a serious mood—and total inspiration for what WFH could look like on a daily basis.
The steal: Print a snap from your own camera roll on gallery-quality paper. With a range of sizes—from the more practical 8-by-10 to the very large 60-by-40—there’s an option for everyone.
Accessories
The classic: Not only is this popular houseplant a living sculpture, it also has blooms that last longer than any other indoor plant—can you say low-maintenance?
The splurge: With a wink to the 1960s, this wall-mounted classic will keep you on task without sacrificing style.
The steal: This apartment-friendly rolling cart is also multipurpose: One month it’s storage for your office supplies; the next it can store your booze.
Office Supplies
The classic: Ink is so permanent, so embrace your inner architect and splurge on a fancy mechanical pencil. Made of brass, this writing utensil is just as nice to use as it is to look at.
The splurge: Add a little bit of fun to your desk without giving up function. This stapler is available in eight colors and proves that office supplies don’t have to be boring.
The steal: Even tech obsessives appreciate the detailing of Leuchtturm1917’s signature notebook. Instead of lined paper, there’s a dotted grid, and each page is numbered. What’s more, the back of the book has a jacket pocket that can accommodate a 6-inch ruler, and there are two ribbon bookmarks sewed into the binding.
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