More Americans than ever are creating and furnishing home offices, often in a rush. If your temporary work space has turned into a permanent work space, it's time to invest in proper office furniture for a productive and comfortable day. But what should you know about buying home office furniture? Here are five important tips. 

1. Put Function First. Most people setting up a home office don't have an unlimited budget. So if you can't buy the best of everything, focus on buying things that fit their function well, even if they're less glamorous. The desk chair, for instance, needs to be ergonomic and support you during long hours. It doesn't need to be fancy, so put your money in one with the most practical features. 

2. Don't Clutter the Space. Home offices tend to be limited, so don't fill them up too much. Start with the most obvious things you need to get your daily work done — usually a large desk, a comfortable chair, and some type of storage. Don't feel the need to buy an entire office furniture set if you don't actually need all the pieces. Instead, live with the starter items for a while and add new things only as you determine the value they will bring. 

3. Express Yourself. This is your office, so feel free to express yourself in it. Depending on whether or not others will be in the office — either in person or on videoconferencing — you can express yourself everywhere or with just a few key items. While you want to remain reasonably professional, the more you feel that this space reflects you and your values, the more you will embrace being in it and be proud of the work you perform in it. 

4. Create Zones. Even a limited work area should have a few dedicated zones for different type of work or hours of the day. This could be as simple as a computer zone centered around your work desk and a storage zone centered around the filing cabinets. Or it could include a productivity zone and a creative zone for different parts of your work. Or, add a comfortable after-hours chair to put your feet up and read industry journals. 

5. Be Practical. The home office is often furnished as an afterthought and worked into existing boundaries, so it's not always a practical space. Make sure you don't overlook your practical needs. This means including good lighting — both task and overhead — in your plan, designing an efficient and logical furniture layout, and integrating technology needs from the start. 

Want to know more about good home office décor and design? Start by meeting with an interior designer such as one from Interior Landscapes.

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