If work from home setup essentials is new territory for you and you might have used your bedroom as an impromptu workplace -- you are not alone. Fortunately, this guide will assist you in setting up your work from a productive home office.
According to Pew Research Center, 59% of American workers can do their jobs in the comforts of their homes. But even before the omicron variant, 83% of these individuals worked remotely and established their office space in their residences.
These 15 work from home setup essentials should be on your list whether you've only started working remotely or are looking for an upgrade.
So, let’s start with the first one on the list!
The Ideal Work From Home Office Setup
Idealistically, your home office (either long-term or short-term) should be a dedicated area at home that’s well-equipped for work. To establish efficient, secure office space for the long term, take as many of the following actions as possible.
A Devoted Space
You should use a small room whose door can be closed with an office desk, desk lamp and other computer equipment.
However, most people don't have extra space, so they turn a guest room into a workspace and place an office desk there. If you still don’t have access to a productive home office, try to find one you can use that is as far from the rest of the main living areas.
Proper Work Measurements
Not all desks and chairs are perfect for you. Find items relative to your height, such as an ergonomic chair. The desk’s standard sizing is 29 inches from the bottom of the work surface to the top. Also, short people benefit from a lower height, whereas tall people benefit from a higher height.
Good Furniture
There are several poor chairs being sold today. For instance, dining and deck chairs are frequently too low and don't always promote the necessary upright posture for your home office setup. Certainly, choosing an ergonomic chair is best for your home setup.
Get an adjustable professional office chair to adjust it to fit your body and workstation perfectly. Generally, the same goes for your desk.
Best Lighting
Most underestimate the impact of lighting on your productivity. Your home setup should have access to natural light. Ideally, your workspace should be well-lit with enough indirect light. So, ensure your monitor's brightness isn't excessively bright or too dim, as both might lead to eyestrain.
Good Hardware
Investing in high-quality hardware like a keyboard, computer screen, desk lamp, wireless mouse, and even your router is best. Of course, you don't want it to malfunction or die out on you when you're having a crucial career presentation.
Great Internet
For your connection, 50 Mbps is the minimum speed to aim for. This is crucial in keeping your video calls and conference calls connection steady. But as the number of people using the internet increases, you would need to acquire a higher-speed service.
If feasible, connect your computer screen and unit to your router using an Ethernet cable. Remember, Wi-Fi works fine for basic office tasks.
Best Work From Home Setup Essentials for 2022
There are many financial and health benefits of working from home. So you must ensure that your home office is prepared for success. It's important to have a set of essentials that make your remote work life and home setup run smoothly. So, here are the top 15 work-from-home essentials for 2022!
1. ApexDesk AX7133AW Elite Series
Video: ApexDesk AX7133AW Elite Series STanding Desk Review
You must try this product if you are interested in a standing desk setup. If you like stretching your legs, you can quickly convert the ApexDesk AX7133AW Elite Series into a standing desk. With a simple button, you may adjust this laptop stand to the appropriate height between 24 and 50 inches. Also, it moves easily and hardly wobbles at all, perfect for any work.
Generally, you can set up several items on top of this desk since it has a steel frame that supports up to 225 lbs. Grommets on either side of the desk make it simple to connect wires and install a desk pad, and its curved middle provides better ergonomics.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Locking levers secure legs
- Has grommets for cables
Cons
- The built-in motor is not that quiet
- Need to buy cable management tray separately
2. Logitech MX Anywhere 3
You all know that Logitech delivers excellent home office ideas and products. Generally, the MX Anywhere 3 is one of them. It's small and portable, making it travel-ready. But it is frustrating that there is no space for the USB receiver.
Also, it functions on Windows and macOS and can connect to any device using Bluetooth. Although it lacks a side wheel, it still has a horizontal scrolling feature. Plus, you can reprogram some of its buttons.
Pros
- Great for individuals with fingertip grip
- It can connect to any device with a Bluetooth receiver
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Too small for most hand sizes
- No storage space for the USB receiver
3. Logitech C920S
Video: Logitech C920 Webcam Review
The Logitech C920s Pro HD Webcam is the ideal compromise if you want more than a straightforward, no-frills webcam seen on anyone's laptop screen. Plus, it will not break your budget and it has many features and will put you squarely in the premium webcam category.
Due to the clip-on form, it can be used on a laptop or external display. It also has decent sound pickup and image quality, which is great for video and conference calls. The physical privacy shutter is a great security feature. Generally, it will shield you and your work from home office area from prying eyes.
Pros
- HD 1080p
- Has a shutter for privacy
- Automatic light adjustment
- Autofocus feature
Cons
- Always out of stock
- The field of view is fixed
4. Shure MV5
The Shure MV5 digital condenser microphone combines straightforward home office ideas that is set up with excellent audio in a small package. It’s a great mic for important recording tasks. Lightning and USB-C cables are included. Additionally, it has high sound quality and has a Speech Enhancement option. However, the UI isn't the most user-friendly, and it's a little expensive for the quality.
Pros
- Topnotch audio signal
- Versatile DSP modes
- USB and lightning ports compatible
- Speech enhancement mode
Cons
- Easily toppled
- Heavy voice mode on DSP
5. LG 27UK850-W 27″ 4K UHD IPS Monitor
Even if you already have a fantastic monitor, you may need a setup dual monitor desk. Purchasing the LG 27UK850-W will help you stay organized and make it much easier to manage your work.
You can't ever go wrong with the best LG 4K-capable UHD IPS display. In fact, it looks stunning and delivers 99.99% of the spectrum's visible hues as if with natural light reflected. The monitor's low bezels and sleek, modern style make it suitable for any setting.
Additionally, it has flexible ergonomics with up to 110mm of height adjustment, a 90° pivot, and a -5°/20° tilt. The downside is that you can’t turn the screen left or right.
Pros
- Superb clarity
- Positive SDR contrast
- Support for HDR10
- FreeSync
- Support for 24 cadence
Cons
- No swivel option
- No color in DCI-P3
- In HDR mode, image changes are not available
- Refresh rate cap of -60Hz
6. Audioengine HD6 Bookshelf Home Office Stereo Speakers
The Audioengine HD6 150W wireless speakers are considered the best for true audiophiles. They are pricey, yes. However, you can expect studio-caliber audio for your home office space.
Its strong points are superior construction, sound staging, bass response, and adaptability. Generally, the HD6s are a full system that can be utilized in various residential applications, including your home office setup.
Pros
- Exceptional dynamic nuance
- Spacious, crisp, and clear sound
- A stylish but practical design
Cons
- Lacks strength
7. FlexiSpot Dual Motor Electric Home Office Standing Desk
The FlexiSpot Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk is the perfect standing desk for small spaces and those with just a laptop screen and unit with them. It has an attractive appearance and a desktop made of environmentally friendly bamboo. The desk can lift from seated to standing in less than ten seconds. Also, it can support up to 275lbs (124.7kg) of weight. Pairing this with an ergonomic chair is suitable as well.
The desk’s keypad is a great addition and has a USB charging port. Plus, the anti-collision and child lock safety features are a great touch and protection for your home office space.
Pros
- Striking design
- 275 lb load capacity
- The USB charging port on the keypad
- Child lock and anti-collision safety features
- written instructions and a simple assembly procedure
Cons
- Only conceals desk cables with included cable tray
8. Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the best headphones if you don’t have a fixed budget. These are your best options for your home office essentials: superior Bluetooth codecs, crisp sound, enhanced noise cancellation, and long battery life. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4 also has other clever features like auto pause and Bluetooth multipoint. They're still comfy like their predecessor.
Pros
- Dynamic, finely detailed sound
- Comfortable, light, and ingenious
- Superb noise cancellation
- Automatically pauses when you remove them
Cons
- Not IP rated
- No support for aptX
9. Fully Jarvis Home Office Standing Desk
Video: Fully Jarvis Standing Desk Review
Another modern standing desk or laptop stand on this list is Fully Jarvis. With the touch of a button, you may stand or sit at this motorized desk while working. Generally, you can save four preset heights, not wasting valuable time searching for the ideal setting.
The Fully Jarvis doesn't have a wide range like other standing desks. However, the Jarvis can hold up to 350 pounds and is best for your conference call that can go up to hours.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Customizable
- It can hold 350 lbs.
- Sleek design
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
- Very heavy
- Hard to transport
10. Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3
Video: Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 Review
The Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 All-in-One Computer delivers great value for productivity and is a must-have for your work setup. Generally, it best fits contemporary home office essentials, but you can still use it in any decor.
The large 24" display, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and 512GB SSD are all well-designed features that will maximize productivity. Though a bit larger than the Apple iMac, it will still not take up too much space on any minimalist desk setups.
Despite being larger than other inexpensive AIO displays, the illumination is dim. However, the webcam is likewise unimpressive, the storage capacity is restricted, and there's no USB-C port.
Pros
- Streamlined design
- Has a hideaway camera
- High-quality AMD Ryzen performance
- Big display
Cons
- Difficult to reach the slots and ports
- Dim screen
- Missing USB-C ports
11. LG 32QN600-B 32-Inch QHD
LG has been in the electronics industry for a long time, which is why its product is on this list of needed equipment for your home office setups. Generally, the LG 32QN600-B has a curved 32-inch QHD display, a salute to all professionals working from home.
With HDR10 compatibility, a 75Hz refresh rate, and 5-millisecond response times, it provides productivity in a cool ultrawide desktop package. It has IPS panel technology and AMD FreeSync. Generally, the 32QN600-B is a significant investment for your work from home setup essentials.
Pros
- Big display
- Great chassis
- Fash refresh rate
Cons
- No speakers
- No USB ports
- Bad ergonomics
12. Logitech MX Keys
The MX Keys from Logitech include practical solutions for optimizing workflows and for ergonomic keyboard solutions. Although the design may appeal to fans of flat, laptop-style keyboards, its thin body necessitates comfort sacrifices.
With its wireless connectivity, you can effortlessly switch between the associated devices without going through the pairing process again. You can link to three devices with it by Bluetooth or its USB dongle.
The scissor switches' short pre-travel distance and low operating force make typing feel light and responsive. Plus, the indented keys reduce errors.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Indented keys
- Long battery life
- Multi-pairing
Cons
- Wrist rest sold separately needed to achieve an ergonomic keyboard experience
- Very flat
13. AndaSeat 2022 New Kaiser 3 Series
Both the removable headrest and the supporting, firm lumbar seat cushion are included with the AndaSeat 2022 New Kaiser 3. It features a 4-way lumbar and back support that you can adjust to your preference. The Kaiser offers excellent ergonomic support for your hips, spine, neck, and shoulders.
Additionally, you'll see that this office chair is height-adjustable and can support individuals weighing up to 440 lbs. You would be hard-pressed to find a better option than the AndaSeat Kaiser 3.
Pros
- Perfect for big and tall individuals
- Detachable headrest
- Customizable 4-way lumbar and back support
Cons
- Not fit for small home office setup
- Difficult to assemble
- No labels for lumbar knobs
14. Gesture Ergonomic Office & Desk Chair
The Steelcase Gesture's arms may be adjusted in a 360-degree range. Its seat is flexible, providing a small amount of bend to relieve pressure spots under your thighs. Additionally, you can work comfortably and make your mental health at peace since armrests are made to keep parallel to your work surface providing comfort.
Pros
- High back
- Very adjustable
- Highly comfortable
Cons
- Uncomfortable if not sitting properly
15. Oline ErgoPro Ergonomic Home Office Chair
Due to their exceptional breathability and lack of heat retention, mesh office chairs are perfect for warm summer days. The Oline ErgoPro is a top pick thanks to its adaptability for ultimate comfort. As necessary, you may change this chair's tilt tension, knee tilt, height, headrest, and armrests.
The Oline ErgoPro Ergonomic Office Chair is sturdy enough to accommodate 275 pounds. Generally, it’s made of superior materials for long-lasting support.
Pros
- Great lumbar support
- Great mesh construction
Cons
- 275 lbs. capacity
Reach Peak Productivity At Your Home Office
Even if you only have to walk across the hallway, having everything you need is crucial. Take advantage of the one benefit of a work from home setup: you control how your office looks and feels.
If you’re still struggling, check out our collection of home office setups so you can quickly establish the perfect workspace.
Do you think we missed anything in our list of work from home setup essentials? Let us know in the comments below!
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