| FAQ: Organizing a Home Office |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-411 |
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Remodeling expert Sharon Hanby-Robie answers frequently asked questions and offers tips with regard to organizing a home office. To demonstrate, she transformed a poorly designed office into one that's easier to work in and is more aesthetically pleasing as well.
Q: How do I create a home office that's suitable for more than one person to use? A: Begin by working to create an efficiently designed work space. In our demonstration, furniture pieces were moved up against the walls to open the center of the room, creating the illusion of more space. This also facilitated positioning computer monitors and office equipment so that they backed up against the wall. Here are some other suggestions:
- The most important piece of office equipment is the office chair. In our model office, a straight-back wooden chair was being used (figure A). Though an attractive antique, this type of chair is not ergometrically sound and not well suited to use in the office. It doesn't provide the proper lumbar support or working posture when sitting for long periods. It also doesn't have casters, so the feet may damage the floor with extensive use.
- Purchase a chair specifically designed for office use, and one that's right for your body size. Office-supply centers and furniture stores both offer assortments of office chairs. Try out a number of them before you make a final purchase. Look for a chair that allows your feet to touch the floor easily, and offers good back support. Also, it's important for an office chair to have low tension in the back so that you can recline back slightly (figure B). This is particularly important for those working at their desk on a personal computer. Get a chair with adjustable height and adjustable arm rests to allow you to adjust to a comfortable posture and help relieve strain.
- Don't forget to purchase a plastic floor-mat that will allow the chair casters to roll, and to protect the floor.
Q: What can I do to control all the clutter and paperwork that accumulates in my home office? A: Managing clutter is critical for an efficient office, particularly if more than one person will be using the office. Here are some suggestions.
- Designate specific storage areas for each individual working in the office, and storage areas for specific office supplies and materials. In our model office, a new fax-table offered organizing bins for holding files, videotapes, CD-R's, a telephone book, etc. (figure C).
- On the desk surface, standing file organizers (figure D) help keep papers and files neat and out of the way. Stackable paper trays are also helpful for organizing papers and freeing up work space on the desk surface.
Q: How to I control cords that accumulate from computers and other electronics in the office? A: There are several effective methods for organizing electrical cords. Here are some suggestions.
- A cord-snake or cord-guard (figure E) can help you consolidate cords and clear out "cord clutter."
- Ordinary twist ties or plastic ties (available at home centers) can also be used to group cords and tie them together (figure F) so they are less obtrusive.
Q: Is there any particular type of lighting I should use in my home office. A: Here are some lighting suggestions:
- With the increased use of computers for home-office work, overhead lighting is less critical. A good task light (figure G) is important, however, for providing well-placed illumination on the work surface. Use a frosted bulb to reduce glare that can cause eye fatigue.
- If glare on your computer monitor is a problem, consider purchasing a glare guard (figure H) that will fit on your computer monitor.
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