The growth of information technology and communication channels has allowed for a swift shift in the way we work. People are no longer confined to the typical “9 to 5” and many are even working from home on a daily basis.
The shift in communications and information technology has created a new work lifestyle that demands a home office. At minimum a home office should have a personal computer, a printer and modest file storage. What do you need in your home office?
FLOATING DESKS
Consider your desk first. Think about whether the desk should float in the room, as here, be placed against a wall or be built in. The standard desk height is 29 to 30 inches (74 to 76 centimetres).
DESK AGAINST THE WALL
Your other option for a freestanding deck is to place it against the wall. If you place desks on opposite walls, keeping 54 to 66 inches (137 to 168 cm) between them works best. With this amount of space, you can get up from the chair and walk around it without being hampered by the other desk and chair.
BUILT-IN DESKS
Built-in desks have the same basic dimensions as other desks but often provide more work surface, since you customize the design. Built-in bookshelves surrounding the desk can hold books, file boxes and supplies.
DRAFTING BOARDS
Drafting tables are not as common as they once were, but some instances still call for them. The height is what is most important about a drafting board. Plan to allow plenty of space, since the footprint of drafting tables is significant.
COMPUTERS
Computer dimensions vary greatly and continue to change. Keep the area where you will place your computer as flexible as possible.
PRINTERS
Some people may need a printer in their home office. These also vary in size, but you can plan on a footprint of at least 18 by 24 inches (46 by 61 cm). The height will depend on how the machine operates.
PAPER SHREDDERS
Another piece of equipment that may need to be included is the paper shredder. Allow space for one as well as for a regular trash receptacle.
FILING CABINETS
Filing cabinets are another item that can take up considerable space in a home office. Investigate which type you will need while planning your home office, since these cabinets can be large relative to the space you have.
FLAT FILES
Less common, but very handy, are flat file cabinets. These are cabinets designed to hold large-format prints such as architectural plans and artwork. These cabinets can be quite large, so if you need this type of storage, allow plenty of space.
DESK CHAIRS
Desk chairs come in a great variety of styles, shapes and sizes. The one thing they have in common is the footprint of space in which they should be placed to allow for movement in front of a workstation about 42 inches (107 cm) square.
Now, the perfect home office isn’t just a pretty space with eccentric trinkets; it’s a well-thought out design that fits in your work surfaces, equipment, and storage with comfortable clearances. It’s a space that is not just comfortable, but also inspires productivity and creativity.
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