My Experience Setting Up a Work From Home Office Space

I have had a number of desk setups over the past 10 years, working at tech startups in NYC, but during Covid I had to set up a work from home office space. I am a software engineer so my typical work tasks include writing code, going to meetings, planning upcoming work and thinking through problems. I spend the entire day sitting in front of the computer screen and want to create a space that is productive, as well as, enjoyable.

The Tech I Had and What I Needed

Computer Monitors

I like large monitors because they help me navigate my work more efficiently. I have a Dell extra wide curved monitor that I love. The width and feel of the screen makes a difference to me because it is like having two full size web browsers next to each other within one line of sight. Any large second monitor will do to achieve more productivity. I also do not use the laptop when I use this monitor. It brings a calming effect to the desk when there is only one screen to look at.

However, I also have an additional second vertical monitor. My new company was providing a ThinkVision 27in monitor and I could not turn down free tech. In a lot of software developer desk setups, I saw vertical monitors so I decided to give it a try. It is not that useful because it is too narrow for most content, but I do like keeping my coding tool like my terminal and mobile simulator open on that screen.This second vertical monitor has not increased productivity and adds some distraction having another screen in my peripheral, but I have gotten used to it now and rely on it for my coding workflow. I had to purchase a monitor arm to hold the screen in a vertical position. I found a monitor arm on a second hand app that had a vesa attachment which allowed me to connect the arm to the back of the monitor and the desk so it can sit next to my extra wide monitor.

Desk

My favorite and most expensive purchase for my office setup was my desk. I really value sitting and standing while working because it gives me more energy and helps maintain my focus throughout the day. About two years ago, I had purchased a Vari 36 inch desktop converter that allowed me to sit and stand at my desk, but it is difficult to find a desk to support its size. While this desktop converter does the trick, I never ended up using it. I purchased a sleek, motorized sit/stand Uplift desk from a secondhand app for $370. The desk is wide and deep with a wood top and two legs. I like the simple look of the desk and my chair fits underneath it, helping to improve my posture. This desk has enough space to keep my desk organized and makes the office feel professional.

Other Tech

One of my favorite items that I purchased for my desk setup was a Logitech webcam. Since I keep my laptop closed when using a second monitor, I needed a camera for my online meetings. This webcam lets in a lot more light than built in laptop cameras and makes me look much more professional on my calls. I also purchased a Pomodoro timer from amazon. It is a fancy oven timer but I like how it looks and it is an easy reminder to time box. Finally, I have a Sony Bluetooth speaker that glows. I love the look of the neon lights on my desk and they bring some fun to the space.

Where I Set Up My Office Space

I made a corner for my office in the small kitchen in my basement. I actually removed the kitchen island to make a little more room. It didn’t make much of a difference, but I think making the renovations to remove a little clutter or something a little ugly opens up the possibilities of the room and makes you feel a little better. The space in general to me does not feel great. The entire basement is wood paneling and there are book cases, photos and dark colors all around. I put my uplift desk up against a wall and all the sudden the distractions of the basement melt away. The desk is situated under a basement window with a flower box that I have yet to fill with green plants but know it will make a difference. To my right I see the kitchen that is a mess, but I would like to clean that up as well to make it more calming to look at when I turn my head. Possibly some white stick on tile backsplash with hanging coffee mugs and coffee station. Behind me is a messy shelf with food goods and some more wood panel doors, but I never see them because in all my meetings I use a google virtual background that is a beautifully simple white room with a plant in the background, it makes a nice difference seeing myself on camera in that room. I feel tucked away in this corner, and while the noise travels easily to distract me in this nook, I successfully feel calm in the basement. I still would like to hang something nice in front of me to add to the good vibes of the desk. I like shapes and neutral tones, maybe something personalized like my niece and nephew's calendar. I have a salt lamp that I love seeing. The warm glow and colors are very enjoyable to work in and see. I may want to add one more softer floor lamp instead of the strong ceiling light or more colorful lights like the ones you see glowing under the desk setups you see on Instagram.

Shortcomings and Where to Go Next?

The last thing I need to do is replace my big executive chair that has never supported good posture. I’ll research brands and cost, because computer chairs can run into the thousands! I’ll also look at a second hand app again and ask some of my friends. If you have any suggestions let me know. A bonus feature I’d like to add to my office space would be a reading chair or sofa to switch up locations when I’m working. When I start to lose focus or feel unmotivated, changing my location even to a different part of my room helps. Lastly, a floor plant would be a nice addition, too.

*This is not a sponsored post and the author was not paid to review products. References to products does not constitute or imply an endorsement.