If you’ve had to work from home over the past year, it’s probable that you’ve thought about an upgrade with some cheap home office furniture. And if you’re like most of us, our homes have become our havens. Our little escape from forced socialising. A Netflix-indulgent sanctuary. A pantsless paradise.
So it’s time for a little self-care. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be heavy on the wallet. We know how much it costs to furnish a house and there may not be a lot left for the office. Fret not, there is a lot of cheap office furniture out there that will do the trick without the spend.
Give yourself the gift of music with some decent speakers. And trade in working at the dinner table for a portable standing desk. Trust us, your back will only thank you for this. And while you’re at it, take a look at the tax deductible home office expenses to get some cash back.
So here are 11 great, affordable ways to upgrade your home office.
1. Desks
Arguably, the most important of cheap home office furniture items. A home office desk should be functional, comfortable and stylish. To get all three in a home office desk is rare but we’ve found some notable ones for you.
Standing desks are all the rage, but most standard ones will cost you over $1,000. Think of spending instead on an adjustable desk chair. That way, you can create a standing desk without the extra costs. We love this one from Koala. It’s affordable, stylish and easy to assemble.
If you do want a standing desk, consider getting an adjustable monitor arm so your screen and keyboard will be at the proper height.
2. Desk chairs
Desk chairs one of those items that no home can go without but most people never give much thought to. This simple addition to your home office space could make all the difference in how productive you are, and how your back fares over the years.
Office chairs that cost over $400 are likely to last for years, but there is one downside: they can be heavy and bulky. If you’re short on space in your home office, consider a mesh chair instead. Mesh chairs may not feel as sturdy or durable as leather ones, but they won’t take up nearly the same amount of room.
We like these simple ones for $245. Mesh back support, adjustable and comes with arm rests. One of the great examples of cheap home office furniture out there.
3. Footrests
Another home office accessory to consider is a footrest. They can be expensive, but there are affordable options out there! For $45 you get one that’s adjustable in height and has removable padding for easy cleaning.
Or if you want to spend less, then go for this Ikea one which gives the same support at only $20.
4. Desk lamps
Additionally, you’ll need a desk lamp. We’ve all heard that reading or working in dim lighting tires your eyes. So aside from pulling those blinds open, get a lamp with a brightness and colour adjuster. Like this one from Xiaomi for $59 which takes it a step further and automatically adjusts the brightness for you.
One less thing to do today.
5. Coffee makers & tea pots
It’s a home office after all, so make sure you have some caffeine on hand. The best part home brewing is saving on the cost of buying those delicious but dangerous $4 flat whites or making an extra trip to get it yourself.
There are plenty of coffee makers out there but our favourite is the Bodum french press which has an 8-cup brew option for $44. Compact, affordable and easy to use.
And if you’re more of a tea person, you can steep through the seasons with Hiware’s in-built infuser teapot. Reheat the pot in the microwave or directly on the stove to prolong the batch.
6. A lap table
We love the option of being able to change the scene every once in a while. And being at home is no exception. So we often find ourselves meandering over to the couch for the latter part of the work day. And what makes this transition so seamless is a laptop tray.
And better yet, they hold more than just laptops. Keep your snacks, drinks and other Menulog grub steady.
The LapGear Laptop Desk is a great space-saving option that will keep you from having to get up every time you need something on the coffee table. It’s made of lightweight aluminium material so it’s very easy to carry around. Another affordable piece of home office furniture.
7. Speakers
Using headphones or earphones all day can promote hypersensitivity to sound and other uncool stuff. Plus, it’s not all that comfortable. So our preference is some high quality, low cost speakers.
For under $30, you can get these Creative Pebble desktop speakers. Simple, sleek and with a 45-degree elevated sound stage.
Or if you really want to jazz up the space, these Harmon Kardon speakers give the industrial cool look and maintain the great sound quality for around $250.
And just because it’s pretty…
doesn’t mean it’s not practical. The home office is no exception to this rule so while you’re at your desk, don’t forget the decor and creature comforts that give you and your home workspace that little something extra.
8. Indoor plants
Succulents are our go-to because they fare well in drier climates and are relatively low maintenance. Look for Chalk Sticks, Pig Face, Agave and other varieties. Or if you already have a green thumb, invest in plants that can purify the air, eliminating harmful toxins. English ivy and bamboo palm are our recommendations.
9. Lounge wear
We might not be lounging but comfort is still king. Cotton On is a favourite for affordable wear. Or if you wanna take it up a notch, try Public Rec, an athleisure company created by a former JP Morgan banker. We wouldn’t call it cheap, but perhaps you just need that one pair of trackies.
10. Scents
What better way to finish a space than with a relaxing, empowering scent? Perhaps you’re classic like French vanilla bourbon. Or you want to head to the tropics with Tahitian lime and coconut. Either way, local candle maker Tanda will offer your fix.
11. Play things
If you’re sitting at a desk all day, chances are your hands won’t be busy the whole time. Like fidget spinners, these magnetic balls are like stress balls, only better! Create all kinds of fun shapes and forms between calls and emails… and perhaps even during.
Keep yourself updated Keep yourself updated with useful tips like these (aside from cheap home office furniture) by getting registered on Soho. Not only are we finding you your dream home, but we’re also helping you save for it and decorate it! So don’t forget to swipe on your property matches so we can get you there faster.
