In the era of teleworking, many French people need an office in their home. When you have one built, it is easier to design your future workspace. Depending on the space you are going to have (a separate room or a space in the living room), how can you think about your office?
No separate room: how to integrate your home office?
Setting up a workspace in a common room without having a dedicated room is not only possible, but can also add charm to your interior.
The living room, often the brightest room in the house, is a popular choice. However, sharing this space with other family members can pose challenges, especially for video conferencing.
An elegant solution is to install a partition, such as a workshop glass roof, which allows you to create a semi-private space while maintaining brightness.
Another interesting option is to exploit often neglected corners, such as the space under the stairs. With adequate lighting and careful decoration, this corner can become a comfortable and functional office. Add a lamp, clever storage, and you have a cozy workspace.
For those whose activity requires good visual insulation only, a removable partition can be a great solution. Easy to install, it allows you to separate the workspace in a few minutes and can be moved as needed.
To integrate an office into the living room without partitioning, consider use multifunctional furniture that subtly demarcate the workspace without completely isolating it. For example, an open library can serve as a lightweight divider while providing storage accessible from both sides. It creates a visual distinction between the office area and the rest of the room, without blocking light or weighing down the space.
Another idea: opt for a retractable wall desk which folds up after use. This type of desk fits discreetly into the decor, ideal for a living space where every square meter counts. Outside of working hours, the desk transforms into a simple wall panel, or even a notice board or decorative element.
For an original and practical touch, also bet on carpets. By choosing a specific rug for the office area, you create a soft and stylish visual boundary, without the need for physical barriers. The colors and patterns of the rug can also provide a visual cue that helps separate the workspace from the rest of the living room. These tips help create a harmonious and functional office area, while maintaining the friendly spirit of the living room.
- Also read: Office extension: expand your home to work
A separate room: how to build your home office
Having a room entirely dedicated to the office is an undeniable asset for those who regularly work from home. Having an isolated space promotes concentration, improves productivity and makes it easier to detach yourself from the distractions of daily life.
At Maisons SIC, a house builder in the South West for over 50 years, Our teams are experts in creating functional and custom-made parts, ideal for integrating into a workspace.
In terms of size, a room dedicated to the office must offer enough space to move around comfortably. An area of at least 10 to 12 m² is recommended to have a spacious desk and storage without feeling cluttered. This size also allows you to respect a minimum of 80 cm behind the desk for the chair, guaranteeing comfort and freedom of movement.
The first element to consider is the location of the office in the house. To take advantage of natural light, it is advisable to position the piece near a window, preferably facing east or south. This brightness not only contributes to visual comfort, but it can also have a positive impact on productivity. Once again, our teams of Maisons SIC know take advantage of the specificities of each terrain to create well-oriented and bright rooms, ideal for an office.
Isolation is also key for a dedicated office. Good sound insulation allows you to stay focused, even if the room is located close to living spaces. At Maisons SIC, our advisors can offer you different options for better insulation the room, whether in terms of walls, doors or even windows to reduce outside noise.
- For lire également: Designing an office in your new home: the 6 steps
Electricity, covering, storage: think of everything for your home office
For an office in a dedicated room, a well thought-out electrical installation is essential. Provide multiple electrical outlets around the desk to easily connect computer, printer, phone charger and other equipment. Wall USB sockets are very convenient, allowing you to quickly charge devices without an adapter. If your equipment requires fast Internet access, an RJ45 socket for a wired connection can be an asset, especially for smooth video conferencing.
The choice of covering is crucial for a pleasant and easy-to-maintain workspace. Choose parquet or vinyl flooring, materials that are both soft and resistant that add a warm touch. The carpet should be avoided under the desk so as not to hinder the movement of the chair.
Finally, well-designed storage is essential for an orderly and functional office. Wall shelves, closed cupboards or rolling boxes allow you to easily store files, binders and supplies. By choosing suitable storage, you create an efficient and pleasant working environment, without an accumulation of unnecessary objects on the desk.
Ergonomics and home office equipment: how to avoid MSDs?
Teleworkers are often exposed to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as tendonitis, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These problems are often caused by improper posture, repetitive movements, and an intense work pace. To avoid these inconveniences, it is crucial to invest in ergonomic equipment from the start.
An ergonomic office chair is essential. It should have a high back, adjustable armrests, and good lumbar support. Adjust the height of the chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. A properly adjusted chair reduces strain on your back and shoulders.
To avoid neck tension, place your screen slightly above eye level. Use a stand to elevate the screen if necessary. This helps maintain an upright posture and reduce neck pain.
Invest in an ergonomic mouse and a suitable keyboard to reduce strain on your wrists. Accessories like footrests and forearm supports can also improve your comfort.
Good lighting is essential to avoid eye strain. Use a desk lamp to complement ambient lighting for a well-lit workspace. This reduces eye strain and improves concentration.
By following these tips, you can create an ergonomic and comfortable workspace at home. Maisons SIC, a house builder in the South West for over 50 years, can help you integrate these elements into your home design.
The brightness of the office in your home: what orientation?
Brightness is an essential element for creating a comfortable and pleasant office. Natural light is always preferable, because it reduces eye strain and contributes to overall well-being. The ideal is to place the desk in a space bathed in natural light, such as near a window, without being directly exposed to the sun's rays to avoid glare and annoying reflections on the screen.
The orientation of the desk relative to the light source is also important. If possible, Place the desk perpendicular to a window. This arrangement helps maximize natural light while avoiding glare. For right-handed people, light should come from the left, and for left-handed people, from the right. This configuration limits shadows on the desk when you are writing or using a computer.
In more constrained spaces, the desk is sometimes placed against a wall, away from windows. In this case, good artificial lighting is essential. Choose an adjustable desk lamp, which offers soft and directional light without creating eye-tiring contrasts. In winter, when natural light diminishes, this additional source becomes particularly useful for maintaining comfortable lighting until evening.
Finally, to protect your eyes, get into the habit of looking away regularly by staring at a point in the distance for a few seconds. This helps reduce eye strain caused by working on a screen. By finding the ideal orientation for your desk and balancing natural and artificial light, you can create a workspace that is both functional and pleasant on a daily basis.
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