Working from home seems like it's here to stay. Even if you're making your way back into the office a few days a week, it looks like for now, a hybrid working model is sticking around. Living life through a pandemic has means all our home spaces have had to change - and many of us have been forced to set ourselves up in a space that’s designed to be lived in, and generally isn’t equipped well for work. Even if you’re lucky enough to have a home office, there’s every chance you could do with investing in some must-haves to make sure you’re utilising the space for long-term work - and that your taking care of your back.
Which is where we come in. Whether you’re looking for a desk to help ease your aches and pains, or simply a laptop stand to help it sit at eye level, these are the best home office buys to invest in now.
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Best moveable home office desk
If you have the room to spare, investing in a desk is recommended. Not only will it help you sit up straighter, it’ll make you feel as though you’re in the work environment again, and hopefully increase productivity. This one can be wheeled out for work, and tucked away into a corner again when it's time to feel more like home.
Moveable office desk, £56.89, Amazon
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Best office chair
Of course, you’ll need a chair to go with any desk you buy. This one is relatively affordable, but has all of the must-haves - including adjustable height settings and a comfy seat.
Height adjustable chair, £71.16, Amazon
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Best standing desk
If you've been making do with a kitchen table or slouching over a laptop, it's high time to invest in a desk - and for the sake of your back, a standing desk could be the answer. This Flexispot standing desks is the ultimate in home-working chic, available in a huge array of desktop finishes, from rubberwood, to plain white, to a cool-looking marble option. Flexispot desks have been leading the home office revolution since the pandemic began, their clever, electrically adjustable desks offering everyone the perfect computer ergonomics, whether you're standing or sitting. And while their earlier models were chic enough, this new E8 model is even more sleek and modern-looking - the touch screen keyboard and programmable desk height means you'll be sure to remember to stand on a daily basis.
Flexispot adjustable electric standing desk, £419, Amazon
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Best laptop stand
No room for a desk? A laptop stand will help you adjust the height of your screen so you don’t feel as though you’re slouching or leaning forward, even if you are working from the sofa.
Adjustable laptop desk, £38.99, Amazon
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Best desk lamp
Help prevent eye strain by investing in a good lamp that brightens the room, no matter what time of day you’re working.
Adelaide 45cm desk lamp, £51.99, Wayfair
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Best external monitor
If working on a tiny screen every day just isn’t going to cut it, you might want to consider buying a large external monitor. Setting this one up is easy, and you’ll instantly feel the benefits of not squinting.
Samsung curved monitor, £161.98, Amazon
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Flexispot adjustable desk riser, £119.99, Amazon
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If you don't want to buy a new desk but are finding the pressure of hunching over a laptop is playing havoc with your neck or back, this ingenious desk riser might be exactly what you need. Instantly converting your desk or table into a standing desk, you can stretch your legs throughout the day and bring your computer back down when you want to be seated, with the monitor and keyboard in perfect alignment for your posture.
Best work planner
If you’re the type to make to-do lists, these planners are not only aesthetically pleasing, but gorgeous too. With separate sections for everything from expenses to habit tracking and general notes, we think this is a must-have.
Productivity planner, £29.95, Amazon
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Best headphones
Chances are, you’re sharing your space with someone else who doesn’t need to overhear your work conferences, so investing in a good pair of headphones will keep noise to a minimum. Also handy for afternoon listening, if you’re the type to work with music in the background.
Bose QuietComfort Wireless headphones, £229, Amazon
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Desk plant
Although not technically useful for work (unless you’re a horticulturist) a plant might just brighten up your space and bring a smile to your face. A snake plant can survive with little light and water, so it's perfect for your new home office.
Snake plant, from £10, Patch Plants
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Stylish desk accessories
Keep your workspace tidy with this rose gold letter rack.
Rose gold letter rack, £10, John Lewis
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We’re obsessed with these pineapple bookends! So chic, they’ll certainly make a statement on your mantle, shelf, table or window sills.
Pineapple bookends, £76.99, Wayfair
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Infuse your home office with the scent of bergamot, bright orange, rich amber, and exotic coconut.
Seychelles diffuser, £27, The White Company
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Personalise your space with photos of your nearest and dearest.
Collage frame for 8 photos, £7, Ikea
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