Finding Spaces to WFH

When working from home, a challenge that many of us face is how to create a productive and comfortable workspace when the only available areas might be the dining room table, a sofa, and perhaps a coffee table. If you’re one of those lucky enough to have a nice home office (grrr…), then you can skip this post! Otherwise, let’s take a look at how we can turn these ordinary spaces into your daily workstation.

The Dining Room Table: Your Command Center

The dining room table is often the go-to choice for many of us, and for a good reason. It’s probably the largest table you have, and if you set it up right, it can be as good as the traditional office desk.

Declutter, But Keep Essentials Handy: Clear off any non-essential items (random receipts, the pizza leaflet, last night’s dinner…) from the table to reduce distractions. All you want is your laptop, notepad (you are using one, right?) and your pen all in front of you.

Personalise: Sure, you can have a nice potted plant, little tray or something decorative—it doesn’t have to be as bland as a typical office desk. But make sure it’s tidy and clean.

Natural Light is Your Friend: See if you can move the table so it’s near a window, to allow you to take advantage of natural light. A well-lit space can boost both your productivity and your mood. Make sure you are sat facing the window, so you don’t fall into shadows during virtual meetings.

Ergonomics Matter: Invest in a comfortable chair that supports good posture. Your back will thank you for it in the long run.

The Sofa: A Comfortable Change of Pace

Next, we move to the sofa, another piece of furniture almost all of us will have. While it might seem counterintuitive, this cosy corner can transform into a temporary workstation. When you need a break from the dining room table or want a more relaxed environment for less demanding tasks, the sofa is a good choice.

Cushions and Throws: Add a few cushions or a soft throw blanket to make the sofa a cosy spot for short tasks or brainstorming sessions.

Lap Desk: Invest in a lap desk to create a stable surface for your laptop.

Scheduled Breaks: Use the sofa for short, intentional breaks away from the laptop.

The Coffee Table: A Multi-Functional Gem

Near the sofa, many of us will already have a coffee table. Consider it your secondary desk, ideal for short bursts of work. Use it for quick email checks, jotting down ideas, or even organising your schedule for the day before you head to the dining table. Just be mindful of your posture—hunching over a low table for extended periods can lead to discomfort so you can’t really use it for too long.

Also, if you have space on your coffee table, consider using decorative boxes or baskets to keep your work-related materials organised and accessible. If it has drawers or a shelf, use them to put away your work gear in the evening, while still making them easy to access next morning.

The Bedroom

But what about those important video calls, especially when other family members are around? This is where the bedroom can come to the rescue. Make sure your laptop and stand are lightweight and easy to move so you can quickly shift your workspace when you need to prepare for the call. Find a quiet corner, preferably facing the window to get that natural light.

Speaking of the bedroom, a word of caution: working from your bed isn’t always a great idea. It blurs the line between work and rest just a bit too much and you don’t really want to associate your bed with work. However, if a chair doesn’t fit in your designated spot, the bed can still be a suitable alternative for taking calls—just be mindful of your posture even in this relaxed setting. You might need a special laptop stand that makes it easy to use your laptop comfortably in bed without having the laptop literally on your lap for an hour or more if it’s a long meeting.