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Decor Tips

5 Home Office Ideas on a Budget + Setup Tricks

Published September 10, 2021
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of people have had to start working from home. The new working model has brought with it new, unexpected challenges and expenses for many. Considering the number of hours spent working each day, a comfortable environment is paramount to well-being.

Among just some of the things to consider are adequate lighting, chair comfort and table height. Falling short on any of these can lead to stress and discomfort. Insufficient or overpowering lighting can lead to eye strain or even migraines; an uncomfortable chair or desk can lead to enduring back, neck and shoulder tension, resulting in pain.

However, not everyone is willing or able to spend a lot toward creating a home workspace. Keeping an open mind and thinking outside the box will be useful in creating a great home office on a budget. Let's have a look at some things to consider.

How to Cut Costs

Rather than impulsively rushing through the door to buy a whole new living room, consider exploring cheap, budget-friendly options first.

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  • Use What You Have
You may find that you already have all or some of the things you need lying around the house in various disguises. Perhaps, the stand in your living room is the perfect height for a desk, or maybe your bedroom lamp offers just the right level of lighting for you to work comfortably for hours. Check around the house first, and don't be afraid to get creative.
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  • Consider Antique Decorations to Complement the Furniture
Splurging on vintage décor can mean going well over budget, but if you want a truly rare piece to elevate your home office, there’s nothing wrong with browsing second-hand thrift stores. While it will be hit or miss, you just might get lucky with a centuries-old typewriter or even a record player – for a fraction of what you would have paid at an antiques shop.
Ursula Modern White Sherpa Armless Wide Seat Cross Legged Office Chair With Wheels
$150
Rhea Green Faux Leather Adjustable Office Chair
$75
Phoebe Modern Taupe Sherpa Barrel Office Chair With Wheels
$150
Moby Modern Chestnut Faux Leather Low Back Office Chair
$195
Steff Modern Green Corduroy Office Chair With Wheels
$125
Kyra Modern Grey Channeled Fur Office Chair With Wheels
$250
Murray Black Faux Leather With Gold Base Rolling Office Desk Chair
$195
Kyra Ivory Boucle Rolling Office Desk Chair
$275
Moby Black Faux Leather Low Back Rolling Office Desk Chair
$225
Modern Brown Double Plush Big + Tall 400Lbs Executive Gaming Office Desk Chair With Wheels
$375
Rhea Grey Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair
$75
Modern Pink 24" Curved Back Office Desk Chair With Wheels
$150
  • Be Bargain Aware
Simply being aware of the savings and deals on the items you want can keep you on budget in the long run. Look out for store promotions and events, which are often held to keep stock flowing and rejuvenate supply. You might be fortunate enough to come across a great deal on a lamp, work desk, or office chair.
Voyage Natural 60" Computer Writing Desk By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent | Drawers | Storage
$750
Sync Gaming L-Shaped Computer Desk With Rgb Led Lights + Usb + Power Outlet + 1 Shelf Storage
$295
Zone Gaming 48" Computer Writing Desk | RGB LED Lights | USB | Power Outlet | 1 Shelf Storage
$225
Allen 62" L-Shaped Desk With 3 Drawers
$850
Jett 60" Electric Sit Stand Gaming Desk with RGB LED Lights & Storage
$650
Tolland Black L-Shaped Computer Desk | 4 Drawers | USB | Power Outlets | Storage | Gaming
$995
Prospero Black 47" Adjustable Standing Desk
$395
Pierce Espresso 62" L-Shaped Computer Desk | Gaming | Storage | 3 Drawers
$750
Contempo Modern Brown 47" Gaming Computer Writing Desk
$195
Prospero White 47" Adjustable Standing Desk
$395
Zeus Black Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair with White Trim
$350
La Palma Walnut 47" Computer Gaming Writing Desk | 2 Shelf Storage
$588

Improving Your Home Office

One strong positive about working from home is that you get to make all the décor and furniture organization decisions. Unlike at the office, you don't need to share the space with colleagues and have unlimited freedom to explore possibilities. It could be a good idea to try out new things while maintaining a focus on comfort and well-being.
home office idea on a budget View Items in Room
  • Lighting
During the day, try to get as much as possible from the natural lighting. It might be a good idea to set your desk up by the biggest, brightest window in your home. Natural light is good for health as it keeps your hormones functioning optimally.
home offices idea on budgets View Items in Room
  • Desk
Whether or not you have a suitable desk is of great significance and will have a notable impact on your health and wellness. A standing desk could be a good option for those adverse to sitting for long hours. You might be able to use a standard shelf for this, provided you have one of appropriate height.
Table Lamp-Twisted Rope
$94
28 Inch Clear Glass Cylinder + Chrome Table Lamp
$139
28 Inch Bronze + Black Industrial Style Table Lamp With Fine Mesh Shade
$195
27 Inch Blue Ombre Table Lamp
$208
19 Inch White Glaze + Wood Drop Table Lamp
$124
Table Lamp-Sphere Bluetooth Speaker
$118
Table Lamp-Spinning Top
$129
Table Lamp-Aden
$125
Table Lamp-Slate Drip Glass Tall
$149
Table Lamp-Crystal Contemporary Column
$195
28 Inch Grey Cement Modern Genie Table Lamp With Grass Woven Shade
$184
Table Lamp-Adna Grey
$150

Last Thoughts

Having a comfortable working environment is of utmost importance if you want to maintain a positive relationship with your work. Working from home can pose new challenges for those used to an office environment. Get creative with your ideas – you don't need to break the bank.
Aberdeen Combo Filing Cabinet
$695
Whistler Filing Cabinet
$650
30" Mid Century Modern Cherry 2 Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet
$595
Austen Traditional Black 21" Storage File Cabinet With 2 Drawers
$250
38" Cottage White + Dark Brown 2 Drawer Filing Cabinet
$695
Avalon White 2 Piece Lateral Filing With Hutch
$1,395
Dara Natural 60" 4 Arched Door Storage Credenza Console Cabinet TV Stand
$1,150

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.