Welcome to my first blog post, where I delve into creating the perfect home office. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a diligent student, or setting up your first remote workspace, the question remains: What are the three non-negotiables for a functional and comfortable home office? Today, I explore the essentials: a versatile electric height-adjustable desk, a supportive dual monitor arm, and an ergonomic task chair that marries comfort with durability.
- Electric Height Adjustable Desk: Your workspace should be a dynamic area where comfort meets practicality. A desk that adjusts to your height preferences is pivotal. I recommend a desk with dimensions of 30” deep by 72” wide, accommodating various activities, from professional tasks to academic endeavors and daily computer use. The electric height adjustable feature is not just a luxury; it’s a nod to health, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing with ease.
- Ergonomic task chair: Long hours at the desk call for a chair that offers unwavering support. Look for a task chair backed by a 10-year warranty. The ideal chair should feature a mesh back, a thick cushion seat, comprehensive lumbar support, and fully adjustable arms. Don’t compromise on the essentials: seat height, swivel, and back angle adjustments should be standard. Other features I love: forward seat tilt, seat slider, back rest height adjustment and a head rest.
- Single or dual monitor arm: With the digital landscape expanding, your monitor setup should not lag behind. A dual monitor arm allows for a clutter-free desk and personalized positioning. It’s an investment in both space and productivity. For me, 2 large 27”w monitors is plenty. I recommend using a dual monitor fully articulating arm.
Where to buy?
While there are plenty of options to choose from including online retailers, big box retailers and office furniture dealerships, I recommend visiting a local office furniture dealership with a showroom. Office furniture dealerships specialize in commercial grade furniture and can help you select a great solution, whether that is a new piece of furniture, a high quality pre-owned piece or a refurbished/remanufactured piece. A good furniture dealership will work with you and understand your needs and application, and make a good recommendation. They will also offer you delivery and assembly/installation, which can come in handy when the furniture needs to be set up in a basement or upper level.
Warranty & Service
An often-overlooked aspect of furniture selection is the warranty and after-sales service. A robust warranty indicates confidence in product quality. For instance, chairs made in the USA often come with a 10- to 12-year warranty, while imported models might offer 5 years. This is more than just a safety net—it’s about building a relationship with a dealer who will support you through the lifespan of your product, assisting with repairs or replacement parts as needed. Common items that need replacing include broken chair arms and faulty gas cylinders. Again, your dealer is your partner who can help you get the most out of your purchase.
Pricing Breakdown:
Let’s talk numbers. While you can’t put a price on comfort and productivity, it’s important to budget accordingly:
- Electric Height Adjustable Desks:
- Two-leg base (for a straight or rectangle desk): Approximately $600.
- Three-leg base (for an L-shaped desk): Around $1,000.
- Desk surfaces vary in price, with a standard 1-inch thick, 30″x72″ surface costing about $275.
- Ergonomic Task Chairs:
- Expect to pay between $550 and $850, depending on the features and materials.
- Dual Monitor Arms:
- Prices range from $250 to $500, based on the complexity of the arm and build quality.
Manufacturer Recommendations:
For those who want to start their search with some solid recommendations, I suggest looking into products from AIS. Their Calibrate laminate desk line, E Series electric height adjustable bases, and Natick task chair are all worth considering for their quality and design flexibility.
- Calibrate Laminate Desk Line: https://www.ais-inc.com/products/calibrate-countdown
- E Series Electric Height Adjustable Bases: https://www.ais-inc.com/products/products-to-work-from-home
- Natick Task Chair: https://www.ais-inc.com/products/natick
Conclusion
I hope this guide serves as a solid starting point for your home office setup. Remember, investing in your workspace is investing in your work quality and well-being. If you have any questions or need assistance in making a decision, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help. Share your thoughts via the comment form.
Image Source and Disclaimer: The images included in this post are sourced from AIS, Inc., to provide design inspiration and product visualization. Please note, AIS has not sponsored this content or influenced its creation in any way.
