More of us are working from home than ever before, which means it’s essential to have a dedicated space where we can do our jobs effectively and comfortably. Whether you’re working in your spare room or in the corner of your living room, you can create your perfect setup without spending too much money. From getting the most out of your space to getting your essentials for less, read on for our top home office ideas on a budget.

1. Define Your Office Space

When setting up a home office on a budget, the first step is to figure out how much you have to spend. A budget will help you make decisions about what your home office needs to narrow down the search for furniture and office essentials. The main items to prioritize are a desk, a chair, and a lamp. 

Desk

Shopping for a desk can be daunting, so focus on desktop space, color and style. Always have measurements in mind before buying any large items. If you’re trying to figure out how to make a home office in a small space, choose a desk with shelving or drawers. This will help you get more bang for your buck and reduce the amount of other pieces you need. Of course, make sure you don’t already have a suitable table in your home that you could use as a desk!

Chair

Working from home means you spend a lot of your day in your desk chair. The right chair will make all the difference in your mood and productivity, but you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-tech desk chair. The key is to find a comfortable seat with lumbar support so you can avoid back pain.

Lamp

Light is another important factor in a home office, especially for any early mornings or late nights. A good lamp will help you stay alert and avoid eye strain as you work. If you’re setting up a home office on a budget, you may already have a lamp in your home that’s available to use.

If you need to buy a new lamp, look for one that will support all your working activities without adding glare to your computer screen. Adjustable brightness is another handy feature that can help you transition throughout your workday.

2. Decorate 

Decorating can bring your workspace to life. For some home office ideas on a budget, visit a local flea market. This is a great way to save money and repurpose artwork, all while getting to choose from a large collection of interesting and one-of-a-kind pieces. 

Another way to decorate your home office is to freshen up your space with plants. Indoor plants look inviting and they purify the indoor air, so move some of your favorite plants over to your desk area! If you’re wondering how to decorate an office in a small space, shelves can offer plenty of room for your plant decor. 

To find out which indoor plant is best for you and your office space, take this quiz. 

3. Keep It Warm and Comfortable

Work can get stressful, but having a comfortable space to spend your time in can make it all that much easier. Make your office cozier without spending too much money by using items you may already have around your home.

Add a rug underneath your desk and a cushion to your chair. Have a blanket nearby for early mornings and late nights. If your space is particularly drafty, you may have a space heater or an electric blanket to spare. For added coziness on a budget, you can buy a mug warmer, which doesn’t cost much but will keep your tea or coffee warm as you work! Take a look around your house for more inspiration for these home office ideas on a budget.

4. Organize

A key tip? Organize. Especially if you’re making a home office in a small space. Consider a desk with shelves or drawers or both. Having storage space in your desk lets you organize clutter while keeping everything you need in arm’s reach. Another way to organize and maximize a smaller space is to find a bookshelf that fits the space. A bookshelf can be a very versatile piece of furniture, and you can use any extra bookshelf space for decoration purposes. 

As for organizing your day-to-day tasks, a planner or desk calendar is a small investment. Writing down your tasks for the day can be very helpful for productivity and time management. A large calendar lets you keep track of meetings, deadlines, and appointments. Everyone has a different method to organize their tasks, so find what works best for you.

5. Purchase Furniture on Sale 

Buying furniture on sale is a great way of setting up a home office on a budget. You can also buy furniture second hand, which helps protect the environment. Visit a local flea market or Facebook Marketplace to find furniture at a discounted price. You can easily make secondhand furniture feel like new on a budget by refurbishing it. A new coat of paint can go a long way! 

We hope that with these home office ideas on a budget, you can set up the home office of  your dreams. Read our workplace wellness ideas to make sure you stay relaxed throughout the day at your new desk area!