Working from home: Is it better to work in the study or at the dining table?
Should you work at the dining table or at your desk when working from home?
Since the pandemic, working from home has become an integral part of everyday life for many people. Even after the crisis, employers and employees have recognized the advantages of this way of working and continue to utilize it. Working from home eliminates the commute, allows for greater flexibility, and facilitates a better work-life balance. However, these advantages also bring challenges – especially when living space is limited. Whether you have a dedicated home office or use the dining table as a desk, with proper planning you can work productively and comfortably.
Working in your own home office
A dedicated home office is ideal for working from home. It offers the opportunity to set up the workspace according to individual needs. Whether it's a desk, storage space, or technical equipment – ​​everything has its designated place. A well-designed home office promotes productivity and ensures a clear separation between work and leisure.
The perfect desk for the home office
The centerpiece of a home office is the desk. It should offer enough space for the computer and other work equipment.
- Recommended dimensions: 120 to 200 cm in length and approximately 80 cm in depth.
- Ergonomic distance: A distance of 60 to 70 cm between the monitor and the eyes is ideal.
- Flexibility: Height-adjustable desks allow for both sitting and standing work.
A live edge table is ideal for adding a stylish touch, impressing with its natural shape and robustness.
Storage space and organization
Storage space is essential for keeping the home office tidy:
- Use drawers , shelves or rolling containers to neatly store documents and office supplies.
- A tidy workplace promotes concentration and improves the working atmosphere.
The right office chair
An ergonomic office chair is just as important as the desk:
- Adjustability: Height-adjustable models adapt to the body size and are flexible in their use.
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Healthy sitting posture: You avoid tension and back pain when sitting for long periods.
A high-quality office chair is a worthwhile investment for your health.
Working at the dining table
Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated home office. In small apartments, the dining table often serves as a workspace. With the right adjustments, even this can be transformed into a productive home office area.
Flexible workspace: The dining table as a desk
A large dining table often offers enough space and a comfortable working height.
- Visual separation: Decorative accessories can visually separate the work and dining areas.
- Space-saving solutions: Extendable dining tables or models with extension leaves create more space.
Keeping things organized: Where to put office supplies?
A tidy dining table can quickly be used again as a dining place.
- Storage space: Sideboards or shelves near the table can store laptops, notebooks and other work utensils.
- Minimalism: Keep the decoration on the table to a minimum to save space.
The perfect chair
Dining room chairs often do not offer the necessary ergonomics for long periods of work.
- Office chair: Invest in a comfortable, ergonomic chair with wheels that can be moved aside after work.
Technology and lighting in the home office
Besides a functional workspace, technology and lighting are crucial for a successful home office.
Space-saving technology
- Multifunction devices: Wi-Fi-enabled printers and scanners save space and can also be set up in other rooms.
The right lighting
- Bright, cool light: Promotes concentration, especially in the winter months.
- Additional light sources: Desk lamps or floor lamps complement the often warm dining table lighting and ensure optimal working conditions.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Working from Home
1. Can I use a dining table as a desk?
Yes, a dining table often offers ample space and a comfortable working height. With proper organization and an ergonomic chair, working from home at the dining table is easily possible.
2. Which desk is suitable for a home office?
A desk with a length of 120 to 200 cm and a depth of approximately 80 cm is ideal. For flexibility, a height-adjustable desk is recommended.
3. What do I do if I don't have room for a home office?
Use the dining table as a workspace and ensure sufficient storage space so that the table can be quickly used as a dining area again when needed.
4. Which office chair is best suited for the home office?
An ergonomic office chair is essential. It should be height-adjustable and promote a healthy sitting posture to avoid back problems.
5. How do I organize my workspace in my home office?
Storage space is crucial: Use shelves, drawers, and rolling containers to neatly store work materials. A tidy workspace improves concentration.
6. How can I optimize the lighting in my home office?
Use bright, cool light sources such as desk lamps or floor lamps. These support focused work and balance out warm, cozy lighting.
7. What is the optimal desk height for a home office?
A table height of at least 70 cm ensures an ergonomic working position. Tables that are too low can cause back pain due to a hunched posture.
8. Can I build a height-adjustable desk myself?
Yes, by combining a tabletop with a height-adjustable frame, you can customize your desk.
These tips will help you work productively both in your study and at the dining table, and to optimally design your home office.
Alternatively: Buy a ready-made table directly.
If you don't want to build a table yourself, you can either choose a high-quality tabletop or buy a ready-made table.
Solid wood tabletops
Discover our range of tabletops in various types of wood:
Table tops made of solid wood in oak or ash
Finished tables made of solid wood
Our finished solid wood tables offer various options, including different legs and wood types such as oak and ash:
