What initially worked as a makeshift solution with a kitchen chair, dining table, and open laptop is no longer sufficient in the long run. Anyone who regularly works from home quickly realizes: the wrong equipment drains energy, concentration – and ultimately, often health.
Most people already have the necessary technology: a laptop or PC, internet access, perhaps a webcam. The big question is therefore no longer "Can I even work from home?" , but rather:
"How do I set up my home office so that I can work properly every day – without burning myself out?"
That's exactly what these 10 must-haves are for. They help you make informed purchasing decisions instead of just randomly ordering "something for the home office".
1. Ergonomic office chair
The office chair is the piece of furniture you sit on literally all day. A kitchen or designer chair might look nice, but it's rarely suitable for several hours of concentrated work. An ergonomic office chair supports your back and can be adjusted to your height.
Here's what you should pay attention to when buying:
- Adjustable backrest with lumbar support
- Height-adjustable seat, suitable for your body size
- Height-adjustable armrests
- Stable base, smooth-running casters
- Material that you can comfortably sit on for several hours (padding or mesh covering)
A good chair doesn't have to be a luxury item. The Sihoo Doro C300, for example, demonstrates how a self-adapting lumbar support optimally supports the back during every movement. What's more important is that the chair suits you and noticeably relieves pressure.
2. Desk with sufficient surface area (preferably height-adjustable)
Your desk is the stage for everything you do: screen, laptop, documents, notes, maybe a glass of water or a cup of coffee. If the surface is too small or the desk is wobbly, every day working from home becomes a compromise.
Things to look out for:
- Sufficient depth to comfortably accommodate the monitor, keyboard, and documents.
- Stable construction – no thin panels that give way with every movement
- Height adjustment option if you like to switch between sitting and standing.
- The right size for the room: better slim and long than short and too deep if space is limited.
If a completely new sit-stand desk isn't an option, a solid desk riser can be a sensible interim solution.
3. External monitor of a suitable size
Working solely on a laptop screen is fine for a few hours – but in the long run, it's tiring for your eyes, neck, and concentration. An external monitor provides more screen space and improves your posture.
The following will help you with your selection:
- Screen diagonal to suit the desk; usually 24–27 inches is a good starting point.
- Sufficient resolution (e.g., Full HD or higher) so that text and details are clearly legible.
- Option to adjust the monitor height or combine it with a monitor arm
- Ports that are compatible with your laptop/PC (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C etc.)
A well-chosen monitor is one of those purchases that you'll feel the positive effects of every workday.
4. External keyboard and mouse
When the screen is positioned at an ergonomically sound height, the laptop keyboard is often inconveniently high. An external keyboard and mouse ensure that hands and arms can remain in a natural position.
Meaningful decision criteria:
- A pleasant keystroke that suits your typing style (quieter, firmer, flatter, etc.)
- A mouse shape that fits well in your hand – not too small a “travel mouse” for continuous use.
- Wireless or wired, depending on how important tidiness vs. absolute stability is to you.
- For those who type a lot: consider ergonomic keyboard or mouse options.
This ensures that you can work not only quickly, but also in a relaxed manner for the long term.
5. Laptop stand or monitor arm
One of the most common mistakes when working from home: The screen is positioned too low. This automatically causes the head to tilt forward, putting unnatural strain on the neck for hours. A laptop stand or monitor arm is a relatively small upgrade with a big impact.
What matters is:
- Sufficient stability so that nothing wobbles when you type.
- Height adjustability to bring the top edge of the screen approximately to eye level.
- Sufficient load-bearing capacity, especially for large monitors
- Ability to adjust tilt and distance
In combination with an external keyboard and mouse, this creates a setup that adapts to your body much better than a laptop simply lying flat on the table.
6. Good desk lighting
Light is a factor that is often underestimated. Light that is too dim, too bright, or poorly positioned can lead to faster fatigue, eye strain, or headaches. A well-positioned desk lamp makes a big difference here.
Helpful criteria when buying:
- Flexible lamp arm so you can direct the light beam where you need it.
- Even illumination of the work surface, without harsh shadows
- Brightness that you can adjust to the time of day and activity (e.g. dimmable)
- Light color in the neutral range, so that you work in neither a "living room atmosphere" nor an "operating room feeling".
With the right lamp, you can create a working atmosphere in which you can stay focused for longer.
7. Headset with microphone
Working from home means video calls, online meetings, and virtual workshops are part of everyday life. A headset with a good microphone not only ensures better sound quality for you, but also a more professional impression on the other end.
This can make all the difference when making your selection:
- Comfortable to wear even for extended periods (headband, padding, weight)
- Clear voice transmission, minimal background noise
- Compatible with the technology you use (USB, jack, Bluetooth)
- Optionally, use active noise cancellation if you work in a noisy environment.
Especially if you talk a lot with customers or external partners, a good headset is more than just an "accessory" – it becomes part of your presentation.
8. Organization system and cable management
A cluttered or cable-bound desk makes mental work unnecessarily difficult. A simple organizational system for documents, pens, and technology ensures that you can find the most important things at a glance and that the work surface remains clear.
Practical components can include:
- Small organizer for writing utensils, notes and small items
- Filing tray or standing file for current documents
- Box or designated space for chargers, power supplies and adapters
- Cable channels, Velcro straps or clips to guide cables out of the way
You don't have to create a perfect Instagram setup – even a little structure reduces visual stress and frees up your mind for the actual work.
9. Acoustic solution or noise-cancelling
Noise is one of the biggest concentration killers: traffic outside the window, noisy neighbors, other people in the apartment. Especially for tasks that require focus, it's worth considering a simple acoustic solution.
Possible approaches:
- Textiles in the room: carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture dampen reverberation and noise.
- Room layout: a small partition wall or shelving solution creates visual and acoustic separation.
- Headphones with good passive or active noise isolation, if spatial solutions are not possible.
The goal is not absolute silence, but a noise level at which you can concentrate on a task without being constantly pulled out of the flow.
10. Extras that promote movement
Even with good equipment, one challenge remains: In your home office, you often move even less than in the office. Small aids can remind you to regularly change your posture and position.
These include, for example:
- Standing mat for height-adjustable desks, to make standing for longer periods more comfortable.
- Footrest if your legs don't have good contact with the ground when sitting
- Balance board or small "wobbly stool" that promotes slight micro-movements
- A timer or app that regularly reminds you to take short breaks for movement or stretching.
It's not about turning your office into a gym, but about incorporating more natural movement throughout the day.
Conclusion: Equipment as the foundation, habits as the amplifier
A well-designed home office setup isn't a luxury, but rather the foundation for working healthily and productively in the long term. An ergonomic chair, a suitable desk, a good monitor, lighting, acoustics, and a bit of organization on your desk – these are investments that pay off every single workday.
Just as important is what you make of it: regular breaks, short bursts of exercise, and consciously switching off at the end of the day. These 10 must-haves provide the foundation – how you use them determines how well your home office truly supports you.
