Setting up a home office that supports your health, comfort, and productivity is essential—especially if you’re spending hours each day at your desk. Whether you’re working from home full-time or just need a more ergonomic workspace, these five practical tips will help you achieve a home office set up with comfort at its core.
1. Choose a good-quality office chair
A supportive, adjustable chair is the foundation of a comfortable home office setup. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars but you still need to buy a quality item – a second-hand chair from a garage sale or an “affordable” option from Officeworks might seem like a good idea but you can often end up “paying twice” – look for the best chair that you can afford with sufficient cushioning and ergonomic adjustment.
Look for chairs with:
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Seat height adjustability
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Lumbar support
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Comfortable padding
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Armrest adjustment (if available)
Spending the time to find a chair that feels right for you is one of the best investments you can make in your home office comfort.
2. Learn how to use all the chair’s adjustment features
Even the best ergonomic chair is useless if you don’t know how to set it up properly. Take the time to familiarise yourself with every lever and knob. Adjust:
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Seat height so your upper body is relaxed when you have your hands on the mouse or keys, and your feet are flat on the floor (you can fix that with a footrest if needed)
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Backrest tilt for natural spinal support
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Lumbar support to fit the curve of your lower back
Achieving an upright but relaxed posture reduces the strain on your spine and shoulders, helping you stay comfortable and focused throughout the day.
3. Make sure your desk is deep and wide enough
A cramped desk is one of the most common causes of poor home office setup comfort. Desks that are too narrow force your monitor too close to your eyes and leave little room for a keyboard, mouse, or documents.
Ideally, your desk should allow you to:
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Place your monitor at least an arm’s length away
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Rest your forearms comfortably in front of the keyboard
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Spread out papers or use a document holder
If space is limited, consider a desk extension or slide-out tray to improve layout and function.
4. Use the right keyboard, mouse or other input device
Modern, well-designed input devices make a big difference to your comfort, especially if you’re managing wrist, elbow, or shoulder discomfort.
Here’s what to look for:
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Keyboard: Choose a slim, low-profile model with soft-touch keys to reduce strain.
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Mouse: Use a mouse that fits the size of your hand. If you have forearm or wrist pain, consider switching to an ergonomic or vertical mouse (but maybe seek professional advice first so you don’t waste money on the wrong option).
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Alternatives: If shoulder pain is a concern, try a centralised input device like a rollermouse or trackpad.
The right equipment helps you maintain natural joint alignment and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
5. Raise your monitor to the right height
Your screen should be positioned so that your eyes naturally align with the top third of the monitor. Too many people work from laptops on the desk, which forces constant neck flexion and leads to discomfort or injury.
To improve screen height:
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Use a laptop stand or (as a temporary measure) stack books under your monitor
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Consider a monitor arm or riser for a more permanent solution
This simple change can dramatically improve your home office setup comfort by keeping your head and neck in a neutral position.
Bonus Tip: Stay posture-aware and take movement breaks
Even the best ergonomic setup won’t help if you sit still for hours. Keep an eye on your posture – aim for natural spinal curves, relaxed shoulders, and a neutral head position. Most importantly, move regularly.
Try:
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Standing up every 25–40 minutes
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Doing quick stretch or mobility exercises
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Using a sit-stand desk to vary posture throughout the day
Movement is key to preventing stiffness and fatigue and maintaining long-term comfort in your home office setup.
My Final Thoughts
Creating a home office set up focused on comfort doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take days to achieve. With a few thoughtful adjustments to your chair, desk, equipment, and habits, you can create a workspace that supports both your posture and productivity.
And reach out for professional advice if you feel unsure of how to address any specific issues that you are having. A second set of trained eyes can often pick up the smaller details that you will miss. Contact Ergo Experts via email or phone 0409 512 434 and we will gladly help with free advice or schedule an assesment with you.
