Small Space
1. The right heightTraditionally, good ergonomics dictated that the top of your desk or work surface should be 680 to 720 millimetres above the floor. But with people growing taller on average, it’s time for this measurement to catch up to our height. Many swear by a 730 millimetre desk height, though the real answer to the question of how high your desk should be lies in how tall you are and what tasks you perform. If you tower over most workstations or are less than leggy, this measurement should be respectively increased or decreased, which is why adjustable furniture is so common in offices.Tip: Your elbows should comfortably rest at desk height when you sit with your feet flat on the floor, your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and your back straight.Read more about home office set-ups
1. Location: Toorak, VictoriaWhy we love it: When the owners of this renovated family home were faced with how to combine a bathroom and laundry in one, they decided to conceal their utility space behind a bank of bi-folds. But with its stunning tiled splashback and dark timber shelving that picks up on the black ceiling, we believe it’s beautiful enough to be on show all year round.
Go modularModular sofas make the most of limited space as they are flexible and can be adapted to suit your needs. Look for a style with freestanding components that can be swapped, rotated or reconfigured to create a variety of seating combinations – perfect for a party, accommodating an overnight guest or simply because you feel like a change.
8. Mind your headLeaning over your desk to reach up for a heavy object above shoulder height is a common culprit for many people’s back pain, especially if they have been sitting at a desk for long periods first. A gentle stretch is beneficial, but a strain is most definitely not.We can’t always dictate where our shelving and storage is positioned and in many smaller home offices there are few other options. However, if you have the luxury of choosing the position of your storage or cabinetry, aim to locate it to the side of your desk within easy reach. Tip: Desks with in-built storage can negate the need for shelving, like the white and timber desk in this home office. As an added benefit you can take it with you if you move.
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