Home Office Ideas & Gadgets to Help You Work Efficiently
Revamp your work-from-home setup with our team favorite home office ideas.
Your workspace doesn’t have to be full of work. ✨
If you were one of the millions who found themselves working from home during or after the Coronavirus pandemic, after a year or longer of grinding from home, it might be high time to add a little flair to your setup with some fresh home office ideas.
We’ve been trailblazing the work-from-home life since long before the pandemic, but if you’re new to the gig, you can set your home office & yourself up for success with these helpful ideas, starting with not forgetting that coffee in the microwave. 😉
Interested in working from home? Here are 11 legitimate work from home jobs you can apply for right now!
Whether you prefer sleek & modern, airy & bright, au natural, the studious study, minimalist, and more we’ve rounded up a bunch of ideas to help you curate the ideal home office – including a ton of team favorites we couldn’t make it through the workday without!
Here are 8 home office ideas to help inspire productivity while you’re crushing it at home:
1. Tech fanatics only.
Let the power of technology keep you working at maximum efficiency! Even better, with so many smart devices doing the extra work for you, you don’t have to waste any extra brain cells thinking about anything besides work.
Grab these team-favorite home office decor pieces to achieve a techy workspace (all available on Amazon!):
HidrateSpark Pro Smart Water Bottle as low as $65 (regularly $79.99)
Colsur Digital Alarm Clock w/ Wireless Charging Base as low as $39.99 (regularly $49.99)
Hip Sidekick, Angela LOVES this smart water bottle…
It keeps track of exactly how much water I drink and reminds me if I don’t drink any for a while. I keep it on my desk.
2. Comfort over everything.
One of the biggest perks of working from home is that you don’t have to wear that uncomfortable suit or put up with that stiff office chair. If you’re still not reaching the maximum comfy level at home, you may want to swap out what you have for one or two comfort essentials.
Hip Sidekick, Amber, for example, deals with superficial vein thrombosis and realized she was struggling the most with how much she crossed her legs. Thankfully this affordable and adjustable footrest has helped her a ton. So if you’re in the same boat, it’s an ergonomic solution that might be a game changer for you too!
Ameriergo Adjustable Foot Rest $35.99 (regularly $43.99)
Here are a few more highly-rated footrest options…
- Everlasting Comfort Office Footrest for Under Desk– $39.25
- Mind Reader LEGUP Ergonomic Foot Rest $29.95 (regularly $32.99)
- Under Desk Foot Hammock– $15.98
3. Dueling monitors.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and under-productive at work, a second monitor is a quick fix and a surefire way to boost your productivity! Hip Sidekick, Emily took it a step further by mounting and lifting up her screens for easier viewing capabilities and a less cluttered workspace.
You can grab affordable monitors from these popular stores:
- Target– prices from $74.99!
- Walmart– prices from $59.99!
- Staples– prices from $89.99!
- OfficeDepot– prices from $79.99!
- Amazon– prices from $99.99!
If your monitor doesn’t come with built-in speakers, grab this modern-looking pair Emily snagged for her desk!
Creative Pebble 2.0 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers $19.99 (regularly $24.99)
Plus, save on Emily’s genius wall mount + stand too!
WALI 13-30″ TV Wall Mount $15.98 (regularly $19.99)
SOQOOL Laptop Stand $22.99 (regularly $29.99)
AND don’t forget to cover up those unsightly cords too!
- Yecaye Cord Channel Cable Concealer (for 1-2 cords) $14.40 (regularly $21.99)
- YIOXCO TV Cord Cover for Wall (for 3-4 cords) $9.99
4. Bring the outside indoors.
This home office idea makes your workspace feel less dreary and drab by giving it some life instead. Plants are so pretty and calming to look at in the middle of your 9 to 5 craze, but they can also emit detoxifiers to help ‘clear your head’ literally by cleaning up the air you’re breathing.
Hip Tip: Here are 15 easy care indoor plants that will thrive in your home office!
No green thumb? While you won’t get the same detoxifying effects, these faux plants look so real, they’re perfect for adding something organic-looking to your office space!
Need a stylish vase for your new indoor plants? Hip Sidekick, Lina loves these for her home office…
Umbra Desktop Planter Vase & Geometric Containers on Amazon (set of 2) $26 (regularly $40)
I love these super fun and stylish vases for my office. They can hold my essential office supplies and even a cute succulent that has really brightened up my space! You can check out more ways to style them, too! – Lina
5. It’s all about the CHAIR!
Whoever said office chairs had to look like office chairs? Emily recently treated her home office to a glow-up and we can’t stop staring at this gorgeous chair! 😍 And yes it swivels too!
Art Leon Classical Swivel Office Chair $161.49 (regularly $169.99)
Here are a few more fun chair ideas for your home office…
- LeatherSoft Executive Swivel Office Chair in Black/ Black $159.60 (regularly $183.99)
- Karat Home Hector Velvet Home Office Swivel Desk Chair as low as $187.63 (regularly $235.26)
- Armen Living Summer Chair $100.79 (regularly $237)
- Flash Furniture Alonzo Two-Tone Armchair as low as $63.19 w/ code (regularly $139.99)
6. Make it bright & colorful.
When you eat, sleep, clean, and work at home it can get a little boring staring at the same blank walls. Adding pops of color throughout your office is a great way to perk up the space for a boost of motivation.
BOSOBO Mandala Mouse Pad $6.39
Logitech Color Collection Wireless Mouse $16.99 (regularly $39.99)
I like to spruce up my workday with a fun wireless mouse and a colorful mouse pad. I switch them out every 6 months to a year as they get gross after so much use. There are tons of cute options available. – Amber
Here are a few more colorful mouse pad options…
- Armanza Modern Abstract Mouse Pad $8.89 (regularly $12.99)
- Dooke Ergonomic Mouse Pad with Wrist Support $8.99 (regularly $9.96)
- Goodsprout Rose Gold Marble Mouse Pad with Wrist Support $12.99
- Britimes Gaming Mouse Pad $5.90 (regularly $6.90)
7. Because, COFFEE.
No matter what aesthetic you’re going for, no home office is complete without that liquid gold – coffee! And with this handy mug warmer, you don’t have to risk forgetting about your cup of joe in the microwave 😉
Grab our team favorite pick on SALE…
Mr. Coffee Portable Mug Warmer $13.49 (regularly $19.89)
Before I bought this awesome gadget, I would literally warm up my coffee in the microwave about 20 times a day! 😬 I’m a slow coffee drinker, so I was so excited about this mug warmer that now sits at my desk and keeps my coffee nice and toasty. – Jessica
Looking for a rechargeable option? Consider these best-selling Ember mugs and keep your eyes out as we post deals often!
8. The statement lamp.
Even if you have a window in your home office, if you ever work when it’s still dark outside, it’s nice to have a statement lamp. Plus, it’s an easy way to spruce up your office space without redecorating the whole thing.
Emily grabbed this cool globe lamp on Amazon for her new office and we’ve never seen anything like it! 🤩
Hsyile Modern Creative White Glass Ball Floor Lamp $55.99 (regularly $57.99)
Check out these cool statement lamps too…
- BoostArea Industrial Floor Lamp $35.99 (regularly $60)
- Mid Century Modern 2 Frosted Glass Globe Floor Lamp $69.99 (regularly $79.99)
- EppieBasic LED Desk Lamp $69.59
- TACAHE Minimalist Corner Floor Lamp $79.99
Now that your home office is set up with all your favorite things and optimized for success, it’s time to learn some helpful habits to make your day go more smoothly.
Here are our top 6 tips on how to work from home successfully:
1. Let in natural light.
If you can, opt for a brighter, natural sunlit area of your home. Being exposed to natural sunlight is proven to increase productivity & alertness. It also contributes to a better mood by lessening anxiety, lowering depression, and helps our bodies produce more serotonin which ultimately makes everyone happier. 🥰
Hip Tip: Don’t have a ton of natural light? Consider bringing the outdoors to you by adding some cute plants and succulents to your space (& don’t forget Lina’s cute planters) Either way, they’ll be sure to add a layer of happiness to your workspace.
2. Get yourself ready.
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean that you should lounge in your pajamas all day long – of course, anyone who traditionally works from home would be lying if they said they never do this. 😉 However, I find myself to be most efficient when I’m showered, have brushed my teeth, added some concealer to my under eyes, and slipped on something besides pajamas.
Hip Tip: Ladies, a comfy dress is a great way to feel totally put together with minimal effort and still be extremely comfortable. This best-selling maxi dress on Amazon is the perfect throw-on-and-go option for all seasons!
3. Fill your belly. Feed your brain.
I already talked about the importance of surrounding yourself with good, natural light when working, but it’s also just as important to fill your belly with healthy foods. I know, I’m probably starting to sound like your mom now, but without it, you might struggle to focus or feel alert.
In fact, a healthy meal replenishes the stores of energy and nutrients in your body and also provide other essential nutrients required for good health. If you’re doing the low-carb thing, be sure to check out our sister site, Hip2Keto.com.
Hip Tip: Foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin B, iron and other essential nutrients will be your best bet. For some ideas, consider foods like steel-cut oats, fresh fruits, avocado toast, raw nuts, natural yogurt with granola, or a spinach omelet.
Short on time? Check out this easy and delicious slow cooker overnight steel-cut oats recipe.
4. Make your go-to drink.
For some, making your go-to drink might be counterintuitive to the healthy meal I just encouraged you to scarf down. However, I’m sure we can all agree that our favorite hot cup of tea, iced coffee, or maybe even this delicious (and viral on TikTok) whipped coffee that Lina made, can make us crush our tasks at hand and feel like doing a happy dance after the first savory sip. 💃Cheers!
5. Check your emails first.
For me, I know that waking up to unread emails can create unnecessary anxiety in the back of my head if they don’t get taken care of first. Getting them out of the way as soon as you sit down will allow you to feel less stressed, and allow you to focus on the bigger tasks at hand.
6. Work in chunks until you’re done.
Now you’re the boss…sort of. 😏 You’re also not in your traditional office space anymore, which means you’re missing trips to the fax machine, going to a coworker’s cubicle to discuss something, walking to meetings, or grabbing lunch at the cafe down the street. By now you’re probably realizing that those things are almost non-existent when working from home, so it’s important to get yourself up and moving throughout the day.
About once every 45 minutes to an hour try stepping away from your computer to recollect your mind and body. This can be simple things like walking around the house a couple of times, taking a quick breather outside, or going to the kitchen to replenish with water.
At the end of the day, remember to give yourself some grace.
It’s difficult working from home and sometimes you just have to snuggle your baby on the couch or get down on the floor with your pup. As long as your work gets done, we think you’re doing a great job. 🤗 And if you have any home office ideas of your own, we’d love to hear them!
Thanks so much. I wish I could find a battery operated mug warmer or one that charges and doesn’t have to be plugged in. Maybe in the future 🙂
I’m a hs teacher and have to check in and video chat with my kids on a daily basis. I will admit that for the 1st week I did stay in pajamas. Then I found myself missing my work attire and the routine of getting ready. Now I get up and ready and while I don’t fully get a full outfit on( pantyhose, scarves and accessories) I do feel more comfortable dressed up. Dresses are a go to because they’re easy to throw on and I feel sexy and ready.
The best part of not having school is NOT having to “get ready” or out in work attire!
I’m wondeirng why you need to feel sexy to teach high school students, this comment bothers me!
hs = homeschool, not high school
I just started distance learning today with elementary. I need to follow some of these suggestions. Luckily my retired husband brought me lunch as I didn’t move from 9am til 5pm. I will do better tomorrow.
I understand why so many people like to wear lounge clothes to work at home – and I think that’s fine for random occasions. But right now, while folks are consistently working at home (and for who knows how long), I think it is a great idea to still get dressed in the morning. I don’t think you have to go crazy – or put on a whole mess of makeup – but feeling confident about your appearance has been shown in SO many research studies to play a huge role in how you perform so many tasks.
I teach a college credit class at a local high school two mornings a week before going to my full time job. I have been amazed at how casual so many of the teachers dress and worry that it sends the wrong message to students. I always dress up for work – and so, am always dressed up when I go there. And they notice. For me, I hope it sends the message to them that I take my work seriously enough to present myself that way – and that I care enough about them to get up EARLY to get myself together and be presentable for them. And, I’m still doing it. Even though we are now meeting on Zoom, even though they can only see from my shoulders up, I still do it! I still put on some makeup, fix my hair, and put on a dress and some earrings. Because these kids are STRUGGLING and they need to see something normal – and they need to see that someone cares, someone that’s not just slepping around in their pajamas. No offense to anyone out there in your pajamas – but if you are a teacher and doing it, our kids deserve better.
Not going to work for me with all the kids running around 😂
Hardest part is having to teach my (150) hs students via eLearning and then teach my own 3 kids as well.
Yes I agree as an elementary teacher!
Same as a middle school teacher with elementary and high school kids of my own! I get all 3 levels 🤪
Totally agree! Because of spring break this was my first day teaching online while home with my 6, 3, and 1 year old! Not the most effective but it’s a learning experience and I already have in mind changes to make!
This is a lovely post for those without kids at home and a large enough space for a designated work station.
Thanks guys. I occasionally worked at home to meet a deadline before but now I’m at home 24/7. I’m incredibly grateful to still be employed but it’s been a real struggle to produce at the same level. This was really helpful. For me, putting on pants and lipstick (and a top 😂) have been essential.
You’re so welcome! ❤️ Happy this was helpful!
❤️
My husband always works from home, with 3 kids at home and we always homeschool. We have learned that the kids aren’t allowed down in his office except if he lets them. He got a good pair of noise cancelling headphones and a good mic for conference calls. He gets dressed in usually a polo and jeans or shorts, and puts on his shoes! Putting on his shoes helped him focus a lot better. He usually takes a break like around 3/4pm and then goes back to work for another hour or two before he comes up for dinner. It’s not perfect, but we manage.
This has been the only work from home tip article I’ve found useful. Thank you!
You are so welcome! Thanks, Jaimee!
I hate working from home. I have about 15 minutes of work a day at home even with my work phone forwarded to my home phone. All I can do is keep up with emails at home and they are few and far between. Still have to go in every two weeks to download files to the internet and enter time sheets. It is boring here at least at work there was my boss and two other girls to talk to.
OH my goodness! The cute floral bowls in tip #3 Fill your belly – where did you find those? My mom passed away 2 years ago and I received 4 of these bowls from her and I would LOVE to get more of them <3 Thank you!
Hi, Paige! I’m SO very sorry for your loss. 💕 Those are vintage lotus bowls. I just spoke with Lina and she collects them at various thrift stores. You may be able to find some from etsy too! Hope this is helpful!
I already forgot about putting my pants and bra on…. been working from home for 3 weeks now- along with homeschooling my kids.