7 Small and Simple Upgrades to Instantly Improve Your Home Office
Home is where the heart is. And these days home is always where the money is. Working from home has become the new normal for many of us. Whether you’re a remote employee, freelancer, or creative entrepreneur, having the right home office setup can make all the difference in your focus, comfort, and productivity. Sometimes, it’s the little changes that make the biggest difference. If you’re working from home and want a more comfortable, organized, and inspiring setup, here are seven small, affordable upgrades you can make right away.
1. Add a Desk Mat
A desk mat instantly elevates the look of your workspace while protecting your desk from scratches, spills, and wear. Cork, felt, wool or leather mats also provide a smooth surface for typing and using a mouse.
But more than that, a good desk mat creates boundaries. It visually defines your workspace—separating “work zone” from everything else on your desk. If your space feels cluttered or undefined, this small touch can make it feel intentional and professional.
You can even use a dual-sided mat with different textures or colors to change things up depending on your mood. For a modern, minimalist vibe, try a full-desk leather mat in tan or black.
2. Treat Yourself to a Wrist Rest
One of the most overlooked yet crucial components of any home office is a quality wrist rest. Spending hours typing without proper wrist support can lead to repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and general discomfort that affects your work quality.
Cork wrist rests are an excellent choice for several reasons. Cork is naturally antimicrobial, eco-friendly, and provides the perfect balance of firmness and cushioning. Unlike foam alternatives that can compress over time, cork maintains its shape and support properties for years. The natural texture also provides excellent grip, preventing your wrists from sliding during long typing sessions
3. Tame Cords with Velcro Straps
Cable chaos is one of the fastest ways to make an office feel messy. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix. Reusable Velcro ties or cable sleeves can instantly bundle cords, reduce tangles, and give your desk a cleaner look.
You don’t need to get fancy—a few inexpensive cable clips and a couple of zip ties can transform your space in minutes. Try routing cables along the back edge of your desk or mounting a small tray underneath to hide power bricks and surge protectors.
Not only does cord management make your desk look neater, but it also reduces distractions. There’s something mentally calming about a workspace free of dangling cables and clutter. It’s like cleaning up your desktop icons—suddenly, you can focus again.
4. Fix Your Posture—Elevate Your Laptop or Monitor
Neck pain is often caused by looking down at a screen all day. A simple stand—or even a sturdy stack of books—can raise your monitor to eye level for better posture.
A good rule of thumb: the top of your screen should be roughly at eye level, and your neck should stay in a neutral position (not tilted forward). Adjustable laptop stands are inexpensive and can also improve airflow, preventing your device from overheating during long work sessions.
If you use a laptop as your main computer, consider adding a separate keyboard and mouse. This allows you to position your screen higher while keeping your arms and wrists in a relaxed, ergonomic position. You’ll be surprised how much less tension you feel at the end of the day.
5. Go Green
Plants don’t just look nice—they can actually boost your mood and productivity. A snake plant, pothos, or small succulent is low-maintenance and adds a touch of life to your desk.
If you don’t have a green thumb, you can still bring natural elements into your space with dried flowers, cork accessories, wood accents, or even high-quality faux plants. The goal is to add warmth and texture that helps your home office feel more inviting and less sterile.
6. Let There Be Light
Lighting has a big effect on energy and focus. Natural light is ideal, but it's not always sufficient or available when you need it most. A good desk lamp with adjustable brightness and color temperature can make a world of difference. Switching to daylight (5000K) bulbs or adding a desk lamp with white light can reduce eye strain and create a brighter, more motivating environment.
7. Make It Cozy
A small rug under your desk, a comfortable seat cushion, or even a blanket draped over your chair can make your workspace feel more personal and inviting—especially if you spend long hours there.
Comfort doesn’t have to mean clutter. Choose pieces that are simple and tactile: a soft throw, a candle, or even a photo that makes you smile. The goal is to create a space that feels yours—not just a workstation.
You could also experiment with scent. A subtle diffuser or candle with calming notes like cedar, bergamot, or eucalyptus can set the mood and signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.
Time To Enjoy
Your home office doesn’t need a massive overhaul to feel better. By making these simple upgrades—like adding a supportive wrist rest, taming cables, or bringing in plants—you’ll improve comfort, boost focus, and create a space you actually enjoy working in.