As remote work has become more common, creating an effective workspace at home has become a challenge for many people. Unlike an office, home makes it easier to relax, which can make it harder to stay focused. In this article, we introduce practical layout and coordination ideas for a home workspace that help improve concentration.
Why does the layout of a home workspace affect concentration?
The biggest reason concentration does not last during remote work is that "work space and private space are mixed together." Even simply changing the direction or location of your desk can make it easier to switch into work mode. Controlling what enters your field of view is the core of maintaining concentration.
Four layout points to improve concentration
Separate the desk zone from the private zone
If a TV, comics, or games are within sight, your concentration will inevitably drop. If you cannot place hobby-related items somewhere out of sight from the desk, setting the desk to face the wall is effective.
Position the desk according to the window and your dominant hand
If you are right-handed, placing the desk so the window is on your left helps prevent the shadow of your hand from getting in the way when writing on documents. For left-handed people, the opposite applies. Being aware of the direction of light also helps prevent oversights when checking your work.
Avoid placing the desk facing the window
If the window is directly in front of you, outside activity can easily distract you, and if there is a door behind you, a sense of tension tends to remain. A recommended arrangement is one where the door is within your field of view and there is open space in front of you.
Pay attention to interior colors
Cool colors such as blue and green help stabilize your mood and improve concentration. Natural colors such as beige and brown also create a sense of comfort. Warm colors such as red and yellow are better suited to a living room and are not ideal for a workspace.
Four recommended layouts for creating a workspace
A bright workspace coordinated in white
Using white for both the desk and work chair creates a clean, orderly impression. For accent colors, choosing soft tones such as beige or gray creates a balanced look.
Place the desk beside the window, facing the wall
When you place the desk facing the wall at a right angle to the window, you can block out information coming from the window while maintaining a sense of openness through side lighting.
Use a partition to create a semi-private workspace
If you cannot secure a dedicated workroom, using a partition or curtain to create a semi-private space is a practical option. Unlike a wall, it is less likely to feel oppressive, and it is also easy to return the room to its original state after work.
Use a low table as a working space
In a studio apartment or a small room, there is also the option of not adding a separate work desk and instead using an existing sofa and low table as your working space. This allows you to work comfortably while saving space.
Related reading
- Layout ideas for making a small children's room comfortable | Tips for using a loft bed
- How to make an old house stylish with interior design
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I still work with good concentration even if I do not have a dedicated workroom?
Yes. Simply creating a semi-private space with a partition or curtain, or placing the desk facing the wall, can significantly improve concentration.
Which interior colors are suitable for a workspace?
Cool colors such as blue and green, as well as natural colors such as beige and brown, are effective for maintaining concentration.
Why should I avoid placing the desk facing the window?
If the window is directly in front of you, it becomes easy to get distracted by what is happening outside and your concentration drops. A side window with the desk facing the wall is the most suitable arrangement.
What is the biggest reason concentration does not last during remote work?
The main reason is that work space and private space are mixed together. The most effective countermeasure is to remove hobby items and entertainment devices from your field of view.
