Must Have Office Items

A home office can quickly descend into chaos - one minute it's the hub for your personal empire, the next it's a dumping ground for home gym equipment, sports gear, the kids' old toys, and you're wading through clutter to somehow find your desk. By planning ahead, and by making sure that your home office is well-designed and inviting, you can make sure that it is a valuable and productive space, rather than a forgotten storage area. By filling your home office with useful, practical items and avoiding clutter, you can make sure that you maximise your productivity. We present our eight top picks for the best office items.

This office has lost the war on clutter

10. Top pot plants

gardeningknowhow.com has compiled a list of the best office plants - easy to care for, attractive, and perfect for breaking up the harsh lines of office furniture.

9. Dress your window for success

Whether it's sleek wooden blinds or richly textured curtains, you'll really notice the difference a well-dressed window can make.

8. Stylish and Inspiring Wall Art

You'll need to make sure that your office's walls are inspiring and pleasing on the eye, so take a look around and find yourself some wall art that captures your personality. You could even get one of your own photos blown up, so that when you're busy with your tax return you can look up and be back at that tranquil beach you remember from holiday, or gazing at a breathtaking city view.

7. Inspirational toys and gadgets

Check out iwantoneofthose.com's great selection of office toys and gadgets, perfect for de-stressing in between filing invoices. We especially love the Dead Fred pen holder and the Everlasting Calendar Tape.

6. A comfy couch

Working at a desk can really take it out of you, and sometimes you need extra comfort to really think through an idea. Try bringing in a small couch to give yourself a place to think deeply, and also to bring a touch of style and sophistication to the room.

5. Extra storage to combat houshold clutter

One of the biggest threats to the order of your home office is from the mounds of household clutter that can be dumped there. Invest in a couple of wooden sideboards and you'll not only gain some expansive surfaces where you can keep plants or printing equipment, but you'll also have some spacious storage for all those items that can never seem to find a home.

4. Make sure you have enough filing space

Nothing makes an office uninviting like huge piles of paper and files. Stay on top of your filing by making sure that you have enough filing space. For a stylish feel, avoid traditional metal filing cabinets and go for sleek, stylish wooden cabinets that will make keeping your files in order a pleasure.

3. Get the lighting just right

When lighting your home office, consider the various requirements that you have - you'll definitely need a desk lamp for close reading, and a large, warm central light for a clean, clear feel, but isn't it all a bit harsh? why not accessorise with different lighting options such as low-level lamps or halogen spotlights in the ceiling so that you can remain in total control.

2. Make sure your chair is comfy

If you work from home, or even if you just use your office to organise your finances, you'll need a comfy place to sit. It's worth spending a bit extra to get a chair with full lumbar support and a fully-adjustable form.

1. Get the right desk

The desk isn't just a surface for you to work at - it can also bring a real air of stylish professionalism to a room. Pick a desk in a stylish material such as solid oak, and your study or home office will be a place you'll enjoy working in.