If you've finally taken the plunge into self-employment and will soon be joining the ranks of those forgo long commutes, pesky coworkers, and the aspects of modern office life to set up shop in a home office, you're probably excited and apprehensive at the same time. Any enterprise worth engaging in is bound to create butterflies.

However, like many fledgling entrepreneurs, you may be planning on furnishing your home office with household castoffs, and this is a mistake. Following are three home office basics essential for creating a work space conducive to success. 

Choose the Right Office Chair 

You'll spend most of your time at your home office sitting in a chair, so be sure to choose the right one. Sitting in the wrong chair for long periods of time can result in everything from mild muscle aches to serious spine issues.

You'll need an office chair that allows you to adjust its height, comfortable arm rests, proper lumbar support, and proportionate seat depth and width. It should easily swivel so that you can reach different areas of your desk without straining. The chair should be lightly padded for optimal comfort and to prevent interference with circulation and should have a stable base to avoid tipping over. Be sure to try out several different chairs to determine which one best suits your individual body size and proportions. 

Choose the Right Desk 

Virtually all modern businesses involve using a PC or a laptop, so choose a modern desk designed to work with modern office equipment. You'll need built-in wiring holes to avoid cord gridlock, and, if you'll be generating paper documents for clients, you'll need an ample work surface. Your desk should also be the right height; most users find a height of 30 inches serves their purposes, but if you have special needs, see if your retailer offers customized services.

Watch out for overly sharp edges and poor construction. For instance, drawers that do not completely align when closed are a sign of shoddy workmanship. Also, keep in mind whether or not you'll be receiving clients in your home office. If so, go for the elegant look provided by a classic wooden desk rather than opting for a perfectly serviceable but nonetheless somewhat unprofessional looking metal desk.

If you won't be using your home office for meeting clients, a well-built and designed metal desk is a good option that will cost less than its wooden counterpart. 

Choose the Right Accessory Furniture 

Few things scream 'unprofessional' more loudly than obvious household castoffs in the home office. Although it isn't necessary for a home office to have the type of sterile ambiance associated with waiting rooms in medical offices, it shouldn't present a haphazard or sloppy appearance, either. Even if you plan on rarely having clients visit you in your home office, it's important that the environment is recognizable professional instead of looking priced together like a basement recreation room.

Invest in a small seating area with a sturdy, comfortable couch, at least one matching chair, and an incidental table to pull the pieces together for a polished home office. Choose neutral colors and classic contours so the furniture can last for a long time—keep in mind that most office accessory furniture doesn't exist in the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of the average family home, so choose pieces that will still be in style in 10 years. 

Please don't hesitate to call local services if you need specific furniture to meet the needs of a certain type of business or brand approach. Whether you work quietly at home, or expect customers to come in and out, your furniture should help you achieve your business goals.

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