The way we work is changing! If this wasn't apparent prior to 2020, it has become crystal clear after the pandemic when so many workplaces shifted from traditional office work to so many of us working from the comfort of our own homes. While some people have moved back to their previous office spaces, many of us have found that our workplaces continue to be fluid. In fact, Forbes estimates that over 12% of people work from home full-time while 28% work a hybrid model.

There's no doubt that working from home can offer a variety of benefits for employees and employers alike. Saving money on travel, making your own hours, and working in your pajamas all make it an enticing option over fighting traffic to get to a 9-5. Working from home, however, can also come with its own set of challenges, including the need to create a proper work environment. 

Having the right workspace and tools at home to meet your (and your boss') performance objectives is a must. After all, your livelihood may depend on it. A comfortable space to complete your responsibilities can help boost your productivity, stay on task, and spark your creativity. 

No matter what your job may entail, any good workspace starts with a comfortable desk. At Star Furniture, we're proud to offer a variety of desks to meet anyone's home decor style, personal taste, and functional needs. From writing tables to power desks and accouterments like desk chairs, file cabinets, guest chairs, bookcases, and more.

If your home office leaves a lot to be desired in terms of style, practicality, or comfort, the trusted Star Furniture design team is here to guide you along the journey of finding your ideal home office desk. Before you begin office desk shopping, like the successful business person you are, do your homework.

Start your own performance review and ask yourself these 5 questions. 

How do I work at home? Is home my full-time office?

Just as different workspaces outside of the home are tailored to meet the unique job requirements, the same is true for your home office. Thinking about the job that you'll be doing will determine what type of office space you should create. Will this be your full-time office space or will you only use it on occasion? 

If you'll be splitting your time between working from home and a different location, you may be able to get away with utilizing a smaller area of your home. On the other hand, if you plan to use your home office full-time, chances are you'll need quite a bit more room to spread out as well as store and organize items. 

For full-time work, creating a makeshift workspace at the end of your dining room table simply isn't going to cut it. For one thing, dining room tables were meant for eating, not typing emails. In addition, your dining room table provides no place to organize your office supplies appropriately.

Instead, a traditional desk would be a much more practical option and a spacious one at that. Be sure to look for an office desk that has ample surface space to hold all the tools you use on a regular basis, particularly your computer. 

Choosing a desk with built-in storage, such as this executive desk from Star Furniture, is a great way to keep all of your paperwork and important essentials on hand, tidy, and organized without taking up a lot of floor space. If your home office is roomy, however, and you manage a lot of paperwork, consider a home office credenza, sometimes called a sideboard or cabinet.

Modern file cabinets have come a long way from the ugly metal boxes of old. Along with providing valuable storage space that can help you stay on top of your work, a stylish file cabinet can contribute to the visual appeal of your home office.

Is my home office desk in a dedicated room?

When you think of the perfect home office, you probably envision an entire room that's designated for work, complete with a handsome wooden desk, oversized leather chair, and a picturesque window with a view. In reality, most people who work from home do so where they can. Think the breakfast room table, their lap on the sofa, etc. 

Having a specific room to dedicate to your work is certainly ideal, especially if you work from home full-time, but it's not required in order to create a functional workspace. Today's home designs often include multi-functional spaces, hybrids that serve as home offices, hobby rooms and even guest suites.

If you're worried about where your overnight visitors will sleep the one or two times a year that they drop by, we've got you covered. Adding a hidden bed to your home office or replacing the sofa in your living room with a sleeper sofa solves this problem without overcrowding your house with an additional bed.

It needs to be stated that you don't have to have a mansion to create a comfortable workspace at home. If using a spare bedroom is out of the question, remember: sharing is caring. It's possible to incorporate your home office in your TV room or a dedicated corner of a larger room. Got an open-concept floor plan? This is a great option for you!

Blending different living spaces together is simple enough in theory, but there are a few factors to consider before you jump right into the process. First of all, the desk that you choose should be the appropriate size for the space. One that's too small will likely get lost while one that's too big will make the room feel cluttered.

Additionally, it's important to choose a desk and other office furniture that complements the existing decor within the space. If your home is decorated in traditional furnishings, adding a farmhouse office desk or one that's glamorous and chic might look out of place. Instead, the desk should seamlessly flow with all the other pieces in the space. The ultimate goal is cohesiveness.

Will other family members be using my new desk?

Let's face it. If you bring a desk into a home with other people living there (i.e. your children), chances are that you won't be the only one using it. It's common for home office desks to be used by some people for work, some for household endeavors like making grocery lists and planning family vacations, and others for homework or projects.

When multiple people are using the same workspace for different purposes, it can influence the type of desk you select. For instance, if the whole family uses and enjoys the home office desk and it's in a prominent position in your home, both quality and aesthetics are considerations. It's good "business" to invest in the best!

It's also wise to invest in a desk that offers plenty of storage space. Having a variety of drawers conveniently built into your desk can give everyone the room they need to keep their papers, homework, supplies, and other necessities organized, easily accessible, and, most importantly, out of the way of the other people who will be using the space.

Pro tip: if you have young kids at home or work that shouldn't be tampered with, look for a desk with drawers that can be locked. You'll thank us later.

What are my tech needs?

There's no doubt that the style and storage capabilities of your home office desk are important considerations when shopping for a desk for your home office, but the most significant feature to keep in mind when choosing any desk to bring into your home is its ability to accommodate your technical needs. In this modern age, so many of us rely heavily on technology to complete our jobs. Because of this, the desk that you use to perform your duties should be set up in a way that supports your technological devices.

Space is the first factor to consider. Is the desk you're interested in bringing home spacious enough to comfortably hold your computer? Maybe this is a non-issue if you work from a laptop, but it's worth thinking about if you use a desktop, even more so if you use large or multiple screens. What about other tech components? Don't forget to provide enough surface space for printers, copiers, and any other equipment you need to do your job.

Depending on where you plan to position the desk in your home office, you may also be interested in choosing one with built-in outlets to connect you with a power supply and cord management systems. These will allow you to plug in your computer, devices, a table lamp, and anything else you may need, regardless of where the nearest outlet in the room is located. 

Is my desk part of my professional branding?

We all know the business advice to "dress for success." Consider that the appearance of your home office is an important piece of your wardrobe! Imagine you hop onto a Zoom call with co-workers, supervisors and even clients. What will they think when they see your work area? More importantly, what will your desk say about you? If the answer is not professional, polished, and prepared, it's time to make some changes. 

Whether you're an established professional or at the very beginning of your career, impressions and optics make a difference! A professional home office, and your desk in particular, is a brilliant investment and one you won't regret. You'll feel confident and at your best seated at a beautiful high-functioning desk. What's more, everyone will see it.

Professionals rely on professional advice. Whether you're a rising star or already a captain of industry, a Star Furniture designer can help you curate a home office workspace to take you to the next level.

Find Your Ideal Home Office Desk at Star Furniture

Working from home should be a pleasure. Whether you do so a few times a month or you're a full-time remote employee, your home office space should be catered to your particular space, job, and personal needs. 

The secret to any practical work-from-home space is investing in the right desk. As we all know, not every office desk is created equally. With this in mind, it's important to choose a desk that can accommodate your work equipment, complements the existing decor of your home, and sets you up for success with your colleagues and clients. 

At Star Furniture, our trusted design team is happy to help you bring your ideal home office dreams to life, starting with the desk. Visit us online to browse through our selection of office desks and home office furniture in a variety of styles. From built-in storage to unique designs, we have something for everyone!

If you enjoyed this blog, check out this one about seven furniture designs that never get old.

The way we work is changing! If this wasn’t apparent prior to 2020, it has become crystal clear after the pandemic when so many workplaces shifted from traditional office work to so many of us working from the comfort of our own homes. While some people have moved back to their previous office spaces, many […]

textured white upholstered office chair in front of dark wooden desk

The comfort of your office chair plays a major role in the productivity of a day spent working from home. A supportive office chair will help you avoid bad posture and physical pain, particularly for those who spend a lot of time at the computer. You’ll want to make a few considerations before you make a purchase. After all, you’ll probably spend just as much time in your office chair as you do lying on your mattress. Trust the pros at Star Furniture: your body will thank you!  

This Office Chair is Too Hard…

Beware of the overly-stiff, utilitarian home office chair. An extra-firm chair may have an impressive look, but bears the risk of creating excess pressure around your lower back and pelvic area. This is especially true for individuals suffering from sciatica, herniated discs, and other back and pelvic related issues.  To avoid the dangers of a rigid office chair, consider the following:

Go brick-and-mortar to find the right chair

Shopping for a chair online may feel like a time saver, but shopping for a desk chair in person is a body saver. If you have the privilege of shopping for an office chair in person, don’t be afraid to take a seat and assess how you feel after about 15 minutes. Even if you’re only able to do so for a fraction of that time, you’ll be able to better grasp whether the chair works for your needs. Make sure that you don’t feel any excess pressure on your tailbone or back. In a comfortable chair, you should be able to sit with your back straight and both feet on the ground, without the need to readjust every few minutes out of discomfort. 

Do you prefer a stationary chair, or will you need to pivot and roll?

An office chair that sits in a rigid position may feel comfortable when facing your desk, but you may prefer that your chair have additional flexibility for keeping up with your kids or moving files around at a large desk. 

This Office Chair is Too Soft…

Equally uncomfortable is the deceivingly soft office chair. Again, you’re better off testing a chair’s softness by shopping in-person. Before you buy, ask yourself:

Will this office chair provide sufficient lumbar and arm support?

Many home office chairs offer lumbar support in some capacity, offering some relief to the lower back. Of course, the amount of support required in the lumbar region will vary from person to person. As mentioned above, you’ll want to test your options out before making a decision. However, you can use these tips for a general understanding of how lumbar support works:

You’ll also want to consider whether you prefer a chair with or without armrests. Either type of design can be comfortable based on your particular needs, however, it is generally true that armrests will provide further upper body support. 

What type of material am I most suited to?

Both upholstery and leather office chairs have their own advantages. As a general rule, leather is more durable and easier to clean, while upholstery has a softer feel and is more breathable in warmer months.  

This Chair is Just Right!

The ideal home office chair provides a balance between bodily support, comfort and aesthetic appeal. Sitting is believing. Avoid the costly mistake of buying the wrong chair online. When you’ve found that perfect chair, you’ll feel it in your bones, literally! Remember that a comfortable office chair is worth the splurge, especially since your overall well-being is at stake. 

Get Comfortable in an Office Chair from Star Furniture

You’ll want to test out a few different office chair options before making the perfect selection. Learn from the mistakes of Goldilocks and trust the professionals at Star to streamline your shopping experience. That’s where the pros at Star Furniture step in. Shop with us at our store in Houston, Austin and San Antonio to find a chair that meets and exceeds your specific needs!If you enjoyed this blog, check out our article on how to set up your home office for maximum productivity.

The comfort of your office chair plays a major role in the productivity of a day spent working from home. A supportive office chair will help you avoid bad posture and physical pain, particularly for those who spend a lot of time at the computer. You’ll want to make a few considerations before you make […]

contemporary office furniture in sunny, well-lit room

Ensuring productivity and efficiency when working remotely has been a topic of discussion with many people transitioning to working from a home office over the past few years. There are many benefits of working from home. However, adapting and being productive in this new working environment can only be easy if you have an ideal home office.

Effective home office design and decor means establishing an environment where you can be comfortable and productive. In addition, designing a dedicated home office helps you build a work-personal life balance, which highly helps in boosting productivity. Some of the benefits you might get to enjoy from setting up your home office include the following: 

Here are seven ways to maximize productivity when designing a home office and its decor:

Choose a Dedicated Office Space

Whether you have a small or spacious home, creating a dedicated working area separate from the rest of your living area is crucial. Doing so can help to increase productivity and focus by shifting you into ‘work mode’ when you enter the designated home office space.  

Ideally, your office should be in a quiet room that allows for plenty of privacy, especially when sharing the house with a spouse, roommate, or children, to avoid distractions. In a smaller space, this might mean sectioning off an area of the kitchen or living room as your work area. In this scenario, it might be best to invest in a pair of sound canceling earbuds for times when there are other people in the room with you.

Pro tip: In a larger home, consider choosing a room near the front entrance if you meet with clients in your home office.   

office desk in sunny, contemporary room

Natural Light Design Enhances Workflow

Consider the factor of natural light when choosing a space for your home office. Natural light has been proven to increase productivity, according to a study by Cornell University. Beyond productivity, natural sunlight also has a positive effect on our mood and general outlook. Given the benefits of natural light, it’s best to avoid setting up your home office in a closet or other windowless room. 

Now that you’ve let the sunlight into your space, it’s time to add lighting fixtures. The type of bulb you choose to use is a personal matter. We suggest cool, white light to improve focus and alertness. Cool white light can be particularly helpful when used in a table-top task lamp to improve the legibility of documents and paperwork.

Design Your Home Office Depending On Your Needs

The layout and functionality of your home office space will, of course, depend on your needs and the nature of your work. For example, a sound designer might opt to hang decorative acoustic sound panels. On the other hand, a consultant who meets with clients regularly will want to invest in quality seating, with extra attention given to the layout of furniture and office decor.

You’ll also want to take into account your own working style. Are you easily distracted? In that case, it might be best to forgo the addition of a TV to the space. Alternatively, you might prefer to have a comfortable sofa in your office, where you can easily prop your feet up and take a well-deserved break. A personalized approach to setting up your home office is your best bet for maximizing productivity and focus.  

Keep Your Home Office Design Organized and Clean

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and distracted when surrounded by clutter. We suggest organizing and tidying up your home office at the end of each workday, for a fresh start each morning. Beyond just tidying up, take a day to go through your office storage spaces, if applicable. Clearing out your old work materials and making room for new additions is a great way to ramp up your motivation.

If you haven’t yet, invest in quality storage options that work for your space. In a smaller office area, take advantage of vertical space by installing shelving units and tall, cubical storage. 

Acquire the Appropriate Technology and Office Supplies

Next, you’ll want to make sure that you have all of the tech and supplies necessary to complete your work with ease. You’ll want to minimize discomfort and stress that you might encounter during the day. For example, if you find that your neck is always in pain from looking down at your laptop screen, elevate your laptop with an adjustable laptop stand. If you find that you enjoy writing with a particular kind of pen, ensure that you are stocked up with extras for the future. 

Connectivity is a huge part of creating your home office, so you’ll want to pay attention to the technology you decide to purchase. Will your mouse, keyboard, and headphones easily connect to your laptop? Will the batteries in your speakers last without having to be charged every hour? These are the kinds of questions to ask yourself in order to avoid any future frustration. 

Consider the Importance of Ergonomics

It may not come as a surprise that prolonged periods of time spent sitting at a desk can lead to back and neck pain. While working from home, plenty of people tend to hunch over their keyboards, hardly getting up to take a break and walk around. Besides getting up to stretch every so often, you’ll want to invest in a quality office desk and chair that allow you to work comfortably throughout the day. When selecting a chair, take note of the following requirements that must be met for the chair to be considered ergonomic - or made for maximum comfort and efficiency:

Improve Your Home Office Air Quality

For the finishing touch, you’ll want to focus on the air quality in your home office. The more fresh air - the better. The most obvious way to go about this is to open a window or two. However, if this option is not feasible for you, try using a small desktop fan to keep the air in circulation. Alternatively, you might choose to purchase an air filtration unit that will keep the air clean all year-round. 

The Ideal Home Office Furniture Destination in Texas

Are you looking to upgrade your home office? Star Furniture has a wide collection of quality home office furniture and other accessories that combine functionality, quality, and style. Contact us today for inquiries, and shop home office furniture on our website and in person.

Ensuring productivity and efficiency when working remotely has been a topic of discussion with many people transitioning to working from a home office over the past few years. There are many benefits of working from home. However, adapting and being productive in this new working environment can only be easy if you have an ideal […]

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Kids’ desks are an integral part of any child’s bedroom. Not only do they give them the space they need to study, but they also give them a place of their own where they can write, draw, craft, or play. In today’s blog, we discuss some of their favorite kids’ desks for sale at Star Furniture. 

Bunkhouse Desk & Hutch 

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When it comes to kids’ desks, you want something that will accommodate them throughout the years, whether they’re drawing, studying, or chatting with friends. This kids’ desk and hutch is as stylish as it is functional. In addition to the hardwood solids and corrugated metal accent panel, it also features wire management, a USB kit, and a lift top with felt lined storage. 

Madison Desk & Hutch

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This kids’ desk and hutch is perfect for girls of all ages. Not only does the desk feature two storage drawers, but it also has a hutch with two long shelves for additional display and storage. Plus, this stunning white desk comes with a corkboard that your child can decorate and make their own. 

Nixon Writing Desk 

Are you working with limited space? If so, you’ll love this small writing desk, which features space-saving x-frame legs and two drawers for extra storage. Plus, it’s available in white, gray, and turquoise, so your child can choose the color that best suits their personality and style. 

Bedford Park Writing Desk 

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Looking for a desk that will look as great in their childhood bedroom as it does in their first apartment? Check out this minimalist writing desk, which is as stylish as it is functional. Its sleek, rustic design looks great, and the three drawers offer the storage space your child needs to keep their desk uncluttered. 

Tanners Creek Writing Desk

If you’re worried about a desk crowding a small bedroom, this writing desk features a simple silhouette that is perfect for small scale spaces. The minimalist design will grow with your child, and because it’s made of melamine, you won’t have to worry about scratches and other wear and tear. Need more kids’ furniture inspiration? Visit a Star Furniture store near you or browse our selection of kids’ furniture online. In the meantime, check out our interior design blog where we cover everything from kids’ bedroom essentials and playroom décor ideas to the best kid-friendly living room furniture ideas.

Kids’ desks are an integral part of any child’s bedroom. Not only do they give them the space they need to study, but they also give them a place of their own where they can write, draw, craft, or play. In today’s blog, we discuss some of their favorite kids’ desks for sale at Star […]

White Executive Desk Chair on Wheels

With so many more people working from home, it’s no surprise that so many of us are looking to upgrade our home office in the new year. At Star Furniture, we can help you find the best leather desk chairs to create a comfortable and productive space for you to get things done!  

Oliver Brown Leather Desk Chair 

Brown Leather Desk Chair on Wheels

Working hard will come easy with this brown leather desk chair, which features comfortable armrests, top grain leather upholstery everywhere the body touches, and convenient wheels and swivel capabilities so you can easily move around. The best part? Because the chair is also available in black, you have some options when it comes to the color of your upholstery. 

 Ava White Leather Desk Chair

White leather office chair

Looking for an office chair that’s as durable as it is comfortable? You’ll love this gorgeous white desk chair that features top grain leather everywhere the body touches. Not only does the stainless-steel base and leather upholstery make this desk chair incredibly durable, but you can easily adjust the height and tilt of the chair for optimal comfort. 

Santa Cruz Leather Desk Chair

Minimalism Desk Chair

If you’re in the market for a minimalist desk chair, you’ll love this stunning modern chair that features goat leather with diamond stitching and a bronze finished iron frame. Because it doesn’t take up much space, it will work great in a small home office. And it’s so stylish, it will add visual appeal to any room you put it in. 

Reese Black Leather Desk Chair

 

Reese black leather office chair

When it comes to buying the perfect desk chair, you’re likely looking for something that’s comfortable, durable, and stylish. And this black leather desk chair delivers on all three counts. Not only does it look great, but you can adjust the height and tilt so it will feel great, too. Plus, because it’s made from top grain leather everywhere the body touches, you know it’s built to last. 

Surreal Simone Executive Desk Chair

White leather office chair

Don’t just work like an executive, you can look like one too with this classy and stylish desk chair. Not only is each piece meticulously hand-crafted using the most exquisite leathers in the world, but the beautiful detailing is sure to impress everyone on your Zoom call. 

Now that you’ve had a look at some of the best leather desk chairs for sale at Star Furniture, it’s time to start shopping. Browse our huge selection of home office furniture in-store or online. In the meantime, check out our interior design blog where we cover everything from the best desk for college students to small home office ideas that make the most of shared spaces

With so many more people working from home, it’s no surprise that so many of us are looking to upgrade our home office in the new year. At Star Furniture, we can help you find the best leather desk chairs to create a comfortable and productive space for you to get things done!   Oliver Brown […]

We all want the best for our children, whether they’re heading to kindergarten or off to college. In today’s blog, we discuss some of the best desks for college students, so you can send them off to school in style. 

Brighton Writing Desk

Farmhouse Writing Desk

Looking for a relatively inexpensive desk that’s both functional and stylish? The Brighton writing desk comes in a beautiful distressed finish with two drawers for extra storage. Plus, it’s available in cherry, grey, and whitewash, so you and your child will have a few different color options to choose from. 

Nixon Writing Desk

Modern Turquoise Writing Desk

 

Most college students are pretty strapped for space, so this small writing desk can give them the surface area they need to get things done without crowding the room. While it may be small, it still features two drawers for extra storage. Not only is it compact, but it comes in a variety of colors, including turquoise, gray, black, and white, making it one of the best desks for college students around. 

Lennox Writing Desk

Modern Writing Desk with Two Drawers

Pulling an all-nighter isn’t as hard when you have the space you need to work on that final paper. While this writing desk is small enough that it won’t take up too much space, it’s still large enough to hold a desktop monitor. And it comes with two drawers and a storage shelf to help your college student stay organized. 

Hanover Writing Desk

White Writing Desk with Storage

Does your college student need a bit more storage space? While executive desks are often too cumbersome for off-campus housing, this writing desk features three drawers and wire management provisions to help your student stay organized all year long.  

Trisha Yearwood Writing Desk

Trisha Yearwood Writing Desk in Home Office

If your child is short on space, they’ll love this Trisha Yearwood writing desk, which features two pull-out trays for additional workspace when you need it most. In addition to being incredibly stylish, it also features a drawer they can use for extra storage during the busiest weeks of the semester. If you’re looking for the best desks for college students, look no further than Star Furniture, where we have a huge selection of writing desks perfect for off-campus living. In the meantime, check out our home inspiration blog where we cover everything from small home office ideas that make the most of shared spaces to the top interior design trends for 2021.

We all want the best for our children, whether they’re heading to kindergarten or off to college. In today’s blog, we discuss some of the best desks for college students, so you can send them off to school in style.  Brighton Writing Desk Looking for a relatively inexpensive desk that’s both functional and stylish? The […]

A new home is like a blank canvas to display your style and personality. In today’s blog, the interior design experts at Star Furniture discuss some of the home office essentials you’ll want to check off your new house checklist. 

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A new home is like a blank canvas to display your style and personality. In today’s blog, the interior design experts at Star Furniture discuss some of the home office essentials you’ll want to check off your new house checklist. 

Many people are theorizing that in some industries, work-from-home options are here to stay. These cool home office ideas can help you create a productive and stylish workspace to get you through this unique time and beyond!

(more…)

Many people are theorizing that in some industries, work-from-home options are here to stay. These cool home office ideas can help you create a productive and stylish workspace to get you through this unique time and beyond!

White Writing Desk with Storage in Front of Abstract Painting

When it comes to home office design, you don’t have to have a full room in order to create a functional home office. Whether you’re new to working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, or you’re looking for variety when you do work remotely, these small home office ideas can help you make the most of shared space. 

(more…)

When it comes to home office design, you don’t have to have a full room in order to create a functional home office. Whether you’re new to working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, or you’re looking for variety when you do work remotely, these small home office ideas can help you make the […]

As our country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are being granted the freedom to work from home. But if you’re not used to remote working, you may not have a designated workspace in your home. In today’s interior design blog, we cover how to make a home office in a small space using some of our favorite small home office ideas. (more…)

As our country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are being granted the freedom to work from home. But if you’re not used to remote working, you may not have a designated workspace in your home. In today’s interior design blog, we cover how to make a home office in a small […]