I recently relocated to Florida after nearly a decade in New York. Because I’ll be working remotely on a permanent basis as a result of the transfer, it was the ideal time to set up a new home office.
New York is known for its cramped quarters, and my old apartment was no exception. I made do with a small space that compelled me to set up my workstation in a closet that was supposed to be a closet. It did the job, but it wasn’t perfect.
My new apartment has a lot more space, so I’ve been able to establish a more pleasant work environment. I can also buy some killer speakers and one of those extremely loud mechanical keyboards I’ve always wanted because I don’t have to worry about offending coworkers.
Despite the fact that my workplace is still a work in progress (cable management being my next project), I’ve been satisfied with my purchases thus far. These items are all worthwhile purchases if you’re seeking for home office ideas.
Breakdown of the research
A large desk with a country look
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I wanted a wide desk with a rustic look for my new desk. I ultimately chose this CubiCubi 55-inch desk. Although the surface isn’t made of real wood, it looks beautiful and provides enough of space. The metal frame is strong, and it even has a hook for my headphones to hang on.
A snug workplace chair
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After trying out a few other desk chairs in a few different stores, I discovered the WorkPro 4000 chair, which provided the comfort, flexibility, and pricing I was looking for. It’s worked nicely for me so far during regular eight-hour work days. The only criticism I have is that it’s easy to shift the armrests by unintentionally, but it’s a minor quibble.
A mechanical keyboard for tactile typing
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I finally upgraded to a mechanical keyboard, and I’m thrilled with how much it has enhanced my typing experience. Physical switches are used on mechanical keyboards to provide tactile feedback. There are quiet ones available, but I chose Logitech’s K845ch with Cherry Blue switches for that pleasant “clicky” feel. It also has illuminated keys with five different backlighting modes.
Desktop audio system for crisp sound
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These Jamo S 801 bookshelf speakers sound incredible, with crisp highs and deep lows that are a cut above standard computer speakers. The only drawback? For power, they require a separate amplifier. This SMSL ($144.99) super-compact AD18 amp accomplishes the job perfectly.
A giant monitor with loads of workspace
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I always require as much screen space as possible as someone who tends to keep an endless row of tabs open. This LG 32-inch QN600-B monitor gives me the screen real estate I need to organize many windows.
However, as much as I enjoy using this monitor, a minor flaw has surfaced: a narrow line of vertical pixels. Although this does not appear to be a common issue, a couple of Amazon customers have reported similar concerns.
Fortunately, the display is covered by a one-year warranty, and I filed a service request with LG to get it repaired. The company will pay for shipping, and it should be fixed within 10 business days. For the price I paid, I still believe the monitor is a decent buy, but having to fix it is never ideal.
A USB hub for a number of units
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For work, I utilize a 2017 MacBook Pro with only two USB-C connections. This is a problem because I want to connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power adapter all at the same time. This Lionwei USB-C hub is the answer. I can plug in everything I need because it has several ports.
I also purchased an Ablewe USB Switcher ($21.99) so that I could connect my MacBook’s keyboard and mouse to my PC at the same time. With the click of a button, I can easily switch control to my Windows system.
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