Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the phrase “home office” has taken on new meaning for everyone. Where once having a designated in-home work space was considered a luxury, it’s now an almost unavoidable necessity. As a result, many people are struggling to convert unused rooms—or even corners of rooms—into workable home office setups.

Of course, creating a true home office requires more than just a quiet space, a desk and a computer. It involves planning to enhance storage, minimize distractions, and maximize comfort and concentration. To that end, check out these work-from-home setup tips, and browse the Amazon office décor that will level up any work-from-home situation.

Just as with real estate, picking the right home office location is absolutely crucial. If there’s an unused room in the house, that would be the obvious choice. Of course, that’s not always an option. But even if there’s a quiet corner where family traffic is light, select that spot, then try to use décor to delineate the space from the rest of the room. 

If possible, room dividers can be a great way to designate a home office setup. Adding pendant over-desk lighting is also a great idea—this semi-flush farmhouse fixture would be perfect for a home office setup within a kitchen space. But when that’s not an option, something as simple as hanging this Amazon office décor pewter file holder on the adjacent wall space can offer a great visual demarcation that separates the home office from the rest of the room’s activities.

Before adding decorative touches to a home office setup, the basic work necessities must be covered. If frequent calls are a key part of the workday, consider investing in something like this gorgeous cell phone stand. It allows for hands-free calls and greater multi-tasking opportunities. 

If a hanging file folder doesn’t offer sufficient storage, consider investing in a desktop file holder and organizer, particularly if home office space is limited. When crumpled papers or document disposable are concerns, don’t forget to include a waste basket in the home office setup—this playful space-saving, trash bin would be the perfect choice, especially in smaller areas.

There’s so much about work-from-home that’s just a drag. No more water cooler breaks, no co-workers to turn to for collaboration, brainstorming sessions or even a quick social distraction. It’s not surprising, then, that the shift to home office work has amplified job dissatisfaction and motivation. And, for that reason, every home office setup could benefit from a touch of inspiration. 

This motivational calendar is a practical and inspiring purchase. And, while purely decorative, this trio of rose-gold-potted plants puts inspiring mantras front-and-center on desktops, while also bringing the outdoors inside. Something that’s of added importance, now that leaving home has become a less-frequent experience. Particularly since studies say that getting closer to nature can boost both energy levels and cognitive function.

Who says office supplies have to come in boring black, white and greys? Today’s home office setup demands brighter colors to bring fun back to longer, more isolated workdays. Beyond adding visual interest to any space, color themes can also inspire psychological change. Blues are associated with boosted concentration, while yellow and orange hues may inspire creativity. 

For those who have become anxious in the new work-from-home model, shades of pink can inspire calm, as well as feelings of love and kindness. That may be why mauve, rose gold and pale pink are all trending colors for Amazon office décor. Ready to bring this trend home? Grab a gorgeous rose gold stapler (with matching staples), then add a pink marble pen holder and round out the office necessities with this complete desk accessory kit, also in an elegant rose gold. 

Of course, if full Pretty in Pink mode is feeling too feminine, try mixing metallic and swap that pink pen holder for the understated elegance of this gold tone pen organizer. 

Working from home makes it hard to keep track of days and dates. Which is why this wooden perpetual calendar could be a serious home office gamechanger. But with no trains to catch or commutes to begin, many people now complain their work day never ends—it’s just one long cycle of answering emails and refreshing inboxes. 

To help set clear boundaries, try placing this bold digital alarm clock front and center in a home office setup. Then, set that alarm for 6 p.m. and make it a hard-and-fast stopping point for all work-related assignments.

In a corporate environment, or really in any shared office space, coworker consideration has to factor into office décor considerations. But transitioning to a home office opens the door to more personal design choices. 

A home office is the perfect place to display candid family photos, especially ones that serve as a reminder of the “why” behind each work day. It’s also a great space to show off individual design preference. Or to make a space one’s own, instead of catering to family, couple or roommate design compromises. 

To that end, these playful Amazon office décor pieces can liven up a dull desktop or blank Zoom background. A rustic motivational wall hanging would add much-needed warmth to a stark office space. This ‘Live Laugh Love’ succulent centerpiece could work just as well, particularly if wall space is limited. Grown up animal lovers will go crazy for this bunny-shaped ring holder, great for taking a jewelry bake after a day spent writing memos or taking notes. And, when all else fails, grab an adult fidget toy like this gorgeously decorative wood-bead garland to get the willies out without falling down the rabbit hole of off-task internet searches.

What are your home office setup must-haves? Comment below!