Working from home? Outfitting your space with some key products can boost productivity, make organization easy and even keep work and real life separated. These are our favorite home office essentials.
12 Products That Make Working from Home Easier
Updated Apr. 11, 2022
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Good Coffee Maker
First things first: coffee. If you can’t run out to the corner coffee shop, you can still brew a great cup at home. Look for a coffee maker that heats water to a high heat and evenly disperses it over the beans, allowing for a full extraction of the flavors, like this Ninja Coffee Brewer ($150).
Why it made our list: Our Test Kitchen named this the best coffee maker after extensive testing.
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Desk
A proper desk can make all the difference in a comfortable work day. As a bonus, a desk can keep your work separated from your home life and work lunch. A standing desk ($150) is a healthier option than one that forces you to sit all day.
Why it made our list: This top-rated desk can easily transform from standing to sitting.
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Planner
A good planner ($8) makes it easy to check your schedule and to-do list for the day, week or month. Plus, an annual calendar keeps track of birthdays and major events.
Why it made our list: Who can resist the cute pineapple cover?
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Exercise Ball
Want a healthy alternative to a desk chair? Try an exercise ball ($19). The instability of the ball keeps the core muscles engaged as you sit, which can build strength and even burn calories.
Why it made our list: An included pump makes this ball a breeze to inflate (and keep at the proper pressure over time).
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Lumbar Support
Whether you’re working from an ergonomic office chair or a kitchen chair, the secret to a comfortable workday is good lumbar support. Supportive lumbar cushions ($30) promote proper posture and prevent lower back pain.
Why it made our list: This top-rated memory foam pillow has adjustable straps that make it compatible with your office chair as well as the couch, if you like to work from different areas.
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Tea Infuser
Love tea? Consider switching from tea bags to a tea infuser ($9), which steeps loose leaf tea in hot water. Infusers allow more control over flavor and strength of your cuppa, and they use less packaging than tea bags. Start your day with a caffeinated black tea and wind down with one of these soothing teas that’ll help you relax.
Why it made our list: This large-capacity infuser can make a strong cup, and its fine mesh prevents leaking from even the finest tea leaves.
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Thermos
A jumbo-size thermos ($30) keeps your batch of coffee piping hot all morning, or an iced tea cold all afternoon. If you’re feeling fancy, fill your thermos with a copycat coffee shop drink.
Why it made our list: The vacuum seal holds beverages at a hot or cold temperature for up to 24 hours.
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Fingerless Gloves
Stay cozy in the winter without having to crank the heat super high by donning a pair of fingerless gloves ($8). They’ll keep you warm without obstructing your typing and touchscreen.
Why it made our list: These super-stretchy gloves can fit many hands, and they’ve got top ratings.
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Candles
A delicious smelling candle ($12) creates a serene mood in your home office. Lighting a candle is a good ritual to signal the start of a workday. Just make sure it’s set on an even surface within sight.
Why it made our list: The eucalyptus scent is fresh and soothing, not overpowering like some candles.
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Cozy Slippers
Even if you’ve got nonstop video meetings, nobody’s going to see your shoes. (Plus, you shouldn’t wear shoes inside anyway.) Slippers will keep your feet cozy and comfy. We love these fun slippers ($14), shaped like French baguettes.
Why it made our list: Most food slippers are for kids, but adults deserve whimsy, too.
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Work Organizers
Don’t have room for a full office, or even a designated desk? Even if you work at the kitchen table, you should at least have a space to store your stuff at the end of the day. A set of clear storage bins (starting at $4) can tuck into a closet or bookshelf and hold computer equipment, papers, office supplies and even snacks.
Why it made our list: Handles make these bins easy to move, and they can hold anything from papers to references.
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Whiteboard
Wrangling the workday along with family time? It helps everyone if you have a schedule. Write it on a whiteboard ($50). On top of work schedules and schoolwork, make sure to include time for meals and motion.
Why it made our list: The magnetic board accommodates, well, magnets, plus the eraser and marker stick to the board.
Originally Published: April 14, 2020
