This current global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has created an environment of concern and anxiety around the health and wellbeing of our family and friends. Many of us are working from home to help flatten the curve of the spread of the virus and are likely discovering some shortcomings of our space. Maybe you don’t have a designated work space or office and have converted your dining room table into a make-shift classroom? Under these circumstance we are all doing what we can to keep working or studying.
If you and your family are finding yourselves struggling to get comfortable or are competing for space here are a few inexpensive tips to put together a work space. With shopping limited, purchasing a desk or work surface may not be an available option and if your dining table isn’t making the cut a trip to your local building supply store (if permitted in your area), or you may be able to order online and have it delivered.
Look for a plain slab interior door 24″x80″. You will also need supports to hold the door to the ideal height of approximately 29-30″ above the floor to use with a regular chair (seat height at 18″). You can use table legs or simple work bench brackets (that use dimensional lumber to put together). Place the door on top and fasten with screws into the “legs” and you now have a surface to work on! The height can be made to suit the chairs you have available too. If you have a counter stool (seat height of approx. 24″) the table height can be adjusted to 36″ above the floor by adjusting the leg height accordingly. The surface can be painted or covered with self-adhesive shelf paper or wallpaper to suit and making the surface more durable to wipe down and clean. You can get creative here with colour or patterns!
The next key ingredient is lighting. To work effectively the surface will need adequate lighting for reading,writing etc. If the room where you are setting up the desk is well lit the need for additional light may not be necessary. If you are doing detailed work, additional lighting is recommended. A spare table lamp, floor lamp or hanging fixture can do the trick as long as the lamp (or bulb) offers enough lumens (or brightness) for the tasks required. Without getting into the extensive calculation of light output, surface reflection, room size… choose a fixture that works for your space and budget that will give enough light for the surface.
If you have students at home as well as yourself try to separate the work spaces to allow for each person to have limited noise distractions. Studies have shown that noise pollution can inhibit memory and retention of information. Having a quiet place to work, study, or read improves focus and ability to concentrate. Background music or nature sounds can be used to buffer distracting sounds from outside or another room. Noise cancelling headphones are invaluable when you need to shut out the distractions.
Make it personal! Adding things that make you happy, picture of the family, plant, flowers, stuffed animal… Also add a power supply for laptops or chargers by attaching a power bar on the desk surface or underneath for cord management.
During these uncertain times it comes down to making the best with what you have to work with, staying positive and productive. Together we will get through this.
