Setting up your Home Office: Desk, Lighting, Video Background

The home office is the only room that must fulfill two roles simultaneously: it should be a workspace and yet look like part of the home. If you only plan for one, you will either end up with an office in the living room or a desk where no one can work.

The Desk and its Dimensions

A work surface of approximately 140 to 160 centimeters in width and 70 to 80 centimeters in depth provides enough space for a screen, documents, and elbows. Less depth results in the monitor being too close. The desk height is typically around 72 to 75 centimeters, with the chair height adjusted accordingly so that your forearms rest horizontally. A desk with drawers eliminates the need for an additional cabinet in the room, which is almost always the better option in living spaces.

Glare-Free Lighting

The screen should be positioned perpendicular to the window, not in front of it or with your back to it. Facing the window causes reflections on the screen, while having your back to it creates glare for the camera. Additionally, a table lamp should be placed on the side you do not write on, to prevent your hand from casting a shadow. Ceiling light alone is insufficient for screen work.

What is Behind You

In video conferences, the background is part of your presentation. A calm surface with a single element works best: a display cabinet, a filled bookshelf, or a wall art piece. An empty white wall appears cold, while a cluttered room looks restless. It is also important that the camera is at eye level, which often depends on the screen height and thus the desk height.

Acoustics in the Living Space

A workspace in an echoing living room will sound like a hall in every conference. Textiles can resolve this: a rug under the desk, curtains, and upholstered furniture within reach. This incurs no extra cost if considered during the initial furnishing and can only be achieved later with additional measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large should a home office desk be?

Approximately 140 to 160 centimeters wide and 70 to 80 centimeters deep. With less depth, the screen will be too close.

How should the desk be positioned relative to the window?

Perpendicular to it. Facing the window causes reflections on the screen, and having your back to the window creates glare for the camera.

What should be in the background of a video conference?

A calm surface with a single element, such as a display cabinet, a filled bookshelf, or a picture. Empty walls appear cold, and cluttered rooms look restless.

Consultation by an Authorized Dealer

Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory and provide advice on selection, dimensions, and delivery times, both online and in our showroom in Essen. Inquiries can be sent to info@casa-luxury.de.

Furnishing a Home Office: Desk, Lighting, Video Image: Models from the Collection

A selection from the categories discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.

Further in the guide: Luxury Interior Overview · Office and Law Firm · Library · Desks