Many people have recently transitioned to working from home full-time [1] amid the coronavirus outbreak [2], and that includes us here at POPSUGAR. Since so many of us write about home decor [3] and small-space living [4] on a regular basis, a lot of us have had at-home offices [5], or designated office spaces, for a while now, but some of us are also just winging it. Unless you've been working from home full-time for a while now, transitioning to being at home 24/7 [6] isn't easy. There are pets, partners, kids, snacks [7], and more to distract you, and separating your work from your free time can be tricky since they both take place in the same space.
Having a designated spot to conduct your business is crucial, and making sure it's comfortable [8] and pleasant is even more important. But are all at-home offices as dreamy and perfect as you see on Instagram? No! While some POPSUGAR editors could definitely double as interior designers, others are doing the best with what they have [9] in this situation, which is all any of us can do. If you want some at-home office inspiration [10] or just want to feel better about also using your bedroom dresser as a desk, keep reading to see how 10 POPSUGAR editors are making working from home, well, work.
The Corner Office
"When I moved from New York back to my hometown of Chicago a few years ago, I was so excited to finally have space in my apartment for an at-home office area. I wanted it to be light, comfortable, and facing away from my kitchen and living room to help me concentrate. Having a big monitor is a game-changer for me since I work on my computer all day. Hunching over a laptop is so uncomfortable, so that was my first priority. After that, I got the desk from Wayfair (similar one here [12]), the bookshelf from Target [13], and filled in the rest of the space with books, family photos, and random decor pieces that make me happy." — Caitlin Gallagher, Senior Living Editor
The Living Room Office
"We don't have space for a dedicated office at our house, so my husband (pictured) and I are both working at designated spots at our kitchen table. Our daughter (pictured, with her fort) has fully taken over all other areas of the house. It's working for right now, but I know we'll have to come up with a better solution if we're going to stay at home longer." — Stacy Hersher, Social & Partnerships Director
The Kitchen Counter Office
"Since I live in a tiny apartment and we don't have room for a desk or dining room table, I work at my kitchen counter (not that I have much choice, my fiancé has completely taken over the living room with his recording studio equipment and claimed that space — I don't want to talk about it). I made sure to get bar stools with back support so that sitting there all day isn't the absolute worst, and I try to keep the counter clean of any actual kitchen stuff during work hours. Since working from home every day, I've made sure I have a candle going, which actually helps me to destress, and have used a Bluetooth speaker to listen to podcasts or music while I work (my computer has great speakers, sure, but the speaker makes it feel more like I'm working in a cute coffee shop, and the music's just playing separately. Little things, guys. Little things)." — Alessia Santoro, Family Editor
The Nook Office
"I have the need to always surround myself with my favourite pop culture knick knacks while at work, so I'm deeply missing my Ron Swanson bobblehead and Severus Snape doll that are currently keeping my office desk warm in my absence. But I'm compensating well by using some books and DVDs to literally elevate my desk space (and yes, that IS a Conan O'Brien [14] Funko Pop dressed as Batman). I used a nightstand lamp to offer some excellent video conferencing lighting, and then dusted off my old monitor and wireless keyboard from storage. The monitor disconnects anytime I'm on a video call, but I'm just happy to even have it half of the time!" — Sharon Kehoe, Senior Social Producer
The Spacious Desk Office
"I've worked from home for the past several years, so I'm fortunate enough to have a permanent setup. Some key items include my Verilux HappyLight [15], Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer [16], and of course, my beloved Otto the Otter Tape Dispenser [17]. Finally, I don't know art from a hole in the wall, but the 'COFFEE' Print by Beth Hoeckel [18] makes me tremendously happy." — Maggie Panos, Senior Voices Editor
The Light and Bright Office
"I love a light, bright workspace — bonus points if it's surrounded by a bunch of books. Whenever I sit down to work, I feel grateful to have this cosy little corner for myself, especially since it's pretty much the only area my sons haven't taken over for themselves. (Yet.)" — Laura Meyers, Trending and Viral Features Content Director
The Bedroom Office
"My significant other took over the living room couch as his work from home space, so I created a makeshift desk in the bedroom with one of our barstools. To be honest, I could work from the bar, but I love being alone in the bedroom with my cat Trish — she lays behind me on the bed all day! I rest my feet in one of our drawers because it helps me keep my back straight (of course it's one of his, not mine)." — Sarah Wasilak, Fashion Editor
The Multipurpose Office
"I've had this desk for about 6 years, and used it mostly as a buffet table when I had friends over. When working from home became imminent given the situation, I started thinking of ways to optimise the space to make it feel comfortable, peaceful, and a place that would help me focus. I got a laptop stand, mouse, and keyboard, and added some plants because they improve concentration and productivity. The Buddha was there already but I left him because he looks so calm and every time I look at it, it reminds me to take a pause and breathe." — Maria G. Valdez, Lead Latina Editor
The Floor Office
"Because my apartment is so small, the only table surface my roommate and I have is our coffee table — it's incredibly multipurpose because it's also where we eat dinner. She likes to work in bed, so I've taken to sitting on a floor cushion we bought at Target while I work. (Bless our foresight in buying extra seating!) It's not the best set up, because, hello, I am sitting on the floor all day, but on the bright side, the table is the perfect height for the video meetings I'm now taking!" — Riyana Straetker, Voices Editor
The Fully Functional Office
"I'm so, so grateful my husband and I have totally separate areas for our work from home spaces, and while he gets a room with a door, I actually love my cosy kitchen nook office (way closer to snacks and coffee!). Because we're limited on space, there wasn't any getting around having my desk by the trash can, so the first big upgrade was purchasing this cute trash can [19] (Who knew such a thing existed?). I'm also obsessed with these no-assembly-required hanging shelves from Amazon [20] that I'm using for my plants (from Trader Joe's and The Sill) to soak up the sun. The clock and chair are vintage finds from flea markets, as is the little metal card holder that I use for propping my phone. The fabric-covered magnetic boards and heart magnets are DIYs I repurposed from my wedding. I highly recommend printing out photos [21], it's so nice seeing my loved ones every day! A few of my other office essentials are: bread wrist rest [22], mouse pad [23], MFM poster [24] (any fans of the MFM podcast will appreciate the inside jokes), poster hanger [25] (I love these, they are super easy to use and require no assembly), The Sill plants (fast delivery, well packaged), seat cushion [26], rug [27] (had this Ikea rug for years, and it's still kicking), and desk [28] (also had this for years)." — Tara Block, Growth & Strategic Features Content Director