How to Set Up the Perfect Home Office in 2026

Last updated: October 2026

To set up a home office that works, put your desk side on to a window near power and good Wi-Fi, choose a desk at least 600mm deep that fits the room, buy an adjustable chair with lumbar support, and set your monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level about an arm's length away. With EasyMart Australia's current prices, a basic desk and ergonomic chair starts at about $300, and a full time setup with a sit stand desk and a 10 year warranty chair sits around $590 to $1,200.

Who this guide is for: Australians working from home part time or full time, students setting up a study space, and anyone turning a spare room, bedroom corner or nook into a proper workspace.

Quick answer

• Spend first on: the chair, then the desk. These have the biggest effect on comfort.
• Desk size: at least 600mm deep; 1200mm wide for one screen, 1500mm or a corner desk for two.
• Desk height: most fixed desks are about 725 to 770mm high; sit stand desks adjust from about 690 to 1170mm.
• Chair: adjustable seat height, lumbar support and arms; check the weight rating.
• Screen: top edge at eye level, about 50 to 70cm away.
• Light: window to the side, not behind or in front of the screen.

Where should I put a home office?

Choose the location before buying furniture, because it decides the desk size and shape. A good spot has some separation from household noise and foot traffic, a power point within reach, a strong Wi-Fi signal and natural light from the side. Light from behind the screen causes glare, and a window behind you makes you a silhouette on video calls.

A dedicated room is ideal but not essential. Plenty of good setups live in a bedroom corner screened by a bookcase, a stair landing with a slim desk, or a living room corner defined by a rug and a lamp. Consistency matters more than size: a spot that is always your work zone helps you switch on and switch off.

What desk should I buy for a home office?

Pick the desk to suit how you work and the space you have:

For a small room, the Artiss Office Computer Desk with 3 Drawers measures 120 x 49 x 75.5cm with a 50kg tabletop rating, listed from $120. If you want to alternate sitting and standing, the Artiss Motorised Dual Motor Standing Desk adjusts from 69 to 117cm with a 125kg capacity. Browse study desks and sit stand desks, or compare shapes in our corner desk vs straight desk guide.

Do I need a standing desk to work from home?

No. A good fixed height desk with an adjustable chair works well for most people, especially if you take regular breaks. A sit stand desk is worth considering if you work from home full time and want to change position through the day. The goal is movement, not standing all day. Our article on standing desks and workplace health covers the trade offs.

What chair is best for a home office?

If you spend properly anywhere, spend on the chair. Look for:

• Seat height adjustment so your feet sit flat and knees are roughly level with your hips.
• Lumbar support that sits in the curve of your lower back, ideally adjustable.
• Adjustable arms to relax your shoulders.
• A breathable mesh back, which stays cooler in Australian summers.
• A stated weight rating and warranty. Budget chairs in our range are often rated to 120kg; commercial chairs to 135kg or 160kg.

The Rapidline Executive High Back Mesh Chair has built in lumbar support and a 430 to 520mm seat height, listed at $360. For back specific advice see our guide to ergonomic chairs for lower back pain, or browse ergonomic office chairs.

How do I set up my desk and chair ergonomically?

Use the 90-90-90 approach: knees, hips and elbows each at about 90 degrees.

• Set the chair height first so your feet are flat (or on a footrest) and your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor.
• Adjust the desk or keyboard height so your elbows sit at about 90 degrees with forearms parallel to the desk.
• Place the top edge of the monitor at or slightly below eye level, about 50 to 70cm away.
• Keep the keyboard and mouse close so your elbows stay near your body and your wrists stay straight.
• On a laptop, raise the screen with a stand or monitor arm and use a separate keyboard and mouse.

What lighting works best for focus and video calls?

Daylight from the side is best during the day. Use sheer curtains or blinds to soften harsh sun. Add a dimmable LED desk lamp for evenings and cloudy days: cooler white light (about 5000 to 6500K) suits focused work and warmer light (about 2700 to 3000K) suits late afternoon. For video calls, face your light source. A window or lamp in front of you does more for picture quality than a new webcam.

How do I add storage to a small home office?

• Under the desk: a mobile pedestal keeps files and stationery off the desktop. See pedestal drawer units and our mobile pedestal guide.
• Go vertical: a tall, shallow bookcase uses wall space, not floor space. The OLG EkoSystem Bookcase is 800mm wide, 300mm deep and 1200 or 1800mm high, with 25kg shelves and a 10 year warranty, listed from $215.
• Desktop: trays and organisers for daily items only. See office accessories.
• Cables: an under desk cable tray and reusable hook and loop ties keep cords off the floor.

How much does a home office setup cost in Australia?

Using EasyMart Australia's listed prices in October 2026:

• Starter, about $300: compact Artiss desk with drawers ($120) plus the Artiss Ergonomic Chair with Footrest ($177, 135kg rating).
• Daily use, about $500 to $600: Rapidline Span desk ($282 to $320, 5 year warranty) plus a Lotto Mesh Operator chair ($222 to $272, 135kg, 5 years).
• Full time, about $590 to $1,200: an electric sit stand desk ($180 to $450, or Rapidline Boost from $775) plus a 10 year warranty chair such as the Rapidline Milan ($409).

Start with the chair and desk, then add storage and lighting over time. For more detail, read home office setup on a budget or browse the work from home furniture collection.

Can I claim home office furniture on tax?

The Australian Taxation Office says you can claim the decline in value of depreciating assets you use for work, including office furniture such as chairs and desks, alongside its fixed rate or actual cost methods for working from home expenses (ATO, working from home expenses). Keep your receipts and check your own situation with the ATO or a registered tax agent.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a home office?

A desk at least 600mm deep, an adjustable ergonomic chair, a monitor or laptop stand at eye level, good side lighting and some storage. Start with the chair and desk.

How much space do I need for a home office?

A compact setup fits in about 1.2m of wall with room to pull out a chair. A desk 90 to 120cm wide and 45 to 60cm deep suits most bedrooms and nooks.

What is the right desk height?

Most fixed desks are about 725 to 770mm high. The right height lets your elbows rest near 90 degrees while typing; a sit stand desk lets you fine tune it.

Is a standing desk worth it for working from home?

It can be if you work from home full time and want to change position during the day. EasyMart lists electric sit stand desks from about $180.

Can I claim a desk and chair on tax?

The ATO allows claims for the decline in value of office furniture used for work. Check the ATO working from home guidance or a registered tax agent for your situation.