29 essential items that make working from home easier
Whether you’re working from home a couple of days a week or spending the entirety of each workweek at home, you need to create the right environment to work efficiently. And since you’re at home, there’s no reason why you can’t also be comfortable – and choose items that you’d actually like to use. Ahead, find some of the WFH essentials you’ll need to create the perfect workspace.
All of these products have been hand-selected by Team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.
Office furniture
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Sitting too long is bad for your health, but this commercial-grade adjustable standing desk can be raised in height from 25.5 inches to 50.5 inches, letting you alternate between sitting and standing. It has dual motors to quickly and quietly raise and lower the desk and features a LED display and 4 programmable memory settings. The desk is available in four different sizes ranging from 48” x 30” to 72” x 30” and the desktop is available in black, white, butcher block, dark wood, and reclaimed wood. Vari Electric Standing Desk, $695 at Amazon |
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If you’re looking for a more economical desk option, this one adjusts in height from 24” to 47” and it also uses a motorized adjustable lift system and can save up to three desk heights. The desk is 47.2” wide and 23.6” deep. It’s available in a grayish/black desktop with orange legs, a white desktop with gray legs, and also a reclaimed wood top with black legs. Harmati Renee Electric Standing Desk, $199.99 at Amazon |
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Another key to being comfortable when working from home is having an ergonomic chair. This mid-century modern chair, which can support up to 400 pounds, has upholstered foam cushions on both the back and the seat, and the chair is covered in vegan leather (although it’s also available in poly-cotton fabric options as well). The arms are removable; the seat tilts back, and the seat’s height can be adjusted from 18” to 21.” SOHO Soft Pad Management Chair, $359.99 at Amazon |
 Photo courtesy of Wayfair |
You may not always want to work at your desk, and this adjustable height laptop and side table is ideal when you’re sitting on the sofa or side chair – or even in bed. Best of all, it doesn’t look like a typical laptop stand and fits any décor style. And when you’re not working, you can use it while eating, reading, etc. There’s a pneumatic lift mechanism to raise the tabletop from 20.5” to 30.25”, so you can adjust it to find the perfect height. BDI Serif 30.25 Tall End Table,$659 at Wayfair Soft Pad |
Keyboards, mice, & monitors
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While office work areas include large desktop monitors, employees working at hand are usually limited to their laptop monitor. A second portable laptop monitor provides an extra screen and this one has a 15.6” touchscreen with full 1080p images in vivid and realistic colors. It’s ideal for commuting to meetings or on business trips – and even for gaming. You can also connect it to your smartphone or tablet. The monitor includes an adjustable kickstand and also has dual speakers. Innocn Portable Monitor, $264.99 at Amazon |
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One advantage of a mechanical keyboard is that it generally increases typing speed and accuracy, making it easier – and frankly, more fun – to type. This mechanical keyboard can be used either wirelessly or wired, and it can be paired with up to five different devices. In addition, you can choose between blue keyboard switches that make a clicking sound, red switches that are quiet, or brown switches that provide a smooth typing experience. Vissles Mechanical Keyboard, $99.99 at Vissles on Amazon |
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This ultra-slim keyboard with illuminated keys is ideal for MacBooks and other Mac devices – and the extended keyboard layout has a numeric keyboard. You can connect four Bluetooth devices and also recharge the wireless keyboard while you’re typing, using the USB-C charging cable. You can also get a matching wireless mouse for a matching set. Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard, $74.99 at Amazon Keyboard |
 Photo courtesy of HP Projector |
If you don’t have desktop space for a separate monitor, here’s a neat trick to avoid squinting when you’re viewing spreadsheets or other copious amounts of small text: Use a projector to project a readable image on the wall. This lightweight projector (which only weighs 3.10 pounds) can project 1080p images 80 inches, and it’s easy to connect to your laptop or tablet. (You can also use it to view movies). HP LCD Projector, $277.19 at The Home Depot |
 Photo courtesy of Grovemade |
This large leather mouse pad with a pen tray isn’t just beautiful. It has three layers, with an aluminum layer underneath the leather, and a natural cork lining on the bottom. The cork layer provides a soft cushion that’s easy on your wrist and hand. Also, if you tend to lose writing utensils, having a place to store your ink pen or stylus is a bonus feature. The mouse pad is available in either tan or black leather and also comes in smaller sizes. Grovemade Leather Mouse Pad with Pen Tray, $120, at Grovemade |
Desktop tools
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To reduce neck and eye strain, a computer monitor should be several inches off the desk. This monitor riser has three adjustable heights to find the right one. It also has a dry erase board, made of tempered glass, for writing notes and reminders. The riser holds up to 100 pounds and includes an accessory tray. Quartet Desktop Glass Computer Monitor Rise with Dry Erase Board, $87.02 at Amazon |
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The swingarm on this stylish desk lamp can adjust anywhere from 20 to 120 degrees. In addition, the color temperature can be adjusted from warm tones to cool hues and it also dims and brightens automatically depending on your background. This makes it perfect for use at your computer, casual reading, or whatever else you need to do at your desk. BenQ eReading LED Desk Lamp Swing Arm, $229 at Amazon |
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If your working area happens to be in a Wi-Fi dead zone, this nifty little device ensures your signal isn’t blocked by walls, floors, appliances, or other barriers. It works with practically all routers and provides a stable and fast connection that’s also secure. Rockspace WiFi Extender Wireless Signal Booster, $99.99 at Amazon |
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If you need a Wi-Fi solution for the entire home, this mesh WiFi system can provide up to 6000 sq ft of coverage. In fact, up to 90 smart wireless devices can connect simultaneously, so you could support a small business in your home. It’s easy to set up: just connect to your modem, download the app, and follow the on-screen guide. Plus, you can set up a guest network, and enable parental control settings. Rockspace Mesh WiFi System, $159.99 at Amazon |
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For Mac users working from home, a multiport adapter has an HDMI output to connect an external monitor, Ethernet cable (for those not wireless), and it also provides a microSD card reader slot, USB-C pass-through charging, and 3 USB 3.0 ports. It can also keep your desk free from clutter by corralling all of those various cables neatly in one place. Satechi Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter V2, $79.99 at Amazon |
Organization and convenience
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This pebble-grain Italian leather-covered aluminum tray looks good on any desk, while also holding keys and odd objects. The left side can also wirelessly charge a smartphone and a pair of earbuds at the same time. The tray is ideal to use on a desktop – but also on a nightstand, or by the front door. Courant Catch 3 Wireless Phone Charger and Accessory Tray, $349.99 at Wayfair |
 Photo courtesy of Grovemade |
This large, matte desk pad can add a modern look to any desk while also protecting it from nicks and scratches (or hiding existing imperfections). It’s actually available in 5 sizes ranging from small to extra-large and comes in black and navy. Grovemade Large Matte Desk Pad, $50 at Grovemade |
 Photo courtesy of Andar |
When you’re leaving home, this beautiful full-grain oil waxed leather laptop bag can hold laptops up to 14” in the soft microfiber interior. It has a front pocket, bucket pocket, and also a hidden pocket for your smartphone or cash. The company also makes leather laptop and tablet cases, and even leather cord organizers. Andar Addison Backpack, $229, at Andar |
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Stands and mounts make it so easy and convenient to keep smartphones and tablets at eye level. A gooseneck mount can be attached to the end of a desk (or nightstand) to hold your phone, while a floor stand can hold a tablet, so it can be used at your desk, or even while watching TV, exercising – the possibilities are endless. Lamicall Stands, starting at $13.99 at Amazon |
Video conference essentials
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Working from home can entail endless Zoom meetings with colleagues and clients. This webcam is easy to set up and connect, and compatible with most video chat apps. It has a wide-angle lens (94 degrees) and can stream at 4K or 1080p/60fps. There are also two built-in microphones, and a privacy shutter so you can cover the lens when the camera is not in use. AverMedia 4K Live Streamer Cam 513, $169.99 at Amazon |
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If your workspace suffers from dim lighting, this webcam includes a built-in light bar and it also uses AI to adjust the image quality whether you’re in a shadowy setting or the sun is streaming in. The webcam has 2K resolution and provides life-like colors. It also has silk speakers and a four-mic array to make sure your voice is heard above any background noise. AnkerWork B600 Video Bar with Built-in Light, $186.99 at Amazon |
Blocking out the noise
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A pair of headphones can provide peace and quiet when working from home. These Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones can drown out those distracting, exterior noises. The headphones also have a built-in sensor to detect when one of the earcups has been removed and will automatically pause the audio. And when you need to make phone calls, the beamforming microphones provide crystal clear phone audio. Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones, $129.99 at Amazon |
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If you’re also a gamer, this newly-released gaming headset can be used for work or play. Available in either black or white, the lightweight headphones have a flexible, detachable boom microphone that’s useful for phone calls or gaming. The left earcup contains the volume control dial and the mute switch, which makes it easy to control the mic. Also, the earpads and head pads are detachable. Audio-Technica Gaming Headset, $99 at Amazon |
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If you prefer earbuds, this wireless pair has Active Noise Cancellation and the earbuds are water-resistant against sweat and moisture. Using the wireless charging case, you can get 18 hours of playtime without having to recharge. In addition, the built-in microphone allows for hands-free calling, and the earbuds have smart touch controls for calls. Motorola Moto Buds-S ANC True Wireless Headphones $149.99 at Amazon |
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When you don’t want to wear headphones or earbuds, these desktop monitor speakers can provide a lot of sound without taking up a lot of space, since each speaker is only 6” high and 4” wide. They’re wireless and Bluetooth enabled, but also have inputs for USB, stereo RCA, and a 3.55mm stereo jack. The speakers are available in black, red, or white. Audioengine A2+ Wireless Desktop Speakers, $269 at Amazon |
 Photo courtesy of Grovemade |
You can keep your headphones in a safe (and stylish) place with this wood headphone stand. Made of stainless steel, solid hardwood, vegetable-tanned leather, the slim stand is 9” tall and weighs 2.25 pounds. It’s available in either walnut or tan. Grovemade Wood Headphone Stand, $160 at Grovemade |
Recharge and relieve stress
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Keep your coffee, hot chocolate, or tea hot with this set of two coffee mugs. The stainless steel cups have heat-resistant handles and slip-resistant sleeves. They also have removable lids. Each coffee mug can hold 17 ounces, and the set contains one black and one blue mug. Cosori Coffee Mug Set, $37.99 at Amazon |
 Photo credit: Apollo Neuro |
Aside from the commute, working from home can be just as stressful as working in an office. However, research shows that when you wear this device on your ankle or wrist, it can help to increase your ability to focus and remain calm and productive when you choose the desired mode in the app. There are also modes to help you sleep and recover from injuries or exercise. Apollo Stress Relief Wearable Device $349 at Apollo |
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The blue light coming from computers can be hazardous to your eyes and cause headaches. However, these lightweight, blue-light-blocking glasses can help to relieve eye strain. They’re made of clear blue light blocking lenses and designed to be impact-resistant. Livho Blue Light Blocking Glasses, $21.98 at Amazon |
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Sitting at your desk all day is never good for your health. However, this watch can help you track your heart rate, monitor your blood oxygen level, stress level, and it even has a PAI Health Assessment System. The watch can track your physical activity, play music transferred from your phone, and allow you to answer calls from your smartphone. Amazfit GTR 2 Smart Watch, $149.99 at Amazon |
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