You don't need to renovate to have a decent workspace at home. With a tight budget and the right priorities, you'll notice the difference from day one.
The order of priority recommended by almost any ergonomist
- A chair that provides good lumbar support (the most important thing if you're going to be sitting for 6–8 hours).
- A work surface at the correct height (a desk or table of appropriate height).
- An external monitor or laptop stand, so you don't have to look down all day.
- Good lighting, natural if possible.
- Headphones with good voice pickup if you make video calls every day.
We break down each item with buying criteria in the dedicated guides: <a href="/en/articulo/silla-ergonomica-para-teletrabajo-guia-de-compra">ergonomic chair</a>, <a href="/en/articulo/mejor-escritorio-para-trabajar-desde-casa">desk</a> and <a href="/en/articulo/monitor-para-teletrabajo-que-caracteristicas-mirar">monitor</a>.
Estimated budget by level
| Level of spending | What's Covered |
|---|---|
| Entry-level lineup | Chair with basic lumbar support, a laptop stand, and a desk lamp |
| Mid-range | An adjustable ergonomic chair, a desk or work surface at the correct height, and an external monitor |
| High-end | Premium ergonomic chair, height-adjustable desk, large monitor, and headphones with a good microphone |
Frequently asked questions
Where do I start if I can only afford one upgrade this month?
Get a chair—or, if you already have a decent one, raise your screen to eye level using a laptop stand or some books—it's the cheapest improvement with the greatest immediate impact on your posture.
Is it worth buying secondhand furniture for your home office?
For a desk, it's usually worth it, since the frame doesn't wear out as much. For a chair, check the condition of the adjustment mechanism and the seat foam carefully before buying, because that's where previous use is more noticeable.
