As a mom who works from home full time it’s important to have a comfortable and productive workspace. But setting up a home office can get expensive. Fortunately, there are some home office essentials you can invest in that don’t have to break the bank. From ergonomic chairs to noise-canceling headphones, we’ve got you covered.

Get Yourself a Comfortable but Chic Chair

One of the most important investments you can make for your home office is a comfortable chair. Sitting for long periods of time can cause back pain and other discomforts, so it’s important to have a chair that supports your posture and provides adequate cushioning. Look for chairs with adjustable height and lumbar support, and consider investing in a memory foam cushion for added comfort. I made the mistake of buying a chair for looks, but I replaced it with this high backed chair I found on Amazon and it is so much better. It really does make a difference.

Get a Cute Desk That’s Equally Functional

Look for a desk that is sturdy and has enough space for your computer, paperwork, and any other necessary items. Looks are important, but not nearly as important as the functionality. Consider a desk with built-in storage options, such as drawers or shelves, to keep your workspace organized. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a desk – there are plenty of affordable options available. You can even find fabulous second hand desks that can be found on Facebook Marketplace or at your local thrift stores.
Just make sure the desk is the right size for your space and needs. My space is pretty small so I bought this small writing desk from Target with one drawer and it works perfectly for my space. 

Buy a Noise-Canceling Headset

Okay parents, if you’re working from home, chances are you’ll be spending some time on video calls or phone conferences. And at some point your kids will be home during these meetings. And TRUST ME, a noise-canceling headset or earbuds are a game changer! Mine helps me stay focused and productive by blocking out any distracting background noise. For this you might want to splurge a little more because being able to block out noises to focus and while you’re in meetings is definitely worth doing so. I use my wireless Beats Studio Buds and they’re my favorite. The noise canceling feature is amazing and being wireless allows me to stay on calls while I’m assisting my toddler or grabbing snacks.  

A Lap Desk for the Slow Days

I highly recommend getting a lap desk. Especially for those slow days where you don’t have to work off of three monitors to get the job done. It’s just nice to sit back on your couch, knock out some tasks,all while watching a good background noise show like The Office or New Girl. 

Get Yourself a Nice Travel Monitor

This is not a super affordable buy per se, but it is so worth it. One of the best purchases I’ve made for the sake of work life balance was this travel monitor. And no I’m not working on vacation. But there have been times where we decided to head down to grandma’s and having this travel monitor makes it so much easier to just go. 

Mouse & Keyboard Combo

I know this is a given, you will obviously need a mouse and keyboard. But make sure you get what works best for you. I got a cute Logitech mouse and keyboard set because it only requires one USB port. This is important because there are some laptops like mine that only have one USB port so having a combo or bluetooth keyboard and mouse is super important. So just a friendly note to check what you have and need. 

Limited on Space? Get Space Saving Laptop Stand 

I love the look of those decadent acrylic laptop stands I see all over Pinterest. But the reality is my desk is way too small for them! I’m an SEO Specialist so I typically work off of three different monitors so I had to get a laptop stand that wasn’t gonna take up any more space. So after scouring Amazon for what felt like hours I found the Wall-e laptop stand. I can move it and adjust it as I please so easily and it doesn’t take up any space on my desk.  

Don’t Forget About Lighting & Decor

While it may seem like a small detail, lighting and decor can have a big impact on your productivity and mood. Make sure your home office is well-lit with natural light or a good quality desk lamp. Adding some plants or artwork can also help create a more pleasant and inspiring work environment. Haha, I used a Hallmark card I had and framed it and it looks super cute. Didn’t spend a lot of money on that aspect, just put pieces already owned to make it more homey. I also have a fake lemon tree by my desk that my daughter keeps trying to water… She’ll figure it out eventually.