Furnishing Your Home Office: Harlan Style Leaning Ladder Bookcase with Desk

Oh, boy! The decorator in me just loves this red leaning desk. The platform for your laptop or desktop computer houses a convenient drawer for all those accoutrements that tend to clutter your desk, while the sturdy leaning shelves promise to earn their keep in both style and function.

While you're excited about your space's decor, be sure to remember your posture as you're sitting at your desk for hours at a time. I've experienced terrible back strain from the '9-to-5 slouch' consequently, my posture is rather deplorable.

A quality, ergonomic chair fit for the executive we are is a must-have. Don't compromise, as back pain can be debilitating.

The best way to 'find' room for storage is to look up. Line your workspace with budget-friendly wall shelves like this one, here, where you'll save valuable floor space.

Leaning desks like these A-frame ladder styles are great for tiny office areas or corners. Virtually anywhere in your home can be an office, instantly.

If office space is somewhat elusive in a small home, it may be a bit of a compromise in making your final decision. I've found the best way to decide one way or the other is to consider your routine rather than focus on style.

Of course, you'll have to choose among smaller versions of ladder desks like those I show here.

You'll have the worktop you need and a handy drawer for necessities. If you need more shelving, it's an easy fix: just add simple shelves above the desk in a like color. Add a pin board in the open space and pin a few small containers for extras. You'll have to be a bit creative but that's not a bad thing; you'll be surprised what you can come up with.

Focus on your biggest concern and you'll make the right decision for you.

Second to having a great desk and chair, lighting is oh-so-important in your workspace. I keep away from white backgrounds on my desk surface. You're better to keep both aspects in mind when setting up your lighting. Eye strain iis real problem - especially after eight or more hours of detailed work.

A small task lamp is a good fit for small spaces but be sure you're using soft light, not that bright, direct light that seems to burn into your eyes.

I suggest trying out different lamps and overhead lights before settling on one.

If you've little ones with busy fingers running about but no door to close your office up after hours, consider this flip down desk. It has its own door you can close up your work, neatly tucking it away for safekeeping.

If you'll be working part-time at home, you might like this leaning ladder-style desk set which includes a padded chair. Its frame gives the impression that you'll be tucked into your little corner of the world, doesn't it?

I'm recommending this desk set for part-time use, as the chair, while padded, might be a bit taxing on your back with full-time use. But if you appreciate having everything in one fell-swoop, this set is for you.