Upgrade your remote work setups with these comfortable desk hacks

Better remote work setups start with small desk changes that make long hours easier on your body. Adjusting screen height, improving back support, creating more room to move, and keeping everyday tools within easy reach can make remote work setups far more comfortable.

In 2025, 35% of employed people did some or all of their work remotely. That means plenty of kitchen tables, spare-room desks, and improvised office corners are still pulling double duty. If your shoulders are tight before lunch or your laptop has you hunched over by midafternoon, a few practical desk hacks can make the workday feel a lot less punishing.

How Can You Make a Basic Chair More Comfortable?

Your chair should let you sit close enough to the desk that you are not reaching forward for the keyboard for work-from-home comfort. If your shoulders rise while you type, the seat may be too low. If your feet barely touch the floor, the chair may be too high.

A footrest can solve that second problem without forcing you to replace the chair . Use something sturdy enough to support both feet without sliding away whenever you shift position. Even a firm box can work in a temporary setup if it stays put.

The backrest deserves attention, too. Some basic chairs offer very little lower-back support, which can leave you leaning forward after an hour or two. A small cushion or rolled towel behind your lower back can fill the gap and make it easier to sit against the chair instead of hovering over the desk.

Do not overlook the seat itself. A thin cushion can soften a hard surface, but keep the rest of the setup in mind.

Armrests can help when they sit at the right height, but they can also get in the way. If they stop you from pulling the chair close to the desk or force your shoulders upward, lower them or move them out of the way if the chair allows it.

Where Should Your Monitor Sit?

Your monitor should sit directly in front of your usual working position rather than off to one side for daily desk ergonomics. That helps you avoid spending hours with your head turned slightly toward the screen.

Height matters just as much as placement. The top of the screen should sit around eye level or slightly below it. If the monitor is too low, a sturdy riser or stack of books can bring it up without requiring a new desk.

Distance is worth checking, too. Keep the screen far enough away that you can see everything clearly without leaning forward. If you catch yourself inching closer throughout the day, increasing the text size may be a better fix than pulling the monitor closer.

Anyone using two monitors should think about which screen gets the most attention. Keep your main monitor directly in front of you and angle the secondary screen toward your chair.

Decorating Your Home Office Workspace

A home office can feel more comfortable when it looks like part of the room instead of a temporary workstation .

Start with accessories you already need for work. A lamp that matches the room or a mouse pad from Mouse Pads Now can bring in color or personality.

Keep the desktop fairly open so decorative pieces do not interfere. Photos, artwork, and other personal touches can sit on a nearby shelf or hang on the wall instead.

It also helps to repeat colors or materials already used elsewhere in the room. If your desk sits in a bedroom or living area, carrying those details into the workspace can make the setup feel more intentional.

How Can You Make a Laptop Setup More Comfortable?

A comfortable laptop setup starts with treating the computer like equipment you use for hours, not something you briefly open on the couch. Small details such as heat, charging access, and where your hands rest can make a noticeable difference during a full workday .

Give the laptop enough airflow underneath it. Soft surfaces such as beds or couches can block vents and allow heat to build up, so use a firm surface when working for longer stretches.

Think about charging placement as well. Position the power cable so it does not pull across your work area or force the laptop into an inconvenient spot. Keeping the charger within easy reach can also prevent last-minute scrambling.

If you regularly connect extra equipment, consider using a docking station or hub. It can give headphones, storage devices, charging cables, and other accessories one consistent connection point instead of making you plug everything in separately each morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Keep Pets From Disrupting Your Remote Work Setup?

Give pets a comfortable spot near your desk so they can stay close without climbing onto your keyboard or work surface. Keep cords tucked away and move fragile equipment out of reach .

It can also help to schedule playtime or a walk before a busy stretch of work. If your pet tends to interrupt calls, use a gate or close the door during meetings that require your full attention.

What Should You Do if Your Desk Shakes While You Type?

Check the legs, screws, and floor contact points first. A loose fastener or uneven surface can make the whole desk wobble whenever you type or move the mouse.

Tighten any hardware and use furniture pads or shims if one leg is not sitting flat. If the desk still shakes, moving heavier equipment closer to the center may help reduce movement until you can repair or replace the unstable part.

How Can You Set Up a Desk That Doubles as a Vanity or Dining Table?

Use a setup that can be packed away quickly once work is over. Keep your ergonomic desk accessories in a nearby drawer or portable caddy so the surface can switch back to dining or getting ready without becoming a daily hassle.

Choose accessories that are easy to move and avoid permanent desk organizers that eat up space.

Remote Work Setups: Explore Your Options Today

Make sure you’re choosing the right furniture for remote work setups , and then adjust things to make them as comfortable as possible.

Do you need more help designing your home? Check out some of our other useful posts.