Setting up a safe, ergonomic & stylish home office

With the rise of remote work, more and more people are setting up a home office. When designing a home office, people want to ensure that the space is inviting and comfortable – but also safe and ergonomically furnished.

This article shows how digital security, ergonomics and thoughtful design can work together to create a healthy and productive home office.

IT security: Protecting your data and privacy

A secure digital workplace is the basis for professional freelancing and home office work.

First, you should take steps to protect your online activities. Cybercrime is a growing problem – especially since working from home can introduce new vulnerabilities and many tasks are performed online. Free cloud storage is an essential tool for many remote workers, as it keeps personal data secure and business files protected.

For example, if you are working while traveling in a café, you can save and share your documents in the cloud without risking sensitive data on insecure networks.

Expert tips at a glance

measure	Specific tip for implementation
Secure network connection	Always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access company networks or sensitive data
Password protection & authentication	Set up strong passwords for all devices and accounts (a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters). Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) .
Device security	Use company-owned or dedicated work equipment . Ensure that operating systems and software are always up to date (perform updates regularly).
Physical data security	Confidential documents should not be left lying around . Store them in a lockable cabinet or rolling container . Dispose of sensitive paper documents only using a paper shredder .
Privacy & Video Conferencing	Cover your webcam with a sliding cover when not in use. During video calls, ensure that confidential documents are outside the camera's field of view and that you use a neutral or blurred background.

Style & Organization: Feel-good atmosphere and focus

The design promotes concentration, creativity, and a separation between work and private life. Choose primarily functional furniture.

When choosing your furniture, make sure it is ergonomically designed and supports your posture to prevent tension and injuries. Furniture with integrated storage can also be helpful in preventing clutter and keeping your workspace organized.

A desk with drawers can keep cables and documents out of sight, reducing stress and distractions. A tidy workspace is easier to maintain and contributes to a calm atmosphere in your home office.

Expert tips at a glance

measure	Specific tip for implementation
Spatial separation	If possible, use a separate, lockable room . If that's not possible, create a clear visual and functional separation (e.g., with a screen, a shelf, a curtain, or a rug under the desk).
Organization and storage space	Use closed storage solutions such as rolling containers, desks with drawers, or minimalist sideboards to conceal materials and cables . Keep the desk surface as clear as possible .
Choice of color and material	Choose neutral wall colors (not pure white, but muted gray or beige) that suit the room's orientation and furniture. Add warm accents with wood, textiles (a cozy blanket, an attractive rug), and carefully selected decorative elements.
Personal touches	Place individual, inspiring objects (art, plants, souvenirs) that lift your spirits but don't distract you. Consider: What kind of "worker" am I – minimalist or inspiringly chaotic (mood board)?
Professional optics	When making video calls, ensure your background is tidy and professional-looking (e.g., a stylish bookshelf, a neutral wall color). Make sure your face is well-lit (e.g., with a broad video light).

Ergonomics & Health: The Basis for Efficiency

A healthy body is essential for long-term productivity. This isn't just something interior design professionals know; long-term freelancers working from home can certainly attest to it. In particular, back and neck health can suffer over the years if neglected.

Expert tips at a glance

measure	Specific tip for implementation
Ergonomic seating	Invest in a high-quality, individually adjustable office chair with lumbar support and adjustable armrests.
Dynamic working	Create the opportunity to switch between sitting and standing, ideally with a height-adjustable desk .
Screen positioning	Position the monitor so that the top line is below eye level and the distance is approximately 50–70 cm (an arm's length). Use a laptop stand and a separate keyboard/mouse for the laptop.
Natural and artificial light	Position your desk sideways to the window to avoid reflections and make the most of natural light. Supplement this with a bright ceiling light (room light) and a focused, adjustable desk lamp (task light).
Breaks and exercise	Schedule regular, short movement breaks (e.g., stand up, stretch, and walk around for 5 minutes every 60 minutes). Use time management apps to help structure your time.

Add personality – without chaos

Your home office should reflect your personality and be a place you enjoy spending time. At the same time, avoid cluttering it to prevent a busy or unprofessional environment. Artwork, plants, and pleasant lighting can help create a stylish yet harmonious space.

Keep the space flexible

Finally, you should design your home office to remain flexible – especially if you share the space with others or use it for other purposes. Modular shelving and movable chairs are simple ways to make the room adaptable while still allowing it to function as an office.

When it comes to remote work, security and style go hand in hand. With more and more people working from home, it's crucial to have a home office that's safe, secure, and stylish. The tips in this post will help you create the ideal workspace—a room where you can work securely every day and protect your data from cybercriminals. At the same time, you'll create an environment that reflects your personality, boosts productivity, and remains flexible enough to adapt to your needs.