I've tested dozens of items to perfect my work-from-home setup. These 13 make all the difference

Build a home office you’ll actually enjoying working from with tried-and-true upgrades – from inexpensive speakers to a stand that can turn an iPad into a second monitor

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If you https://www.theguardian.com/business/working-from-home">work from home, even just a few days a week, you need more than a laptop perched on a sticky kitchen table.

A dedicated desk setup allows you to step away from distractions, plop in your office chair and get to work.

It also creates a vital https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/dec/19/the-perfect-way-to-switch-off-from-work-how-to-detach-and-de-stress">separation between your personal and professional life.

After spending my initial work-from-home days on a living room couch, I quickly realized the importance of creating a separate space, and I have spent seven years refining it.

As a tech writer, I have https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/oct/20/best-travel-gadgets">tested dozens of products for my desk setup, and have found some to be totally invaluable.

Here are the tried-and-true upgrades that will make working from home easier, more comfortable and even more productive.