Review: 10 products to consider for your home office

HOME OFFICES — The American workforce is evolving dramatically due to the COVID-19 crisis, with millions of people moving to home offices. In 2017, only 5.2% of America’s workers were consistently working from home. Now, when you account for the number of people either working from home or unemployed, only 26% of workers are on a business premise.

Clearly, the home office is more important than ever. From standing desks to chair wheels, this guide looks at 10 products that might make things a little more functional and comfortable in your new workspace.

Avantree Cable Clips

PRICE: $7

GRADE: A-

This clutter-busting kit comes 12 cable organizers for the monitor cables, power cords, and other wires in your home. Basically, if it’s 6 mm or less in diameter, it’ll fit.

Each clip has an adhesive on the back to secure it in place. The adhesive isn’t exceptionally powerful, but that’s so you can remove the clips later without damaging the surface they’re attached to. To ensure the best possible hold, wait at least 24 hours to use the clips after initially attaching them.

FURINNO Efficient Home Computer Desk

PRICE: Starting at $39

GRADE: A-

Here’s a handy little desk that’s perfect for dorms and small apartments where space is premium. Note that the workspace is only about 29 inches across and 16 inches deep, so it can’t accommodate anything larger than a laptop.

While it has a sleek design, the desk provides three shelves for storage. It’s made with composite wood, so it’s sturdy enough to get the job done but let’s just say it won’t endure for generations as a family heirloom.

Vari Task Chair

PRICE: $295

GRADE: A

While it doesn’t have some of the features you’d find on more expensive chairs, the Task Chair absolutely nails the essentials. For starters, it’s incredibly comfortable. This goes a long way for those of us working at kitchen tables and other makeshift workspaces. The adjustable lumbar support is excellent and the soft mesh backrest pivots with your body.

The Task Chair can accommodate most folks, as its seat raises up to 22 inches high and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. You can adjust the seat, armrests, seatback tilt and seatback tension, so it’s easy to cater it to your own style.

The Task Chair can actually be assembled in approximately 30 seconds, with no tools required. Given the ease of setup, it might seem like the chair could be flimsy. But the simplicity of the design means it also has excellent durability.

Twelve South HiRise MacBook Stand

PRICE: $79

GRADE: A-

The simplest computer stands are nothing more than a stack of books. This can be an effective and affordable solution, but you’ll run into issues with your computer’s airflow. And having the laptop on a perfectly flat surface makes it harder to view the screen from some positions.

A great option for MacBooks (and some other laptop models) is the HiRise from Twelve South. It snugly grips your computer with the silicone pads on its V-shaped arms and easily adjusts to various heights. The airflow is excellent, which helps prevent overheating.

The HiRise is definitely one of the better computer stands available. It’s super sturdy and keeps your laptop at an ideal viewing angle.

YSAGi Office Desk Pad

PRICE: $14

GRADE: B+

A good work mat not only protects your desk from damage, but also serves as a mouse pad. This inexpensive synthetic leather mat from YSAGi definitely earns its keep, as it is double-sided, waterproof, oil-proof, and easy to clean.

There are three different sizes to choose from, and it also comes in an array of colors (though I’d stick with black or grey, because does anyone really want a "cobalt green" mat?)

UPLIFT Desk UPLIFT V2 Standing Desk

PRICE: Starting at $599

GRADE: A

If you’re in that market for a standing desk, the UPLIFT V2 is a top contender. Its height-adjustment range and stability are particularly impressive. The UPLIFT V2 is perfect for big and tall folks because the inverted leg design allows plenty of space for your knees when you’re seated and the desktop reaches a maximum height of about 51 inches for standing.

Another benefit is how easy it is to customize your desk during the ordering process. There are several different wood options for the desktop itself, so take some time to do your research before ordering. Some, like bamboo, are quite soft and more prone to damage. If you go with one of these softer woods, be sure to use a desk mat.

The UPLIFT V2 has a 30-day trial period, so if you’re not happy with it for any reason, UPLIFT will give you a full refund and pay for the return shipping (which is important, because this puppy is heavy). Oh, and it also has a 10-year warranty.

Lifelong Model #GR2375 Wheels

PRICE: $44

GRADE: A-

If you’ve ever used an office chair on a wood or tile floor, you know how clattery and annoying the casters can be. And they’ll sometimes even leave scrapes and gouges.

Remedy this issue with rollerblade-style wheels like these made by Lifelong. They glide along the floor and maneuver like a dream thanks to polyurethane construction and precision ball bearings.

These wheels are compatible with most chair brands (IKEA is one of the few exceptions). You simply yank out the old casters and pop these wheels in.

Autonomous Kinn Chair

PRICE: $419

GRADE: A

This award-winning ergonomic chair is designed to provide ideal support for those who sit in front of their computers for long stretches of time. It’s definitely not the world’s most luxurious chair, but that’s by design. With amazing lumbar support, a 62-spring seat, adaptive headrest, and fishbone spine, the Kinn Chair promotes better posture and a healthier back.

This chair is quite sturdy, tipping the scales at 35 pounds and boasting a weight capacity of 350 pounds. It’s also easy to customize, with adjustable seat height, seat depth, armrest height, armrest depth, back tilt, and back tension. If I have one small complaint, it’s that the armrests don’t adjust forward and back.

While Kinn Chair costs more than the budget options available on the market, it’s a great value based on the premium features you get for just over $400. It is built to last and you’re bound to get your money’s worth.

Vari Electric Standing Desk 60x30

PRICE: $650

GRADE: A

This popular desk from Vari has a lot of great features. First off, it’s one of the easiest-to-assemble furniture pieces you’ll ever buy. The process only requires a few tools, which are all included in the box. There are no surprises in the assembly process and most folks can have the desk ready to go in 30 minutes or less.

Stability is crucial for a standing desk, and the Electric Standing Desk 60x30 is as sturdy as an oak. The T-style legs keep everything balanced, while also staying out of your way so you don’t bump your knees when seated. The desk adjusts from 25 inches to 50.5 inches tall, and you can program up to four height settings into the control panel. This might sound like an extravagance, but it really helps when you don’t have to spend any time fidgeting with the height controls to reach your perfect level.

With its programmable memory and exceptional design, the Electric Standing Desk 60x30 is definitely one of the best around. It’s a reliable desk that brings a lot of versatility to your home office.

Yohann MacBook Pro Stand

PRICE: $179

GRADE: A

No one likes toting around a bulky computer stand. You know what else no one likes? Neck pain from staring down for hours at a computer that’s positioned directly on a table or desk.

This gorgeous product from Yohann solves the first problem by being one of the world’s lightest and smallest computer stands. The minimalistic design means it takes up very little space on your desk and also cuts down on surface contact that can lead to computers overheating (your MacBook will get plenty of airflow).

Given its price tag, the Yohann MacBook Pro Stand obviously isn’t for everyone. But if you’re looking for a high-end office product that looks as good as it performs, you should definitely check it out.

Related topics