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An increasing proportion of British people work from home. Finding the right 'office' furniture to blend with your home decor need not be a problem. Furniture at Work has a selection of versatile furniture, including antique-look pieces, that will complement any home.

1. Achieving work-life balance

While it is broadly accepted that a good work-life balance is important for workers' health and productivity, it is not always easy to achieve.

It can be a particular challenge for those who work at home. While home-based working can be versatile and flexible enough to allow workers to balance aspects of their lives, it can be difficult to leave 'the office' for any length of time, when that office is in a corner of the drawing room or kitchen.

That is one of the reasons why it is important for home-based workers to have a practical, pleasing environment in which to work.

2. Furniture that works for the office and home

Most suppliers stock a range of office furniture, but it can be quite difficult to find 'dual purpose' furniture that looks equally at home in an office and in a drawing room.

Furniture at Work has a range of pleasingly antique-style furniture that looks imposing in an office boardroom but also in a home that is furnished and decorated with classic good taste.

The range includes chesterfields, writing bureaux and dining chairs, as well as cleverly 'antiqued' computer desks and filing cabinets. If fine wood and classic design are to your taste, you will never have any furniture at work complaints with this range.

For the more minimal and modern home, a more understated look may be a better choice for the home office. Again, these furnishings can be a challenge to source but Furniture at Work has many relevant ranges.

Cool, pale woods and shaker styling will fit effortlessly into today's kitchens and drawing rooms and are bound to become used as frequently outside working hours as they are within them. In light of this, it is a good idea to choose surfaces that are quick and easy to clean and maintain - melamine and veneers are good examples - since home-based workers have to clean their own offices.

3. The effect of the environment

Creating a comfortable and harmonious home-based office is about much more than vanity or indulgence. It is widely accepted that workers in an optimal environment are more productive.

Therefore it is important to pay attention to details; ensure a comfortable working position (which demands good quality chairs), good lighting, heating and ventilation and well-placed monitors and screens. Having everything filed properly and easy to access reduces stress and speeds up work flow.

All of this is quite a challenge in a traditional working environment, where only one purpose must be served. Home-based workers must achieve this in a way that does not detract from the comfort of their office's other purpose, that of being a home. However, with a little research, planning and judicious purchasing, the perfect home office can be created.

Author Bio:
Cinzia Bandoni is an interior designer and writer, who regularly contributes to websites and blogs on subjects such as furniture at work complaints. She is particularly interested in the effects of the working environment upon employee productivity.