With more people working from home or in a hybrid setup, finding a comfortable and ergonomic workspace is more important than ever. But what if you don’t have a fancy office desk? No problem! You can easily transform your kitchen table into a functional and ergonomic workspace with just a few simple steps.
Here’s how to set up your kitchen table for maximum comfort and productivity:
1: Adjust Your Table and Chair Heights
The first thing you need to address is the height of your kitchen table and chair. Most kitchen tables tend to be a bit higher than office desks, while dining chairs are often lower than office chairs. This can lead to awkward positioning and strain on your body.
To fix this, start by adjusting your chair height (if possible) so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. If your chair can’t adjust, try adding a cushion for extra height. Then, ensure your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle when your arms are resting on the table.
2: Elevate Your Laptop to Eye Level
The next step is to position your laptop screen correctly. Looking down at your screen all day can strain your neck and back. To avoid this, elevate your laptop so the top of the screen is at eye level or slightly higher.
You can easily elevate your laptop using items you already have at home, such as books, magazines, or a sturdy box. The goal is to avoid slouching or craning your neck to see the screen. When the screen is at the right height, your neck and back will thank you.
3: Get an External Keyboard and Mouse
Once your screen is elevated, it’s time to focus on how you’re interacting with your laptop. Using the built-in keyboard and trackpad on your laptop can cause your arms and wrists to bend in uncomfortable ways. To fix this, invest in an external keyboard and mouse.
An external keyboard allows you to keep your arms at a more natural position, while an external mouse lets you keep your hands relaxed. This is especially important for long hours of typing or using the computer.
Follow These Steps and You’re Good to Go!
By following these three easy steps—adjusting your table and chair height, elevating your laptop, and using an external keyboard and mouse—you’ll create an ergonomic setup that helps reduce strain and discomfort while working from home. When you get the table and chair height right, the other steps will come together seamlessly.