Making Working From Home More Comfortable

Working from home can offer flexibility, but it can also make small comfort problems more noticeable. A dining chair, low laptop or dim corner may seem suitable for a short session. Over a full workday, however, these choices can leave you feeling stiff, tired or distracted.

The good news is that a more comfortable home office does not always require expensive equipment. Small changes to your chair, screen, lighting and routine can make your workspace easier to use.

This guide explains how to make working from home more comfortable while keeping your setup practical.

Start with your chair and desk

Your chair and desk are the foundation of your workspace. You should be able to sit with your body supported, rather than leaning towards the screen or holding your shoulders up.

Check the following points:

• Sit with your feet resting flat on the floor, or use a footrest if they do not reach.
• Keep your knees around the same height as your hips, or slightly lower.
• Allow your elbows to sit close to your body.
• Aim to keep your wrists relaxed while typing.
• Leave enough space under the desk to move your legs freely.
• Avoid sitting on the edge of the chair for long periods.

A chair does not need to be expensive to be useful. It should be stable and allow you to sit at a comfortable height. If the chair feels too deep, placing a cushion behind your lower back may help you sit in a more supported position.

Support your lower back

Many people find that their lower back is not well supported by a dining chair or basic office chair. A lumbar support can fill the gap between your lower back and the chair back. This may make it easier to maintain a natural sitting position.

Place the support at the level of your lower back, rather than too high near your ribs. Start with a small adjustment. A support that feels too thick can push you forwards and create a different source of discomfort.

The Ergonomic Memory Foam Lumbar Support Cushion with Breathable Mesh Cover for Office Chairs, Car Seats, and More - 40cm x 46cm has adjustable straps and a removable, washable cover. Its breathable mesh cover may suit people who prefer more airflow while sitting. The memory foam design is intended to conform to the body, but comfort is personal. Adjust its position until it feels supportive without forcing your posture.

For a smaller, simpler option, the Ergonomic Lumbar Roll Cushion for Back Support - Ideal for Home, Office & Car Recommended by Aussie Physios is a lightweight roll with a strap for placement on a chair back. It measures 28cm in length and 12cm in diameter. A lumbar roll may be useful if you move between a home office, another room and the car.

The Ergonomic Lumbar Support Cushion for Office Chair, Car, and Home - Adjustable Back Pain Relief includes buckle straps and can be adjusted for height. Its raised sides are designed to help keep you centred in the chair. This may suit someone who wants a more structured cushion with a discreet appearance.

These products are comfort accessories, not a replacement for professional health advice. If sitting causes ongoing or worsening pain, speak with a qualified health professional.

Raise your screen

A laptop placed directly on the desk often encourages you to look down. Over time, this can make your neck and upper back feel tired.

Try to position the top of the screen close to eye level. You can use a laptop stand, a stable riser or a stack of sturdy books. Make sure the laptop is secure and cannot slide or tip.

If you raise the laptop, consider using a separate keyboard and mouse. This lets you keep the screen higher while allowing your hands and arms to stay in a more comfortable position.

Your screen should also be about an arm’s length away. Move it closer or further away depending on the size of the text and your ability to read without leaning forwards.

Arrange your keyboard and mouse

Your keyboard and mouse should be close enough that you do not need to reach. Reaching forwards for hours can place extra demand on your shoulders and upper back.

Keep these points in mind:

• Place the keyboard so your elbows can remain near your sides.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed rather than lifted.
• Use a light touch when typing and clicking.
• Move the mouse from your arm rather than gripping it tightly.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.

There is no single perfect position for everyone. The best setup is one that lets you work without holding one joint or muscle in a fixed position for too long.

Improve your lighting

Poor lighting can make a screen harder to read. You may respond by leaning closer, narrowing your eyes or increasing screen brightness.

Use natural light where possible, but avoid placing the screen directly in front of a bright window. Light behind the screen can create glare. Light coming from the side is often easier to manage.

At night or on darker days, use a desk lamp or room light. Position it so it lights your work area without shining directly into your eyes or reflecting off the screen.

You can also adjust your screen brightness and text size. A larger font may allow you to sit back more comfortably.

Make space to move

Even a well-arranged workstation can become uncomfortable if you stay in one position for too long. Movement gives you a chance to change your posture and use different parts of your body.

Build simple movement into your workday:

• Stand while taking a phone call, if practical.
• Walk to refill your water bottle.
• Stretch your hands and fingers after typing.
• Roll your shoulders gently and change your sitting position.
• Take short screen breaks between tasks.
• Consider working at a different surface for part of the day, if it is safe and suitable.

You do not need to wait until you feel very uncomfortable before moving. Regular changes can make the workday feel less demanding.

Avoid stretching into pain. If a movement feels sharp, unusual or worsening, stop and seek appropriate advice.

Keep your work area organised

A cluttered workspace can make simple tasks more difficult. It may also encourage awkward reaching or twisting.

Keep your most-used items close to your dominant hand. Place documents on a stand or beside the screen instead of flat on the desk if you often look between paper and your monitor. Use cable clips or ties to keep cords away from your feet.

Your chair should be able to move in and out without catching on bags, boxes or cables. A clear floor also reduces the chance of tripping when you stand up.

Manage temperature and airflow

Temperature can affect how comfortable you feel during a long work session. A room that is too warm may make you feel tired, while cold air can make it harder to relax your hands and shoulders.

Open a window when suitable, use a fan safely and adjust your clothing before you settle into work. Keep drinks away from electrical equipment. If you use a heater, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and leave space around it.

A breathable chair cover or lumbar support may also feel more comfortable in warmer weather. Check the care instructions and wash removable covers as recommended.

Create a clear workday routine

When your home and workplace are in the same location, it can be difficult to switch off. A simple routine can make the day feel more structured.

Before starting, prepare your desk, water and any documents you need. At the end of the day, close your laptop, clear urgent notes and leave the workspace if possible. Even a short walk around the block or a change of clothes can help create a boundary between work and personal time.

Try to avoid working from the sofa or bed as your main setup. These areas may be comfortable for a short period, but they usually do not provide the desk height or support needed for regular computer work.

Make small changes first

You do not need to change everything at once. Begin with the part of your setup that causes the most difficulty.

For example:

1. Adjust your chair height.
2. Raise your screen.
3. Move your keyboard and mouse closer.
4. Add lower-back support if there is a gap behind you.
5. Add regular movement breaks.
6. Improve lighting and reduce glare.

Give yourself time to notice how each change feels. A setup that works for one person may not suit another. Comfort should guide your adjustments, and you should not force your body into a fixed position.

When to seek professional advice

Workplace adjustments can support everyday comfort, but they cannot explain the cause of persistent pain or other symptoms. Speak with a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional if discomfort continues, becomes worse or affects your normal activities.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden or severe symptoms, or symptoms that concern you.

A more comfortable home office

Making working from home more comfortable often comes down to support, positioning and movement. Set your screen at a practical height, keep your equipment close, use lighting that reduces glare and change position throughout the day.

A lumbar cushion or roll may be a useful addition when your chair does not support your lower back. Choose a style that fits your chair, can be positioned easily and feels comfortable when you use it. Most importantly, combine equipment with sensible workstation habits and regular movement.

Shop the products in this article

• Ergonomic Memory Foam Lumbar Support Cushion with Breathable Mesh Cover for Office Chairs, Car Seats, and More - 40cm x 46cm
• Ergonomic Lumbar Roll Cushion for Back Support - Ideal for Home, Office & Car Recommended by Aussie Physios
• Ergonomic Lumbar Support Cushion for Office Chair, Car, and Home - Adjustable Back Pain Relief