Working from home is becoming more and more popular. It's not surprising when you consider the benefits.
No more time wasted commuting, flexible working hours and comfortable, familiar surroundings.
Thanks to technology, many of us can do at least some work from home, whether it's making the most of a few hours before heading off to a meeting or running an entire business from a spare room.
Which is why there has been an explosion of retailers and products aimed specifically at the home office. From space-efficient desks to filing equipment and stationery deliveries, there's a world of shopping to get your teeth into. And there are plenty of places to kit yourself out on the web.
Home office furniture has to combine practicality and comfort with the design-appeal of something you're actually prepared to live with. Take a look at Space2.com, which offers stylish and affordable desks, chairs and tables "designed with you and your home in mind".
The site is bright and bold with magazine-style photography and an easy-to-follow layout and buying process. Search by product category or view each of the four ranges in turn. You'll be presented with an excellent selection of work and storage systems in wood, chrome and a range of colours, with curved lines and attractive details. With prices for basic workstations starting at about £200, you won't have to fork out a fortune.
Stationery isn't the most thrilling aspect of working for yourself but a vital one. The Stationery Store claims to provide the "easiest, most informative and least boring way to buy everything for your office".
Products are arranged into office stationery, computer supplies, furniture and interiors, business machines and supplies, telecom and audio visual, presentation and training and catering and janitorial. Sub-categories cover everything you could possibly need, from printer cartridges to answerphones, with thousands of items to choose from.
Efficient organisation and clear labelling makes shopping a breeze but, if you are still at a loss, you can consult one of the wizards which provide product comparisons, compatibility charts and general information to help you decide.
If you need some of those personal touches to create your perfect workspace, interiors specialist The Cotswold Company has an entire department devoted to home office, with storage ideas, racks and holders, containers, bins, baskets and accessories made from galvanised metal, seagrass, rush, rattan and a variety of woods.
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