It’s the middle of summer and here you are, stuck working indoors at home. Did you know the backyard or balcony are ideal places to set up a home office? And plus, you don’t need to construct a shed!
But to make this dream a reality, proper planning is key!
1. The Right Place
First, take a moment to analyze your available space. Ideally, you want to select a relatively calm corner, away from direct sunlight, but with plenty of natural light to make the most of your outdoor environment.
- Is the spot adequately shaded?
- Is there too much wind?
- Is there any noise from the adjoining street or the neighbourhood?
- Is there enough room for furniture and sun protection?
2. The Right Accessories
Next, gather all the elements essential to creating a comfortable workspace.
- If you have a large patio area, select a spot by a wall on which you can attach accessories like a shelf or a sunshade.
- In the case of a more modest balcony, opt for an empty corner near the guardrail with a nice view to maximize the soothing effect of being outside. A folding wall-mounted shelf can serve as a desk for your laptop on weekdays and be discreetly folded away on weekends.
- If you already have an outdoor living room, simply create an office nook with a small table with wheels and an ergonomic chair.
- If the area lacks privacy, add outdoor vertical decorative panels. Some models mimic the look of green walls or are made of pretty wooden lattices.
- A storage bin for all your documents is likewise indispensable!
- If you prefer to work sitting on the patio couch, place your laptop on a hard tray (but don’t do this too often as it’s not good for your back!)
3. Comfortable, but Durable Furniture
A proper outdoor home office starts with a suitable table and chair. You don’t have to stick to traditional office furniture, but the furniture you do choose must still be stable and ergonomic.
- Select a large enough table to hold your computer, papers, and a mug of coffee.
- A well-padded patio chair or an ergonomic outdoor armchair with cushions will save your back.
- Make certain the whole set is weather-resistant or that you can easily move the pieces indoors if it suddenly begins to rain. In fact, why not opt for synthetic rattan, treated wood, or painted metal furniture? Stylish and durable!
4. Bye-Bye Glare
Basking in the sun is fun… until you can’t read what’s on your screen! Without a gazebo in which to set up your home office, protecting yourself from glare while you work all day is a top priority.
How? By installing a shade sail, a wide patio umbrella, or even a small retractable awning.
People who work on a balcony often place a fabric sunshade on either side to block the sun’s rays. This has the added benefit of helping the space feel cozier and secluded. And if your patio is exposed to the sun all day long, a simple shade cloth or outdoor curtain may be all you need to create a cool and pleasant zone.
5. Electricity and Internet Connection
You won’t get much work done if you can’t power your devices!
Consider having an outdoor waterproof safety outlet installed or use an outdoor extension cord. Make certain your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to reach you on the patio. If not, a range extender or outdoor Wi-Fi router can improve the connection.
6. Maximum Focus
The danger of working outside is that you might become too relaxed… and distracted.
To maintain your concentration, surround yourself with a few inspiring accessories: some potted plants; a small fountain to enjoy the soothing sound of trickling water; or a corkboard on which to pin your daily notes, drawings, or photos of your kids (sure to bring a smile to your face!)
7. Lighting: Take Your Overtime into Account
If you enjoy working late into the evening, plan your lighting accordingly. A portable desk lamp (battery-powered or plug-in), LED string lights, or outdoor sconces can allow you to extend your office hours and avoid eyestrain.
By moving your home office outdoors, you can transform your backyard into a hybrid environment combining both productivity and pleasure. And who knows? You might come up with your brightest ideas there!