Work from Home Essentials for Filmmakers
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Now that it’s clear working from home isn’t quite as temporary a situation as many people thought it would be at the beginning of 2020, it’s time to upgrade your workspace. There are plenty of small tweaks you can make to get your home office running smoothly, whether it’s an actual room or just a cordoned-off desk area.
We’ve already recommended comfortable headphones (both over-ear and earbud, wired and Bluetooth), blue light glasses to protect your eyes while staring at screens all day, and a host of accessories to shoot professional-level footage with your iPhone.
Now, check out these selections that will help make your WFH life as easy as possible, from simple desk accessories to room-transforming purchases.
First things first: You’re going to need a desk, if you don’t have one already. (No judgment, some of us have been working off of the kitchen table for many months now.) But perhaps it’s time to make the leap and buy an actual desk? This purchase will depend on your personal taste and what will go with your home decor, so we’ve come up with a couple of suggestions, depending on your vibe.
Mr IRONSTONE L-Shaped Desk 50.8″ Computer Corner Desk
Price: $99.99
If simple and spacious is what you’re after, this L-shaped corner desk comes in basic black with a space-saving monitor shelf and plenty of room for all of your equipment.
VASAGLE Computer Desk, 55″ Writing Desk, with Two Shelves on Left or Right
Price: $119.99
If you want simple but are looking for a slightly smaller version with a modern metal-and-wood finish, this stylish modern option is also customizable — you can put the built-in shelves on either side depending on your preference. (This similar option comes with a hutch if you’d like more shelving and storage.)
Home Office Furniture Writing Desk, Computer Work Station with Detachable Hutch
Price: $159.99
Got an even smaller space for your “office” area? This country-style wooden desk with a hutch comes in five different colors and has plenty of drawers for all of your office supplies and knick-knacks.
Ameriwood Home Parsons Desk with Drawer
Price: $71.80
Simple and modern with a single drawer, the glossy finish on this desk looks pricier than it actually is and will do the trick without being too intrusive in your home.
Sauder Costa Computer Desk, Chalked Chestnut finish
Price: $354.59
This sturdy computer desk with several drawers and cabinets is a perfect fit in your farmhouse-styled home. Plus the drawers and cabinets allow you to store office supplies without desktop clutter.
Sauder Heritage Hill Computer Credenza, Classic Cherry finish
Price: $249
This classic executive-style cherry desk features a hidden file drawer plus a pull-out drawer with flip-down front for your keyboard and a power strip with three outlets.
Adjustable Laptop Stand, YoFeW Aluminum Laptop Riser
Price: $34.15
Not sure if you want to fully commit to the whole standing desk situation? This adjustable laptop riser fits laptops up to 17″ and is an easy way to turn your regular desk into a standing desk to improve your posture and prevent back pain.
AmazonBasics 5-Level Adjustable/Portable Electronic Computer Workstation
Price: $137.53
If you want to raise your whole desktop, not just your computer, this Amazon brand desktop adjusts to five different height levels with easy electronic controls. It also includes floor protectors to prevent damage to wherever you plan to place it, and the convenient foldable design makes it easy for both storage and transport (you know, if you ever get back into an office someday).
AmazonBasics Mesh, Mid-Back, Adjustable, Swivel Office Desk Chair with Armrests
Price: $73.76
Next, you’re going to need somewhere to sit while you work. This option is a standard, comfortable, sturdy, and ergonomic desk chair.
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
Price: $142.79
This ergonomic chair has a thick seat cushion; passive lumbar support; adjustable armrests, height, tilt, and lock; 360-degree swivel; and multiple color options.
Modway Jive Office Chair, Mid Back
Price: $173
If you’re looking for something with a little more style, this midcentury modern mid-back chair comes in an array of colors and fits in with your minimal decor.
DMF Furniture Home Office Chair with High Back
Price: $148.90
Go a little more regal with this high-backed velvet option, also available in an array of colors.
Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion for Office Chair
Price: $32.95
Regardless of the chair you’re using, this cushion can be added to any seat to make the hours you have to sit a whole lot more comfortable. Plus, the cover is washable, so it’s easy to clean.
Easy Posture Lumbar Back Support Mesh
Price: $14.95
Need more back padding instead? This mesh contraption straps on to your office chair to give you lumbar support and protect your posture.
HP ENVY 5055 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer
Price: $99.99
Sorry, millennials — there’s no more office printer for the, like, five documents you need to print per year (plus your return shipping slips). This HP option has printing, scanning, and copying capability, along with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. And with the HP Instant Ink program, you’ll play a very low price per month and they’ll send you ink when you’re running low.
WALI Dual Monitor Desk Stand-Free Standing
Price: $27.19
This is where things get more serious — if you’re looking to invest in an actual workspace and not just a place to keep your laptop, this dual-arm vertical stand fits two monitors for juggling multiple tasks at a time.
NICETOWN Bedroom Blackout Curtains Panels
Price: $16.28
One thing you’re going to need when editing your project? Darkness. Get your workspace as dark as possible with these blackout curtains, available in a wide variety of colors and lengths.
TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp
Price: $39.99
Lighten things up with this adjustable, flicker-free LED desk lamp with five color modes and seven brightness levels. Bonus: there’s also a built-in USB port so you can charge your phone or other devices while you work.
Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard with Wrist Rest
Price: $125.99
Not to harp too much on ergonomics, but when you’re sitting at a computer for eight hours a day you need to take care of yourself. This keyboard is USB- or Bluetooth-powered with a curved, sloping keyboard that reduces strain on your wrists and forearms. (Seriously, it’s the kind of thing that doctors recommend — and is certified to improve posture and lower muscle strain by ergonomists.)
TESLYAR Natural Walnut Wood Phone Docking Station Key Hooks Holder Wallet Stand
Price: $42.80
Organize all your accessories with this walnut stand that can hold your phone (plus an easily integrated power cord for simple charging), hooks for keys and watches, nooks for pens, and more.
Simple Trending Four-Trays Mesh Office Supplies Desk Organizer
Price: $32.97
Organize your papers — hey, sometimes analog is the way to go — with this four-level tray.
Upgraded Desk Caddy with Drawer for Home & Office Desktop Organization
Price: $21.97
Organize the rest of your office supplies with this gold desk caddy, perfect for post-its, paperclips, and more.
Knodel Desk Pad, Office Desk Mat
Price: $13.99
Forget a mouse pad, how about a full desk mat? Made from durable material, this mat will protect your desk from scratches, stains, spills, heat, and scuffs.
Gimars Superfine Fiber Widen Memory Foam Set Nonslip Mouse Pad Wrist Support & Keyboard Wrist Rest Support
Price: $16.98
Be kind to your wrists and help prevent carpal-tunnel problems with these mouse and keyboard pads.
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