| Any old chair will not do: comfort and support are | | | | lamp could be too bright or low. Consider an |
| crucial if you intend to spend a substantial amount | | | | adjustable lamp, or fix spotlights or halogen lights |
| of time at your desk. It's hard to beat a | | | | to the wall or a shelf instead. |
| well-designed office chair with height adjustment | | | | Look at the position of electric sockets and |
| and swivel mechanisms, but if you have a | | | | telephone points, and have more fitted if |
| favorite chair you want to use, make sure it has | | | | necessary. Assess the ventilation, too, since a lot |
| lumbar support to protect your back, and add a | | | | of electrical equipment in use can cause a buildup |
| cushion or two if you need extra comfort and | | | | of heat. Although glass-topped tables are |
| height. | | | | attractive, non-reflective work surfaces are best |
| Efficient lighting is essential to prevent eyestrain. | | | | if you are using a computer. Make sure the desk |
| Tempting as it may be to work in front of a | | | | or table is high enough for you to work at |
| window, it is not the best place for a computer | | | | without bending. |
| screen. See if an L-shape set up is a possibility, so | | | | Your eyes should be level with the top half of the |
| the computer is against the wall and you can turn | | | | screen when you are sitting at your desk, so |
| to face the window when writing or using the | | | | alter your chair to suit. A footrest will help you sit |
| phone. You will almost certainly need extra task | | | | correctly. The screen may need elevation too. A |
| lighting after dark to give clear light over the desk | | | | slatted or translucent blind is the best window |
| without shadows. The light provided by a desk | | | | covering for shading the screen from glare. |