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I’ve been working from home for nearly a decade, and if there’s one thing that’s stayed the same, it’s this: the tiniest details make the biggest difference. A candle lighting up your desk signals it’s time to focus. The right notebook keeps your priorities straight when your days blur together. A supportive chair or laptop stand can completely transform how your body feels after a long day.
The best work-from-home essentials aren’t just about boosting productivity—they help you feel more focused, supported, and (dare I say) a little romantic about your desk. A setup that supports your body, sparks creativity, and helps you transition in and out of “work mode” with more ease.
So, whether you’re in back-to-back Zoom calls, tackling a long writing session, or trying to carve out space for movement and hydration, these are the work-from-home essentials I swear by. They’ve carried me through years of working remotely, and they’re as functional as they are beautiful. Consider this your toolkit for building a workspace that feels inspiring, supports your wellness, and makes working from home a whole lot more enjoyable.
For Focus & Creativity
The Daybreak Candle
There’s something about lighting a candle that signals your brain: it’s time to focus. I love Casa Zuma’s Daybreak Candle for its grounding scent—it’s like a ritual that starts my workday on the right note.
Moleskine Classic Notebook
I’ve used this exact notebook for years and can’t imagine working without it. The squared pages are perfect for weekly priorities and daily lists, and it’s the only planner I actually stick with. I fill one up and immediately start another.
A Vision Board Above Your Desk
Mine’s from Casa Zuma, and it’s a daily reminder of the bigger picture. When deadlines feel overwhelming, glancing up at my board keeps me grounded in what I’m really working toward and serves as an emotional anchor when days get overwhelming.
For Wellness & Movement
Hand Weights for Walks and Desk Breaks
Keep a pair of light weights by your desk—you can squeeze in movement between meetings or take them on a quick walking break. Small doses of movement go a long way when you’re sitting for most of the day.
A Compact Yoga Mat
Rolling one out for mid-day stretches helps reset both your mind and body. A five-minute stretch session is often enough to come back sharper and more energized.
Blue Light Glasses
Long days on screens can wreak havoc on your eyes and sleep. A pair of stylish blue light glasses protects your eyes and helps reduce headaches and digital fatigue.
For Hydration & Nourishment
Carafe & Glass Set
A beautiful reminder to drink more water. Keeping this set on my desk makes hydration feel like a ritual instead of a chore.
A Mug That Sparks Joy
I reach for my Solstice Mug daily—it’s the coziest vessel for coffee or tea and makes that mid-morning break feel intentional.
Lunch Gear You Love
If you tend to graze at your desk, try making lunch something you look forward to: a ceramic bowl that makes salads look restaurant-worthy, or a bento box (this stainless steel one is my ride or die) that encourages you to step away from your computer and enjoy a proper meal. My greatest lunch hack is to use a bowl bigger than you think you need, whisk together some lemon and olive oil, then toss your salad components (something crunchy, something sweet, something salty), top with flaky sea salt, and enjoy.
For Posture & Comfort
A Laptop Stand
If you’re working on a laptop all day, this is non-negotiable. Elevating your screen to eye level supports better posture, helps prevent neck strain, and reduces your risk of carpal tunnel over time.
An Ergonomic Desk Chair
A chic chair that supports your spine is worth the investment. Look for one with adjustable height and lumbar support—it’ll keep your body happy through long work sessions without sacrificing aesthetics.
A Standing Desk (or Desk Converter)
The freedom to move between sitting and standing is a game-changer. It helps circulation, gives you more energy in the afternoons, and makes it easier to sneak in stretches between calls.
For Atmosphere & Flow
A Desk Lamp with Warm Lighting
Good lighting matters more than you think. A soft, warm glow minimizes eye strain and makes your space feel inviting—even when you’re working late.
A Bluetooth Speaker or Playlist Ritual
Sound is one of the easiest ways to set the mood. I’ll light my candle, open my notebook, and queue up a playlist—it’s like flipping a mental switch into work mode.
The Takeaway
Working from home doesn’t have to mean grinding away in sweatpants at your kitchen table (though, no judgment if that’s your vibe some days). By layering in a few thoughtful essentials, you can design a workspace that’s not just functional—but actually inspiring.