As sales of home office furniture spike, experts reveal the items worth investing in

As demand for home office furniture increases across the UAE, here's some advice for creating a sustainable workspace

If you’re worried about the health implications of being sedentary, Bene’s Level Lift desk can be adapted for sitting and standing. Level Lift desk, price on request, www.bene.com

This swivel chair from Kare is enhanced with quilted leather detailing. A height-adjustable and rotatable frame is paired with an ergonomically shaped backrest and armrests.  Labora office chair, Dh, 1,101, www.kareuae.ae

Bene’s modular furniture line, Pixel, consists of a series of simple, mobile boxes that can be configured in countless ways – to create a desk, table, shelves or even a play area for kids. Pixel, price on request, www.bene.com

Make sure your work space is well lit. This Rabbit table lamp from Kare will keep everything illuminated, and may even make you smile in the process.  Rabbit table lamp, Dh511, www.kareuae.ae

For an understated desk option that won’t take up too much space, check out the Hamilton Writing Desk from Interiors, which has less of a traditional office feel. The neo-classical design features an elegant curved front and a wire-brushed, dove grey finish. Hamilton Writing Desk, Dh9,300, www.interiorsfurniture.com

Humanscale's Quickstand Eco can be placed on any surface and will allow you to work from a standing or sitting position, simply by sliding the work station up and down. Quickstand Eco, price on request, www.mena.humanscale.com

If you'd rather go glam, the Calista desk could double up as a dressing table once your remote working days are behind you. Perched on conjoining stainless steel rods of varying lengths, it'll make quite the statement in your space.  Calista desk, Dh12,300, www.interiorsfurniture.com

If you'd like to break with tradition and eschew the standard office chair altogether, this option from Kare offers plenty of support and a sumptuous seat. Cocktail chair, Dh2,713, www.kareuae.ae

Sales of home office furniture have spiked in recent weeks, as UAE residents adapt to a new regime of homeschooling and working remotely.

“A significant increase in demand for home office furniture has been noticed in the last two weeks, where most clients who are furnishing their houses today will not leave the showroom before they ensure the desk and the office furniture [they want] is available [immediately],” says Gayatri Dongre, senior general manager of Natuzzi UAE.

Furniture brands across the country are reporting increased demand for their home office offerings, with ergonomically designed chairs, multi-purpose bookshelves and shelving units proving particularly popular.

"People are buying small mobile desks and chairs with storage," adds Hridesh Methwani, head of marketing at Pan Emirates. "Also, there has been an increase in children's study station items, such as computer desks and chairs. Our advice is to look for functionality, space-savvy attributes and quality for the value you are paying," he says.

"Having a home office can keep you productive and professional, and separate your work life from your home life," says Dongre. But before you go out and invest in a whole new home office suite, be realistic about how much space you can afford to dedicate to your new working conditions.

Also, set a budget and stick to it. While we will all be working and learning from home for the forseeable future, we will eventually be heading back to our offices and classrooms. You don’t want to be left with a whole room’s worth of office furniture gathering dust.

There are unlimited options out there, but your home office essentials should include a comfortable, ergonomically designed chair (it is worth spending money here, as this will ensure you don’t put undue stress on your back as you go through your working day); a bright table lamp; and some kind of storage system that will allow you to keep things looking orderly.

Adrian Shaw, general manager of Kare and Chattels & More, recommends pieces that will adapt to various spaces in your home. "Office furniture for the home should include pieces that are multi-functional and can be used to recreate a working environment anywhere in the house.

"The average worker at home is still going to be spending around eight hours a day sitting at a desk or table as they work, so investing in a comfortable office chair or some desktop accessories such as a bright table lamp, will help to create an office space that encourages productivity and increases focus.”

Dongre also recommends making sure your home office furniture blends into the design of the rest of your home. A big hulking desk that overtakes your space will quickly become an eyesore.

“When selecting office furniture for your home, one must consider a balance between comfort and productivity,” adds Dania Al Masri, senior interior designer at Interiors, which is holding a sale until April 6. “Determine what stimulates you and what makes you productive.”

Finally, choose a work spot that offers as much natural light as possible. “It’ll make your space feel brighter and more optimistic,” says Al Masri.