Work From Home Set Up On A Budget

Working from home sounds dreamy in theory. No commute, comfy clothes, endless cups of tea. But in reality? It’s time to create your work from home set up.

It often starts with a laptop balanced on your knees, a stiff neck by 11am, and the slow realization that your kitchen chair was not designed for eight-hour workdays.

The good news is that you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect office or thousands of dollars to create a comfortable, productive work-from-home setup. 

I started sitting down in the corridor of a shared Airbnb with backpackers. But as my business was getting serious, I slowly realised that I had to get a place designated to work only.

With a bit of creativity (and some smart budget choices), you can build a space that works for you without draining your bank account.

Whether you’re fully remote, freelancing, studying, or just side-hustling from home, here’s how to put together a budget-friendly work-from-home setup, with 16 affordable essentials that actually make a difference.

This, my friend, is what we call a terrible work-from-home setup. Never again!

DISCLOSURE 

Some of the links on here are affiliate links, and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks. 

Looking for more desk decor inspo? Here are my top articles:

• Home Office Gifts That Will Improve Your Life
• Best 51 Useful Gifts For Nomads!
• 31 Valentines Crafts To Make And Sell!

15 Work From Home Set Up Tips And Items

1.A Dedicated Workspace (Even If It’s Small)

The first step doesn’t cost anything: claiming a space. This could be a corner of your bedroom, the end of the dining table, or even a fold-out desk in the hallway.

Having a designated work area helps you mentally switch into “work mode” and, just as importantly, switch off at the end of the day. You don’t need a whole room, just a spot that’s consistently yours.

2.A Budget-Friendly Desk

You don’t need a fancy solid oak desk to get things done. Flat-pack desks, second-hand finds, or even a sturdy table can work perfectly.

Look for something that:

• Fits your space
• Has enough depth for your laptop and notebook
• Doesn’t wobble when you type

3.A Comfortable Chair (Your Back Will Thank You)

This is one area where it’s worth being thoughtful. You don’t need a £300 ergonomic chair, but your dining chair probably isn’t cutting it either.

Look for:

• Basic lumbar support
• Adjustable height if possible
• A padded seat

You can shop for the most comfortable and affordable office chair right here.

4.Laptop Stand – Work From Home Set Up

Staring down at your laptop all day can wreck your neck faster than you realise. A laptop stand lifts your screen to eye level and instantly improves posture.

You can shop for my favorite laptop stand right here.

5.External Keyboard and Mouse

Once your laptop is elevated, you’ll need a separate keyboard and mouse. This setup lets your arms rest naturally and reduces wrist strain.

You can find affordable wired or wireless options online that work just as well as premium versions. It’s a small investment with a big comfort payoff.

You can shop for the perfect keyboard and mouse set right here.

6.Good Lighting (Natural If Possible)

If you can, position your workspace near a window. Natural light boosts mood, reduces eye strain, and just makes working feel nicer.

For darker spaces or winter months, a simple desk lamp with warm or daylight bulbs can make a huge difference—especially if you’re on screens all day.

Check out this affordable desk lamp here.

7.Noise-Cancelling (or Noise-Reducing) Headphones

You don’t need top-tier noise-cancelling headphones, but any decent pair can help block out background noise, whether it’s housemates, traffic, or neighbours who’ve decided today is DIY day.

They’re also great for focus playlists, podcasts during admin work, or taking calls without distractions.

You can shop for the best noise-cancelling headphones on a budget here.

8.Extension Lead with USB Ports

This is one of those unglamorous items you don’t think about until you desperately need it.

An extension lead:

• Keeps cables organised
• Prevents constant unplugging
• Lets you charge everything in one place

Bonus points if it includes USB ports for your phone and accessories.

You can shop the best extension lead with USB Ports here.

9.Cable Organisers or Clips

Messy cables are distracting and annoying—and you don’t need an expensive solution to fix them.

Velcro ties, binder clips, or cheap cable organisers keep wires tidy, stop them falling off your desk, and instantly make your space feel calmer.

You can shop for the perfect cable organiser here.

10.A Notebook or Planner

Even in a digital world, there’s something grounding about writing things down.

A simple notebook can be used for:

• Daily to-do lists
• Brain dumps
• Meeting notes
• Tracking goals

You don’t need a fancy planner—just something that helps you stay organised and clear-headed.

You can shop for the planner I use right here.

11.A Desk Mat or Mouse Pad

A desk mat protects your surface, makes typing more comfortable, and gives your workspace a more intentional feel.

It’s a small, affordable upgrade that can transform a plain table into a proper work zone—especially if you’re working from a shared space.

You can shop for the perfect desk mat and mouse pad set right here.

12.Storage for Small Items

Clutter creeps in fast when you work from home. Pens, chargers, sticky notes, and random bits somehow multiply overnight.

Use:

• Small boxes
• Drawer organisers
• Reused jars or containers

Keeping essentials within reach—but off your main workspace—helps maintain focus.

You can shop for the perfect desk storage right here.

13.A Reusable Water Bottle or Mug

Staying hydrated is weirdly harder at home than in an office. A dedicated bottle or mug on your desk acts as a visual reminder to drink water (or tea—no judgement).

It also saves you endless trips to the kitchen, which somehow always turn into snack breaks (found guilty!).

Here is the perfect water bottle you can buy right now.

14.A Footrest – Work From Home Set Up

If your feet don’t rest flat on the floor, a footrest can improve circulation and posture.

You can shop for the best and affordable footrest right here.

15.Personal Touches That Make You Happy

This is where your workspace becomes yours.

Add:

• A plant (real or fake)
• A framed photo
• A postcard from a trip
• A candle (unlit during work, obviously)

These small touches make your setup feel inviting rather than temporary.

You can shop for this cheap faux plant right here.

You can shop for this affordable set of frames.

You can shop for my favorite scented candles right here.

16.Boundaries (The Most Important Item of All)

Not something you can buy, but absolutely essential.

Set boundaries around:

• Work hours
• Break times
• Where work begins and ends

Even if your “office” is your bedroom, having rituals – like packing your laptop away at the end of the day – helps protect your mental health.

On a tight budget?

Check out second-hand shops, Facebook Marketplace, online, and shop sales. Office clearance sales and second-hand office furniture shops often sell solid office furniture for a fraction of the original price.

Final Thoughts: Budget Doesn’t Mean Bare Minimum

A good work-from-home setup isn’t about having the trendiest desk or the most expensive chair. It’s about supporting your body, your focus, and your wellbeing, without spending money you don’t have.

Start small. Upgrade gradually. Use what you already own. And remember: a setup that works for you is always better than one that just looks good on Instagram.

Working from home can be comfortable, productive, and affordable – all at the same time.