5 tips for setting up a home office

Setting up a home office

Maybe you'd love to go shopping for new furniture but have to make do with the old for now. That doesn't mean the home office has to remain a mess. Here are a few tips from the makers of SmartDraw space-planning software:

-- Determine desk placement by first asking, "What do I want to be looking at when I sit there?" and being honest about how you feel about having your back face the door.

-- Try not to position computer monitors opposite windows, which can create glare.

-- Allow at least 42 inches from the working chair side of a desk to the nearest wall or furniture.

-- Avoid lining furniture up on the walls, and allow at least 30 inches of walking space between furniture and wall. (Test this by putting tape lines down.)

-- Measure and plan out your space on grid paper -- or use a computer program like SmartDraw.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)

Must credit the San Francisco Chronicle