If you’re reading this, you either recently signed up for one of our private offices (welcome to the community!) or are thinking about it (highly recommend). Either way, setting up a small office space is exciting and overwhelming. Between choosing the right desk accessories and sourcing an ergonomic chair, it’s easy to end up with a cluttered workspace that doesn’t serve you. Whether you’re working from a private office at a coworking space or carving out your own corner at home, the right essentials (and general vibe) can enhance your productivity—and we are in the business of enhancing your productivity.
After years of watching members transform their private offices at Workhorse Coworking in downtown Edmonds, we’ve seen firsthand what items make a difference in creating a functional, inspiring work environment. Here are the seven must-have items that will help you work smarter, not harder, in your small office space.
Already have some of these items in your small office space? Skip ahead to see what else you need!
- A Quality Sit-Stand Desk
- A Comfortable, Ergonomic Chair
- Monitors and Docking Station
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Smart Desk Accessories and Organizers
- Add Your Personal Touches
- A Plant (If You Can Keep It Alive)
- Bonus Items Worth Considering
A Quality Sit-Stand Desk
The foundation of any productive workspace starts with your desk. Research shows that workers who use adjustable sit-stand desks enjoy reduced back and neck pain while maintaining higher energy levels throughout the day. According to studies from the CDC, ratcheting sitting time down by just 66 minutes a day can reduce back and neck pain by up to 54%.
A sit-stand desk gives you the flexibility to change positions throughout your workday, helping you avoid the physical stress that comes with prolonged sitting. Many models come with programmable presets so you can find your ideal height at the push of a button. If a full standing desk isn’t in your budget, consider a desk converter that sits on top of your existing workspace—it’s a game-changer that won’t break the bank.
- Adjustable Electric Standing Desk we like (and have in the space)
- Sit Stand Converter our members have used
- Under Desk Walking pad that fits in most of our offices
A Comfortable, Ergonomic Chair
If you’re going to invest in anything for your small office space, make it a quality chair. Studies show that workers in ergonomically deficient spaces report up to 30% lower productivity compared to those with more ergonomic setups. Your chair should be adjustable, include proper lumbar support, and armrests that allow your arms to be at a comfortable 90-degree angle.
Look for chairs with memory foam cushioning and breathable fabric to keep you comfortable during marathon work sessions. Remember: you’ll likely spend more waking hours in your office chair than in your bed (how wild is that to think about!), so choose wisely.
Here are some of our favorite ergonomic chairs:
- This one comes in fun colors
- This one has a headrest and flip-up arms
- This one is a combo of the first two
Monitors and Docking Station
Working from a laptop screen all day is a recipe for neck strain and eye fatigue. Elevating your screen to eye level with a proper monitor setup can dramatically improve your posture and productivity. Dual monitors are especially valuable if you frequently multitask—research consistently shows that multi-screen setups improve efficiency for professionals handling design, data, or coding work.
A quality docking station keeps your desk organized by centralizing all your connections in one place. No more juggling multiple cables or struggling to find the right adapter. Plus, with integrated USB-C ports and charging capabilities, you can keep all your devices powered up without the cord chaos.
Here are some of our favorite docking stations—your monitor preferences are up to you:
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Even in the quietest offices, distractions are inevitable. Whether it’s the hum of HVAC systems, conversations from nearby coworkers, or rain beating on the roof, noise-canceling headphones are essential for maintaining focus. They create your own private sound environment, allowing you to deep dive into concentration-heavy tasks or join video calls with crystal-clear audio quality.
Look for headphones that offer both active noise cancellation and a comfortable, hands-free fit for all-day wear. Many of our members swear by models with wireless connectivity and long battery life so you’re not tethered to your desk or constantly searching for a charging cable.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
- Beats Studio Pro-Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
- Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
Smart Desk Accessories and Organizers
A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind, and the right desk accessories can transform your small office space from chaotic to calm. Start with a quality desk organizer that keeps pens, sticky notes, business cards, and other essentials within arm’s reach. A business card holder is surprisingly useful. Even in our digital age, having an attractive place to display and organize cards shows professionalism and keeps all the new people you’re meeting at the space accessible.
Consider adding a cord organizer to tame the cable chaos that plagues pretty much every workspace. Cable management might not be glamorous, but it makes a significant difference in both the aesthetics and functionality of your office. At Workhorse, we’ve designed our private offices with these details in mind—including outlets strategically placed throughout the space so you’re never scrambling for power.
Here are some of our favorite accessories and organizers:
- Organizer with monitor stand
- Rectangular organizer
- Circular organizer
- Barn chic business card holder
Add Your Personal Touches
Your office should reflect your who and your why. Adding personal mementos—family photos, awards, examples of your best work—creates an environment that feels totally yours. At Workhorse, every private office member gets their company logo etched onto their door at no extra charge, giving you a polished, official feel from day one.
Don’t underestimate the power of displaying your accomplishments either. Whether it’s books you’ve published, projects you’ve completed, or certifications you’ve earned, surrounding yourself with reminders of your success keeps you motivated during challenging workdays. One of our favorite ways to show off your people and your accomplishments is with a digital picture frame. Keep it rotating, interesting, and inspiring—all in one place!
A Plant (If You Can Keep It Alive)
Hey, we know this from real experience: plants are wonderful for your office environment—if you can keep them alive. Research from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that workers in biophilic office settings reported 6% higher productivity and a 15% improvement in overall well-being. Natural elements reduce stress, improve air quality, and add a touch of life to your workspace.
If you’re not blessed with a green thumb, start with low-maintenance options like succulents, snake plants, or pothos. These hardy varieties can survive with minimal attention and still provide mood-boosting benefits. And if you’re working in the Pacific Northwest (like we are in Edmonds), consider adding a happy light to your desk setup during the long dark. Proper lighting can regulate your circadian rhythm and keep your energy levels up when natural sunlight is scarce.
There are several shops and nurseries nearby that can help you source plants. As for happy lights, here are some of our picks:
- This one looks like the moon
- This one looks like a dinosaur egg
- This one clamps to your desk
- This one is a floor lamp
Bonus Items Worth Considering
Looking to level up your small office space even more? Sure, you are. Here are a few extras that can make a real difference:
- An area rug: Adds warmth, reduces echo in hard-surfaced rooms, and defines your workspace
- A quality desk lamp: Adjustable lighting reduces eye strain and creates the right ambiance for different tasks
- Desktop humidifier: Especially valuable in climate-controlled offices where air can get dry
- Footrest: Improves circulation and posture if you spend most of your day working seated
Workhorse Private Offices: Your Space, Perfected
At Workhorse Coworking, our small private offices come equipped with many of these essentials already in place. From all the power outlets to high-speed internet and 24-hour access, we’ve thought through what makes a small office space functional. You bring your laptop and your vision—we’ll be here to support its execution. Plus, all the kombucha you can drink!
Our private offices boast the perfect blend of privacy for focused work and connection to the most entrepreneurial community in Edmonds. Close your door when you need to concentrate or hop into a conference call, then step out to grab excellent coffee, kombucha, or cold brew on tap and connect with other hardworking people just like you.
Community for Every Type of Coworker
Beyond the physical space, what truly makes an office special is the people in it. At Workhorse, you’re joining a community of entrepreneurs, remote workers, small business owners, and creators who understand what it means to work hard and play hard.
Workhorse Community Events
We believe in working hard and celebrating harder. Our regular events—from happy hours to lunch-and-learns—give you chances to connect, learn, and unwind with fellow members. These aren’t mandatory networking events that feel like work; they’re genuine opportunities to build relationships with people who understand what you’re building because they’re doing it too.
Visit Our Space
Curious about whether a private office at Workhorse is right for you? We’d love to show you around. Our space features hard-working materials with stories to tell—from tables made from shipbuilding factory wood to kitchen counters crafted from Eastern Washington bleachers. Every design decision has been made with intention, care, and a commitment to supporting the uncommonly hardworking (aka people like you).
Ready to create your ideal small office space? Fill out our inquiry form to learn more about our private office options. Whether you need a quiet place to close deals, room to display your accomplishments, or just a professional address separate from your home, we can help you find the perfect setup.
What must-have item transformed your office space? We’d love to hear what’s made the biggest difference in your productivity!
Pssst, reading this from the coffee shop? Check out why coworking might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
