How to Set Up an Ergonomic Home Office

Aches at the end of the workday usually trace to a few fixable setup mistakes. Here’s the order to get right.

1. Start with the chair

Feet flat, knees at ~90°, and lumbar support in the small of your back. Armrests should let your shoulders relax. A good ergonomic chair is the highest-ROI purchase in the whole setup.

2. Set your desk height

Elbows at ~90° with forearms parallel to the floor when typing. If your desk is too tall, raise the chair and add a footrest. Better yet, a height-adjustable desk lets you alternate sitting and standing.

3. Position the monitor

Top of the screen at or just below eye level, about an arm’s length away. A monitor arm makes this effortless. Two monitors? Angle them in a gentle arc.

4. Keyboard, mouse & light

• Keyboard and mouse close, wrists neutral (not bent up)
• A comfortable keyboard you like typing on
• Light from the side, not behind or in front of the screen, to cut glare

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the most important part of an ergonomic setup?

The chair. Feet flat, knees around 90°, and lumbar support in your lower back. It’s the highest-impact purchase for all-day comfort.

How high should my monitor be?

The top of the screen at or just below eye level, about an arm’s length away, so you look slightly down and keep your neck neutral.

Is a standing desk necessary for ergonomics?

Not necessary, but a height-adjustable desk helps by letting you alternate sitting and standing. Proper positioning matters more than standing itself.