Looking for a new place to work? Try setting up an office on your patio. It can give you a change of scenery and boost your productivity.
When working from home, it’s nice to use an outdoor space if you can. It lets you get away from others for a bit. But, setting up outdoors means dealing with nature’s surprises. Think about how you’ll get shade, prevent glare, and stay comfortable. The key to carving out an outdoor home office lies in preparing for these things.1
By turning your patio into an office, you get the benefits of fresh air and sunlight. Plus, you can stay focused. It’s a great way to feel connected to nature while working.
The Benefits of an Outdoor Workspace
Working outside can boost productivity, cut down energy use, and lift your mood. It lets you use natural light and fresh air. This way, you can save energy and lessen your impact on the planet. Your electric lights and air conditioner get a rest.
Being under the sun and enjoying fresh air helps you focus and work better. It makes your brain’s “reward” center light up and engages the smarter parts of your brain.2 This way, you fight off not getting enough nature which is good for your health. It soothes your blood pressure, stress, and helps your body fight off illnesses.2
Many benefits of outdoor work areas have been proven. They help with quicker rentals, better rents, closer teams, and drawing workers back in.3 Whether you’re after saving energy, upping your work game, or feeling better mentally, going al fresco with your workspace is a game changer.
Setting Up Your Patio Office
Turning your patio into an outdoor workspace takes careful planning. One key issue is making sure your WiFi works well. You might have to move your router closer or add a second one for a strong connection.1
Ensure Reliable WiFi Connectivity
It’s vital to have enough room to work comfortably. This could be a big patio table or another wide surface. Choose whatever lets you easily lay out your work stuff.1
Create an Adequate Workspace
A good seat is crucial. Go for patio chairs that support your back and have cushions. Don’t try working on a flimsy chair or from the ground. The Xtreme Comforts Large Seat Cushion is great for adding extra comfort to any chair or bench.1
Choose Ergonomic Seating
Focus on these main points – good WiFi, enough space to work, and comfy seating. By covering these bases, you can make your patio a great place to work outdoors.1
Shade Solutions for Glare-Free Work
Working on your patio means you need protection from the sun. Sun glare on your laptop screen can hurt your eyes and give you headaches. Plus, the heat might make your device too hot and drain its battery.4 Finding a shady spot is key for your outdoor office. It could be under a tree, an overhang, or an adjustable patio umbrella.
Patio Umbrellas: Versatile and Adjustable
Patio umbrellas help make your outdoor workspace shady and cool. They can be moved to adjust how much sun and glare hit your space. This creates a better work area.4 You can choose a standalone umbrella or one that clips to your table. Both options help to avoid glare and keep things productive outdoors.
Outdoor Curtains for Privacy and Sun Protection
Outdoor curtains are another great option. They offer privacy and can block the sun too. You can put them up to make your workspace more private and shaded, perfect for focusing better.4 Using patio umbrellas and outdoor curtains together makes for a great outdoor office. It lets you customize your work area to fit exactly what you need.
Patio Office Comfort Tips
Outdoor furniture often looks great but may not be comfy for long hours. To boost comfort in your patio office, toss on some cushions and add lumbar pillows to your seats.5
Cushions and Lumbar Support
These extra bits can keep your posture in check. They lower the stress on your back while you work outdoors. Using ergonomic gear like this is important for a cozy and effective patio office.5
Laptop Stands and Wireless Keyboards
Picking up a laptop stand and a wireless keyboard is also a good move. They can make working outside better for your body. By going this route, your setup becomes more ergonomic. This cuts down on possible aches and pains.5
Such ergonomic accessories help you avoid discomfort and keep working hard. That means you can reap the full rewards of your patio office.5
Power and Connectivity Essentials
Working from your patio needs good power and WiFi. If you lack outdoor outlets, try using outdoor lights that end with a plug. It’s great for charging your laptop and making your spot look cozy.1 The Eero 6 mesh system boosts WiFi so you’re well-connected outdoors. And don’t forget about power banks and solar panels to keep devices juiced up.
Outdoor Power Sources
You have choices for getting power outside your home office. The Allpowers SP012 Solar Panel 100W can charge multiple gadgets at the same time,1 while the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station has many ports for your devices.1 Such tools keep you working and connected, no matter how far your office is from the house.
Extending WiFi Range with Mesh Systems
For batch-free working on your patio, you need a solid WiFi link. A mesh system, like Eero 6, blankets your outdoor space with strong signals.1 This system uses several points to spread WiFi evenly, zapping any dead spots. It makes your outdoor office a top spot for working.
Pest Control for Outdoor Workspaces
Working from your patio office might mean dealing with certain wildlife. This can range from squirrels and noisy birds to mosquitos and other bugs. To keep your outdoor workspace comfy and distraction-free, using good pest control methods is a must.6
Insect Repellents and Fans
To shield yourself from bothersome bugs, always have insect repellent and sunscreen nearby. Besides, turning a house fan to medium or high can cool you off. It also makes it harder for mosquitos to bother you.6
Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Speakers
Problems like loud traffic or barking dogs outside can affect your work. Using noise-cancelling headphones or a bluetooth speaker can block out these sounds. They help you stay focused and lower distractions.6
By adopting these strategies, your patio office will be both productive and cozy. You’ll shake off the annoyances of wildlife nearby.6,7,8
Patio Home Office Essentials
Make your work both inside and outside smooth with portable stuff. A lap desk or serving tray lets you take all your work stuff out together. Folding chairs and tables give you the freedom to place your office anywhere on the patio.
Remember to protect yourself from the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, get some good sunscreen, and wear polarized sunglasses to stay safe from UV rays.1 With these patio office essentials, you can make a cozy, efficient workspace. This lets you enjoy working outside even more.
Ergonomic Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is typically made for leisure. But, for an ergonomic workspace, choose items that offer excellent support and comfort. For instance, pick weatherproof dining tables with a lot of space. Also, find patio chairs with lumbar support and comfy cushions. These ergonomic outdoor furnishings will keep you in good posture and comfort on your patio workspace.
Weatherproof Dining Tables
Getting a durable, weatherproof dining table is essential for a usable outdoor office.9 These tables, made from strong materials like aluminum and teak, can handle the outdoor conditions. They also provide a big surface for your work stuff. This keeps your workspace neat and helps you work more efficiently.
Supportive Patio Chairs with Cushions
It’s also important to have comfy and supportive patio chairs. They keep you in a good position and reduce body strain when working a lot outside.9 Choose chairs with support for your back and soft, thick cushions. This keeps you comfortable and focused during long working hours. Such chairs are essential for your outdoor office’s setup. They make sure you work well and feel good.
Ambiance Enhancers for Your Patio Office
Want to make your patio office more inviting and productive? Add some special elements. Outdoor lighting like string lights or lanterns can light up your workspace beautifully as night falls.1 You can also include a portable fire pit. It adds a cozy feel and keeps you warm into the night. These simple additions turn your patio into the perfect work and relaxation spot.
Outdoor Lighting and Lanterns
Good outdoor lighting can change how your patio office feels. Whether it’s soft string lights or bright lanterns, you’ll work in a more inviting space. These outdoor lighting pieces boost comfort and make your patio office a better place to be.
Fire Pits for a Cozy Atmosphere
A portable fire pit can make your patio office cozy and perfect for cool evenings. Its warm, flickering flames turn your work area into a peaceful retreat. You can enjoy working outside long into the evening. [fire pits]
Weather Protection for Year-Round Comfort
For a comfy patio office all year, pick weather protection gear.10 Awnings block the sun, rain, and wind. You can work outside, no matter the weather.11 Keep warm with outdoor heaters in colder months. This gear makes your outdoor space usable year-round.
Retractable Awnings and Canopies
11 Outdoor furniture faces different weather. Awnings and canopies shield it, making it last longer.11 Carports or awnings help your outdoor office stay in good shape. They cut down on weather damage.
Outdoor Heaters for Cooler Temperatures
10 The Northeast needs good insulation for sunrooms all year. Patio offices can use heaters in winter.10 Insulation and warmers make winter work days easier. They also save on heating costs.10 These tools keep you working and comfy outdoors, even when it’s chilly.
Noise Reduction Strategies
Outdoor noises like traffic, barking dogs, and chatty neighbors can make it hard to work or relax.12 To cut down on these sounds, think about adding things that help block noise.12 For example, you could use special walls, and lots of plants.12 You might also try using devices that play calming sounds, like white noise machines or nature sounds.12
Soundproofing Materials and Landscaping
Putting up things that absorb sound can lower the noise where you are.12 These include special panels for walls and ceilings that soak up noise well.12 Plants, when put in the right places, can also help make things quieter.12 If you’re fixing up an indoor space, using special materials in the walls can really help.12 Outdoors, tall, thick plants or fences can do a lot to stop noise from coming in.12
White Noise Machines and Nature Sounds
When you can’t block the noise, devices that play white noise or nature sounds might do the trick.12 Some headphones are so good they can completely get rid of noise.12 Listening to natural sounds or a steady sound like white noise can make your surroundings feel calm.12 This can help you work better and enjoy your patio more.12
Patio Office Comfort Tips
Turning your patio into a work area needs you to think about comfort and how you set things up. The right furniture, tools, and ways to control your environment can make your work spot a blend of a comfy indoor workspace and the great outdoors.
Choose chairs for your patio that are good for your body. Make sure they have soft padding and support your lower back well. Add a laptop stand and a wireless keyboard to this. It’ll make working feel better and help you avoid getting too tired.
If the sun’s too bright, get something to block it out like a big umbrella or curtains. These can move with the sun. Make sure you have power and good internet, too. For this, outdoor outlets and a special networking system might be needed to keep working without any breaks.
To keep annoying bugs away and to block out noise, give some thought as well.13 You might need bug spray, a fan, or something to cancel out noise. This will help you concentrate better while enjoying your outdoor workspace.13
Focus on making your patio office just right. With the right setup, it becomes a perfect place for work and relaxation. It combines the best of working from home with the refreshing touch of nature.13
Transforming Your Patio into a Productive Oasis
Your patio can be more than just a space for lounging. It can turn into a productive hub that mixes indoor comfort with the goodness of nature. All it takes is the right furnishings, tech, and mood-setters to create an inspiring oasis. This kind of setup can spark your creativity, help you focus, and make you feel better overall (source).
As we move back to the office, working from your patio could change your game. It’s all about finding the right blend of elements for your outdoor workspace.
Today is the perfect time to upgrade your patio into a creative oasis. By merging nature with comfort and technology, you can build a space that boosts focus and joy. So, don’t miss out on this opportunity. Turn your outdoor area into a place where remote work feels inspired and fulfilling.
Source Links
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/work-outdoor-office/
- https://www.iofficecorp.com/blog/outdoor-workspaces
- https://perkinswill.com/insights/outdoor-offices/
- https://sunshinedrapery.com/home-office-blinds-enhancing-productivity-and-comfort/
- https://www.branchfurniture.com/blogs/turn-key/outdoor-workspace
- https://www.walpoleoutdoors.com/blog/outdoor-pergolas-creating-the-perfect-outdoor-workspace
- https://hawxpestcontrol.com/how-to-get-rid-of-mice-and-rats-in-the-office/
- https://zingaspergolas.com/revolutionize-your-work-routine-with-outdoor-productivity/
- https://www.palmcasual.com/patio-furniture-and-design-tips-for-creating-an-outdoor-office/
- https://garretyglass.com/about/blog/keep-sunroom-comfortable-temperature-year-round/
- https://abeautifulmess.com/how-to-protect-your-outdoor-furniture-through-all-seasons/
- https://www.parterreflooring.com/10-ways-to-reduce-office-noise/
- https://www.workdesign.com/2023/07/top-10-ways-to-make-people-feel-more-comfortable-and-productive-at-work/