How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Home Office?

13 Mar

Setting up a home office isn’t just about finding a quiet corner, it often requires a financial investment. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly workspace or a fully ergonomic setup, here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in creating an efficient home office.

1. Essential Home Office Costs

At a minimum, you’ll need a comfortable space to work with proper furniture and equipment.

Desk: £50 – £300 (basic to premium standing desks)
Chair: £80 – £400 (standard vs. ergonomic)
Monitor: £100 – £500 (HD vs. 4K display)
Keyboard & Mouse: £30 – £150 (basic vs. mechanical/wireless)
Lighting: £20 – £100 (desk lamp, ring light, or overhead improvements)
Laptop or Desktop PC: £300 – £2,000 (depending on specs and work requirements)
Storage Solutions: £30 – £200 (filing cabinets, shelves, external hard drives)

2. Additional Costs for Comfort & Productivity

Beyond the basics, certain upgrades can improve productivity and well-being.

Ergonomic Accessories: £20 – £150 (wrist rests, monitor stands, footrests)
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: £50 – £300 (for better focus)
Fast & Reliable Broadband: £30 – £60/month (upgrades for remote work reliability)
Printer & Scanner: £100 – £300 (if needed for paperwork-heavy jobs)
Smart Home Gadgets: £50 – £300 (voice assistants, smart plugs, heating control)
Air Quality & Ventilation: £50 – £250 (air purifiers, plants, desk fans)

For more on broadband costs, check out How Much Electricity Does a Home Office Use?.

3. Budget vs. Premium Home Office Setups

How much you spend depends on your work needs and budget.

Setup Type Estimated Cost Basic £150 – £400 Mid-Range £500 – £1,000 Premium £1,500+

4. Hidden & Ongoing Costs

Setting up a home office isn’t just about one-time expenses—there are ongoing costs to consider:

Electricity Usage – Increased energy bills due to extra screen time and heating.
Software & Subscriptions – Paid tools like Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, or cloud storage.
Office Supplies – Paper, ink, notebooks, and stationery.
Furniture Wear & Tear – Chairs, desks, and accessories may need replacing over time.

5. Cost-Saving Tips for Your Home Office

Want to keep costs down? Here are some ways to save:

Buy Second-Hand Furniture – Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and local shops offer great deals.
Claim Tax Relief – If you work from home, you may be able to claim tax deductions.
Use Employer Benefits – Some companies reimburse home office expenses.
DIY Desk Setup – Repurpose an existing table or use affordable materials.
Energy-Efficient Equipment – LED lighting, smart plugs, and low-power laptops can cut bills.

Find out more in How to Claim Work-from-Home Tax Relief in the UK.

Things to think about

A well designed home office can cost anywhere from £150 to £1,500+, depending on your needs. Investing in ergonomic furniture and reliable tech can boost productivity and comfort in the long run. Don’t forget to factor in hidden and ongoing costs to avoid unexpected expenses.

Want to explore the full cost of working from home? Read How Much Does Working from Home Cost? for a complete breakdown.