Working from home has hidden costs
A kitchen table works for a week. After a few months it hurts. The good news is that a proper home office doesn’t need a large budget if you put money in the right places.
Spend here: the chair
If you only upgrade one thing, make it the chair. A supportive, adjustable chair does the most for comfort and posture. See our office chair guide for what to look for.
Save here: the desk
A plain, sturdy desk does the job. Choose a size that fits your room and your equipment:
- Laptop only: 1,200 mm
- Monitor plus paperwork: 1,400 to 1,600 mm
Skip fancy finishes and drawers you won’t use.
Small upgrades that make a big difference
- A monitor riser or arm: Put the top of the screen at eye level.
- A separate keyboard and mouse: This helps if you use a laptop all day.
- Good lighting: A desk lamp reduces eye strain.
- A footrest: Useful if your feet don’t reach the floor comfortably.
A sample budget plan
| Item | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ergonomic chair | High | R[3999] to R[15999] |
| Desk | Medium | R[2999] to R[18999] |
| Monitor riser or arm | Medium | R[1550___] |
| Lamp | Low | R[_360__] |
| Storage or pedestal | Low | R[_1999__] |
Where not to cut corners
- Cheap gas lifts and mechanisms that fail early
- A chair you can’t adjust
- Desks that wobble
Our starter option
Our Solo Desk package bundles [a desk, an ergonomic chair and a pedestal] from R 4999.00 . View the package
FAQs
What’s the minimum I need for a home office? A proper chair, a stable desk at the right height, and good lighting.
Should I buy a sit-stand desk? They can help if you want to change position through the day, but a good chair and correct screen height matter more. Sit and Stand Range
Can I claim home office furniture? Tax rules depend on your situation. Speak to your accountant or SARS for advice.