With technological tools nowadays we can work virtually anywhere. Work from Home office is long ago our reality. We are also witnesses that many people who work remotely grow, especially during coronavirus.

Work from home office requires solution and possibilities to perform working activities not only from the writing desk but also on a sofa or armchair. For such work, we need suitable furniture. It is necessary to have in mind that for such work a laptop is used rather than PC.The equipment used, impact the characteristics of the needed furniture.

 You can find characteristic of Home office desks and classification of the furniture for work at home in my previous post : "11 Desirable Home Office Writing Desks".

The laptop stand and workstation are two possibilities of furniture for the Home office.

Laptop stand

What is a laptop stand?

Laptop stand fulfil the function to place a laptop in such a manner that the user can work comfortably. A well-chosen laptop stand should enable a proper ergonomic position of the user during the work, with the support of technology tools. 

Regarding the available types, laptop stand can be a free-standing item or portable one. The difference is that laptop stand is functionally independent while portable laptop stand has to be placed on the writing desk, coffee table or other surfaces. 

Portable laptop stand: The main feature of the portable laptop stand is to increase ergonomic characteristics of the user. They are achieved through the right position between the user and the laptop. The laptop screen can be placed at eye level (center of the screen at eye level), the keyboard in ideal height (elbow height). The screen glare can be reduced with the possibility of the regulation of laptop angle. The keyboard can also be at an angle instead of flat horizontally, which is more ergonomic. 

The ergonomic laptop stand prevents the risks caused by the inappropriate position of the human body during work activities (neck pain, eye strain and headaches, stress on the wrists). Some portable laptop stands have additional features like cooling pad or light (in case the laptop keyboard does not have back up light).

There are several portable laptop stands available in different shapes and sizes. In this post, only one portable laptop stand will be considered, the one which enables work in the open space. 

Free-standing laptop stands can be made from various materials often from metal, sometimes wood or combinations of materials. 

The dimensions of the surface of the tray are enough to place the laptop because the laptop stands should be sized based on the laptop screen size. Sometimes it possesses the possibility to adjust the high and angle of the tray platform. The user can raise and lower the height of the laptop to maintain better ergonomic posture whether working in sitting or standing position. This characteristic enables a laptop stand to serve different users and adjust to their needs. The shape of the base allows users to draw it up close to most types of seating. 

The laptop stand is movable, so it changes its place according to the wishes and needs of the user.

The laptop stand has no other additional functional features.

Workstation

Workstation is an advanced furniture item with more complex functional characteristic for work with the laptop. Workstation is the functional enabling ergonomic position for the user while working. It is a flexible workplace which provides the working conditions that can optionally transform quickly and in a simple way depending on the user’s needs. Workstation possesses components, additional accessories which enhance the functionality and personalization of desk. Some types also have the possibility of folding and storage space. 

Workstation is movable and can easily follow workers around the space. 

The unit is adopted to the contemporary way of work. The workstation includes a built-in docking station, to allow for additional connectivity to other devices. 

Designcommunication has selected inspiring examples of laptop stands and workstation for your work at home even it is located on your balcony.

The joy of work outdoor

The Berlin-based design studio iidee (founded by architect Michael Hilgers) designed balKonzept. It is a new furnishing concept for the contemporary user. balKonzept is a portable laptop stand for work outside, in this case at small balconies. The element is made of plastic, very light and easy to handle. When it is simply hooked onto the balcony railing (up to 60mm tube diameter), it became workplace on the open air. The available table surface to position your laptop is approximately 600x450mm. The additional functional advantages of the solution are that the user can place favouriteflower boxes or necessary work assessors. balKonzept is in attractive colors and provide the user with the joy of the outdoor space while working.

This table can be used also for other balcony activities. It can serve as a balcony breakfast table, balcony bar or flower box. 

balKonzept helps the user to extend their living room to open space. When you place on balKonzept champagne glasses instead of laptop it will be useful for balcony-party. 

balKonzept will make time on your terrace as pleasant as possible.

Always on the move

Aust&Amelung studio (Miriam Aust and Sebastian Amelung) designed Bond trolley for COR. Bond is with clear and minimalist design, simple lines, made of metal. The eye-catching details are castors and curved handle. This trolley is a multifunctional and flexible piece of furniture which can fulfil different functions. 

The casters contribute to the mobility of Bond which is also height adjustable. The trolley can serve as a trolley, side table, a serving trolleys or presentation table. This means that it can be used in different spaces: in our homes, in office, meeting room or a restaurant. 

When used as laptop table Bond can serve different users or family members. In the office, it is suitable for the non-territorial workplace which does not belong to a fixed workplace and can be used by everyone. Bond can be used as the only item for work or as an addition to the writing desks. This trolley in attractive colours is appropriate for offices and homes for work or networking.

With such characteristic, Bond is a contemporary modern object necessary in everyday life.

Work from the sofa

Jasper Morrison designed an adjustable occasional Nestablefor Vitra. It is furniture foreseen for work on a laptop computer when working from home on a sofa or armchair. 

Additional features of this furniture are that the height and angle of the tray platform are fully adjustable in line to the user’s needs. The shape of the base allows users to draw it up close to most types of seating and enhance comfort. The tray is made of polyurethane in the same colour as of column and base. The column and extension bar are made of steel and the base is die-cast aluminium. When extended the bar is seen in polished chrome finish as a contrast to the column and base with a powder-coated textured finish. The user can choose from the variety of colours of NesTables depending on the requirement of his interior.

Multifunctional furniture

UliBudde and Ivan Kasner designed Mono Workstation for Arco. It is small, multifunctional item gendering two functions: sitting of the user and laptop stand. Mono changes its characteristics depending on the needs of the user. The element is also easy movable and corresponds to modern working requirements. This is not all. Mono is not only a place for one person to rest, work or stay at for a short period, but also with the possibility to put away a bag or necessary things. In short, Mono is a flexible piece of furniture that facilitates different seating positions and is very suitable for public places, waiting areas equally as for home or office.

Mono has been developed sustainably: all four components (foam, steel, fabric and wood) can be separated, replaced and recycled. The upholstery can be removed and then cleaned (depending on the fabric) or possibly renovated. Also, all parts can be renovated separately from each other, so that in the event of any damage the product can be easily repaired.

Transformation and comfort

 

Studio Klass designed Touch Down Unit for Unifor. It presents a simple, compact form consisting of a rectangular worktop over a small closed volume that opens during use to reveal to cabinets with various accessory elements. 

Touch Down Unit is highly adjustable furniture for work. It can transform depending on the user and his needs. Its height can be electrically adjusted from 74 cm to 104 cm, adapting to a range of usage modes for working seated on an armchair, office chair or stool, or standing. It also slides horizontally for use from the long or short side, depending on the user’s position and work modality (seated or standing).

Touch Down Unit is movable. It is a self-contained mobile touchdown station, that can easily follow workers around the office, adapting itself to continuous changes in layout and spatial configuration. To facilitate repositioning the workstation, the base is on retractable 360° swivel castors, while the central upright has a practical pull-out handle. 

Touch Down Unit is highly adjustable. The unit has a metal structure consisting of a base with a wired central upright fixed to it. The upright, in turn, also support the structure of the worktop, which features vertical and horizontal positioning devices that allow the user to adjust the height and position of the worktop so that it is comfortable and ergonomic for every type of activity. 

The unit possesses storage space. The two accessorized containers are in lacquered wood with a structural shell in painted sheet metal. They open when the workstation is in use, providing access to various handy features. The first container can be rotated 180°, revealing an open compartment in the cabinet with a lockable door. The second container slides horizontally on hidden tracks, exposing another compartment and shelving for storing documents, electronic devices, personal objects.

The unit is adopted to the contemporary way of work. The upright is also equipped with a rechargeable battery, along with power and USB outlets for recharging electronic devices.

Sofa as a workplace

Pauline Deltour designed Floater sofa system for COR. This practical sofa is for people who are constantly on the move and who work with their laptop everywhere and at any time. Besides its primary function, which is comfortable seating, items of the Floater sofa system become a workplace. The additional shelves provide space for notebooks and pads, for which there is a dedicated power connection (fitted with a power socket and a USB connection). 

Floater is more than a sofa, it is freely configurable furniture for working in the modern office where ever it is located.

Contemporary user appreciates the freedom of working on a laptop because it is easy to stay productive whether you are at your desk, in the coffee shop, or the conference room.

The answer to the question of what more suitable furniture for your Home office is: Laptop stand or Workstation, lay in the answer to how you work.

If you perform your work activities only with the support of the laptop, both types of furniture are the right choice. Also, if you are looking for furniture for some of your/short-time working activities like conference calls, both furniture types will fit. These new types of furnishing items are easy-to-transport, support personal organization and interactive activities.

It is necessary to check how compatible your laptop is with the furniture you are considering.

Laptop stand offers less functional possibilities, while the workstation is with more complex functional characteristic and advanced ergonomic features. The conclusion is that workstation is adjustable to the user’s needs, flexible and enhance the working comfort.

If you use a desktop for your work, none of the considered types of furniture is for you. Even in that case, or if you use a laptop with other accessories or need more workspace, laptop stand, or workstation can be linked with your desk to form necessary table configuration. Any configuration can be easy and in no time changed.

Laptop stand or Workstation in terms of function is a good choice in the office for workshop, project, seminar and conference settings. They are also suitable for desk-sharing or  flexible teamwork place.

Laptop stand or Workstation can be integrated into different ways in the working environment in our Home office, office or public space.

In the Home office, for work can be used furniture elements of another purpose, such as a sofa or armchair...