Working from home sounds great — until your neck, shoulders, and lower back start screaming at you. The truth is: most home office setups are not ergonomically friendly. The good news? A few small adjustments in your chair, desk, and monitor height can save you from long-term pain.
Let’s break it down with step-by-step measurements you can follow today.
1. Chair Height: Where It All Starts đź’ş
Your chair is the foundation of good posture. If it’s too high or too low, everything else gets thrown off.
âś… Exact Measurement:
- Seat height should let your feet rest flat on the floor (or a footrest).
- Knees bent at 90–100°.
- Hips slightly above your knees (opens up your hips and reduces pressure on the lower back).
👉 Tip: If your chair is too tall and your feet dangle, grab a sturdy box or footrest to keep your legs supported.
2. Desk & Keyboard Placement ⌨️
Your arms and wrists take the hit if your desk is set up wrong.
âś… Exact Measurement:
- Desk height should be around 25–30 inches (63–76 cm) from the floor (depending on your body height).
- Elbows bent at 90–100°, resting close to your body.
- Wrists should stay straight, not bent up or down.
- Keyboard: 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) above your thighs.
- Mouse: Same level as keyboard, close enough so you don’t overreach.
👉 Tip: If you’re short and your desk feels too high, raise your chair + add a footrest so your arms stay comfortable.
3. Monitor Position: Save Your Neck đź‘€
Looking down at your laptop all day = guaranteed neck and shoulder pain.
âś… Exact Measurement:
- Top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level.
- Screen about 20–28 inches (50–70 cm) away (roughly arm’s length).
- Tilt monitor slightly upward (10–20°).
- If you use dual monitors: put the primary one directly in front, secondary angled toward you.
👉 Tip: Use a laptop stand or even a stack of books to raise your screen — it makes a huge difference.
4. Bonus: Lighting & Movement 🌞
Even if your setup is perfect, sitting too long is still a problem.
- Lighting:Â Keep natural light to the side (not behind the monitor to avoid glare).
- Movement breaks: Every 45–60 minutes, stand up, stretch, or walk around.
- Hydration:Â Keep a water bottle nearby as a reminder to sip often.
📝 Printable Ergonomic Checklist
-  Chair height: feet flat, knees 90–100°.
- Â Hips slightly above knees.
-  Desk/keyboard height: elbows 90–100°.
- Â Wrists straight, mouse close.
- Â Monitor top at eye level.
-  Screen at arm’s length.
- Â Lighting side-lit, not behind.
-  Move every 45–60 minutes.
Final Note 🌿
Your home office should work for you, not against you. Small tweaks in height and angle can mean the difference between a stiff neck and an energetic workday. Start with the chair, align your desk, raise your monitor — and your body will thank you.