13 Home Office Essentials You Can Find At Your Local Thrift Store

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If you're one of 22 million Americans who work remotely, you know how important it is to create a home office space that's free from distraction and away from the main activity in the home. The way you furnish that space is just as important as the room you choose. A personalized workspace designed with comfort and functionality can help you stay engaged and productive throughout the day. It will also help prevent distractions and make you less likely to wander through your home thinking of the other things you need to get done. However, the prices on furniture store websites and at home goods stores can be a sobering experience, especially if you're on a tight budget. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to decorate on a dime.

Thrift stores sell gently used, pre-owned items donated from their respective communities. Unlike fast furniture sold in big-box stores, which is often made from flimsy particleboard, vintage secondhand furniture is built to last. In addition to furniture, you can also find knick-knacks, office equipment, supplies, and exercise machines that can help you design a space with character. If you're looking to save a significant amount of money and reduce your carbon footprint, consider some of these thrift store home office finds that can help you give your home office a makeover without spending a ton of money.

Whether you choose a heavy desk or a spacious table, the surface you work on will be one of the most important pieces of furniture in your office. Thrift stores are often a gold mine for solid wood tables, mid-century writing desks, or vintage teacher's desks. Look for pieces with a consistent wood grain, dovetail joints, sturdy metal hardware, and solid wood craftsmanship that's designed to last. A standard computer desk is ideal for small offices where you're limited in space. However, if you need room to spread out documents or have a multiple-display setup, a small dining table offers a deeper surface area. 

Before shopping, use a tape measure to determine how much room you have for a desk in your home office. When you're in the store, check the dimensions of the furniture, so you're sure it will fit. You should also shake the table to test its stability. A little wobble can often be fixed by tightening the screws and a few drops of wood glue. Finally, don't turn away from a piece of furniture that has surface imperfections. There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose a worn-out desk. By putting in a weekend of refinishing work, you can end up with an heirloom-quality piece of furniture at a reasonable cost. Even old metal teachers' desks can be spray-painted with a fun and colorful pattern that matches your personality.

Considering most Americans spend approximately half of the workday sitting, finding the right office chair can help make the day go much easier. Sitting on a rigid or sagging desk chair is a recipe for chronic back pain and long-term spinal problems. High-end ergonomic task chairs are specifically designed for long-term sitting, featuring options like lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and tilting seats. Fortunately, many thrift stores have a section dedicated to chairs and corporate office cleanouts.

When buying a used office chair, be sure to test each function. Sit down on the chair to make sure it holds your weight without slowly sinking. Adjust all the knobs and then test the casters to make sure they roll smoothly. Next, inspect the upholstery. A dusty or dirty chair can be easy to clean, but deep cracks or tears can be uncomfortable. Fabric chairs can get a facelift with a steam cleaner or some upholstery shampoo, or if you find a high-end chair but you're not fond of the color or fabric print, you can always cover it with a slipcover.

A lot can be said about good lighting, and determining the right size lamp for your space ensures you have adequate lighting. Overhead lights, especially fluorescent ones, can be harsh and unflattering, creating shadows and casting glares on your computer screen. Task lighting is a better option, which allows you to focus the light exactly where you need it most. Thrift stores are a museum for lamps and pendants. You can shop for everything from heavy bankers' lamps, which illuminate your workspace without causing a glare on your screen, to industrial swing-arm floor lights that can be moved as needed. Additionally, many older lamps are made from durable metal, glass, marble, and ceramic, which is better than cheap plastic models found in many office supply stores. 

Safety is the number one concern when purchasing used lamps. Inspect the cord for fraying or damaged plugs. Many thrift stores provide a power strip, allowing you to plug the lamp in to make sure it works. Be sure to check out the selection of shades. You can always swap out a bent or dirty shade for a new one that better matches your decor.

A disorganized desk can have a negative effect on your performance throughout the workday. Not only is clutter distracting, but it can also take up valuable space. You can find multiple shelving options to store these items at many thrift stores. Look for solid wood bookcases that can be refreshed with a coat of paint or a heavy-duty metal shelving unit that will give your office an industrial look. Garage peg boards, which is a home office essential that will keep your desk organized and clutter-free, can be repurposed to hold office supplies, including scissors, headphones, pens, and other necessities.

If you don't have the floor space for a standing bookcase, look for wall-mounted solutions. For example, a vintage spice rack can be used to hold staples, paperclips, and other small items or used as a display rack for pictures and keepsakes. Floating shelves and even wooden crates can be mounted to the wall to create vertical storage. Not only will you take advantage of unused space, but you'll also draw the eyes upward and make a small room feel bigger.

Whether you're mapping out the timeline for your next project, brainstorming ideas, or creating a to-do list, it helps to visualize the information. Chalkboards, bulletin boards, and whiteboards are the perfect place to jot down your current thoughts or to display pictures of future endeavors. Whiteboards are often tossed out by schools and businesses, but they are perfect for recording quick thoughts. However, don't look past chalkboards and corkboards, which can give your home office a more cozy feel.

When inspecting these items, make sure you check the surface quality. For whiteboards, bring a dry-erase marker with you or see if you can borrow one from the counter. Scribble a little on the board and try to wipe it off. If the ink leaves behind a ghost image, the surface coating may be worn out. If the overall surface of the board looks slightly grey or yellow, it may need a thorough cleaning with some isopropyl alcohol or whiteboard cleaner. For chalkboards, the surface shouldn't be so slick that chalk won't stick to it or so scratched that it won't erase. Cork boards tend to dry out and can become brittle over time. So, stick your nail into the cork to see if it's still pliable. 

Organizers make it easy to find what you need quickly by ensuring everything has a place. Specialty stores provide expensive solutions, but there are plenty of options at thrift stores for a fraction of the cost. Look for wood utensil trays to hold pens, rulers, and office supplies. Small muffin tins also work well for small items like thumbtacks and paperclips. Even ceramic bowls and decorative plates can give your office a personalized look while holding loose change and flash drives. Clear jewelry and makeup boxes with lids, jars, and baskets are other great storage finds to consider. 

Shop the office supply section in your thrift store and keep an eye out for mesh letter trays or magazine holders. These can be placed on a bookshelf to hold paper, mail, and files. You can even spray paint them all the same color to create a more consistent look.

When furnishing your home office, don't forget your walls. Blank walls can seem sterile and uninviting, which can zap you of motivation. Walls featuring attractive art and inspirational prints can make you feel inspired, creative, and improve your mental well-being. Look for affordable wall art and picture frames at your local thrift store, including vintage maps, landscapes, and abstract paintings. Or display your favorite family photos in high-quality wood and metal frames. If you find framed art you like but don't love the print, swap out the picture for your own photos, certifications, or artwork. 

A gallery wall is an interesting way to decorate your office, and it's less expensive to create the look with thrifted items. Collect frames of different sizes and shapes and paint them a single color for a modern look. Then, add photos from your travels or of local spots to create an interesting backdrop for video meetings. Also, art hung behind your monitor's sightline will give your eyes an interesting place to rest during screen breaks.

Nearly all remote work requires a working computer and other technologies, such as a cell phone or tablet. So, your home office setup may include multiple devices that need to be plugged in at once. Fortunately, thrift stores usually have bins full of power strips and surge protectors. However, you're not just looking to add outlets. You also want to make sure your devices are fully protected in the event of a power outage or electrical storm. Be careful when purchasing these items. Look for heavy-duty strips from name brands, and avoid cheap, plastic strips that rattle when you shake them.

Inspect the power strip and check the back for a UL or ETL certification stamp, which ensures the device meets safety requirements. If you're looking for a surge protector, choose one that has a light that indicates it's working correctly. When you're digging around in the cord pile, look for essential gadgets for neat and tidy cords around the house, like Velcro ties and cable clips to help you keep your collection of cords organized and tangle-free.

Approximately half of U.S. homes have solid-surface or wood floors. While these floors add beauty and are extremely durable, they can pose problems when you're working from home. Not only are they cold underfoot, but they also reflect sound. If you frequently talk on the phone or join video calls, hard floors can create an echo that affects your audio quality. Rugs are an excellent way to add color and texture to the room and can also act as a sound absorber. Check your local thrift store for area rugs and runners. You can often find high-quality floor coverings that just need a good cleaning.

When shopping for used rugs, unroll them to check for fraying edges and major stains. Choose low-pile designs and flat-weave styles, as they are much easier to navigate with your office chair. Once you get the rug home, vacuum it and go over it with a carpet shampooer or steam cleaner to sanitize and restore its colors.

One way to boost your productivity is with a multi-screen setup. A second monitor allows you to have your research on one screen and an open document on another, so you reduce time searching for the open window you need. It's not uncommon for people to upgrade their hardware and donate their older devices to local thrift stores. So, check the shelves for perfectly functional monitors. Sometimes you can find larger 20-inch and 27-inch models from brands like Dell, Samsung, and Acer at impressive prices. 

Before purchasing a monitor, locate a power outlet in the store and plug it in. Turn the unit on to make sure it powers up. Without a computer attached, the monitor should display a "no signal" message in the center of the screen. Check for dead pixels and scratches on the display. Also, locate the settings buttons and adjust the color and brightness. Finally, inspect the cord and ensure the ports on the back match your computer. Older models will have a DVI or VGA port, however, newer computers use HDMI cables.

Natural light is usually a major bonus for offices, providing a host of benefits like improved sleep quality at night, increased productivity and energy throughout the day, and better moods. However, when sunlight hits your computer screen, it can create a glare that forces you to squint and strain your eyes. Window treatments can be extremely expensive at home goods stores, but thrift stores often have a well-stocked linen section with curtain panels, drapes, valences, and blinds.

For a perfect fit, measure your windows before you go shopping and take a tape measure with you. In the store, remove the curtains from the package or off the hanger and check for damage. If measurements aren't provided, use your tape measure and check the dimensions. If the curtains are too long, you can cut them to length and use iron-on hem tape, like HeatnBond Super Weight Adhesive, for a professional finish without sewing. Sheer panels will allow you to still get plenty of light, while blackout curtains provide insulation and total light control.

Tech neck is a growing epidemic caused by constantly looking down at your phone or computer screen. To prevent this from happening in your home office, position the top of your screen just slightly below your eye level. If you use a laptop, a laptop stand is one of the best ways to elevate your computer. While you may not be able to find one at your local thrift store, there are plenty of items that can be used in place of a manufactured laptop riser. Check the kitchen section for cookbook stands. Sturdy, angled metal or wooden stands can hold a laptop securely while still allowing for airflow. 

You can also build a stand with repurposed items. Choose a stack of hardcover books, like encyclopedias or art books, to form a platform for your computer. Small wire kitchen shelves may also work. The goal is to create a stable and elevated platform, so use your imagination and find something that's both visually appealing and functional.

Sitting too long each day can put you at risk for a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, and cancer. While it's a good idea to take regular breaks throughout the day, there are ways to keep your blood flowing while you're working. Thrift stores are an excellent source for exercise equipment, so keep your eye out for compact desk models, like under-desk pedal exercisers, step machines, and wobble boards. You can also replace your office chair with a yoga ball to engage your core. Many individuals purchase these products with good intentions, only to use them a few times and then donate them. 

Give any exercise equipment you find a test run before you take it home. Avoid squeaking equipment, which can be distracting. Check the controls and displays to ensure they work. Adding just a little movement to your day, even pedaling while answering emails, can increase your energy levels and combat that mid-afternoon slump.