A lot of us have spent the last year setting up brand new office spaces in an unexpected place: our homes. While the convenience of working from home can be a huge benefit (shortest commute ever!), it can also get a little dull staring at the same four walls that you now inhabit 24/7.

What can you do to fight the “work from home blahs?” It’s an easy solution: set up an office space outside. You’ll find it refreshing to have a different view and the fresh air will keep you mentally sharp.

Here are a few must-have items for a patio or balcony office space.

Double Chaise

An extra large chaise is perfect for small outdoor spaces, yet provides you with a lot of room to spread out. You can set your paperwork and supplies off to the side while working on your laptop. And best of all, it doubles as a cozy lounge space during your after-hours time with friends.

Bistro Set

How about taking your work outside and enjoying your morning email catch-up with a donut and coffee? A bistro set allows you to enjoy a little snack during work, while also being a perfect substitute for a desk. Its small size is perfect for a patio or balcony, and it also creates a welcoming space for visiting friends. Try IKEA’s modern and sturdy design for your outdoor office setup.

Lap Desk

A lap desk will allow you to literally take your work into any outdoor space – even if you want to kick back by the pool while still knocking out those deadlines. Try this traditional lap desk design (which doubles as a breakfast-in-bed tray) or a cushioned version for optimum comfort.

Half Umbrella

To create a good workspace, you’ll want to feel as comfortable as possible – which means having some shade plus getting away from the sun’s glare on your laptop screen. You can easily accomplish this even in tight spaces with a half-umbrella. Check out this one from Kohl’s.

Batteries

If you’re going to work outdoors, you might want to have backup power sources that allow you to be as mobile as you want to be. Try the Anker Powerhouse 100 charger or the ZMI USB PD Backup Battery & Hub.

For more information on living the good life here in Tampa, follow the Olympus Harbour Island blog.