How To Set Up A Home Office Or Study

Overview

• Making A Plan For Your Space And Setting A Budget
• Picking A Style That Works For You
• Finding Cheap Office Furniture
• Tips For Better Lighting And Productivity
• Save Money By Upcycling Or Going DIY

Before you start shopping around for secured loans to buy the latest ergonomic office chair and desk, planning is essential – first the floorplan, then your finances. Being honest about your budget and measuring the space you have will help you avoid costly mistakes in the future.

• Measure twice, buy once: Draw a map of your nook or room. You won’t buy a desk that blocks the door if you know the exact size you need.
• Prioritise your spending: Pick the items that will make you most productive first, while also maintaining your comfort. If you type for eight hours a day, a good chair should be at the top of your list.
• Financial flexibility: If you need to set up a dedicated work or study space but don’t have the money right now, looking into online loans can help you access the funds you need right away.

Planning your finances ahead of time will help you make a space that works for you without adding extra stress.

If you’re likely to be spending a great deal of time in your office or study, it should be a place that you want to spend time in. Design isn’t just about how things look; it’s also about how they make you feel and how well they work.

• The value of colour: Don’t underestimate how the right colour scheme can bring value to your productivity. Blue tones make you feel calm, while yellow pops make you more creative.
• The power of green: An inexpensive Pothos or Snake Plant from the local nursery is worth more than you think. They clean the air and make the room feel alive.
• Personal touches: Use photos, art or motivational posters that make you feel good and inspire you to GET THINGS DONE.

Choosing the right look makes your workplace look professional and keeps you motivated all week long. A cash loan from Red Tree Finance can provide the funds you need to fit out your new home office or study.

Once you’ve got your budget sorted, it’s time to start shopping for your furniture. 

Thankfully, you won’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good setup. Across Australia and online, you’ll find a multitude of budget-friendly stores and busy second-hand markets to choose from.

The Desk: Your Base of Operations

If you live in a small apartment, look for “ladder desks” or small workstations. Stores like IKEA, Officeworks, and Kmart offer a range of stylishly designed desks that won’t blow your budget. Of course, if you find the perfect high-end item second-hand and need to act quickly, you can get a fast loan online and take advantage of those local deals before someone else does.

The Chair: Don’t Cut Corners on Ergonomics

Choosing the right ergonomic chair is vital. Your back will certainly thank you later.  

Whichever models you look at, make sure you can change their height and lumbar support. Look on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree for high-end brands like Herman Miller or Steelcase. Offices that are getting rid of old stock often sell them much cheaper than the standard retail price.

Buying good furniture early on prevents long-term damage to your body and makes you more productive in the long run.

Bad lighting makes your eyes tired and strained, especially when you’re working away for hours on end. To maintain focus and keep your energy up all day, work on these cheap changes:

• Optimise your use of natural light: To get more Vitamin D and less glare on your screen, put your desk next to a window.
• Layered lighting: A basic LED desk lamp is great for getting work done at night.
• Cable management: Use cheap cable sleeves from a discount store or binder clips to stop your “cord spaghetti” from getting out of control.

Keeping your workspace clean and well-lit helps you stay focused on the important tasks and cuts down on distractions. If you want to maximise your use of natural light in your home, a personal loan of up to $5000 can provide the funds to add a skylight to the room or consider other improvements.

The least expensive furniture is the furniture that you already own, and this is where upcycling comes into play as an avenue worth considering. Not only is upcycling good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the environment.

When it comes to how to set up an office or study, there are many upcycling options you can play with. And all will infuse your productive workspace with character and personality that truly makes the space your own. 

For example, if you want to achieve a unique “industrial” look, take an old dining table, sand it down, and paint or stain it. You can get creative with how you store your office supplies by using old wooden crates as floating shelves or mason jars to hold your pens, pencils and other stationery. 

If you want to turn a spare room into a permanent studio, knowing how to apply for a loan gives you access to funds upfront for tools, materials and setup costs. It may also help you manage costs by giving you a clear, finite budget to work with – keeping spending focused and preventing unexpected overruns.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released a report in August of 2025 showing that 36% of employed people usually worked from home. Whether you’re looking to switch to a WFH agreement or you’re creating a dedicated space to study, knowing how to set up a home office or study that looks good and works well need not cost you a lot of money. 

By combining smart shopping with fun DIY projects and the financial assistance of an instant loan from Red Tree Finance, you can create a workspace that looks as good as any corporate headquarters or well-equipped classroom.

What is the best way to set up a home office?

To set up a home office or study, make sure you have a dedicated room in the house. Minimise distractions and maximise natural light. For comfort and health benefits, make sure your furniture is ergonomically sound. Spend a weekend getting your workspace ready; a weekend loan from Red Tree Finance can give you the funds to get up and running. 

What is needed for a home office setup? 

To set up a functional home office that fosters productivity and performance, you’ll need furniture (i.e. a desk and chair). A desk lamp can provide additional lighting for night working, while cable management clips and accessories will keep your cords tidy and safe. To keep your workspace tidy, consider organisers for your paper and media, as well as hooks for the wall. 

How much money do you need to start a home office? 

How much you spend on your home office or study will depend on how you choose to fit out your workspace. You may want to keep your design very minimalistic or fit out your space with second-hand furniture. You might opt for brand new ergonomic furniture and install a skylight, all of which will increase your overall spend. Red Tree Finance offers loans starting from $2250 up to $5,000, giving you the funds you need, no matter how detailed your plans get.

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature and is provided without considering your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or other professional advice.Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information presented, you are strongly encouraged to assess its appropriateness in light of your individual circumstances. Red Tree Finance does not intend to provide personalised financial advice, and you should seek independent financial, legal, tax, and other relevant advice tailored to your unique situation.