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A home office doesn’t need a full makeover to feel better to work in. Most discomfort comes from a few fixable things: a screen that’s too low, a chair that doesn’t support you, poor lighting, and a tangle of cables. This guide covers seven upgrades that target those problems, with a plan to fit them into about $250.

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The quick answer

• Raise your screen first. A monitor stand or laptop riser is cheap and makes a noticeable difference.
• Get your chair and desk height right before buying new furniture. Sometimes a seat cushion or footrest is enough.
• Light your face, not just the room. A desk lamp or light bar helps on video calls and reduces glare.
• Hide the cables. A tray under the desk makes the whole space look calmer.
• Standing desks and premium chairs are big purchases. Plan them as a separate upgrade.

Before you buy: check your current setup

1. Screen height. Sit normally and look straight ahead. Many ergonomic guides suggest the top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level.
2. Desk and chair height. Your forearms should be roughly level with the desk when typing, with feet flat on the floor or a footrest.
3. Light sources. Note where the windows and lamps are. Light from behind your screen causes glare and puts your face in shadow on calls.
4. Cable count. Count what plugs in at your desk. That tells you how big a power strip and cable tray you need.

How we chose these upgrades

1. Comfort impact for the cost.
2. Fits a small space.
3. Easy setup.
4. Works with an existing desk.
5. Honest drawbacks.

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7 home office upgrades

1. Monitor stand or laptop riser

Our pick: Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand · B&H (also Amazon)

• Best for: Anyone working on a laptop or a low monitor.
• Why it made the list: One of the cheapest and most effective changes. Getting the screen up to a better height helps you sit more upright.
• Watch out for: A raised laptop needs a separate keyboard and mouse. Check the riser’s adjustability and stability.
• Typical price range: Check current price.

2. External keyboard and mouse

Our pick: Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo · Logitech

• Best for: Laptop users, especially paired with a riser.
• Why it made the list: It lets you position the screen and your hands separately.
• Watch out for: Wireless sets need batteries or charging. Try the key feel if you can; it’s personal.
• Typical price range: Check current price.

3. LED desk lamp or monitor light bar

Our pick: BenQ ScreenBar Monitor Light Bar · BenQ

• Best for: Evening work and video calls.
• Why it made the list: Adjustable brightness and color temperature let you light your workspace without glare on the screen.
• Watch out for: Light bars clip onto monitors; check it fits your monitor’s thickness and shape. Premium light bars can take a big share of a $250 budget, so compare it with a basic desk lamp.
• Typical price range: Check current price.

4. Ergonomic seat cushion or lumbar support

Our pick: Mind Reader Memory Foam Office Chair Cushion · Quill

• Best for: Chairs that are fine but not great.
• Why it made the list: A low-cost way to improve a chair you already own before replacing it.
• Watch out for: A cushion raises your seat height; you may need to adjust your desk setup or add a footrest.
• Typical price range: Check current price.

5. Footrest

Our pick: Fellowes Office Suites Tilt-Adjustable Footrest (8032201) · Quill (also Office Depot)

• Best for: Shorter people or tall desks where feet don’t rest flat.
• Why it made the list: Simple fix for a common problem.
• Watch out for: Check the height and angle adjustment match what you need.
• Typical price range: Check current price.

6. Under-desk cable tray and power strip

Our pick: IKEA SIGNUM Horizontal Cable Management Tray · IKEA (add a surge protector separately)

• Best for: Desks with a tangle of chargers and cords.
• Why it made the list: Gets cables off the floor and out of sight, which makes a small office feel much more organized.
• Watch out for: Our pick screws into the underside of the desk, so check your desk can take screws. Use a surge protector, not just a basic strip, for computer equipment.
• Typical price range: Check current price.

7. Desk organizer or drawer unit

Our pick: Sterilite 3-Drawer Rolling Cart · Sterilite (also Target, Walmart)

• Best for: Clearing paper and supplies off the desktop.
• Why it made the list: A clear desk surface leaves room to work.
• Watch out for: Measure under-desk space and leg room before buying a rolling drawer unit.
• Typical price range: Check current price.

The bigger upgrades (plan separately)

• Standing desk or desk converter: Desk converters sit on your current desk and cost less; full standing desks often run $150–$600. Check height range and weight capacity from the manufacturer.
• Ergonomic chair: Typically $100–$500 or more. Adjustable seat height, armrests and lumbar support are the features to compare. Try one in a store if you can.

A sample $250 plan

Priority	Upgrade	Why
1	Monitor stand or laptop riser	Biggest comfort change for the cost
2	Keyboard and mouse (if on a laptop)	Needed with a riser
3	Desk lamp or light bar	Better calls, less glare
4	Cable tray + surge protector	Cleaner, calmer space
5	Seat cushion or footrest	Chair fit

Prices change often, so check current prices before you shop.

FAQ

What’s the most important home office upgrade?
For many people working on a laptop, it’s raising the screen and adding a separate keyboard and mouse.

Is a standing desk worth it?
It depends on how you work. A desk converter is a lower-cost way to try standing before buying a full desk.

How do I make a small home office feel organized?
Hide cables, clear the desktop with an organizer, and give every item a home.

What’s the best lighting for video calls?
Light in front of you, facing you, rather than behind you. A soft, adjustable lamp or light bar helps.

Next step

Related: 10 Smart Home Upgrades Under $100 · Weekend Home Upgrades That Look Expensive

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