{ "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1", "type": "situation", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home.json", "publisher": "What to Buy For", "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/", "pricesAsOf": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.", "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.", "title": "What to buy for working from home", "section": "home", "answer": "Seven things for a home desk: a laptop stand, keyboard and mouse, an adjustable chair and a desk lamp first, then a footrest, back cushion and mouse mat if you need them. The desk, a monitor and broadband are not included.", "published": "2026-09-28", "updated": "2026-09-28", "noindex": false, "whyThisBasket": [ "Every role comes from HSE's display screen guidance: its good-posture page and its workstation checklist.", "The first four cover the checklist's main points for a laptop user: screen height, keyboard and mouse, seat adjustment and lighting.", "The last three are conditional. HSE says a footrest, a cushion or wrist support may be needed, not that everyone needs one.", "The page makes no health claims. For pain or discomfort, talk to your GP or your employer's occupational health service." ], "basket": [ { "id": "set-up", "label": "Set up first", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": true, "roles": [ { "role": "A laptop stand to raise the screen", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home/#role-laptop-stand", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B08DY9Z6LH", "name": "Nayka Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk", "amazonTitle": "Nayka Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk, Metal Foldable Laptop Riser", "brand": "Nayka", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41EdLg5MhYL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DY9Z6LH", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B08DY9Z6LH.json", "price": { "amount": 11.98, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": { "label": "Limited time deal", "note": null, "basis": "Amazon deal badge" }, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:24:15.983Z", "rating": 4.6, "ratings": 1935, "boughtLastMonth": "2K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Desktop Book Stands" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Solid metal that does not wobble, even while typing", "count": 8 }, { "text": "Stiff joints hold the chosen height without slipping", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Lifts the camera to eye level for a better angle on video calls", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "Nayka adjustable metal laptop riser", "ourTake": "HSE's laptop advice is a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can go up on a laptop riser, with the top of the screen level with your eyes and about an arm's length away. This Nayka riser adjusts in height as well as angle, so it lifts the screen rather than only tilting it, and is metal rated for up to 8 kg, per the listing." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "HSE: Good posture when using display screen equipment", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/good-posture.htm", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A separate keyboard and mouse", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home/#role-keyboard-mouse", "quantity": "1 set", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B00CL6353A", "name": "Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo for", "amazonTitle": "Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo for Windows", "brand": "Logitech", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31kI-vgQwYL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CL6353A", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B00CL6353A.json", "price": { "amount": 19.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": { "label": "Always \"on offer\"", "note": "23 of 23 days", "basis": "our daily price checks" }, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:23.989Z", "rating": 4.4, "ratings": 29825, "boughtLastMonth": "5K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Computer Keyboard & Mouse Combos" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Solid keyboard with quiet, comfortable keys", "count": 6 }, { "text": "One small receiver runs both keyboard and mouse", "count": 3 }, { "text": "Plug in the receiver and it works straight away", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "The mouse is small, which gets less comfortable over long sessions", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Logitech MK270 wireless keyboard and mouse", "ourTake": "Raise the laptop and its own keyboard goes up with it, so HSE pairs the riser with a separate keyboard and mouse. It puts the keyboard just below elbow height and the mouse in line with the elbow, right beside the keyboard. The MK270 is a wireless combo, per the listing; confirm the layout is UK before ordering." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "HSE: Good posture when using display screen equipment", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/good-posture.htm", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "HSE: Display screen equipment (DSE) workstation checklist (PDF)", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A chair with adjustable seat height and tilt", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home/#role-chair", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B082PWGGMD", "name": "SONGMICS Office Chair", "amazonTitle": "SONGMICS Office Chair, Desk Chair with Mesh Back, Ergonomic Computer Chair", "brand": "SONGMICS", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HPACE-sQL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082PWGGMD", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B082PWGGMD.json", "price": { "amount": 41.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": "Only 12 left in stock." }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:23.132Z", "rating": 4.5, "ratings": 8287, "boughtLastMonth": "50+", "categoryRank": { "position": 7, "category": "Desk Chairs" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Easy to put together, in about half an hour", "count": 10 }, { "text": "Comfortable for hours, with decent back support", "count": 7 }, { "text": "Feels stable and well made for the price", "count": 5 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "SONGMICS mesh office chair", "ourTake": "HSE's checklist asks whether the chair is stable and has working seat height, back height and tilt adjustment, plus castors or glides. Its posture guide adds that the seat should support the front and back of the thighs, with a 2 to 3 cm gap behind the knee. This SONGMICS mesh chair has height adjustment, a tilt function and swivel, per the listing." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "HSE: Display screen equipment (DSE) workstation checklist (PDF)", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "HSE: Good posture when using display screen equipment", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/good-posture.htm", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A desk lamp that lights the desk, not the screen", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home/#role-desk-lamp", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B08MJY1CY8", "name": "Lepro Desk Lamp", "amazonTitle": "Lepro Desk Lamp, 800lm LED Desk Lamp with Power Adapter, Dimmable, Eye-Care", "brand": "Lepro", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/211W5P5JjQL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08MJY1CY8", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B08MJY1CY8.json", "price": { "amount": 19.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:36.032Z", "rating": 4.6, "ratings": 3151, "boughtLastMonth": "900+", "categoryRank": { "position": 9, "category": "Desk Lamps" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Brightness and colour tone are easy to change", "count": 8 }, { "text": "Bright enough for reading, painting and other close work", "count": 5 }, { "text": "The arm angles out to light a wider patch of desk", "count": 2 } ], "watchOutFor": [] }, "ourName": "Lepro 800 lm dimmable desk lamp", "ourTake": "HSE's checklist suggests local lighting such as a desk lamp when a room is too dim, positioned so it does not cause glare off walls or other surfaces, and says users should be able to control light levels. A dimmable lamp gives that control; this Lepro is rated at 800 lumens, per the listing." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "HSE: Display screen equipment (DSE) workstation checklist (PDF)", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] }, { "id": "if-needed", "label": "First week, if needed", "intro": "Sit at the desk for a few days, then add only what the checklist points to.", "countsTowardTotal": true, "roles": [ { "role": "A footrest if your feet do not reach the floor", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home/#role-footrest", "quantity": "1 if needed", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B001MS70F2", "name": "Kensington Adjustable 3-Level Tilt SoleSaver Foot Rest for", "amazonTitle": "Kensington Adjustable 3-Level Tilt SoleSaver Foot Rest for Under Desk", "brand": "Kensington", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/314Dwx40y7L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001MS70F2", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B001MS70F2.json", "price": { "amount": 18.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:32.616Z", "rating": 4.2, "ratings": 6037, "boughtLastMonth": "200+", "categoryRank": { "position": 10, "category": "Footrests" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Gives feet somewhere to rest once the chair is raised", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Rubber feet keep it from sliding, even on wood floors", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Simple to put together and switch between heights", "count": 6 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "The hard plastic top is slippery or uncomfortable in socks", "count": 2 }, { "text": "Plastic can crack if you push off from it or lean hard", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Kensington SoleSaver adjustable footrest", "ourTake": "HSE's checklist asks whether your feet rest flat on the floor without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of your legs; if not, a footrest may be needed. This matters most after raising the chair to get your forearms level. Kensington's SoleSaver tilts to three settings, per the listing." }, "budget": { "asin": "B01AUH2OHE", "name": "Q-Connect Economy Footrest Tilt Action Platform Size 448x325mm", "amazonTitle": "Q-Connect Economy Footrest Tilt Action Platform Size 448x325mm Black KF17981", "brand": "Q-Connect", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41v-gqFRJ6L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AUH2OHE", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B01AUH2OHE.json", "price": { "amount": 14.12, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:32.160Z", "rating": 4.4, "ratings": 879, "boughtLastMonth": "400+", "categoryRank": { "position": 6, "category": "Footrests" } }, "buyersSay": null, "ourName": "Q-Connect tilting footrest" }, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "HSE: Display screen equipment (DSE) workstation checklist (PDF)", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A cushion for lower back support", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home/#role-back-cushion", "quantity": "1 if needed", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0G2GRNYVR", "name": "POOTACK Lumbar Support Cushion", "amazonTitle": "POOTACK Lumbar Support Cushion, Memory Foam Back Support Cushion", "brand": "POOTACK", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ozd9pTYRL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G2GRNYVR", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0G2GRNYVR.json", "price": { "amount": 26.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:32.108Z", "rating": 4.3, "ratings": 4337, "boughtLastMonth": "1K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Lumbar Pillows" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Firm memory foam that supports without feeling hard", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Straps hold it in place on different chairs", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Works in the car or lorry as well as at a desk", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Gets warm to lean against in hot weather", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "POOTACK memory foam lumbar cushion", "ourTake": "HSE's posture guide says the back of the seat should give good lower back support, or a cushion should add it. That makes a cushion the answer for a dining chair or a chair without adjustable back support. This one is memory foam, per the listing." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "HSE: Good posture when using display screen equipment", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/good-posture.htm", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A mouse mat with a wrist rest", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/working-from-home/#role-mouse-mat", "quantity": "1 if needed", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B013NDZKSW", "name": "TECKNET Mouse Mat Wrist Support", "amazonTitle": "TECKNET Mouse Mat Wrist Support, Mouse Pad with Memory Foam, Black", "brand": "TECKNET", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41T2w2HEcXL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013NDZKSW", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B013NDZKSW.json", "price": { "amount": 6.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:34.227Z", "rating": 4.5, "ratings": 17822, "boughtLastMonth": "3K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 3, "category": "Mouse Pads" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "The memory foam wrist rest stays comfortable over long sessions", "count": 9 }, { "text": "The rubber base keeps the mat from sliding on the desk", "count": 3 }, { "text": "Smooth surface for the mouse that wipes clean", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "The mat area is small for wide mouse movements", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "TECKNET mouse mat with wrist rest", "ourTake": "HSE's checklist says a mouse mat may be needed if the desk surface does not suit the mouse, and that the wrist and forearm need support from the desk, the arm of a chair or, failing those, a separate device. This TECKNET mat has a memory foam wrist rest, per the listing." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "HSE: Display screen equipment (DSE) workstation checklist (PDF)", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] } ], "totals": { "today": { "amount": 146.92, "currency": "GBP", "itemsPriced": 7, "itemsMissingPrice": 0 }, "monthlyRunningCost": null }, "canWait": [ { "what": "A separate monitor", "why": "HSE's laptop advice lists a display screen separate from the laptop; a riser gets the laptop screen to eye level in the meantime." }, { "what": "A document holder", "why": "HSE's checklist suggests one only if you work from papers, placed to cut uncomfortable head and eye movement." } ], "skip": [ { "what": "An anti-glare screen filter as a first fix", "why": "HSE's checklist calls it a last resort, after moving the screen and adjusting blinds." } ], "questions": [ { "question": "Does my employer have to provide equipment for working from home?", "answer": "If a display screen equipment assessment shows you need something, HSE says your employer cannot charge you for it. Ask for an assessment before buying; HSE publishes a workstation checklist employers can use, and workers can self-assess if they have been trained to." }, { "question": "How high should my screen be?", "answer": "The top of the screen level with your eyes, about an arm's length away, says HSE. For prolonged laptop use, HSE suggests a riser with a separate keyboard and mouse, or a separate display screen." }, { "question": "How often should I take a break from the screen?", "answer": "Short and often. HSE says 5 to 10 minutes every hour is better than 20 minutes every 2 hours, and that breaks should let you get up and move about, or at least stretch and change posture." }, { "question": "Do I need a footrest for my desk?", "answer": "Only if your feet do not rest flat on the floor once the chair is set up. HSE's checklist says to adjust the chair so your forearms are horizontal, then check your feet; if they do not reach, or the seat presses on the backs of your legs, a footrest may be needed." } ], "sources": [ { "name": "HSE: Good posture when using display screen equipment", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/good-posture.htm", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "HSE: Display screen equipment (DSE) workstation checklist (PDF)", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "HSE: Working with display screen equipment at home", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/home-working.htm", "checked": "2026-09-26" }, { "name": "HSE: Work routine and breaks when using display screen equipment", "url": "https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/work-routine.htm", "checked": "2026-09-26" } ], "related": [ { "title": "What to buy for a university room", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-university-room/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-university-room.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for a cold house", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cold-house/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cold-house.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for a first flat", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-first-flat/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-first-flat.json" } ] }