Any old chair will not do: comfort and support are crucial if you intend to spend a substantial amount of time at your desk. It's hard to beat a well-designed office chair with height adjustment and swivel mechanisms, but if you have a favorite chair you want to use, make sure it has lumbar support to protect your back, and add a cushion or two if you need extra comfort and height.

Efficient lighting is essential to prevent eyestrain. Tempting as it may be to work in front of a window, it is not the best place for a computer screen. See if an L-shape set up is a possibility, so the computer is against the wall and you can turn to face the window when writing or using the phone. You will almost certainly need extra task lighting after dark to give clear light over the desk without shadows. The light provided by a desk lamp could be too bright or low. Consider an adjustable lamp, or fix spotlights or halogen lights to the wall or a shelf instead.

Look at the position of electric sockets and telephone points, and have more fitted if necessary. Assess the ventilation, too, since a lot of electrical equipment in use can cause a buildup of heat. Although glass-topped tables are attractive, non-reflective work surfaces are best if you are using a computer. Make sure the desk or table is high enough for you to work at without bending.

Your eyes should be level with the top half of the screen when you are sitting at your desk, so alter your chair to suit. A footrest will help you sit correctly. The screen may need elevation too. A slatted or translucent blind is the best window covering for shading the screen from glare.