Whether you work remotely or in an office, your desk setup can determine your success. Yes, we said it!
So how do you set your desk up for success? We’ve put together a list of the best desk setup ideas. Read on to see our top tips and the tools you need to make it happen.
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Why Should You Improve Your Desk Setup?
A cluttered or improperly set up desk can drastically affect your productivity and life.
Studies show that clutter decreases your satisfaction with life and can increase your cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Additionally, your desk, chair, and screen positioning can affect long-term health.
Your desk setup impacts a lot! But how can you improve it? Let’s explore some home office desk setup ideas.
How Should You Improve Your Desk Setup?
The first thing to do is take stock of your current situation across three areas:
- Ergonomics: An ergonomic desk setup ensures that your spine and body are aligned safely.
- Organization: Keep clutter to a minimum and maximize your productivity with minimalist desk setup ideas.
- Efficiency Tools: Once you’ve reduced the clutter, it’s time to think through the tools you need to invest in to keep yourself as efficient as possible.
What You Need to Succeed
A good desk setup will help you with productivity and efficiency.
- Boost Natural Productivity – The key to boosting your natural productivity is to reduce distractions. Keeping your desk clear of the extra clutter can be a huge help.
- Maximize Efficiency – Efficient tools can make or break your workplace productivity.
With that said, let’s dive deeper into some of the essentials for the best desk setup.
Our Shortlist Of the Best Desk Setup Accessories
We’ve explored the wide world of home office and landed the best ideas for your desk setup.
Get Ergonomic
Ergonomic accessories help you sit straighter and protect your body.
Best for Laptops – Soundance Adjustable Laptop Stand
A laptop stand is our favorite of the desk setup ideas. You can carry it with you to set up in the office, at home, at a coffee shop, and more.
But the best part is that you can adjust it to multiple heights and angles to find the perfect angle for your comfort. Correctly positioning your laptop can eliminate headaches, stiff neck, back pain, and so many other discomforts.
Get Efficient
A multi-port dock is hands-down our favorite tool for efficiency. Here are our two favorites.
Best Overall – OWC Thunderbolt Dock
With a super simple setup and ports for most devices, the Thunderbolt makes mobility easy.
This dock is certified for both Windows and Mac and has a total of 14 different ports. With the Thunderbolt, you can charge your devices, connect to the internet, plug in multiple USBs, and connect to up to two external screens.
Overall, the Thunderbolt is an incredibly versatile and powerful tool. The only issue we had is that the setup can be complicated, and you need to have the right cords.
Best on a Budget – OWC USB-C Dock
A cheaper, mini version of the Thunderbolt, this 10-port USB-C dock by OWC still packs a lot. You can charge your laptop and other devices, connect to ethernet and connect to a 4k external display.
The USB-C dock is compatible with both Mac and Windows products. However, make sure you check that your specific device is compatible.
Get Minimal
Reduce clutter caused by cords, plugs, and multiple charging stations with a wireless charger. Check out our top pick:
Best Wireless Charger – 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
The QI-EU wireless charger is one of the fastest chargers we’ve ever used. This particular model can fully charge an iPhone 12 within three hours – the same as a lightning charger.
You can charge up to three devices at a time, and the charger has broad compatibility with Android, iPhone, and others. Best of all, the device can easily fit in your pocket or bag on the go.
One drawback is that you need an AC adapter wall charger.
Bluetooth Everything
Here are our favorite Bluetooth accessories to increase your productivity.
Best Bluetooth Keyboard – iClever Bluetooth Keyboard
We love this keyboard because it’s light, portable, and ergonomic. The keyboard provides maximum comfort with an adjustable tilt.
You can connect the keyboard to up to three devices at a time and move seamlessly between them. The Bluetooth range extends to up to 26 feet so that you can use it during presentations.
No cords and a rechargeable battery make this our top choice. The only downside is that it’s not properly compatible with Windows products.
Best Bluetooth Mouse – KLO Rechargeable Bluetooth Mouse
The KLO Bluetooth mouse is a bargain with excellent functionality. You can choose from a wide range of colors to personalize your space.
While the battery life can be shorter than other models, we love the Auto Switch Off function. The mouse automatically goes into energy saver mode when you stop using it for eight minutes or when the connected device turns off. Simply touch a button to restart it.
Ergonomic, lightweight design gives this mouse great comfort and portability.
Best Bluetooth Speakers – Creative Pebble Minimalist Desktop Speakers
With a modern, minimalist design and Bluetooth capability, these speakers by Creative Pebble are an ideal companion for your desk.
For their size, the speakers have excellent audio. Our favorite feature is the Clear Dialogue audio processing, which helps enhance dialogue in videos while maintaining background sound quality.
While they aren’t great for large spaces, they do what you need for a desk for a low price.
Park It
For those extra things like books, plants, or even a little decor to keep you smiling, you need a clean, minimalist solution for display. Check out our favorite floating shelves:
Best Minimalist Storage – Love-KANKEI Floating Shelves
Available in four different colors and styles, these floating shelves are an excellent space saver. The shelves are 100% solid wood, and each shelf can hold up to 18 pounds.
A slide-protective ledge helps keep everything in place and minimize the risk of anything falling.
Overall, these were very easy to install and made a beautiful addition to our home office. Our one complaint is that if you add too much weight, the shelves will sag in the middle.
Get Organized
And finally – for those extra things you just have to keep at your desk, get an organizer!
Best Desk Organizer – MissionMax Bamboo Desk Organizer
This desk organizer is eco-friendly, modern, and perfect for a desktop. The model has four multi-functional blocks that can hold things like pens, business cards, paper clips, and more.
The blocks can be stacked together or placed separately around your desk, making this quite versatile. You can also use the tray as a coaster!
We would prefer color options, but overall it’s a great pick.