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In this article, we are sharing our best tips & tricks when it comes to creating an organized, functional, and all-around productive working space and desk.
Expert Tips for Working from Home: Smart and Practical Desk Setup
When it comes to working from home, it’s really important to get your desk-setup correct. After all, you will be working in the comfort of your own home, and with that will come plenty of distractions and interruptions. It’s important to keep an organized, productive working space so you can ensure to get your work done in a timely and efficient manner. And so in this article, we are bringing you our comprehensive guide on creating a smart and practical desk setup , covering everything from desk choices and drawer organization to equipment and decor.
Desk Recommendations
Standing Desks
- Why Choose a Standing Desk?: Standing desks allow you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, which can improve posture, reduce back pain, and boost energy levels.
- Products we love:
- FlexiSpot: This standing desk has an industrial-grade steel frame and electric motor and supports up to 100 lbs. It features four programmable height presets, has integrated USB ports for charging, a pull-out storage drawer, and is pretty easy to assemble.
- Uplift: This desk – though on the pricer side – comes with an industrial-grade steel frame and a built-in electric motor, allowing smooth height adjustments. It includes four programmable height presets, USB ports, and a pullout storage drawer.
- VariDesk: This is a good choice for those who prefer a desk converter rather than a full standing desk. This product features a two-tier design for better ergonomics with separate surfaces for your keyboard and monitor. It allows for easy height adjustments and arrives fully assembled for quick setup.
Treadmill Desks
- Why Choose a Treadmill Desk?: We all know that combining work with light exercise can improve cardiovascular health and keep you energized. Treadmill desks are the latest craze right now and the perfect choice if you find yourself too busy to hit the gym outside of working hours!
- Products we love:
- LifeSpan: This ultra-quiet walking pad is the gold standard of treadmill desks. It goes from speeds of 0.4 to 6 mph and a weight capacity of up to 400 lbs. It’s compact design that fits under most desks and operates quietly to minimize disruption.
- Goyouth: This more affordable under-desk treadmill features a motorized system with speeds up to 6 mph. It includes a wireless speaker, remote control, and LED display.
Regular (but stylish) Desks
- Why Choose a Regular Desk?: Classic and versatile, regular desks fit various home office needs and styles.
- Recommended Options:
- Bekant Desk from IKEA: This affordable desk is chic and simple, and can pair well with any aesthetic or room. Not only is it height-adjustable – making it good for both sitting and standing work – but it also features a nice sleek white finish which pairs well with any decorative pieces you choose.
- Ragusa Computer Desk from Wayfair: If sleek and modern isn’t your thing, this desk is a good alternative and it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. It’s spacious, sleek, and can pair well with a wide array of decorations and aesthetics.
Organizing Desk Drawers
- Supplies to Buy:
- Staplers: Choose a compact and reliable stapler to handle your document needs.
- Highlighters: Keep a set of highlighters in different colors to help organize and emphasize important information.
- Pens and Pencils: Invest in a variety of pens and pencils, including ballpoint pens, gel pens, and mechanical pencils.
- Other Supplies: Include items like paper clips, sticky notes, and a small pair of scissors.
- Drawer Organization Tips:
- Use Drawer Dividers: These help keep supplies organized and easily accessible.
- Categorize Items: Group similar items together, such as writing tools in one section and office supplies in another.
- Label Compartments: Labeling sections can help you quickly find what you need and maintain order.
Essential Equipment for a Smart and Practical Desk Setup
Monitors
- Why Use a Monitor?: A larger screen can improve productivity and reduce eye strain.
- Recommended Options:
- Dell P2422H 24″ Monitor: This monitor offers a sharp and clear display and a sleek design with an adjustable stand for enhanced ergonomics and comfort.
- LG 27GQ50F-B 27 Inch Monitor: This monitor is popular amongst gamers, so you know it has a good picture. It’s sleek and has a borderless design that blends well with any environment.
Also Check How To Master the ‘Cool Girl’ Coffee Shop Aesthetic
Wireless Keyboards
- Why Go Wireless?: We love wireless products because they reduce cable clutter and provide more flexibility.
- Recommended Options:
- Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac from Amazon: A simple and classic look, but for a great price. This keyboard offers a modern and sleek look that blends in seamlessly with any desk setup.
- Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard from Amazon: This keyboard has a sleek stainless steel design and a rechargeable battery that offers up to 6 months of usage on a single charge.
Mouse Pads
- Why Use a Mousepad?: Provides a smooth surface for your mouse, can enhance comfort, and honestly just looks really cute on a desk!
- Recommended Options:
- EAGZFFI Leather Mousepad from Amazon: This mousepad is not only really cute and comes in many different colors, but it offers nice stitching, ensuring longevity.
- SANWUMIAN Patterned Mousepad from Amazon: If you prefer a pattern, this is the perfect mousepad for you. It comes in a variety of pattern options, and is made of lycra silky cloth and a non-slip rubber base so it doesn’t move around.
Decorative and Functional Accessories for a Smart and Practical Desk Setup
When it comes creating an optimal home office desk setup, it’s important that you find a balance between items that bring you happiness and joy and items that are functional that will allow you to be more productive during the day.
Flowers and Plants
- Why Add Greenery?: Plants can improve air quality, reduce stress, and add a touch of nature to your workspace. Don’t overdo it though! We recommend picking one type of plant and placing it in a decorative vase in the corner of the desk. If you want more tips on how to spruce up your space with flowers, check out our other article here.
Decorative Organization Baskets
- Why Use Baskets?: They provide storage and decluttering, while adding a decorative element. Some of our favorite options are either woven or metal-mesh baskets. Our decorative tip to create the optimal home office desk setup is to pick one style, and mix and match with various sizes to create dimension but not overload.
Paper Fliers
- Why Use Paper Filers?: These keep important documents neatly organized and within easy reach, while also preventing your workspace from becoming cluttered.
Tips to Keep Your Desk Organized
- Daily Cleaning Routine: Spend a few minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your desk. This helps maintain a clutter-free workspace.
- Use Cable Organizers: Cable clips and organizers can prevent cables from tangling and keep your desk neat.
- Limit Desk Accessories: Only keep essential items on your desk to avoid clutter. Store extra supplies in the drawers or in organization buckets.
- Regularly Sort Through Drawers: Periodically go through your drawers to remove unnecessary items and reorganize supplies. There is nothing worse than opening a drawer with tons of junk in it! If you know that you are prone to just throwing items in the drawer, consider labeling sections to ensure you stay organized over time.
- Use a Desktop Organizer: In addition to labels, you can invest in these handy organizers to keep small items like pens, sticky notes, and paper clips organized and within reach.
Other Fun Items for a Smart and Practical Desk Setup
Heat-Maintaining Coffee Mugs
- Why Use Them?: These nifty products keep your beverages warm for extended periods of time, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the day even if your meetings run over.
- Recommended Options:
- Ember Temperature Control Mug: This mug maintains your coffee or tea at the perfect temperature for hours with its adjustable heating settings. And the coolest part is that you’ll be able to monitor and control the temperature from your smartphone via its app!
- Contigo Autoseal Mug: If the Ember is too much tech for you, consider opting for this more affordable (but still stylish) option that retains your beverage’s head well and is also spill-proof.
Eating Bowls That Don’t Get in the Way (and look cute on Zooms!)
- Why Use Them?: Allows you to have snacks without taking up too much space or making a mess.
- Recommended Options:
- LE TAUCI Small Bowls from Amazon: These versatile 8-ounce ceramic bowls are the perfect vessel for mid-day snacks and quick lunch breaks. Plus, they come in this elegant Arctic White finish that blends well with any surrounding decor and creates the optimal home office desk setup.
- Snack Trays with Compartments: We love a snack tray! It’s the perfect vessel to keep pre-made snacks that you can munch on throughout the day. Plus, it’s a great way to portion control if you care about that sort of thing 🙂
Coasters
- Why Use Them?: They protect your desk surface from water rings and spills while adding a bit of pizzazz to a plain desk.
- Recommended Options:
- Cork Coasters: Absorbent and natural-looking.
- Marble Coasters: Add a touch of elegance to your desk.
In Conclusion
Creating a well-organized and aesthetically pleasing work-from-home desk can significantly enhance your productivity and comfort. By choosing the right desk, organizing your supplies and equipment, and adding thoughtful touches to your workspace, you can create an environment that promotes productivity and well-being.
