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BREADCRUMB

 1. Explora
 2. Computers
 3. Creating An Ideal Desk Setu...


CREATING AN IDEAL DESK SETUP FOR SMALL SPACES

By Rebecca Melville | Updated Thu, 07/18/2024
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If you have found yourself moving, downsizing, or going away to school, you
might be dealt a desk area that is drastically smaller than that to which you
are accustomed. If this is you, or will be you sometime soon, a small workspace
is no reason to panic. With some intention and a bit of finessing, you can
cultivate a sleek and functional small desk setup without compromising on
quality. I am going to share some helpful pointers with supplementary products
to consider while you transition into a new, smaller workspace.


LOSE THE MONITOR BASE

On a small desktop, every square inch of space matters. When a baseplate is
taking up too much valuable real estate, you might consider swapping it for an
articulating arm, and I happen to love Ergotron's LX Desk Mount Monitor Arm.

Ergotron LX Desk Mount Monitor Arm

This monitor arm frees up precious desk space for peripherals, such as a small
printer or speakers, or an area to tuck away your keyboard when you aren't using
it.

It is a great option because of its simple assembly, flexibility, and overall
quality. Supporting displays up to 25 lb and 34", the mount connects to the edge
of your desk via your choice of a two-piece clamp, low-profile clamp, or grommet
mount. It features integrated cable management to tuck away your monitor cables
safely, and it's very easy to set up.

Read: LX Monitor Arm Hands-On Review


CUT DOWN ON WIRING

Cable management is an essential part of keeping clutter at bay, because unruly
wires can become stressful and even unsafe in your workspace. Of course, some
wiring in your workspace is inevitable, but we are fortunately spoiled for
choice with Bluetooth options. I will detail a couple to minimize annoying
cables on your desk.


LOGITECH'S MX MASTER 3S WIRELESS MOUSE

Purchasing a wireless mouse is a simple, yet effective step you can take toward
a wireless setup. Not only is having a Bluetooth mouse a more comfortable
desktop experience, but it also expands your work range if you move around a
lot. There are plenty of wireless mice out there, but I happen to like
Logitech's MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse for its ergonomic design, precision, and
seamless connectivity.

Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse

This is an exceptionally designed mouse. With features like a comfortable thumb
rest, a slight tilt for natural hand placement, and quiet, responsive clicks,
the MX Master 3S yields a user experience that feels luxurious.

The programmable buttons are handy for streamlining repetitive commands, while
the additional scroll wheel by the thumb can scroll through large files in a
snap. Precise, comfortable, and flexible, this is a mouse that is well suited
for demanding office work and casual environments alike.

Read: Logitech MX Series Hands-On Review


BELKIN BOOST WIRELESS CHARGER

Wireless charging pads and stations are a solid alternative for charging cables.
As stationary resting places, charging pads are great for those who tend to
misplace their chargers. If you lose your phone often, a charging pad is also a
convenient place to keep it when you aren't using it.

While there are all kinds of charging docks out there, the Belkin BOOST CHARGE
PRO is the sleekest and most functional I've found. This Apple-exclusive
charging stand sports a t-shape for charging your iPhone, Apple Watch, and
AirPods case simultaneously.

Belkin BOOST CHARGE PRO

Outputting up to 15W, this charging pad sets itself apart with fast charge times
you might not find in cheaper options. While it is a bit pricey for a charger,
the stand can support portrait and landscape orientations, meaning you can
rotate the stand to play games, FaceTime, or catch a stream while you charge.

Strong, reliable, and stylish, this charging stand is available in black or
white to match your other peripherals.


FOCUS ON LOW-PROFILE ACCESSORIES

Some wiring on your small desk is inevitable. However, if you can forgo bulkier
peripherals in favor of options that are meant to be compacted or stowed away,
it is possible to fit quite a lot in your small office area, wiring and all.
Luckily, there are many desktop accessories designed with limited space in mind
that do not compromise in terms of quality and functionality.


LOGITECH G LITRA BEAM DESKTOP LIGHT

For burgeoning streamers and work-from-home professionals, having a solid light
source can mean the difference between a good session and a great session. For
Teams calls, Twitch streams, and anything in between, I like Logitech G's Litra
Beam.

Logitech G Litra Beam Bi-Color LED Desktop Light

This sleek, desktop-specific bi-color light is USB-powered and features
integrated cable management to keep wiring simple and minimal. The slim,
elongated light head has adjustable height, tilt, and rotation, meaning you can
direct light in specific ways without the hassle of moving the light itself.
This feature is highly compatible if you're working with a tight space, but for
added versatility, the Litra Beam can also be removed from its stem to be
mounted however you please.

With a soft light cast, adjustable brightness and color temperature, you are
guaranteed to look your best the next time you appear on camera. Flexible,
unobtrusive, and powerful, this is a great option for those who need a
professional light source and have little space.

Of course, if you have absolutely no desktop real estate to spare, a webcam with
a built-in ring light that can mount on your monitor may be an ideal option.
Options like this MEE audio CL8A 1080p Live Webcam mount easily and will
illuminate your face well during that all-important meeting or stream.

MEE audio CL8A 1080p Live Webcam with LED Ring Light


FUJITSU SCANSNAP IX1300 DOCUMENT SCANNER

A small desk will really put your organizational skills to the test. Rather than
trying to make space for all your paperwork, consider digitizing with a teeny
scanner like Fujitsu's ScanSnap ix1300.

Fujitsu Ricoh ScanSnap ix1300 Document Scanner

Weighing less than 5 lb, the iX1300 can accommodate documents up to 8.5 x 14.2".
Features such as long scan mode can churn through long reams of paper easily,
while Manual Feed mode can process documents like business cards, receipts, and
envelopes in a snap.

The built-in ScanSnap Software automates document management, which organizes
and cleans up your scans. It is compatible with cloud storage like Dropbox and
Google Drive, you never have to worry about losing your files. Offering wireless
connectivity and a compact footprint, the iX1300 is a great peripheral I like to
keep tucked away until I'm ready to tackle my paperwork.


CANON PIXMA TR150 WIRELESS PORTABLE PRINTER

Printers are another essential peripheral in any functional home office. In my
small space, I like Canon's PIXMA TR150. This wireless printer is small enough
to fit into a backpack and compactable to tuck away just like the ix1300.

Canon PIXMA TR150 Wireless Portable Printer

The TR150 supports printing from your smart device, computer, or cloud storage,
allowing for seamless printing in a pinch. While it supports regular print jobs,
this little guy can also print borderless photos for those who keep photo albums
or who like to decorate with photographs.

With an AC cord or the optional LK-72 Battery Pack as power supply options, this
printer is great if you also find yourself with limited power sources or on the
road often. Flexible and capable, this printer embodies many of the qualities
you would want in a small-space printer.


AUDIO-TECHNICA AT2020USB-X

Having a small desk is mostly fine until you throw something super involved,
like audio equipment, into the mix. While you might not be able to fit the
big-time gadgets on your tiny desk, a USB microphone like the AT2020USB-X is a
great option for getting the job done.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone

With plug-and-play convenience, this USB-C mic contains a cardioid polar pattern
that detects speech, music, or prevalent acoustic audio over background noise.
Features like a headphone jack and silent controls make this mic well-suited for
podcasting, streaming, singing, voice-over work, and so much more.

I like this mic for its user-friendly functions, reasonable price, and compact
form for small desks. While the cardioid polar pattern is useful for working in
untreated rooms, prospective buyers might also consider the Desktop Kit. This
kit includes a reflection filter and an on-mic pop screen that will do the leg
work if you are working in an area polluted by ambient noise.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X Desktop Value Kit with Reflection Filter and Pop
Screen


HEADPHONES HOLDER FROM AURAY

Of course, if you are working with audio frequently, you likely also have a pair
of over-ear headphones that need a home on your small desk. I like this
Headphones Holder from Auray.

Auray Headphones Holder with Padded Cradle and Adjustable Angle

This nifty accessory is a great alternative to other headphone stands that
display on your desktop and take up space. Rather, this gadget latches onto the
side of your workspace via a threaded clamp and hangs over. It can be fastened
to horizontal or vertical surfaces, with the padded cradle ensuring that your
headphones won't accidentally slide out.

While seemingly inconsequential, this holder is a great way to keep the clutter
on your desk minimal and can ensure that you always know where your headphones
are. That's a win, in my book!


FINAL THOUGHTS AND TIPS

With the products I mentioned in mind, I will leave you with some helpful
pointers to refine your vision of your small desk area. In general, it is
important to get crafty with your space. Modular desks with simple construction
are handy for adjusting as you find a configuration that works best for you.

You might consider a desk that has a monitor shelf and tack a monitor arm on the
shelf for even more storage on your desktop. It might sound obvious, but
built-in drawers and shelving underneath are great places to keep peripherals
out of the way when you aren't using them. Open shelving might be preferable if
you want more flexible storage, or if you aren't able to open drawers due to
space constraints.

You should also consider your own comfort. You might get a standing desk to
alleviate the strain of working in a small space. Ergotron offers a nifty
Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation if you can't work a standing desk into your space.
I also recommend investing in a nice, comfortable chair, and supports for your
feet and back during those long workdays. Just because your space is small,
doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable.

Ergotron WorkFit-TL Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation

Another helpful tip is to consider whether your products are multifunctional.
The Litra Beam from Logitech, for example, makes a great backward-facing LED if
you experience eyestrain after staring at a screen for long stretches of time.

Earlier I mentioned Ergotron's LX Monitor Arm, which can be an extremely
flexible addition to your configuration. If you are working in a living room or
bedroom, you can use the arm to rotate your monitor toward a bed or couch to
play video games or stream your favorite programs. There are endless
possibilities, so you should try to find products that will serve more than one
purpose and use them in as many ways as possible.

If your desk area is near a wall, grids and pegboards are especially flexible
storage solutions that will declutter your desktop while remaining accessible.
You might also consider stands and docks when putting your tech to the side.

I personally found a lot of inspiration from websites like Grovemade and
Ergonofis for stylish desktop storage and accessories, and you might, too. Ikea
also has plenty of furniture and accessories designed to work in small spaces
and is a great place to go if you are having trouble getting started.

What are your favorite space-saving hacks? Do you have product recommendations
for a tiny desk? Let us know in the Comments section, below.


2 COMMENTS

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Artie M.
2 years ago

Thank you for this article, Rebecca. I'll be returning to school soon for a
graduate degree, and I'll need all the help I can get transitioning back to a
student lifestyle (on a student budget!) after several years as a working adult.
Your tip on articulating arms for a display is a great one, especially your
observation that such arms can help one display do double-duty for personal
schoolwork/family entertainment.



My two favorite accessories are a keyboard drawer/shelf and some garage/workshop
style pegboard. I've had desks with and without keyboard drawers, and there is
no contest: a drawer keeps me tidy and effective. I simply cannot resist the
temptation to pile envelopes and clutter on my keyboard unless it is tucked out
of sight.

Pegboard lets one "go vertical" and attach hooks or even light shelving to a
small desk. The many small holes also allow more ambient light in while keeping
one a bit more focused on work.

0
 * Reply
   Reply
 * Quote

Rebecca Melville
2 years ago

Hi Artie! My tip for the articulating arm comes from personal experience with my
own desk set up 😊 I totally agree with you on the keyboard drawer and
pegboards, both make for a more modular and flexible workspace. I am also a huge
fan of monitor shelves, especially if you don’t have the time or patience to
install a monitor arm or keyboard drawer – they free up space to nest your
keyboard when you are not using it. Thank you for your comment and your
thoughtful recommendations!

0
 * Reply
   Reply
 * Quote


ITEMS DISCUSSED

Ergotron LX Desk Mount Monitor Arm (White)
4
$209.00
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse (Pale Gray)
99
$99.99
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Belkin BOOST CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 15W MagSafe Wireless Charging Stand (White)
645
$99.99
Save $50.00
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Logitech G Litra Beam Bi-Color LED Desktop Light
38
$84.99
Save $15.00
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
MEE audio CL8A 1080p Live Webcam with LED Ring Light
2
$59.99
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Ricoh ScanSnap ix1300 Document Scanner (Black)
17
$279.99
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Canon PIXMA TR150 Wireless Portable Printer
75
$199.00
Save $50.00
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
1
$129.00
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X Desktop Value Kit with Reflection Filter and Pop
Screen
1
$199.99
Save $28.99
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Auray Headphones Holder with Padded Cradle and Adjustable Angle
177
$12.99
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
Ergotron WorkFit-TL Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation (Black)
6
$545.00
+ Wish List
Add to Cart
See More...



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