You don't need expensive furniture to have a desk you enjoy working at. A few small, inexpensive upgrades can make your workspace tidier and more comfortable, whether you work from home, study, or game. Here are our desk setup essentials, every one under $30.
Free printable: download the Home Office Desk Checklist (PDF) to check your setup as you go.
1. Raise your screen
Looking down at a laptop all day is one of the most common workspace complaints. Ergonomics guides generally recommend placing the top of your screen at or slightly below eye level. An adjustable laptop stand lifts your laptop to a more comfortable height. Ours has seven height settings and fits laptops from 8 to 16 inches. It also folds flat, so it travels well.
2. Define your workspace with a desk mat
A desk mat instantly makes a desk look more put-together, protects the surface, and doubles as an oversized mouse pad. Our felt desk mat is about 80 x 30 cm, non-slip, and comes in green, grey, pink or blue.
3. Support your wrists
If you type or use a mouse for hours, a wrist rest gives your hands somewhere comfortable to rest between keystrokes. Our clear silicone wrist rest comes in a keyboard version, a mouse version, or a set of both.
4. Tame the cables
Chargers, cables and earbuds are the fastest way for a desk to look messy. A cable organizer box with compartments keeps them separated, out of sight and free of dust.
5. Hide the small stuff
Pens, sticky notes and small odds and ends don't need to live on your desktop. A hidden under-desk drawer adds a slide-out drawer beneath your desk, keeping them handy but out of sight.
6. Give your headphones a home
Headphones left on the desk take up space and get tangled with everything else. A metal headphone stand keeps them off the surface and within reach.
7. Go hands-free with your phone
A phone propped against a mug isn't great for video calls. A desktop phone and tablet stand holds it steady at a good angle. For your bedside or kitchen, a flexible gooseneck holder clamps to the edge of a desk or nightstand.
8. Work from anywhere
Not every day is a desk day. A foldable wooden lap desk gives you a stable surface on the couch or in bed, with a groove to keep your drink in place.
Build your setup
Start with whichever problem bothers you most: screen height, clutter or comfort. Then add from there. Browse everything in desk accessories, or shop by need: desk organizers and home office comfort.
Want to go further? Read how to set up a comfortable laptop workstation at home, how to organize desk cables and clutter, and how to prop up your phone hands-free.