Creating the Ultimate Desk Setup: A Guide to Ergonomic and Efficient Workspaces

Adrian Ashford
4 min readJan 28, 2024
Dark room with one lamp light with a brown desk, chair, MacBook Pro, and two monitors
Photo by Jannis Brandt on Unsplash

For those who have been crafting their workspace for years or are just starting, creating the perfect desk setup is both an art and a science. With over 13 years of experience and countless setups, let’s delve into what makes a workspace both ergonomic and efficient without breaking the bank.

The Foundation: Desk and Chair Selection

White, glass top table with a monitor, coffee mug, keyboard, and magic mouse

Choosing the Right Desk: The depth of your desk is crucial. A deep desk provides ample room for resting your arms, which is essential for long hours of work. For spacious offices, a large desk, around 180 centimeters wide and 80 centimeters deep, is ideal. Consider a standing desk option like the FLEXISPOT Electric Glass Standing Desk for added versatility, focusing more on the fit for your space than the brand.

Modern office room with morning lighting and with a black ergonomic chair

Ergonomic Chairs: The chair is perhaps the most crucial element. Avoid gaming chairs; they lack ergonomic support and style. Invest in a chair that allows for height and armrest adjustability. Your feet should rest flat on the floor, and your arms should align with the desk. Recommendations include the Herman Miller Aeron for its adjustability and ergonomic design, and budget-friendly options like the IKEA MARKUS chair or a model from Sihoo.

Monitors: Balancing Functionality with Aesthetics

Darkly lit room with Apple Pro Display, PS4, and an additional monitor
Photo by Vasanth Rajasekaran on Unsplash

While personal preference plays a significant role in monitor choice, consider the number and type of monitors that suit your workflow. A single large monitor often suffices, offering substantial screen real estate without clutter. High-resolution monitors like the Apple Pro Display XDR or the Studio Display are ideal for design and editing work. Ensure your monitor setup enhances productivity and fits your specific needs.

Workspace Ambiance: Lighting and Accessories

Montior with two long lighting lamps

Desk Lighting: A good desk light is essential. It can be a lamp, LED strips, or a monitor light bar. Options like the Logitech Light Litra Beam offer versatility in brightness and color temperature, catering to different needs and moods.

Nuphy air 75 with blue switches

Mouse and Keyboard: Choose devices that complement your workflow. The Magic Mouse is excellent for Mac users, while the Logitech MX Master 3s and Logi Lift are top ergonomic picks. For keyboards, the Magic Keyboard, Nuphy Air75, and MX Mechanical Mini are excellent choices, offering comfort and speed.

Brown leather desk mat, with iPhone, keyboard, Magic Mouse, coffee mug, and leather wallet

Desk Mats and Speaker Systems: A desk mat like a full-grain leather one from YSAGi Leather Desk Pad Protector adds texture and warmth. External speakers like the Bose Companion 50s, though no longer sold, significantly enhance the audio experience. Consider speakers that offer quality sound and fit well in your workspace.

Charging Solutions and Tech Integration

Wooden charger, with iPhone, Apple Watch, and Airpods

Wireless Chargers: With most phones supporting wireless charging, having a wireless charger on your desk, like the Oakywood MagSafe charger or Nomad’s 3-in-1 charger, ensures your devices are always powered up.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect Workspace

Creating the ultimate desk setup is about understanding your needs, investing in quality where it counts, and personalizing the space to suit your style. Whether you’re a long-time work-from-home veteran or setting up your first dedicated workspace, these tips will help you build a setup that is both comfortable and conducive to productivity.

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Adrian Ashford

Product enthusiast and expert reviewer, I pen insightful articles on the best products that add value to your life. Making smart choices simpler for you.