Small Home Office Desk Setup
Working from home comes with a set of pros and cons. Research indicates that working remotely can increase productivity and better work/life balance for many people, however, working remotely can also lead to burnout, lack of motivation, and has limitations to access to essential office equipment and supplies. Working from home in a small apartment is even more challenging, which is where I have been working for more than five years. Working from home for so long in a small apartment hasn’t always been inspirational. Aside from being easily distracted, I have struggled in creating and setting up a functional and productive home office desk setup and workspace.
Over time, though, I have implemented strategies that show it is possible to have a productive, functional, and inspirational workspace. To find out what this looks like and what I use, keep reading for a tour of my home office desk setup and space. But first, I realized a few things about setting up my ideal space and now hold by a few key rules when finding the right setup for a productive workspace and desk – it must be functional, minimal, and aesthetic.
3 Key Rules for a Productive Home Office Desk Setup
Having an inspirational, ergonomic and efficient space when working from home, especially in a small space, is conducive to productivity and creativity. Here are my three key rules that I have learned and abide by to a productive home office desk setup:
1. Function – especially in a small apartment, a functional space, having the right tools on hand, and ergonomic equipment, is vital for optimum productivity.
2. Minimal – a minimal desktop allows for a clear and open mind that is ready for focus and creativity. It also helps to ease stress and distraction, leading to increased productivity.
3. Aesthetic – being in a small, cramped apartment can easily hinder focus and creativity, especially for someone like me who is not the most décor-inclined and is also budget-conscious. Learning to make small improvements and elements to enhance my space creates an aesthetic that works for me.
If these key elements resonate and you would like to learn more about setting up a functional, minimal, and aesthetic workspace – AND ensuring you have all the work-from-home essentials for a productive and inspirational environment, then read on for a tour of my small home office desk setup and workspace.
Tour My Small Home Office Desk Setup
Below is a tour on how I utilize my small space with all the equipment I need to create a functional, minimal, and aesthetic workspace that allows for focus, creativity, and productivity. Continue reading for ideas and inspiration.
Main Desk Setup Essentials
Researching and investing in the right office and desk equipment for your specific needs is worth it. Even though I am budget-conscious I know that spending more money on equipment that will make my life easier and increase productivity in the long run is a good decision. Here are the ones I currently use and thoughts on them.
Computer/Laptop
Macbook Air – the 2018 Macbook Air 13″ was the first and best home office investment I made and has made my work so much easier to accomplish. I originally had PC’s but had so much trouble with them that I will never go back. But that is my personal preference. I personally love the Macbook Air because it has great performance, and is slim, lightweight and compact enough to take with me on the go.
Laptop Stand
Laptop Stand – an ergonomic laptop stand helps maintain level eyesight and reduce eye strain while working long hours on the computer.
Sit Stand Desk
Sit Stand Desk – another great investment for working remotely is a sit stand desk. I figured out this essential later on in my work-from-home journey and it has paid off. After much research, I purchased the Mancheer Height Adjustable Standing Desk by Twillery Co. from Wayfair. I recommend measuring your space prior to purchasing one. I chose this particular standing desk because of its compact size, the whole piece desktop, and the lighter finish that brightens up my small space.
Office Chair
Office Chair – at the same time I purchased my standing desk, I also invested in an ergonomic executive chair. I have had some lower back issues in the past and wanted something that would be more supportive and comfortable than the one I had previously. The Iz Executive Chair by Inbox Zero from Wayfair is the chair I bought. It had some decent reviews. However, it is too big for my workspace and not as comfortable with back support as I thought it would be. But it works for me for now with adding some adjustments to help it be more supportive for my back.
Desktop Monitor
Desktop Monitor – having multiple desktop screens is beneficial for a productive workspace. I have the LG 24UD58-B 24″ 16:9 4K FreeSynch IPS Monitor. It has a high-resolution display and is designed for gamers but I find it useful for my purposes. When I am at my desk I utilize the monitor as my main screen.
Printer
Printer – an at-home printer pays off and saves inconvenient trips to the printing store or unnecessary commutes to the office. I have the HP OfficeJet 5255 All-in-One Printer which has Wi-Fi, 2-sided printing, great print quality, scans, prints in color or black & white, and can print on regular paper, stock, labels, and envelopes. Perfect for the home office and for the occasional need to print up documents, personal print jobs, and scanning.
Accessories:
The power of accessories in a small home office desk setup are indispensable when it comes to ease and efficiency. Below are some of the basics that have made my life a lot easier:
Wireless Keyboard
Wireless keyboard – a wireless keyboard is a must have for an efficient desk setup. My keyboard is a bluetooth keyboard from Jelly Comb that works great and has lasted me a long time. It is slim and compact enough to travel with as well. Note: the company Jelly Comb is now ProtoArc which has ergonomic keyboards such as this one: ProtoArc Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac.
Bluetooth Computer Mouse
Bluetooth Computer Mouse – I’ve been through a couple of mice but the current one I am using is sleek and effective. The Satechi Mouse for Mac is slim and fits ergonomically for my small hands. It comes in a variety of colors to match your laptop or color aesthetic. Mine is in silver to match my Mac.
Monitor Stand
Monitor Stand – I like my desk to not look clunky, especially living in a small apartment, so this clear monitor stand helps keep it streamlined and minimal. The space underneath provides a place to keep things on hand. This is where I usually keep my wireless keyboard when it is not in use.
Phone holder
For my purposes, I just needed a place to hold my cell phone for easy access since I use both my laptop and my phone while working. The cell phone stand on my desktop is adjustable in height and angle and has fit my needs perfectly. It can hold a phone as well as a tablet, kindle, or iPad. The one I have is currently unavailable on Amazon, however I found a couple alternatives that would suit a similar purpose such as this one: LISEN Cell Phone Stand Adjustable Phone Holder or this one: Doboli Cell Phone Stand.
Wireless Earbuds
Wireless Earbuds – I currently have two of these JVC Gumy True Wireless Earbuds in which I pair one with my laptop and the other with my phone. They are Bluetooth, affordable, and easy to use while at my desk, on the go, at the gym, etc. On a side note, I decided that my next earphone purchase will be quality noise cancelling headphones. Because, let’s face it, small apartment living does come with its share of external noises and distractions.
Power Strip
Power Strip – I am not that great or patient with cable management, however, I am getting better. I recently purchased this Tessan Surge Protector Power Strip which has been helpful with my cable management dilemma. It conveneniently comes in various cord lengths, has 9 outlets and 3 USB (1 USB C) ports.
Foot rest
Foot Rest – it is essential to have a footrest as it is ergonomic to have both feet flat on the ground while seated at your desk. I use a hand-me down footrest from a friend. It is angle and height adjustable and has been shown effective in keeping my feet planted on the floor and reducing my back strain while seated at my desk for long periods of time.
Laptop Case
Laptop Case – another essential to protect your laptop. This case is compatible with Macbook Air 2018-2022 and comes in a wide variety of colors. It’s durable and also includes a keyboard cover! If you have a different type of laptop or model/version I am sure you’ll be able to find something similar.
Protective Laptop Sleeve
A cute laptop sleeve is essential for taking your laptop on the go, whether the office, a coffee shop, or traveling! I love my pink one from Comfyable. It is protective and water resistant on the outside and has a soft inner layer on the inside.
Desktop Aesthetics and Setting The Mood
I am all about having mood lighting and aesthetics to make my desk space cozy and comfortable so that it is somewhere I would want to go to every day. Below are a few things that help set the mood.
Celestial Mousepad
I love this celestial design mousepad: Set of Moon Phases Mouse Pad Celestial Pattern from Amazon.
Touch Mood Light
This small touch lamp from Amazon helps set the mood for those early mornings or late-night work sessions.
Desktop Lamp
This 3-way dimmable lamp is perfect for choosing the amount of light I like at any given time. I like that it is compact, has a wood base and a USB port. I also prefer a bit of mood which makes the 3-way dimming a plus to my aesthetic.
Candle
Of course, a nice smelling candle always helps set the mood. The one I have on the desktop in the picture is from Target.
Personal Elements
Personal elements help inspire and personalize any desktop. I have a few ones that bring me joy while still keeping my desktop minimal.
Small Glass Globe
I was given a cute glass globe from a coworker awhile ago because I talked a lot about my desire to travel. Ever since I received this gift, the globe sits atop any workspace desk I occupy. The globe inspires my wanderlust and travel aspirations. In Feng Shui, the front right side of a desk space signifies helpful people and travel. I place the globe on the right side of my desk serving as a constant reminder of the helpful people I have met throughout my career and as a reminder to keep prioritizing travel and experiences. A globe can also go in the knowledge section of the desk which is the front left side. Here are a couple small desktop globes I found on Amazon: Amlong Crystal Etched Crystal Globe or Amlong Crystal Globe on Crystal Stand.
Note/photo holder
I received a cute note holder as a gift that sits atop my desk. A note holder can be a nice addition to hold notes, affirmations, photos, and reminders.
Crystals/Totem
I always have a citrine crystal on my desk which signifies abundance. In Feng Shui, the back left corner is the area for prosperity and wealth. Currently, I have a citrine piece on top of my monitor stand. I also have a heart shaped totem that I have had awhile. I keep it on my monitor stand to remind me of my center, and inner strength, health, love and faith.
Inspirational Sign
I keep a “Leave a little sparkle wherever you go” wood sign on my desk to remind myself to not take things so seriously and of my purpose to help inspire others. I’ve had it for awhile now and got it from Homegoods or Marshall’s – where you could find a similar inspirational sign. I also found a version of this quote sign on Etsy.
Small Home Office Space Storage
For my supplies and paper I wanted storage that was organized and easy to get to. I utilize the bottom two shelves of my bookshelf for notebooks, pens, paper, etc. I wanted a theme of bamboo and black and needed something that was efficient to optimize my space.
Supplies Organizers
I have a Bamboo Desktop Organizer with drawers and a Bamboo Pen Holder/Caddy (not shown in picture) for organizing supplies such as pens/highlighters, post-its, frequently used tech items, etc.
Paper Organizer
I needed something to store my printer and stock paper so that it was easy accessible when needed, so I purchased this Bamboo File Organizer which has several adjustable slots for paper, notebooks, etc.
Magazine File Holders
These cardboard Magazine File Holders come in a pack of six. I chose black ones to go with my theme, however, they come in all sorts of colors.
In Conclusion
That’s my small home office desk space it in a nutshell. It has taken me awhile to create a space that is functional, minimal, and aesthetic and this setup currently works for me. It is filled with essential work-from-home equipment and accessories that are streamlined and also budget-conscious. Hopefully this article has inspired some ideas for your own space.
If you would like more inspiration on productivity, here are some blog posts you might enjoy: Taking Consistent, Daily, Action to Boost Efficiency and Goal-Setting Methods that Work!
Sage