For many for us, desk space is premium. Between a computer, keyboard, speakers, and maybe a few photos of your family or a Wi-Fi hotspot, things can quickly feel cramped. Desk accessories make your workspace look and feel better. Mounted office equipment is great for standing desks because everything stays in place when you raise and lower your position. Even if you’re sitting down, these devices can take some of the clutter off your desktop—and maybe clear your mind a bit by giving yourself a chance to focus. As a dedicated tinkerer, with three decades of desk binding, I’ve tried every desk-mounted device I could get my hands on. I have a few of my favorite accessories that I’ll share below.
Before buying any desk accessory, make sure you measure your desk and find a suitable area for the clamp. Don’t think it will fit, as they all have a layer of thickness, and some desks don’t play well with clamps. There is also a risk that the clamp will discolor or mark your work surface over time, especially if it is soft wood or in direct sunlight.
Tracking Weapons
Number one on my list of desk accessories are monitor arms. Without the need for a stand, you can maximize space, and the monitor arms will let you adjust your screen to the right height and position, making it easy to adjust the angle when you need it. I am a fan of dual monitor configuration with a widescreen in landscape mode and a picture monitor on the left because it’s perfect for my work.
Ergotron
LX Pro Monitor Arm
I like the Ergotron monitor mounts because they are very stable, yet allow for a wide range of movement to get your screen in the right place (the top of the screen should be at eye level and your monitor should be at arm’s length) I use the LX Pro along with the older ones Ergotron LX ($189)which has a wider base and can handle more weight. What I like the most, compared to other monitor arms I’ve tried, is that my monitors sit comfortably at the same time. With some hands, the slightest bump on your desk causes your screen to vibrate.
Pet Perch
While a dog may be content to curl up at your feet, cats love to be on top. My cats are always jumping on my desk, walking in front of the filter, and scratching the back of my chair. They also love nothing more than to steal my warm seat when I get up to drink coffee. But there is a pressing solution to the pet’s problem.
