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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
