#Minimalist desk how to

The height should be adjustable so that you can put your feet flat on the floor. When you sit with your back against this lumbar support, you should have 1-2 inches between the back of your knees and the chair. Make sure it supports your lower spine where it naturally curves toward your belly. And remember that just because it’s labeled “ergonomic” doesn’t mean it actually is. If you can, try it before you buy it, as everyone's body is different. Chair: If you're sitting, you'll want an ergonomic chair.And if you feel tension in your wrist when using your mouse, consider a palm rest. Here are some good ergonomic mice and mouse alternatives. Consider getting an external mouse that feels comfortable in your hands. Mouse: Your laptop's mouse isn't ideal either.Here's a solid article with some keyboards that look super comfy. And avoid keyboards with attached number pads, as you'll have to reach farther for your mouse. If your keyboard does tilt up, a palm rest can help. You'll want one that doesn't tilt up, as that can put stress on the wrist - your wrist should be angled a little bit downward. Keyboard: Few laptop keyboards are optimal for prolonged typing, so consider getting a separate keyboard.And consider getting a monitor that reduces eye strain. If yours doesn’t, you can buy an arm for it, attach a mount to your desk, or simply stack some books. Note the positioning mentioned above - your monitor should be raised so that you are eye level with the top of it. Monitor(s): Laptops are super convenient but they're murder on your posture.For the height, fill out the planner I mentioned above or break out the measuring tape (your keyboard should be just below the height of your elbows). Generally, a depth of 30 inches and a width of 36-60 inches should suffice. If you need room for a printer, space to draw, or who knows what else, go a little bigger. If it's just your computer, go for a smaller size. Size: The size of the desk that you need will be pretty subjective, but it usually depends on what you’ll need to keep on it.

#Minimalist desk how to

With that out of the way, let's talk about how to set up your desk. But, again, alternating positions is important, so you might need a sitting desk too.

If you really want to go for it, you could try a treadmill desk, which provides just a smidge of exercise while you're working, and is said to enhance creativity. You can do this by getting a tall stool for your standing desk, a converter for your sitting desk, or by purchasing a desk that changes heights easily. So the best solution is probably to alternate between the two. With that said, standing all day comes with its share of problems too. It has been shown to improve productivity, and relieve the many issues involved with sitting all day, which includes increased blood pressure, spine damage, cardiovascular disease, and much more. Now that you know how to position your body, we should tackle standing vs sitting. Standing is the same deal minus the leg stuff.Ĭheck out this workspace planner where you can enter your height and it'll tell you how high your desk, monitor, chair, etc.

Keep in mind that this is not one-size-fits-all.

Frequently check your posture and adjust it.

The screen should have a 10-20 degree tilt, no more.The top of the screen should be at eye level.Your face should be 20-30 inches from the monitor.Your back and neck should be straight but relaxed.Your lower arms should be at 90-120 degree angles to your upper arms.Your upper arms should hang down loosely.Your feet should be flat on the floor (or on a footrest).Your lower legs should be at 90-130 degree angles to your upper legs.Your upper legs should be at 90-120 degree angles to your back.According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, the following posture is best for your body while working at a computer (though they note that shifting out of this position from time to time can be beneficial): Nobody wants repetitive strain injury (RSI), back pain, or fatigue, all of which can come from working at a desk day in and day out. Ergonomic desk setupįirst and foremost, it's important to set your body up for success. So here’s what I’ve learned on the topic. It also helps you avoid injuries that are shockingly common due to poor posture and repetitive movements associated with sub-optimal work setups. Having the right rig makes work easier, more productive, and more enjoyable. That's fine short-term, but it's beginning to lose its quirky just-moved-in vibe.

Thanks to a recent move, I currently alternate between the dinner table and a rickety, make-shift standing desk that I created out of a precarious combination of boxes and chairs. Hopefully, you can benefit from what I'm learning. I'm trying to optimize my home office, so I've been digging into desk setups.