Cool Gaming Desk Accessories Every Gamer Should Have

You don't have to be a pro to play like one. Setting up your dream gaming setup isn't as hard as you might think. Whether you're a regular streamer or casual solo player, the right desk space can transform your gaming experience. Don't think your PC gets all the glory, either. We're talking about some of the cool gaming desk accessories that every gamer should have on their desk. These gaming desk accessories are more than just high-tech splurges that collect dust. They take your play to the next level, boosting comfort and maximizing health, flexibility and, of course, style.

Check out the list below to start designing your gaming desk setup with our round-up of important gaming desk accessories.

Standing Desk

Most gamers spend their time behind the mouse seated in a gaming chair, but this can take a serious toll on your back and neck if your gaming desk height is not ideal. Poor posture is one of the most common ailments that affect gamers, but an ergonomic gaming desk can help correct this part of your gaming experience. With a standing desk, you can perform routine exercise, improve blood circulation and keep your spine and neck aligned.

Our Alpha Dual Sit and Stand Gaming Desk offers the best of both worlds, so you can adjust your gaming desk to suit your needs. Stay standing when you're exploring a new world, but easily sit down when the next boss battle gets serious.

For greater desk space, our Sigma L-shape gaming desk features a sit-stand frame that can hold even the most intense gaming setup. For streamers and YouTubers, this desk offers plenty of space for all your hardware and recording equipment. Now that you've got an adjustable height gaming desk setup, let's consider your gaming chair and enhance your gaming experience!

Ergonomic Chair

Another way to combat poor posture from gaming is to invest in an ergonomic chair. Both ergonomic gaming chairs and office ergonomic chairs are suitable to address posture issues, but the gaming chair you purchase should have the ability to adjust and customize its positioning. Many gaming chairs look cool, but they don't offer the flexibility and back support that an ergonomic office chair does. For that reason, you should avoid buying a gaming chair based on looks alone. Read up on ergonomic chairs' features to make sure that the gaming chair of your choice gives you the ability to adjust its arm rests, back and seat.

Monitor Arms and Stands

Your monitor stand should be eye-level to avoid the dreaded tech neck. Both standing desks and regular desks can support a monitor mount. There are single and dual monitor arms to suit every desk setup, whether you have just one monitor or a second monitor for gaming purposes. Your monitor stand or monitor mount is one of the most essential gaming desk accessories that allow you to correct poor posture, reduce neck strain and create a sleek design for your setup. Our monitor stand is all about creating a fluid gaming experience that can work for standing desks or seated models. Your gaming desk setup and every desk accessory should be adjustable, so you're always able to game however you want, whenever you want.

In-desk Wireless Charger

There are a lot of cool gaming desk accessories that don't have anything to do with the actual games. Instead, they're all about creating the perfect desk setup. Smartphones give gamers an easy way to access social media, look up helpful tips and walk-through guides without leaving the game. You can keep yours close by and fully charged at all times with in-desk power and chargers like the awesome Elsafe ARC-H surface charger desk accessory which attaches under your desk. No more needless cords have to clutter your space. All you have to do is place your smartphone on top of your desk and your phone will magically start charging. Don't forget to check out the compatibility for your smartphone model before buying any chargers for your gaming desk!

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sound is one of the most immersive features of many games, but it can be hindered by outside noise. Traffic, TVs and even just other members of the household talking can all filter in and disrupt your gaming experience with your team mates. A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones will give you the highest quality, surround-sound audio for greater immersion and better concentration. There are several variations on the market, including a wireless gaming headset and ones with built-in mics. Shop around to find one that suits your tastes and budget; we recommend a wireless gaming headset that goes over the head and fully covers the ears. This will block out the most noise and be more comfortable for long periods of time, as well as not have any pesky wires getting in the way of your game.

Headphone Stand

Once you've got your headphones, you don't just want to leave them thrown on your desk. This is a good way for the wires to get tangled and eventually start faulting out. A sleek headphone stand like our Desky Premium Headphone Stand will let you keep your gaming headset neatly arranged, and let's be honest, it looks pretty great, too. You'll feel like a pro every time you step into your game space and pluck your headphones off their dedicated stand.

If you stream, then you may have a gaming headset and other headphones that you use for different games. You may also be a tech-lover like us and own several models that work better for different types of sound. Whatever the case, a good stand will let you store them in style and always keep them close by.

Mouse Pad

If you have a gaming PC, then you likely have a pretty epic gaming mouse, too. But what's it resting on? A flat surface or book can lead to wrist strain and even slow down your response times, so going with a mouse pad is best. An ergonomic mouse pad offers ample support and a smooth glide that prevents carpal tunnel and keeps your cursor moving fluidly. Make sure that your one mouse pad also has a low-friction, easy-to-clean surface.

If you're the type of gamer that loves to play in a neon-lit, darkened room, then our LED gaming mouse pad could be the perfect fit. Not only is it an ergonomic mouse pad designed specially for gamers, its sleek, straightforward design is perfect for customizing your space.

Webcam/Camera for Streaming

If you stream or record videos, then you'll want to get a camera that captures you in full HD. Visibility among serious gamers is a fierce competition, which means quality makes all the difference. You can mount the camera on a stand or desk tripod that easily captures your face without impacting game performance; if you have a GoPro, it can easily double as a streaming camera. You just have to mount it at the right height for the perfect angle. Show 'em what a game face really looks like!

You should be able to sync your camera up with wireless headphones or a microphone to capture the highest quality sound footage with no problem. Most gamers who stream or record tend to use separate audio devices that produce higher quality sound. Having two copies of your gaming audio also prevents footage loss if one source is corrupted.

Cable Management System

Gaming desks tend to hold a lot more than just a mouse and keyboard. Between dual monitors, a camera, gaming headset and other accessories, you can quickly find yourself wrestling with a massive tangle of cords that are hard to keep organised. Integrated cable management organisers like a wire organizer that can clip right under your desk will make clean-up a cinch. You'll be able to neatly align all your cords, hook them up or disconnect without wondering what goes where. If you have an adjustable standing desk, then you'll especially want a wire organizer that allows for easy movement without accidental unplugging.

If you work from the same desk you game at, a cable management system and wire organizer is even more valuable. You'll never have to worry about cable clutter getting in the way of your job again. You'll also be able to easily disconnect anything work-related and switch to gamer mode after your shift ends just like many gamers who are truly hardcore.

LED Lighting

A desk lamp is one thing, but an LED gaming desk setup is another entirely. RGB lighting or LED lighting strips can easily transform your workspace into a gamer's paradise after hours. Our Desky Ergonomic T LED Gaming Desk takes your gaming to the next level with multi-coloured ambient lighting.

Prefer custom LED lighting? If you've always envied those neon-lit backgrounds on Twitch, then you may want to check out Nanoleaf. The smart lighting company makes incredible LED lighting and home decor that will help you craft the perfect gaming setup. Long gaming sessions in a dark room can lead to eye strain, but LED lighting offers soft illumination in a variety of soothing colours so you can select your ideal color combination.

As you choose lighting for your desk setup, consider your budget and space. In some cases, you may find a desk lamp is more effective for compact areas. The easiest alternative when it comes to LED lights is switching to an LED color bulb instead. You can even buy smart LED bulbs that can have their color and brightness adjusted through an app on your phone.

USB Hub

You'll always have a connection within arm's reach with a desk USB hub. Your phone, audio gadgets, desk lamp, controllers and other gaming accessories all need a USB port to charge, but the two average on gaming PCs aren't enough. A USB hub will allow you to have multiple devices connected at the same time without conflict. Using a hub with USB ports instead of multiple outlets can also be more energy efficient and its compact design means you'll have more space on your desk.

If you have a gaming PC, then a USB hub is also a great addition to your cable management system. While it may not be able to support every wire that comes across your desk, you can easily arrange it so it keeps wires from stretching every which way. If you game on your laptop, then a USB hub can allow you to connect several additional devices at a time. This means all the features of a keyboard, mouse and controller can all be used in tandem with multiple USB ports.

Compressed Air Cans

A keyboard can collect dust and dirt that impact performance and even cause some keys to stop working. Compressed air cans might not be the most impressive looking gaming accessories, but they make a huge difference. Compressed air can be used as a dust blower to remove any dirt and debris from your keyboard and other PC parts easily. You won't have to dismantle anything, and a few puffs of air can keep your gaming setup looking clean and new for years with this simple dust manager hack.

Gaming Mouse and Keyboard

A gaming keyboard allows you more surface area for you to move around, but it also tends to offer greater support and feedback. A gaming mouse is ergonomically designed for long gaming sessions that a typical mouse wouldn't be able to hold up to. There are tons of mouse and keyboard options out there for every level of gamer and style; look into some that have RGB lighting for reduced eye strain and a dash of style.

Some factors to consider when choosing a gaming keyboard and mouse are:

• The overall size and your desk space.
• Key layout and durability.
• Mechanical or membrane key technology.
• Mouse design and size in comparison to your dominant hand.
• Additional mouse buttons and scroll wheel.
• Wireless vs. wired gaming mouse with USB cable.
• RGB lighting and additional features.

Microphone Stand

Streamers and YouTubers will need a sturdy mic stand to capture their commentary without any mishaps. One of the gaming desk accessories you'll want if you share your gameplay is a mic stand. It can be adjusted to a standing desk, or you can move it around as you arrange your gaming setup. You can position it at the optimal distance to record your voice clearly without any static or breathy interference.

A microphone stand is a must-have for anyone who wants to get into streaming. If you've been using boxes, books or other homemade substitutes, you're prone to falls and disruptions that throw off your entire stream. If you make videos, one slip or bang can mess up the entire footage. A mic stand makes a huge difference, and you'll find the streaming experience much more enjoyable with one always within arm's reach.

Stream Deck

Anyone who's ever tried to stream before knows it's not just plug and play. Streaming requires multitasking. You're a gamer, entertainer and content creator. If you are partnered or aspiring to be, a stream deck could help you take your channel to the next level. Ever wonder how the pro Twitch streamers manage everything so flawlessly? It's all thanks to this handy piece of hardware.

A stream deck is something you'll find on many gaming desks, but you might not know what it is at first glance. It seems complicated, but the UI isn't as intimidating as it appears at first glance. With a stream deck, you can streamline your entire setup to be operated with the press of a button. OSB, Twitch, YouTube and more tools are all able to be connected to your deck. Audio devices can also be easily switched on and off for instant capture. All in all, this is a great investment for the streamer who wants to wow their audience and create flawless content.

Your Game, Your Rules

There is an infinite realm of creative possibilities when designing your ultimate gaming desk setup. Whether you've got an entire room dedicated to playing or just want to deck out a nook in your apartment with the best gaming desk accessories, we've got everything you need. From wire organizers to LED lights and other desk accessories, we hope this post inspired you to upgrade your desk setup. Shop our Desky range of products now to find the gaming desk of your dreams.

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/best-gaming-desk-accessories

How To Organise Messy Cables, Cords & Wires Under Your Desk

You've probably heard the old adage 'tidy desk, tidy mind': but from where we're standing, keeping your desk space free from clutter can give you so much more than peace of mind. Computer cables are not only unsightly and distracting; they can be downright dangerous.

The point is, if you're working in the office, bad cable management can not only lead to accidents, but give your boss the impression you're lazy and disorganized - and perhaps even not to be relied upon. And god forbid they trip over an errant cable!

If you're working from home, you don't want cables and wires messing up the place. Nor do you want to be face planting each time you pass the desk. Learning how to organize cables under desk, luckily, isn't that difficult at all.

Read on for step by step instructions, tips to follow and oodles of cable management ideas to try, from zip ties, tape and wooden boxes with an opening, to dedicated cable channels. Learning how to hide cables effectively could be your route to a superior desk setup (with very little investment!).

Steps

Unplug Everything

This might seem obvious, but the first step in upgrading your cable management is unplugging the lot, including the power strip from the wall. Once the power strip is empty, you are not only safe from electrocution, but you will actually be able to untangle your cables, which is kind of important.

Once your plugs are all unplugged, it's time to get thinking. Having a plan is essential before you begin to hide wires and declutter your workspace. You now have a clean slate to work from, so it's time to reimagine your workspace.

Sort What You Need and Visualise The Best Route

Identify each and every device that needs plugging in, and then think about where each of these are best positioned on your desk. You want the cable to run from machine to power strip without crossing over too many other cables. Ideally you should conceal the cables underneath the desk, with no cable hanging where it can be snagged.

How exactly this will work will depend on your personal desk setup, so you need to organize cables dependent on this. How you mount your monitors and position your computer and keyboard will directly effect your decision making here. With this in mind, you should be able to plan where each cord needs to go.

Also think about the route from the power strip, across the ground to the plug on the wall. Power cords need to be positioned carefully and secured to the wall, or to the floor when they pass across the ground. The point here is safety and avoiding hazards that can lead to serious accidents.

If you have a standing desk, you need to consider the fact that your desktop will be raised, so keeping your power strip under the desk makes the most sense. Many desk cable management systems are purpose made to do this very job, so maybe visualise one of these too.

But of course, if you're more hands on then you might prefer to use zip ties and masking tape to secure your cables. Whatever you're imagining, get this bit right before you use zip ties to hide cords.

Think about all the extras you need to organize too: where will you plug in your charging cord if you sometimes use your laptop? Not to mention your smartphone chargers, speaker, lamps, and all the other things you need to organize and make your workspace complete. You want to be able to hide as much as you can.

Position Your Power Boards

With Desky's integrated cable management and power strip channel, moving the power boards is super easy for a reason: positioning your power boards is killer if you want the best cable management setup. If you have your tower off to the left and your monitors central, you don't want the cables running right across to a power strip on the right.

It might seem obvious, but you'd be amazed how many desk cable management setups get this wrong. You'll also want to think about mounting the wire from the power strip to the wall. Ideally you want to mount the cable to the floor between the desk and the plug to minimise trip hazards, so make sure your all-round positioning leaves a little bit of room.

Shorten Up Your Cables

Now, even if you nail the two points above here, you are often going to have excess cable. That's where velcro strips, twist ties, and cable ties can all play a role. Zip ties are useful not only to secure your cables to table legs, you can shorten your cables by doubling and then securing however you see fit.

Some prefer velcro for the flexibility and ease of removal, and if you often move your set up around they're ideal - but perhaps a little less secure than a more traditional cable or twist tie.

Label Your Wires

We've probably all got a memory of trying to trace a cable back through the tangle from the power strip, to find out what in fact it is powering. We all have to get under desk and fiddle about sometimes, so why not do your future self a favor and label your wires, saving a lot of hassle and (hopefully) banged heads.

Tools To Help Organise Your Messy Cords Behind Your Desk

Under Desk Cable Management Trays

To keep your cables out of sight and mind, under desk cable management organizers are the go-to for standing and static desk users alike. Integrating the power strip into the cable management via screws means that all the cables that would otherwise stick out the back of your desk will be replaced with one from the power strip to the wall. If you are sick of the mess of cords and want an easy solution, this could well be for you.

Desky's Integrated Cable and Power Channel, and Cable and Power Tray both have this capacity. It brings together all of our best cable management ideas into one integrated and easy to use system. For those who want something a little simpler though, the Desky Prodigy Cable Management Basket will keep all the cables out of the way (but you'll have to think of where to plug them in).

Cable Grommets

Cable grommets are probably the most common and a great way of funneling the cables off of your desktop to the plugs beneath. If you're scratching your head as to what a cable grommet is, well you've probably seen the little round thing at the back of some desks with a cover-able hole - that's the guy. Those little holes are meant to help you organize your cables.

Cable grommets save you stretching your wires around the back of your desk and keep the whole thing looking nice and neat. Combined with under desk cable management, they are key to providing a seamless route from your devices to the plug in the wall.

Cable Organiser Strips

You can think of these like a pared-back cable tray, doing the same job only on a smaller scale to avoid mess. Cable organiser strips are useful for very small setups, where less is more, and much larger setups, where even cable management trays need a helping hand carrying the cords the distance to the power strip.

Adhesive Cable Clips/Velcro Strips

For those who prefer slightly less engineered solutions, you can of course use adhesive cable clips and velcro strips instead of, or alongside all of the above. They're great for keeping wires flush to desk legs, and your monitor and computer cable out of harm's way.

They're also great to help shorten wire length, and can be used to bundle excess cable to help hide it from view. And they're extra useful if your desk is not fitted with a grommet, to keep the cables neat and out of the way of errant hands (thus keeping your monitor on the desk).

Another advantage of these, and more lo-fi solutions like zip ties and cable ties, is that they allow you to change configurations easily and frequently.

Wooden Box

For those on a budget, a simple wooden box with holes at various ends can do the job. You can place a powerboard inside the box and individual cables can be fed through the holes, with wires neatly hidden inside the box and kept safe behind your desk. Arguably not the easiest way of doing the job as you would need to carefully fit all your cables inside the box, but for those with the inclination a perfectly viable option.

Cord Protector / Cord Sleeves

With the best will (and cable management) in the world, your cables can still get damaged. Cord protectors and cord sleeves can wrap your cables and pick up the slack where your desk cable management can't reach, protecting from wear and tear, and the cord wrap will shield from damage should an accident occur.

Cable Management for Standing Desks

There's no doubt that setting up a standing desk requires a little more thought than its static forefather. Your monitor and keyboard placement needs to work for the times when you're sitting and when you're standing.

For many this necessitates the mounting of monitors, and many choose to use adjustable monitor arms to mount their screens. This means that it's not only your standing desk that needs to be mobile, the components of the best desk setup need to be able to move freely up and down too.

For this reason, standing desks, more than any other, other require careful and thoughtful cable management, for example, under desk cable management that will mount to your desk with screws. The last thing you want when you raise your desk is to have your power strip rooted to the floor, any more than you want all of your individual power cables stretched to capacity when standing. You'll never have to worry about individual cable length again when you organize cables with a cable channel mounted under your desk.

This is why our Desky integrated cable and power channel exists with holes for your cables. When you're mounting your power strip under the desk with screws instead of placing it on the wall or floor, no matter what elevation you have your standing desk at, your individual cables will be effortlessly moved up and down together with your desk top. A single power strip will also make it easier to switch power on and off.

Why Organise The Wires Behind Your Desk?

Safety

Slips, trips and falls account for the majority of office accidents, and guess what: loose cables are one of the main culprits. Loose wire in the work place, and your personal workspace, can easily lead to a fall, and if you're unlucky, an injury.

Of course, in communal settings this is the most important. Cables throughout the office should be hidden or secured firmly to floors or walls where possible. But cable management starts with your desk and your work space.

Cables hanging out of the back of desks are a potential hazard to anyone passing by, and any loose power cables on the floor could easily trip a passerby (or you). Having the power cut from your computer is one thing, but explaining to your boss why Julie from accounts is in hospital is quite another.

And with more and more of us working from home, for many that means children running around in the same space as your desk with the risk of tripping over cable clutter or unplugging the internet by accident. Do the right thing and tape or tuck those cables out of harm's way - you'll also free up so much space.

First Impressions

You've heard this one before: but first impressions do count. Whether it's a client, your boss or colleagues, or a visitor to your home, no one will be impressed to see a bunch of uncontrolled connection wires hanging from your computer.

If you want to give the impression of someone who knows what they're doing, you need to have at least mastered your own desk. A properly thought through desk setup will organize cables in a tidy manner and have all devices plugged in neatly on the underside of their desk, out of sight, showing you to be someone who is control of their environment.

Durability

A good desk is an investment. So is a PC, and all the accessories you're putting together for your workspace. So of course, these are all things that you want to last for as long as possible. Whether it's your room at home or the office, your equipment can easily be damaged.

Making sure your wires and cables are out of the way when plugged in will protect your setup and help it last into the future.

Calm Your Inner OCD

As I said earlier, a tidy desk = a tidy mind. If you're like me, you'll feel uneasy and around tangled cords and untidy cabling. In just the same way I need to keep my monitor aligned exactly with my desk, and my mousepad perfectly aligned too (for no good reason), I need those cables neatly tucked up and out of my view, preferably on the underside or edge of my standing desk.

You might be surprised by the zen-like qualities of proper desk cable management. There's the peace of mind from knowing you're not creating a any hazards of course, and that your clients or colleagues won't be criticising your unsightly workstation as you sit or stand. But there's also the simple satisfaction of knowing everything's in its right place.

Saves Time

When you do need to get under your desk and start pulling out cables, you're going to need a lot more time to unplug and untangle them when you organize, if they're a tangled mess. Properly organized and labelled cables however are a dream to unplug and replace, and you'll thank yourself for having been so thoughtful.

With proper, thoughtful cable management and the tips we've shared above, there is no need for mess or clutter when you connect your devices. It's easy to declutter and organize your workspace with so many cable management options available. Not only will it help you project the professional image you want at work and increase productivity, it could keep you, your colleagues or even your family safe from harm. So if you still have a mess of wires behind your desk, perhaps now is the point that you should tidy up and make the switch to dedicated cable management. Good luck! Take a look at the Desky Australia range of standing desks and cable management accessories and remove clutter today.

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-organise-cables-under-desk

How To Organise Messy Cables, Cords & Wires Under Your Desk

You've probably heard the old adage 'tidy desk, tidy mind': but from where we're standing, keeping your desk space free from clutter can give you so much more than peace of mind. Computer cables are not only unsightly and distracting; they can be downright dangerous.

The point is, if you're working in the office, bad cable management can not only lead to accidents, but give your boss the impression you're lazy and disorganized - and perhaps even not to be relied upon. And god forbid they trip over an errant cable!

If you're working from home, you don't want cables and wires messing up the place. Nor do you want to be face planting each time you pass the desk. Learning how to organize cables under desk, luckily, isn't that difficult at all.

Read on for step by step instructions, tips to follow and oodles of cable management ideas to try, from zip ties, tape and wooden boxes with an opening, to dedicated cable channels. Learning how to hide cables effectively could be your route to a superior desk setup (with very little investment!).

Steps

Unplug Everything

This might seem obvious, but the first step in upgrading your cable management is unplugging the lot, including the power strip from the wall. Once the power strip is empty, you are not only safe from electrocution, but you will actually be able to untangle your cables, which is kind of important.

Once your plugs are all unplugged, it's time to get thinking. Having a plan is essential before you begin to hide wires and declutter your workspace. You now have a clean slate to work from, so it's time to reimagine your workspace.

Sort What You Need and Visualise The Best Route

Identify each and every device that needs plugging in, and then think about where each of these are best positioned on your desk. You want the cable to run from machine to power strip without crossing over too many other cables. Ideally you should conceal the cables underneath the desk, with no cable hanging where it can be snagged.

How exactly this will work will depend on your personal desk setup, so you need to organize cables dependent on this. How you mount your monitors and position your computer and keyboard will directly effect your decision making here. With this in mind, you should be able to plan where each cord needs to go.

Also think about the route from the power strip, across the ground to the plug on the wall. Power cords need to be positioned carefully and secured to the wall, or to the floor when they pass across the ground. The point here is safety and avoiding hazards that can lead to serious accidents.

If you have a standing desk, you need to consider the fact that your desktop will be raised, so keeping your power strip under the desk makes the most sense. Many desk cable management systems are purpose made to do this very job, so maybe visualise one of these too.

But of course, if you're more hands on then you might prefer to use zip ties and masking tape to secure your cables. Whatever you're imagining, get this bit right before you use zip ties to hide cords.

Think about all the extras you need to organize too: where will you plug in your charging cord if you sometimes use your laptop? Not to mention your smartphone chargers, speaker, lamps, and all the other things you need to organize and make your workspace complete. You want to be able to hide as much as you can.

Position Your Power Boards

With Desky's integrated cable management and power strip channel, moving the power boards is super easy for a reason: positioning your power boards is killer if you want the best cable management setup. If you have your tower off to the left and your monitors central, you don't want the cables running right across to a power strip on the right.

It might seem obvious, but you'd be amazed how many desk cable management setups get this wrong. You'll also want to think about mounting the wire from the power strip to the wall. Ideally you want to mount the cable to the floor between the desk and the plug to minimise trip hazards, so make sure your all-round positioning leaves a little bit of room.

Shorten Up Your Cables

Now, even if you nail the two points above here, you are often going to have excess cable. That's where velcro strips, twist ties, and cable ties can all play a role. Zip ties are useful not only to secure your cables to table legs, you can shorten your cables by doubling and then securing however you see fit.

Some prefer velcro for the flexibility and ease of removal, and if you often move your set up around they're ideal - but perhaps a little less secure than a more traditional cable or twist tie.

Label Your Wires

We've probably all got a memory of trying to trace a cable back through the tangle from the power strip, to find out what in fact it is powering. We all have to get under desk and fiddle about sometimes, so why not do your future self a favor and label your wires, saving a lot of hassle and (hopefully) banged heads.

Tools To Help Organise Your Messy Cords Behind Your Desk

Under Desk Cable Management Trays

To keep your cables out of sight and mind, under desk cable management trays are the go-to for standing and static desk users alike. Integrating the power strip into the cable management via screws means that all the cables that would otherwise stick out the back of your desk will be replaced with one from the power strip to the wall. If you are sick of the mess of cords and want an easy solution, this could well be for you.

Desky's Integrated Cable and Power Channel, and Cable and Power Tray both have this capacity. It brings together all of our best cable management ideas into one integrated and easy to use system. For those who want something a little simpler though, the Desky Prodigy Cable Management Basket will keep all the cables out of the way (but you'll have to think of where to plug them in).

Cable Grommets

Cable grommets are probably the most common and a great way of funneling the cables off of your desktop to the plugs beneath. If you're scratching your head as to what a cable grommet is, well you've probably seen the little round thing at the back of some desks with a cover-able hole - that's the guy. Those little holes are meant to help you organize your cables.

Cable grommets save you stretching your wires around the back of your desk and keep the whole thing looking nice and neat. Combined with under desk cable management, they are key to providing a seamless route from your devices to to the plug in the wall.

Cable Organiser Strips

You can think of these like a pared-back cable tray, doing the same job only on a smaller scale to avoid mess. Cable organiser strips are useful for very small setups, where less is more, and much larger setups, where even cable management trays need a helping hand carrying the cords the distance to the power strip.

Adhesive Cable Clips/Velcro Strips

For those who prefer slightly less engineered solutions, you can of course use adhesive cable clips and velcro strips instead of, or alongside all of the above. They're great for keeping wires flush to desk legs, and your monitor and computer cable out of harm's way.

They're also great to help shorten wire length, and can be used to bundle excess cable to help hide it from view. And they're extra useful if your desk is not fitted with a grommet, to keep the cables neat and out of the way of errant hands (thus keeping your monitor on the desk).

Another advantage of these, and more lo-fi solutions like zip ties and cable ties, is that they allow you to change configurations easily and frequently.

Wooden Box

For those on a budget, a simple wooden box with holes at various ends can do the job. You can place a powerboard inside the box and individual cables can be fed through the holes, with wires neatly hidden inside the box and kept safe behind your desk. Arguably not the easiest way of doing the job as you would need to carefully fit all your cables inside the box, but for those with the inclination a perfectly viable option.

Cord Protector / Cord Sleeves

With the best will (and cable management) in the world, your cables can still get damaged. Cord protectors and cord sleeves can wrap your cables and pick up the slack where your desk cable management can't reach, protecting from wear and tear, and the cord wrap will shield from damage should an accident occur.

Cable Management for Standing Desks

There's no doubt that setting up a standing desk requires a little more thought than its static forefather. Your monitor and keyboard placement needs to work for the times when you're sitting and when you're standing.

For many this necessitates the mounting of monitors, and many choose to use adjustable monitor arms to mount their screens. This means that it's not only your standing desk that needs to be mobile, the components of the best desk setup need to be able to move freely up and down too.

For this reason, standing desks, more than any other, other require careful and thoughtful cable management, for example, under desk cable management that will mount to your desk with screws. The last thing you want when you raise your desk is to have your power strip rooted to the floor, any more than you want all of your individual power cables stretched to capacity when standing. You'll never have to worry about individual cable length again when you organize cables with a cable channel mounted under your desk.

This is why our Desky integrated cable and power channel exists with holes for your cables. When you're mounting your power strip under the desk with screws instead of placing it on the wall or floor, no matter what elevation you have your standing desk at, your individual cables will be effortlessly moved up and down together with your desk top. A single power strip will also make it easier to switch power on and off.

Why Organise The Wires Behind Your Desk?

Safety

Slips, trips and falls account for the majority of office accidents, and guess what: loose cables are one of the main culprits. Loose wire in the work place, and your personal workspace, can easily lead to a fall, and if you're unlucky, an injury.

Of course, in communal settings this is the most important. Cables throughout the office should be hidden or secured firmly to floors or walls where possible. But cable management starts with your desk and your work space.

Cables hanging out of the back of desks are a potential hazard to anyone passing by, and any loose power cables on the floor could easily trip a passerby (or you). Having the power cut from your computer is one thing, but explaining to your boss why Julie from accounts is in hospital is quite another.

And with more and more of us working from home, for many that means children running around in the same space as your desk with the risk of tripping over cable clutter or unplugging the internet by accident. Do the right thing and tape or tuck those cables out of harm's way - you'll also free up so much space.

First Impressions

You've heard this one before: but first impressions do count. Whether it's a client, your boss or colleagues, or a visitor to your home, no one will be impressed to see a bunch of uncontrolled connection wires hanging from your computer.

If you want to give the impression of someone who knows what they're doing, you need to have at least mastered your own desk. A properly thought through desk setup will organize cables in a tidy manner and have all devices plugged in neatly on the underside of their desk, out of sight, showing you to be someone who is control of their environment.

Durability

A good desk is an investment. So is a PC, and all the accessories you're putting together for your workspace. So of course, these are all things that you want to last for as long as possible. Whether it's your room at home or the office, your equipment can easily be damaged.

Making sure your wires and cables are out of the way when plugged in will protect your setup and help it last into the future.

Calm Your Inner OCD

As I said earlier, a tidy desk = a tidy mind. If you're like me, you'll feel uneasy and around tangled cords and untidy cabling. In just the same way I need to keep my monitor aligned exactly with my desk, and my mousepad perfectly aligned too (for no good reason), I need those cables neatly tucked up and out of my view, preferably on the underside or edge of my standing desk.

You might be surprised by the zen-like qualities of proper desk cable management. There's the peace of mind from knowing you're not creating a any hazards of course, and that your clients or colleagues won't be criticising your unsightly workstation as you sit or stand. But there's also the simple satisfaction of knowing everything's in its right place.

Saves Time

When you do need to get under your desk and start pulling out cables, you're going to need a lot more time to unplug and untangle them when you organize, if they're a tangled mess. Properly organized and labelled cables however are a dream to unplug and replace, and you'll thank yourself for having been so thoughtful.

With proper, thoughtful cable management and the tips we've shared above, there is no need for mess or clutter when you connect your devices. It's easy to declutter and organize your workspace with so many cable management options available. Not only will it help you project the professional image you want at work and increase productivity, it could keep you, your colleagues or even your family safe from harm. So if you still have a mess of wires behind your desk, perhaps now is the point that you should tidy up and make the switch to dedicated cable management. Good luck! Take a look at the Desky range of standing desks and cable management accessories and remove clutter today.

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/cable-management-under-desk

Desky L-Shaped Sit Stand Desk Overview

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The Best Desk Setup For Productivity with 10 Tips for Success

For many of us, the switch to working from home has been a blessing and challenge rolled up in one. While we love the flexibility (hello, PJs as professional attire), we can't deny there are a lot more struggles than we usually encounter while in the office. From kids to pets to social media notifications, there are a lot of distractions vying for our attention at all times. If there are remote work challenges like poor communication or mismanagement, attention can wane even faster. You may find yourself watching the clock creep toward noon and realize you haven't accomplished a thing.

Productivity is an ongoing process. It's all about finding your flow and being "in the zone." People tend to measure productivity in terms of output, but it is so much more than that. Productivity is fluid, and it can be improved anytime by making some changes to your environment. You may be amazed to notice the impact that having a proper work environment has on your ability to stay on task.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to create the best desk setup for productivity. We'll start with the basic elements every home office should have; then, we'll dive into the details of desk organisation so you can build the perfect standing desk setup with ergonomic chair for your home.

1. Improve Your Lighting

When you're choosing a spot for your desk setup, aim to be as close to a window as possible. We may spend most of our days in front of a computer, but the human mind and body were built to respond to natural light. Natural light exposure is important for maintaining energy throughout the day, staying motivated and combating depression. Even if you prefer to work after normal business hours, the right lighting plays a huge role in your productivity and reduce eye strain. If you can work by multiple windows, that's even better.

Because you only have a set amount of daylight to work with, you should choose your peak work hours wisely. Even if you are able to break up your schedule, opt to do your most essential tasks when there is ample natural light.

Artificial lighting is equally important. When you're setting up your home office and standing desk, choose the right desk lamp and accent lighting for your line of work. For example, if you make or edit videos or photos, then you'll want a softer light than someone who is analyzing data all day. You may even want to go with an LED desk lamp that has multiple intensity and color temperature settings. This will allow you to adjust your lighting to suit your task and mood.

2. Add Greenery

You might not think plants are key players in productive desk setup, but they actually have a major benefit. Keeping some plant life around the house boosts your mood, which directly impacts your productivity. Green plants are also natural air purifiers. If you sit inside most days, your home is prone to gathering more dust, dander and dirt than it would if you were out of the house.

In addition to naturally improving your indoor air quality, plants can lower stress, increase energy and leave you feeling more positive overall. You don't have to be a green thumb to keep them healthy, either. There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that have a big impact. Check out aloe vera, spider plant, snake plant and, of course, the world's favorite desk plant, succulents. All they need is plenty of natural light and the occasional watering.

3. Take Breaks

Blood circulation is a critical component of well being, but many of us spend hours at a time hunched in front of a computer with little to no movement. Make sure that you schedule frequent breaks to move your body. You should also incorporate some desk exercises that you can do from your chair or perform at a standing desk.

Speaking of standing desks, you should look for one with an adjustable height. While standing desks do promote good posture and greater energy, you likely won't want to be at one for six to 10 hours a day. When you're ready to relax a bit, you can lower the height while keeping your standing desk setup in place.

Routine breaks should be all about movement, so avoid just picking up your phone and scrolling through social media. In fact, the best thing to do is step away from screens entirely. Refresh your eyes, drink some water and, when you can, step outside for a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine.

4. Keep Your Workspace Clean

Have you ever found yourself dreading going to work because your desk is a mess? For maximum productivity, prioritise organization. It doesn't matter if you have an entire room for your home office or only a desk in the corner of your living room; you can take advantage of as much space as you have. Start with the essentials. Look into a monitor riser to clear some room on your messy desk. This instantly frees up the surface while simultaneously encouraging proper posture while typing.

Keep office supplies in baskets, drawer units and any other organisation tools you can find. Research suggests that a messy desk negatively impacts work performance and increases stress. On the other hand, an organised desk brings a greater sense of control. Through personalisation, you can create a space that you take pride in and naturally feel more inspired to work in.

A clean surface is the most productive desk setup regardless of your personal tastes. You can instantly boost job satisfaction by creating an area that's pleasurable to work in. Spend time keeping your work space clutter free so you can always feel on top of your game.

How to Organise Your Desk

Now that you know the importance of having a clutter free standing desk surface, it's time to address the best way to go about organisation. Everyone's work space will differ, but there are some general tips to keep in mind at the same time as you work toward the most productive desk setup.

Keep Commonly Used Items Close

Your keyboard and mouse, planner and office supplies should always be within reaching distance. What's most important is to give each of them their proper place so you're never digging through a pile of papers or knocking over coffee mugs in search of something. When everything is in its proper place, you'll naturally fall into a flow that makes you more productive.

The organisation doesn't stop at your physical workspace, either. Part of desk organisation includes keeping your computer's desktop nice and neat so that you have adequate space for your keyboard and mouse. Don't cram dozens of files with random names into one space. Make folders, sub-folders and clearly label everything so you can always find whatever you need. Don't let incoming papers languish in a messy, permanent stack - ensure they are sorted daily. Having a monitor arm can also help free up precious desk space, not to mention helping to position your laptop screen or monitor at your ideal height.

Store Everything You Don't Need to Work Somewhere Else

Personalisation is nice, but if your standing desk is constantly cluttered with things you don't need, it can become a huge source of stress and distraction. You need a clearly defined system that stops a disorganised desk in its tracks; no more mail, plates, cups or anything else that gets in the way of the best desk setup for productivity.

You have to treat your existing desk setup like your work station, because that's exactly what it is. Your tasks may be performed on a computer, but the attitude, energy and focus you need to get the job done all stems from the environment you're in.

5. Limit Your Personal Items

We've talked about personalisation as a benefit to desk organisation, but make sure you are conscious about the pieces you choose. This is a place of work, not a playroom, so avoid filling your desk or office with so many trinkets that it becomes cluttered and distracting. Consider your identity at work. What makes you feel the most confident and inspired? These are what you want around you. The best desk setups are clean, open and have a few personal items that lift your spirits without drawing your attention away from work.

6. Organise Cables

Using cable ties and cable management channels can keep your technology and desk setups organised. At Desky, we make affordable, easy-to-use cable management channels that are perfect for home office organization. With less cable clutter, your desk space will be easier to clean as well.

7. Buy a Comfortable Ergonomic Chair

Posture makes a huge difference in productivity, and setting up your ergonomic office chair to be ergonomically correct is an important part of the perfect desk setup at your home office. Before you get there, though, you will have to first find the right desk chair for you.

A good office chair has an adjustable height that allows you to remain sitting straight. A posture effective chair promotes good posture and positions your hands roughly parallel to the mouse and keyboard. There are also ergonomic keyboards that help prevent strain to your wrist or arm muscles.

Avoid any so-called ergonomic chairs that offer no lumbar support. Sitting on a stool or backless chair can cause you to lean forward, putting strain on your neck. Likewise, this posture can also result in shoulder knots and back pain. You should also be able to comfortably cross your legs when sitting.

Here are a few tips for setting up your ergonomic office chair:

• Set the seat height to keep feet flat on the ground. If you can't reach the floor, use a footrest.
• Adjust the backrest to provide some space between your knees and the chair. Approximately 1 inch is suitable.
• Try different lumbar support settings until you find one that is comfortable for you.
• Keep armrests level; your elbows comfortably rest on them at all times, keeping your arms at your sides rather than reaching forward.
• If your chair has a headrest, make sure that it is straight. Your neck should be balanced above your shoulders rather than extended forward or leaning back.
• If your monitor screen is too low, a monitor arm can be helpful in order to prevent eye strain.
• Laptop users can consider a laptop riser as well as an ergonomic keyboard so your laptop screen will be at the ideal height for you.

8. Stay Hydrated

If there's one thing everyone should always focus on doing throughout the day, it's drinking enough water. Between coffee, tea and energy drinks, you may think you already get enough hydration, but you'd be wrong. Hydration from pure H20 is incomparable; no amount of coffee is going to make up for a lack of water.

Your body needs to be hydrated to feel refreshed and energized; did you know that caffeine actually has a dehydrating effect? Your refills from the coffee pot can actually worsen your hydration levels, so you should aim for no more than two cups of Joe each day. Instead, keep a refillable water bottle by your side. You can even download a hydration app that sends helpful reminders to pause and replenish.

By drinking enough water, you'll find your energy levels more stable, stress lower and productivity improved. Being hydrated can also help prevent fatigue, lower stress and even diminish anxiety. You should always look to your body first when treating psychological symptoms. Many times, our minds are telling us that what we're feeling indicates a deficiency somewhere in the body and can unconsciously decrease our work performance.

9. Breathe

You might be surprised at how shallow and tense your breathing can become when you're focused on work. Deep breathing is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to reduce stress anytime, anywhere. There are tons of variations you can try, but you don't have to memorize any fancy routine to experience the benefits. Also try these simple neck and shoulder stretches while at your desk to prevent shoulder pain.

Here is a simple deep breathing exercise anyone can do:

• Adjust your posture so your neck is straight.
• Lower your shoulders, noticing any tension and releasing it as you relax the muscles.
• Inhale through your nose, slowly until you have taken as deep of a breath as you can.
• Hold for three to five seconds.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth, making a "wooshing" sound.
• Repeat two to three times whenever you feel stressed.

Through deep breathing exercises, you can reduce stress (which results in increased blood pressure) and stay focused throughout the day more easily. Sometimes, when we are caught up in our own anxieties, we feel it's better to push ourselves hard than step back. While perseverance is an excellent and important tool, it's equally important to take pause and restore your balance.

In addition to giving you a sense of calmness and control, deep breathing has many benefits for your health. Research suggests that deep breathing can slow your heartbeat, lower blood pressure and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

10. Keep the Noise Down

Whether it's traffic outside, kids playing or dogs barking, limit your noise pollution as much as possible. Noise distracts your attention and can even increase your stress if you're constantly trying to ignore unpleasant sounds. You should also consider the effect that your favorite music might have on your productivity and ideal workspace.

Some sounds can make you feel energized and inspired, and you can easily zone out for hours while you work to the beat. But other times, music you use to tune out other noises around you can prove equally distracting.

Sometimes, the most effective solution is to put on white noise instead. White noise sounds are available on YouTube for free, and they can be a flat, gentle static, the whir of a fan, the thrum of an airplane engine and many other soft sounds. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that ambient noise may enhance creative cognition. In other words, white noise might help you become more creative and can play a part in the best desk setup for productivity.

Even if your job doesn't require any sort of artistic expression, minimizing distractions to stay focused can maximize productivity, keep your stress low and make work more enjoyable. Take a look at our range of standing desks and desk accessories and build your ideal setup for productivity today.

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/best-desk-setup-productivity