Desk Accessories That Actually Matter

Look, I’ll be honest with you. A few years ago, my “office” was basically a folding table from Target and whatever chair I could find on Craigslist. My neck was constantly sore, my productivity was… questionable, and don’t even get me started on the cable situation under my desk.

But here’s the thing – you don’t need to spend thousands to create a workspace that doesn’t make you want to quit by 2 PM. I’ve tried a bunch of stuff over the years (some hits, some definite misses), and these are the accessories that actually moved the needle.

The Desk: Your Foundation

Honestly, I think the Ikea Bekant is super underrated. Yeah, it’s basic, but it’s sturdy and you can’t beat the price. I’ve had mine for three years now and it’s held up great.

If you’re feeling fancy, standing desks are pretty cool. Just don’t expect to become one of those people who stands all day immediately. I definitely had to work up to it. Started with maybe 30 minutes here and there.

The key thing? Make sure it’s deep enough. Trust me on this one – you want at least 24 inches of depth so your monitor isn’t right in your face.

Ergonomic Chair: Where Your Back Lives

This is where you should probably spend the most money, if we’re being real. Your back is with you for life, so…

I get it though – good ergonomic chairs are expensive. If you can swing it, something like a Herman Miller Aeron or Steelcase Leap is worth it. But if that’s not happening, at least look for something with lumbar support and adjustable everything.

Pro tip: check Facebook Marketplace for used office chairs. Companies upgrade all the time and sell their old stuff cheap.

Monitor Setup: Bigger (Usually) Better

Once you go dual monitor, you can’t go back. That’s just science.

But seriously, even one decent 24-27 inch monitor will change your life if you’re currently squinting at a laptop screen all day. I picked up a refurbished Dell on Amazon for like $150 and it’s been solid.

4K sounds fancy, but honestly? For most people, 1080p is totally fine. Save your money for other stuff.

Monitor Mounts: Game Changer

This might sound dramatic, but getting a monitor arm was probably the single best upgrade I made to my setup.

Being able to adjust the height and angle throughout the day is huge. Plus, you get all that desk space back underneath. I went with a basic VIVO dual monitor stand from Amazon – nothing fancy, but it does the job.

Just make sure your desk can handle it. Some of those thin Ikea tops can be a bit wobbly with heavier setups.

Mousepad: Yes, It Actually Matters

I used to think mousepads were just… decorative? Turns out a good one makes a real difference, especially if you’re doing any kind of precise work.

Extended mousepads are where it’s at. You know, the long ones that fit under both your mouse and keyboard. Keeps everything lined up and your wrist happy.

I’ve got some random one from SteelSeries that’s been through coffee spills and everything else. Still going strong.

Mechanical Keyboard: The Satisfying Click

Okay, this one’s a bit of a rabbit hole. Fair warning.

Mechanical keyboards feel amazing to type on, but they can be loud. Like, really loud. I learned this the hard way during video calls. Look for ones with “quiet” or “silent” switches if you share space with other humans.

You don’t need to spend $200 either. There are solid options under $100 that’ll still make typing feel way better than whatever membrane keyboard you’re probably using now.

Lighting: Your Eyes Will Thank You

Desk lamps are underrated. Having good lighting that isn’t just overhead fluorescents makes such a difference for eye strain.

I’ve got one of those LED desk lamps with different color temperatures. Warmer light in the evening, cooler during the day. Sounds gimmicky but it actually helps.

If you’re on video calls a lot, consider a ring light or even just a decent lamp behind your monitor. Nobody wants to look like they’re in witness protection during meetings.

Speakers: Because Laptop Audio is Terrible

Let’s be real – laptop speakers are pretty much designed to just let you know there’s supposed to be sound happening.

You don’t need studio monitors or anything crazy. Even a basic pair of desktop speakers or some decent headphones will make music and calls way more enjoyable.

I picked up some Logitech speakers for like $30 and they’re infinitely better than built-in audio. Sometimes simple upgrades are the best ones.

Cable Management: The Unsung Hero

This one’s not glamorous, but dealing with cable chaos will improve your life in ways you didn’t expect.

Some velcro ties, maybe a under-desk cable tray, and suddenly your setup looks intentional instead of like spaghetti exploded under your desk.

I’m still not perfect at this (there’s definitely some questionable routing happening behind my monitor), but even basic organization helps a ton.

The Real Talk

Here’s the thing – you don’t need to buy everything at once. I built my setup over like two years, upgrading pieces when the old stuff annoyed me enough or when I found a good deal.

Start with the chair and monitor situation. Those make the biggest immediate difference. Everything else you can add as you figure out what actually bugs you about your current setup.

And honestly? The best accessory is just keeping your space clean and organized. A cluttered desk makes everything feel more stressful, even if you’ve got all the fancy gear.

Your future self will thank you for investing in a setup that doesn’t make you want to work from the couch all the time. Trust me on this one.