ikea desk tour

Ultimate Ikea Desk Setup Guide

Tomas Sedurskas November 18, 2023 8 min read

Introduction

I’m thrilled to share insights, tips, and personal anecdotes to elevate your workspace. Whether you’re a novice seeking the perfect desk or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, this guide, centered around the keyword “Ikea desk setup,” is your go-to resource for creating a productive and personalized workspace.

For some inspiration, we prepared this case study based on an IKEA desk setup by Tom Rich . You can watch the full video and leave a like to appreciate the great work on this setup.

The content creator, operating within the tech and lifestyle niche, seeks to elevate their content production by revamping their workspace. The primary goal is to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating a visually engaging setup that aligns with the content creator’s brand image.

Background:

Tom Rich, known for producing tech-related videos and lifestyle content, decided to share a comprehensive overview of their newly optimized workspace. With a focus on furniture, tech gadgets, and accessories, they aimed to inspire their audience while maintaining authenticity and transparency.

Furniture Selection:

• Desk Configuration: Opting for a blend of an Ikea Karlby desktop and Alex shelving units, the content creator maximized space in their relatively smaller flat. The choice of the walnut color adds a touch of warmth to the workspace.
• Desk Pad: To address the practicality of the desk surface, an Orbit Keys large leather desk pad was introduced. This not only improves usability but also adds a layer of sophistication to the setup.

• Desk Chair: The Habitat faux leather chair, selected for its ergonomic design, seamlessly fits into the walnut wood aesthetic, providing comfort during extended work sessions.

• Shelving Unit: Positioned to the left of the desk, a shelving unit from Habitat serves a dual purpose – offering storage for accessories and creating an organized, aesthetically pleasing display.

Tech Components:

• Primary Device: The M1 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip serves as the central computing hub. Placed on a Calibri arc stand, the wooden aesthetic not only elevates the MacBook but also frees up desk real estate.

• Monitor: A Samsung 34-inch ultra-wide monitor, despite lacking a curved design, proves to be a cost-effective choice for video editing. Emphasis is placed on the significance of a monitor mount, contributing to a clutter-free workspace.
• Speakers: The Edifier R1280T speakers were selected for their impressive sound quality and wooden finish, blending seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the setup.

Microphone: The Samsung Q9U microphone, strategically placed on the desk, offers versatility with its XLR capabilities. Its affordability and superior audio quality make it a standout addition.

Peripherals: Despite occasional Bluetooth issues, the Satechi Mac wireless keyboard aligns with the Apple aesthetic. The Magic Mouse, a favorite for its functionality and design, completes the input device setup.

Cable Management: Small cable tidies are employed for effective cable management, preventing clutter and ensuring a neat appearance.

Through a thoughtful selection of furniture and tech components, the content creator has successfully optimized their workspace. The detailed breakdown of each item highlights the consideration given to both functionality and aesthetics. The case study serves as an insightful guide for viewers interested in creating their own inspiring and efficient workspace within the tech and lifestyle niche.

Productivity or Gaming

We have created two step by step guides for IKEA desk setups. Here you can find:

• Ikea desk setup for Productivity
• Ikea desk setup for Gaming

Choosing the Right Ikea Desk

In my journey to find the perfect Ikea desk, I focus on size, design, and functionality. We measure the available space, ensuring the desk fits seamlessly. No need for guesswork—precise measurements are key.

Start with your space—how much room do you have?

Measure twice, buy once This avoids surprises and ensures a snug fit. Ikea desks come in various sizes, catering to different needs. Our space dictated a medium-sized desk, striking the right balance.

Design matters Simple or stylish? Ikea offers diverse designs, so pick what resonates with your taste.

Functionality is non-negotiable A desk should serve your purpose. Ours needed ample workspace and storage.

Consider your needs, measure diligently, and let your space guide you. The perfect Ikea desk isn’t just functional; it’s an extension of your style.

Essential Desk Accessories

Dive into must-haves like cable organizers, desk lamps, and ergonomic add-ons.

• Cable chaos? Not anymore

We use smart cable organizers to tame the mess. These sleek solutions keep wires in check, ensuring a clutter-free workspace. Forget about hunting for the cables.

Light is a must Illuminate your tasks with a carefully chosen desk lamp. Ours isn’t just for light; it’s a design statement. Find a lamp that suits your taste and brightens your workspace.

Ergonomics matter Our desk isn’t just a desk; it’s a haven of comfort. Ergonomic accessories transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Personal touch matters Our desk accessories aren’t just tools; they’re companions in productivity. Each item has a story and a purpose.

Choose wisely, and watch your workspace come to life.

Cable Management Solutions

Transform your desk into an oasis of order with effective cable management. Let’s dive into a detailed guide using Ikea products—cable organizers, clips, and trays. Discover how to achieve a clean and organized look effortlessly.

Cable chaos is a thing of the past.

We employ Ikea’s cable organizers—simple yet ingenious. They keep cables in line, preventing the tangled mess.

No more untangling.

Clips play a crucial role. We use them strategically to guide cables along the desk’s edges, ensuring a neat appearance. It’s not just about hiding cables; it’s about creating a visually pleasing workspace.

Enter the realm of cable trays.

Ikea’s solutions are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. We integrate trays discreetly, providing a dedicated space for cables. The result? A desk setup where cables are seen only when needed.

Our experience speaks volumes.

A clean and organized desk isn’t a dream—it’s a reality. Ikea’s cable management solutions turn the mundane into the extraordinary. Say goodbye to cable clutter and hello to a workspace that exudes simplicity and efficiency.

Optimizing Desk Ergonomics

Ergonomics isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for a productive desk setup. Let’s explore the significance of ergonomics and my journey in finding the right chair, monitor height, and keyboard placement. Get ready for tips on maintaining a comfortable and healthy workspace.

Sit back—literally.

The chair is the throne of productivity. We choose one that supports the natural curve of the spine. Say goodbye to backaches.

Eye-level matters.

Adjust monitor height for a gaze that’s straight ahead. No more straining the neck. It’s a simple tweak with a profound impact on comfort and focus.

Keyboard placement is an art.

We position it at elbow height for a natural typing angle. It’s not just about speed; it’s about preventing wrist strain. A tiny adjustment makes a big difference. Maintaining a healthy workspace is a commitment.

Take breaks, stretch, and blink.

Yes, blinking matters. It prevents dry eyes and keeps you refreshed. Small habits over time will result in a noticeable impact.

Ergonomics is a game-changer.

It’s not about fancy gadgets; it’s about comfort and health. Join the ergonomic revolution and watch your desk setup become a haven of productivity.

Personalizing Your Ikea Desk

Unleash your creativity and make your Ikea desk setup uniquely yours. Let’s dive into inventive ways to personalize your workspace—DIY projects, decorations, and personal touches that elevate aesthetics. I’ll share my favorite customization ideas and how they reflect my personality.

DIY magic begins We crafted a custom desk organizer using simple materials. It’s functional and adds a personal touch. DIY projects turn your desk into a canvas for self-expression.

Decorate with purpose Choose decorations that inspire. We have motivational quotes strategically placed. It’s not just decor; it’s a daily dose of inspiration.

Personal touches matter We incorporated small trinkets that hold sentimental value—a reminder of what matters. It’s not just a desk; it’s a reflection of memories and personality.

Colors speak volumes Choose a color scheme that resonates with you. Our desk accessories follow a cohesive palette.

It’s not just about order; it’s about creating a visually harmonious space. Personalizing your Ikea desk isn’t just a task; it’s an artistic endeavor.

DIY, decorate, infuse your personality, and watch your workspace transform into a reflection of you.

Effective Storage Solutions

Unlock the secrets of maximizing storage space with Ikea furniture. Let’s delve into storage units, shelves, and desk organizers. I’ll share my experience in creating a clutter-free environment and offer practical tips for storage.

Storage units take center stage

We opted for versatile units that serve multiple purposes. It’s not just storage; it’s strategic organization. Choose units that adapt to your needs.

Shelve it right

Ikea shelves offer both style and function. We installed them strategically for easy access. It’s not just about displaying; it’s about keeping essentials within arm’s reach.

Desk organizers are game-changers

We use them to declutter and categorize. It’s not just about tidiness; it’s about efficiency. Invest in organizers that align with your workflow.

Creating a clutter-free environment is an art. It’s about intentional choices and optimal organization. The Ikea’s storage solutions are about a harmonious blend of form and function.

Setting Up a Dual Monitor System

Let’s streamline your workspace with a step-by-step guide on integrating a dual monitor system with your Ikea desk. Dive into the necessary accessories, cable management, and optimal positioning for a seamless setup. I’ll share my experience in achieving a productive dual monitor arrangement.

Start with the essentials Choose identical monitors for consistency. We place them side by side for a panoramic view. It’s not just about quantity; it’s about creating a unified display.

Optimal positioning matters Angle the monitors for comfortable viewing. We follow the rule of eye level for reduced strain.

It’s not just about screens; it’s about a setup that supports productivity. Our dual monitor setup isn’t just a technical feat; it’s a game-changer.

Showcasing Your Ikea Desk Setup

Share the love for your Ikea desk setup and join a community of enthusiasts. Encourage readers to showcase their setups and connect with like-minded individuals. Dive into platforms like social media or forums, and let’s explore the positive experiences that come with engaging in a community of similar Ikea desk aficionados.

Spread the inspiration Share your desk setup on social media platforms or dedicated forums. We’ve seen incredible setups that sparked creativity and ideas. It’s not just about showing off; it’s about contributing to a vibrant community.

Connect with fellow enthusiasts Engage in conversations, ask for advice, and share your journey. We’ve built friendships with individuals who share our passion for Ikea desk setups. It’s not just about desks; it’s about the people and the connections made.

Platforms like Instagram, Reddit, or dedicated forums provide spaces to showcase, learn, and bond over Ikea desk setups.

Your desk isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a conversation starter. Join the community, share your story, and be part of a network that celebrates the art of desk setup.

In closing, your Ikea desk setup journey doesn’t just end with furniture—it’s about crafting an environment that fuels your creativity and productivity. Embrace the principles of ergonomics, explore innovative storage solutions, and infuse your personality through customization.

As you implement the steps outlined in this guide, may your Ikea desk become not just a piece of furniture but a dynamic reflection of your unique style and optimal functionality. Here’s to a workspace that inspires and empowers you every day.

15 Ultimate IKEA Karlby Desk Setup Ideas for Inspiration

When it comes to DIY desk setups, the IKEA Karlby countertop has become the best material for creating a stylish and versatile desk.

With affordable pricing, sleek design, and sturdy construction, the IKEA Karlby countertop offers limitless possibilities to build a well-designed setup that perfectly aligns with your unique preferences and reflects your personality.

Whether you’re a passionate gamer, a remote worker, or simply want to create an inspiring and functional desk setup, the IKEA Karlby countertop is a go-to choice.

In this article, we’ve got you a range of innovative and creative IKEA Karlby desk setup ideas to help you create a great-looking and functional desk on a budget.

Get inspired with these awesome IKEA Karlby desk setup ideas and take your gaming station and home-office workstation setup to a new height.

Page Contents

Why Use IKEA Karlby Countertop as a Desk

Among many gaming setups and remote workspace setups that we’ve discovered on the web, the IKEA Karlby is the most used countertop.

This countertop comes in a variety of finishes including birch (lightest), oak (medium), and walnut (darkest), and sizes such as 74 inches and 98 inches long.

Due to its beautiful finishes and different available sizes, the IKEA Karlby allows you to build a well-designed desk that is not only spacious but also aesthetically pleasing.

The best thing is that IKEA also offers a wide range of desk components including office drawers, cabinets, shelves, and legs in different finishes and colors.

It is the customization design and standard height of these desk components that allow you to mix and match with Karlby countertops to design great-looking DIY desk setups.

That is why the IKEA Karlby countertop is a great option for creating a functional and awesome-looking desk workspace and gaming stations on a middle budget.

Pros and Cons of IKEA Karlby Countertop 

Now, let’s have a look at what are the pros and cons of the Karlby countertops so you can better determine whether this countertop is worth it or not for your DIY desk setup.

Pros of IKEA Karlby Countertop

Here are the best things about the IKEA Karlby that make them one of the most popular countertops for DIY IKEA desk setups.

• The IKEA Karlby desk is surprisingly affordable.
• The Karlby desks are made with modern manufacturing methods that make them cheaper and more durable.
• It passes various quality checks such as oil, steam, heat, bumps, and scratches to ensure they can hold a hefty setup. 
• The Karlby countertops are thicker, more stable, and resistant to humidity, crack, bend, and sag than normal tabletop material.
• The Karlby desks are quite sturdy with a high weight-bearing capacity which ensures they can hold heavy setups.
• The Karlby tabletop is available in 3 sizes with various wood grains to aesthetically fit your workplace interior.
• These countertops are easier to clean, recyclable, and can be repaired to give the desk a longer and more beautiful life by just sanding the surface.
• The Karlby countertops are very easy to assemble. It only requires basic carpeting skills with some power tools to make any cuts or holes.
• It is the best desk material among the Reddit r/battlestation community for DIY desk setups.
• With superior quality and IKEA’s 25-year warranty, it ensures life-long durability.
• It offers endless possibilities to design your dream home office and gaming station.

Cons of IKEA Karlby Countertop

Along with the above advantages, there are some downsides of Karlby countertops too which you may not like.

• The Karlby countertops are prone to water damage as they have only a wax-oil-coated surface.
• The final product requires a strong and stable base as the Karlby countertops itself are quite heavy.
• The longer size of the Karlby countertop requires additional middle leg support to prevent the desk from sagging or becoming shaky.
• The Karlby desk requires additional cable-management systems to properly manage the USB and power cords.
• Some drilling (holes) is required when using Adil legs or IKEA desk risers as the base support.

Ultimate IKEA Karlby Desk Setup Ideas for Your Inspiration

After going to various sources on the web, we are here to deliver our best findings on the IKEA Karlby desk setup ideas for your inspiration.

1. Gaming Desk Setup with White Alex Drawers

The combination of the IKEA Karlby countertop and Alex drawers is considered the ultimate IKEA hack as both fit well together and make a great-looking desk setup.

This double Alex setup with Karlby countertop is a perfect choice if you need a setup with plenty of space for work and storage space.

This combination is a trendy option in the IKEA Karlby desk setup world as the drawers will help keep your workspace less cluttered while giving your setup a stylish appearance.

2. Clean Minimalist DIY Gaming Desk Setup

This is another combination of Karlby butcher block countertop and Alex drawers but with an ambient feel and a more organized workspace.

This DIY IKEA desk setup utilizes an LED light strip on the back edge of the tabletop that is IKEA Karlby which adds an ambient appearance to the setup.

The setup is so organized and the wires are well-managed that feels like it uses completely wireless devices but it’s a fairly inexpensive setup.

3. Karlby Setup with Blue Alex Drawers

This Karlby countertop setup with two sets of blue Alex drawers is another great combination if you want to have a cozy workstation with lots of desk storage.

The smaller length Karlby countertop is a perfect choice if there is a space constraint but the Alex unit will provide sufficient storage to keep your setup organized and tidy.

What is so special about this combination is the color scheme as Karlby will add a warm rustic aesthetic to the setup while blue drawers are soothing to the eyes.

4. Karlby Setup with Matte Finish

Whether you’re looking to create an aesthetic gaming desk setup or want to give your setup a more personalized feel, this IKEA Karlby desk setup is a go-to option.

Since the Alex drawers also come in grey, this can perfectly blend with your room aesthetic if your room wall is in grey/black color.

While keeping the gaming peripherals, desk accessories, and decorations in a dark color scheme can give your setup the perfect aesthetic you want.

5. Functional Karlby Desk Setup with Alex Storage

If you do not need much storage space or you’re short on the budget, this IKEA desk hack is the perfect option for your DIY desk setups.

You can use a single Alex drawer instead of two for one side leg support and for the other side leg support, you can use other legs which you will find in Ikea itself such as Adils.

This IKEA Karlby desk setup not only solves your budget issue but also creates a functional desk setup with sufficient storage to maintain a tidy workspace.

6. Two-Person Gaming/Office Desk Setup

If you and your better half work together and play together, this IKEA Karlby desk setup is the perfect inspiration for creating a cozy setup for you both.

This his & her desk setup utilizes two 74” Karlby countertops and three sets of dark blue Alex drawers for leg support and storage needs.

This IKEA Karlby desk setup follows an efficient floor plan as the desk, storage, and decorations are on one side of the room which leaves the center of the room open.

There is an LED light strip added on behind the monitors and the back of the desk edge that lights up the setup against the dark setup. 

7. IKEA KARLBY Desk Setup with Grey ALEX Drawers

This Karlby & Alex set-up is the perfect DIY IKEA desk hack that you can implement for creating your dream gaming station setup.

This desk setup includes a 74” Karlby butcher block countertop and two sets of grey Alex cabinets for the base support to the tabletop.

The user also utilizes four desk risers on each side to raise the tabletop to a suitable height and adds an LED light strip on the back of the desk edge for a more aesthetic feel.

8. Simple and Sturdy Karlby & Micke Drawers Setup

This is another great DIY IKEA hack that you can implement with a Karlby countertop to build your dream workspace, gaming space, or whatever you call it.

As we know, IKEA offers various components such as desks, drawers, and legs, Micke drawers are one of them that you can mix and match with the Karlby countertop and build your desk setup.

These drawer units have such a height that are ideal for any desk setup. It only requires a countertop to place on it and you’ll have a sturdy desk.

What is so special about Micke drawers is that they are less expensive than Alex drawers but provide the same storage solution and minimalist organization. 

9. Streaming Desk with Karlby & Idasen Set-up 

If you do not need any storage space, then this Karlby and Idasen combination is the perfect inspiration that you can copy for your DIY desk setup.

Up until now, most desk setups that we’ve explored utilized Alex drawers as leg support but this desk setup uses IKEA Idasen underframe for tabletop support.

Although this desk setup creates more challenges for keeping the desk less cluttered, it will surely give you a rock-solid study and stable desk setup.

So, if you’re looking for some fresh ideas to build a unique desk setup, the combination of Karlby and Idasen underframe can be worth implementing.

10. Custom-Designed Corner Workspace with Two ALEX Units

As the Karlby and Alex combination is a proven and well-liked desk set up by millions of gamers and remote workers, this corner gaming desk setup is an excellent idea to copy.

This corner gaming desk setup utilizes two sets of Alex drawers and two Karlby countertops where one countertop is smaller in length to perfectly form an L-shaped desk.

The user also utilized shelf brackets and mounted the corner side of the tabletop to the wall which gives the desk a semi-floating look for the corner.

We liked the rustic appeal of the Karlby that pops against the contrast that the white cabinets, light grey walls, and rugs provide. This is an incredibly sleek approach.

11. Karlby Desk Setup with Lots of Greenery

Elevate your IKEA Karlby desk setup by incorporating potted plants, indoor plants, and green LED lights so it can connect you with nature right where you are.

Having greenery around our workspace or gaming space not only adds color to a dull setup but can have a tremendously positive effect on our well-being in the long run.

12. Rustic Desk Setup with Wall-Mounted Peripherals 

This professional gaming station from Reddit r/battlestation is the signature of a DIY IKEA hack that uses Karlby and Alex cabinets for a stable and ultra-durable setup.

The user also utilizes an additional backboard which is also the Karlby countertop and added LED strip light behind it to provide ambient appeal.

What we liked in the setup is the color scheme which is rustic and bright due to the uses of furniture, accessories, and the room interior in white and grain of wood.

Karlby offers a natural look to add warmth to any setup while the white Alex cabinet and room walls provide contrast in the room aesthetics.

13. Karlby Desk Idea with Alex & Mittback Trestle Set-up

If you want to build an awesome-looking remote office desk that stands out from the crowd, this DIY IKEA Karlby desk setup is a go-to option for your setup.

Instead of using Alex drawers on both sides for leg support, this desk setup uses the Mittback Trestle as leg support on one side.

Whether it’s a gaming desk or an office desk, IKEA offers Mittback trestles in different finishes that look just great when mixed and matched with the Alex drawer.

With this IKEA desk hack, you can achieve the signature “IKEA Look” while providing your setup with more storage space for your office supplies.

14. Sag-proof Karlby Desk Setup

If you want to create a large and cozy setup that could fit everything your setup has and still look clean and feel spacious, this IKEA Karlby desk setup is a go-to choice.

The user has achieved this setup by using the 98” length Karlby countertop and dual Alex drawers on both sides as the leg support. 

The Alex drawers can amazingly make your workspace clutter-free and well-organized by storing extra things within your arm’s reach.

The user has also given additional support to the middle section of the tabletop using an IKEA Adil leg to avoid the countertop bending when using a heavy setup.

15. Sit/Stand Home Office Desk

Height-adjustable desks are the best way to boost productivity and burn calories while you work, unfortunately, these desks are pretty expensive which is not everyone’s cup of tea. 

But the good news is, you can make your fully motorized standing desk using the IKEA standing desk hack, and this desk setup is the perfect example of it.

Consider using a pre-built standing desk frame such as Autonomous SmartDesk and adding the Karlby countertop on top of it as a tabletop.

This is a clever way to mix and match IKEA’s products and build a custom, unique desk setup that fully aligns with your preference and is under budget.

FAQ on IKEA Karlby Desk Setup

1. how much weight can the ikea desk support.

IKEA countertops have a weight limit of 88-110lbs which can easily hold heavy setups including computers and printers if the weight is well distributed across the surface evenly.

2. Are the Karlby countertops real wood?

The Karlby countertops are particleboard at their core and a thin layer of solid wood outside. They are not real wood but are more durable than standard IKEA desk tabletop materials that are cardboard. 

3. How big is Ikea Karlby?

IKEA sells the Karlby countertops in sizes 98 inches x 25 ⅝ inches, 74 inches x 25 ⅝ inches, and 74 inches x 42 inches with 1 ½” inches and ⅛ inches thickness.

Whether you’re a gamer, a remote worker, or a minimalist design lover, the IKEA Karlby desk setup can be a solid foundation for an organized and inspiring desk setup. 

With IKEA Karlby and careful planning, you can create a Karlby desk setup that not only suits your needs and boosts productivity but also elevates the aesthetics of the setup.

There are endless possibilities for creating a truly remarkable desk setup that can be achieved by incorporating IKEA Karbly and various desk components.

So, explore various desk setup ideas, unleash your creativity, and embark on the exciting journey of designing your ideal IKEA Karlby desk setup.

• 21 DIY Computer Desk Ideas For Home Office And PC Gaming
• 20 Easy DIY Gaming Desk Ideas for PC Gamers And Streamers

Rakesh Dewangan

Hey there, I am Rakesh Dewangan and on this blog, I am sharing tips, guides, and reviews on computer desks which I came to know and learned during the setup of my home office desk when I invested in a computer desk.

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7 IKEA Desk Hacks for Your Workspace

Built-in beauty.

When I saw this gorgeous built-in desk from @stephaniecameroninteriors , I couldn't believe the pieces were from IKEA.

She started by covering an empty nook with shiplap , then added Billy bookcases on either side. For a more elevated look, she used a marble-effect kitchen countertop instead of a desktop. Trim work and an all-over paint job (Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore) makes everything look like a custom built-in, for a fraction of the price!

More Storage

IKEA has many desk drawer units to choose from, but consider venturing outside the office furniture section to find something more affordable with more storage space.

As seen here, @thisfamilylife_ opted to use two three-drawer dressers as the base for her desk. The roomy drawers offer plenty of space for all her work-from-home needs.

Cane Details

@prettylittleterrace made this beautiful desk with two IKEA Besta cabinets as the base and a long piece of wood as the desktop, custom cut to extend across the whole wall.

She cut pieces of cane webbing to fit the doors, glued them on and covered the rough edges with narrow wood trim. Then she painted the desk, support leg and cabinet units Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball to match the stunning accent wall.

Dress Up the Drawers

Here's an eclectic workspace that no one would guess featured IKEA components.

To make it, @diytracy started with the Alex drawer units , then added thin plywood and champagne gold hardware to the drawer faces. The modification gives the drawers a more elegant style. A melamine countertop serves as the desktop, and custom legs bring the desk up to a comfortable height.

Multifunctional

Watch as @our_bears_home builds a built-in bench, desk and bookshelf as one connected unit in about 20 seconds (if only that was real time!). Everything fits snugly along one wall, making the multifunctional space efficient and attractive.

The neutral color creates a calming effect, and I love how the bookcase provides a pop of black for contrast.

Affordable Wood Top

How's this for unconventional material: Paint sticks!

Follow along as @dawson.diy transforms a plain white IKEA desk by covering the top with paint sticks. The resulting herringbone-pattern desktop and black painted legs make the piece look high-end. Though the shape of the desk stayed the same, the improved aesthetic would elevate any home office.

Playroom Desk

Kid-size desks are often too small to be functional, but you can create more space for crafting and play with this hack from @mrstiffanyclaire .

She started with two Trofast toy storage units and added a long piece of wood for the desktop. Two small stools finish the piece. What a beautiful and easy way to make a playroom desk and toy storage unit all-in-one!

How I Setup My Own ALEX Desk

The IKEA ALEX desks have become a classic desk setup. They are very simple, have a bunch of drawers, and you can choose a bunch of different configurations. 

In this article, I’ll be walking you through my own ALEX desk setup. We’ll touch on why I went with the ALEX desks, how I use my drawers, the tabletop, and everything! 

If you’re a gamer, I recommend you check out my dedicated article on IKEA desk setups for gamers.

Hopefully, this gives a good picture of what to expect if you are considering an ALEX desk setup yourself.

Table of Contents

My ALEX Desk Setup

I got my ALEX desk back in 2016, so I’ve had it for 7 years at the time of writing this. 

Even with 7 long years of use, my desk is still holding up perfectly fine. The drawers still glide smoothly to this day, and the wood tabletop just needed the occasional oil finishing.

The wood tabletop really helps with longevity. In our article on different desktop materials , I always recommend investing in solid wood if you can afford it. Even if that means holding off to upgrade later.

I use this desk and drawer set every single day, so it really says a lot about the IKEA quality. 

My current setup uses two ALEX drawers with a 60 x 30-inch oak table top. The oak tabletop is 1 inch thick. IKEA sold this as a popular desk combination option back in 2016, however, it doesn’t seem like it’s available anymore. 

If you’re shopping on the IKEA website today, wood countertops would be the solid wood alternative. Examples are the KARLBY, VRENA, PINNARP, etc. 

Why I Chose an Alex Drawer Desk

Why was I interested in the ALEX drawer desk in the first place? Here are the three main reasons. I had more reasons, but these outshine them all. 

I love having a good amount of storage. I used to have a bunch of my stuff laying all around my desk with no home. It made for a super messy room. 

The other option was to stuff things in the closet, but I needed access to certain items regularly. 

Having the dual ALEX drawers definitely made my life easier by keeping what I need closeby, and making sure I had no excuse for the mess of stuff around my desk. 

Simple & Looks Great

The reason these desks are so popular is just because of how good they look. IKEA nailed the design of these drawers. They fit well in a modern home, a cozy room, literally anywhere.

The drawers are not over the top, they are simple and functional. 

Flexible Table Top

The last thing I loved about this desk is how modular and flexible it is. Don’t want two drawers? IKEA has legs so you can make one side drawers and the other side legs. 

Want to swap the tabletop for some reason? Just lift the current one off and put the new top on. 

There are so many configurations of this desk that are possible, and you’ll see that on various ALEX desk setups out there.

If I need this desk to be in a smaller spot, I can change the top and keep everything else the same. If I need the desk to fill a larger area, same story. I would just need to get a center support leg. 

What’s On My Desk

Let’s do a quick desk tour. I recently tried to remove as much as I could from my desk to try and be more minimal. I found a pretty good balance at the moment. It’s not super minimal, but minimal enough. 

To get more minimal I hid my computer tower and also followed other minimalist desk setup tips like storing things that are not absolutely required on my desk. For example, I can just put pens in my ALEX drawer, but I don’t really have a choice when it comes to my monitor. 

Here is what’s on my desk at the moment. I like adjusting my setup pretty often to keep things fresh, so emphasis on “at the moment”.

Dell 34″ Ultrawide Monitor

I recently got an ultrawide monitor secondhand for $200. This one retailed for $600! I love finding things on Facebook marketplace!

I transitioned from a 27″ 4K monitor. I was hesitant about the resolution drop, but after using this ultrawide, I can’t go back to a normal monitor ever again. 

My efficiency has improved dramatically by being able to comfortably split my monitor into three active windows instead of just two. 

Of course, I had to ditch the original monitor mount. I always recommend mounts or a monitor shelf at least to get more room on your desk. It also makes a desk look so much better! 

Audioengine A2+ Speakers

I have to listen to music when I work. It gives a nice isolation from the rest of the world. I don’t like wearing headphones all day long, so I got some nice Audioengine speakers. I found these refurbished on the Audioengine website for $70 off MSRP!

If you like Audioengine products, I highly recommend grabbing something factory refurbished . My speakers showed no signs of use at all! 

(You can probably tell I like looking for deals. It’s hard for me to buy pricey items without a discount of some sort!)

The Audioengine A2+ Bluetooth Speakers have extended-range Bluetooth connectivity, delivering high-fidelity true stereo sound that connects to any app or device. They have a compact design that packs a big punch with a variety of connection options. They come with a 6.5ft speaker wire, power supply, 5ft USB cable, 5ft mini-jack audio cable, microfiber speaker/cable bags, and setup guide.

The A2+ speakers are fantastic. I mainly chose these smaller speakers because I don’t like the look (or the price) of the larger speakers. They take up way too much desk space and I don’t like that bulk. 

As a result of the size, you’re limited on the base output of these speakers, but that doesn’t bother me much. These have much better audio clarity than my old Logitech $20 speakers. 

They are also Bluetooth enabled, so I can play music from my phone wire-free. 

I heard from many A2+ reviewers and Reddit forums that these speakers sound much better when they are directed toward you. Because I saved $70 with the refurbished speakers, I added on these DS1 silicone speaker stands. 

The Audioengine DS1 Desktop Stand Pair is designed to fit any small Audioengine-powered bookshelf speakers (or similar-sized speakers). They elevate your monitor speakers at an optimal 15-degree angle so the audio goes directly toward the user. The silicone stands minimize acoustic effects and enhance sound quality by dampening vibrations.

Apparently, these isolate the speakers from your desk so they sound better for two reasons. 

BenQ ScreenBar (Original)

Another way I was able to free up desk space was by using a monitor light bar. Freeing up desk space is just one of the benefits these offer. 

I talk a lot about light bar benefits here and also compare them to desk lamps here . 

The BenQ versions are higher quality than most of the Amazon knockoffs and have better light output. If you are okay with the lower lumen output, the knockoff brands might be the way to go. 

Enhance eye comfort with this monitor light bar's integrated backlight design that illuminates your back wall (bias lighting). With a smart wireless controller, it's easy to adjust brightness and color temperature. Its patented clip design mounts on almost any monitor, saving valuable desk space, and it's powered via USB, eliminating the need for extra wires.

• Stream Deck

I stumbled on a productivity thread on Twitter one day, and someone recommended a Stream deck for custom shortcuts. At first, I thought it was just some random “streamer” gadget, but quickly found it’s for anyone who spends a lot of time at the computer. 

I had to write about it of course. Here’s our article on the Stream Deck for Non-Streamers . It really is a productivity miracle for those tedious clicks and browsing times. 

This device features 15 customizable LCD keys for instant control of your apps, tools, and platforms. With a one-touch operation, you can trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute the mic, turn on lights, and more. The device supports powerful plugins such as Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.

Logitech MX Keys and MX Master 3

After my third budget keyboard died, I told myself to get a high-quality alternative. That way I don’t have to keep dealing with poor-quality products when I spend so much time using my keyboard and mouse. 

I quickly found that everyone recommended the MX Master 3 mouse, so I had to get the keyboard to match. 

After a few years of using them, I’m still in love. The keyboard is really a pleasure to type on and has a bunch of customizable shortcuts. The keyboard shortcuts combined with the Stream Deck shortcuts make me pretty much unstoppable. 

I’m not a huge mechanical keyboard fan. I work in a small apartment, and the clicking drove my partner crazy. I needed something low profile and quiet. The MX keys do extremely well in this category. 

The mouse is fantastic as well. It has four more buttons than a typical mouse as well as a horizontal scroll wheel. Logitech made the shape very comfortable to use for long hours every day. 

Logitech’s software lets you create gestures with all the buttons which really explode all the capabilities. It feels near infinite! 

Now there is the release of the MX Master 3S which seems to just make the mouse clicking more quiet. Not in any rush to upgrade. 

You’ll have to pry the MX Keys and Master 3 mouse from my hands. They are highly functional and comfortable. 

Dell Docking Station

I connect way too many things to my computer. Here’s what I usually have wired in:

• Display Cable
• Monitor USB Cable
• Printer USB Cable

I only have three USB-C ports on my laptop! I would never want to take my laptop on the go if I had to connect and disconnect five connections every single time! 

Thank goodness for docking stations. I have a pretty old Thunderbolt 3 docking station. I also got this one second-hand on the Amazon Used Market. 

I paid $50! Most new and modern Thunderbolt 4 docking stations cost $300 to $400! No, thank you. 

This docking station gives me a single Thunderbolt 3 cable connection to my laptop. Transitioning from my ALEX desk to the couch and back again is seamless. 

Laptop Stand

I like to use my laptop as a second monitor. That’s one of the few dual monitor arrangements we talk about in this article.

I don’t like having my laptop on the desk though. Instead, I raise the laptop to be a more ergonomic viewing height. Otherwise, I would have to look down and to the left constantly. 

A laptop stand helps a lot here. Here is the one I use. 

It raises the display, and I’m sure there is better airflow with the stand compared to just sitting on a desk. We have a dedicated article on the benefits of laptop stands if you are considering one. 

Snake Plant

I need some sort of life or nature on my desk to make it feel more inviting. Otherwise, my desk setup is just a collection of off-the-shelf items. 

I love a plant that is easy to take care of. That’s why I have my good old snake plant. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a robust plant that will do well indoors. 

How I Setup My ALEX Desk

When setting up my desk, I tried to be as minimal as realistically possible. I used to keep my camera on my desk, a table lamp, my computer tower, etc. 

No more! I chose to free up drawers for my camera gear, use a monitor light bar instead of a desk lamp, and hide my computer tower. 

Now I have so much more space, and it helps me focus a lot. So much so that I added minimalism to my guide to a productive desk setup . 

I just have my Ultrawide monitor, my Audioengine A2+ speakers, laptop, plant, keyboard, and mouse. That’s it! 

How I Get The Most Of My ALEX Desk

Being minimal on top of my desk means two things. I have more room on top, but there is more pressure on my ALEX drawers to be more convenient and functional. 

Here’s how I do that. 

Intentional Drawer Storage Method

I have an article all about the most effective way to organize your desk drawers . This goes for any drawer, ALEX or not. 

Basically, it involves organizing the items in your drawers by frequency of use. The most frequent stuff like post-its and pens stay in the first drawer. The stuff used only once a week, lower down. Used super infrequently? That goes in storage. 

In conjunction with ordering by frequency, also try to categorize your drawers. Giving categories like “electronics” or “general office supplies” will make it easy to remember where things go, and where to find things. 

Also, if anything ever falls behind on the inside of my drawers, they are super easy to remove. I talk about the two-screw ALEX drawer removal process here.

Future Plans

At the moment, I plan on holding on to my dual ALEX drawer setup. Eventually, I want to invest in a standing desk.

A standing desk will let me lower the desk to my proper seating height without forcing me to use a footrest. It will also let me vary up my working position so I’m not sitting for 8 hours straight every day. 

When I upgrade to a standing desk, I will still keep at least one ALEX drawer nearby. It won’t be under my desk anymore as I will have to lower my desk further. But perhaps It can be a little table off to the side. 

What’s stopping me from getting a standing desk is that the highly-rated framed with a solid wood top is way out of my budget. Sorry Uplift, I can’t afford a $2000 desk. 

I may consider a standing desk frame with my current oak tabletop, but I am hoping to increase the size of my desk a touch more. We’ll see. 

Right now my ALEX drawers cover up my cable management mess, so a standing desk will be a bigger challenge with a completely exposed underside.

There it is. That’s my ALEX drawer desk setup.

Grab Our Free Desk Setup Guide!

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Office Tour: Home Office Desk Setup

Updated July 25, 2023

In this post, I’m sharing a detailed tour of my home office and all of the products I use for my desk setup.

For the past few years, I have been working from home as a software developer. Since I spend a good portion of my day here in the office, my goal was to create the most comfortable and productive workspace. Tour my office and desk setup below!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure here .

Office and Desk Setup Sources

Here is a complete list of everything I use in my home office:

• Desk Legs (updated): Uplift Motorized standing desk frame
• Desk : Ikea Gerton table top and Ikea metal desk legs
• Chair : Herman Miller Embody (Read my full review here )
• Monitor Arm : Vivo Monitor Arm
• Monitor Lightbar : BenQ ScreenBar Plus with Desktop Dial
• Desktop Computer : Custom built Hackintosh
• Work Laptop : i9 16-inch MacBook Pro
• Keyboard : Custom-built 60% Linear Keyboard
• Mouse : MX Master 2S Mouse
• Desk Mat : Oakywood Felt and Cork Desk Mat
• Webcam : Logitech C270 Webcam
• Studio Monitors : Wavecrest HVL-1 Studio Monitors
• Speaker Stands : Synthizer 3S-X Speaker Stands
• Subwoofer : 10-Inch Klipsch R-10SW 300W Subwoofer
• Amplifier : SMSL AD18 Amplifier
• Speaker Wire : Custom made speaker wire with MediaBridge Banana Plugs and
• Headset : Logitech Zone Wireless Headset
• In-ear Headphones : Apple AirPods Pro
• Laptop Stand : Macally Vertical Laptop Stand
• Wireless Charger : Apple MagSafe Charger
• UPS Battery Backup : APC UPS Battery Backup
• NAS : Synology DS418play NAS
• Smart Home and Media Server : Intel i5 NUC (newer model linked)
• Security Camera Hub / Network Controller : UniFi Cloud Key Gen 2 Plus
• Security Camera / Baby Monitor : UniFi G3 Instant Camera
• Network Switch : Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Switch
• Network Access Point : UniFi AP AC Lite
• Printer : Brother Laser Printer
• Sony Battery Charger : Nitecore Battery Charger
• Shelf : CB2 Ladder Shelf
• Light Panels : Nanoleaf Light Panels
• Light Fixture : 8-Light Semi Flush Mount
• Smart Light Switch : GE Smart Switch
• BMW M3 Poster : BMW M3 Evolution Poster
• Modern Frame : 18×24 frame Frametory Metal Frame
• Lego Ducati : Lego Ducati Panigale V4 R
• Accent Wall Paint : Sherwin Williams Peppercorn in Matte

The Affordable Ikea Desk

For the past 7 years, I’ve used the same Ikea Gerton tabletop and metal legs, and they’ve held up nicely. The solid beech wood desktop is stained with Honey by Minwax and sealed with Minwax Semigloss Polyurethane . The beauty of a solid wood top is that it can be sanded and refinished very easily.

Unfortunately, the Gerton desktop and Ikea desk legs are no longer sold. But I’d recommend taking a look at the Ikea Karlby Countertop if you’re looking for a wood desktop. While it’s a veneer, the walnut finish looks great.

I’ve recently been thinking about replacing the desk with a motorized standing desk or finding a set of motorized desk legs. Before working from home, I went into an office where I had a standing desk, and I would end up standing a few hours a day, which I would love to be able to do at home too.

Ergonomic Office Chair

The Herman Miller Embody Chair is one of my favorite items in the office. Most days I spend over 8 hours in the office, so having a comfortable, ergonomic chair is extremely important. If you’re working from home or spending an extended amount of time at your desk, I highly recommend spending a little more on a higher-end chair.

Check out my full Herman Miller Embody review here .

Ultrawide Monitor

The company I work at sent me a Dell UltraSharp 34” Curved Monitor to use for working from home. Switching from a BenQ 34” 4K monitor , I’ve been really enjoying the aspect ratio of an ultrawide. However, I do miss the higher resolution and sharpness of 4K. If I were to have purchased a new monitor myself, I would have opted for the 38” variant or gone with a larger 49” ultrawide.

The best feature of the Dell UltraSharp is that I can seamlessly switch between my desktop and work MacBook. The monitor has a built-in USB hub where I have all of my peripherals connected. The MacBook connects to the monitor through a single USB-C cable that transmits both data and power. The desktop is connected with a Display Port cable and USB-A cable for the USB hub. Finally, I have an HDMI cable plugged in for when I want to play switch in the office.

The monitor is mounted to a Vivo Monitor Arm . The model that I chose is not the most adjustable but it was on the cheaper end. I don’t move the placement of my monitor often, so I didn’t need anything fancy. I love the extra desk real estate that a monitor arm provides along with the floating look it gives the monitor.

Computer and Laptop

My main personal computer is a custom-built Hackintosh that I built back in 2016. Some of the parts are starting to feel dated, but I did upgrade the graphics card a few years ago from a GTX 1080 to an RX 5700 XT because MacOS dropped support for Nvidia graphics cards. However, it’s still able to handle my workload of photo/video editing, Android development, and basic frontend web development.

A Hackintosh allows me to use MacOS for software development and for everyday use along with the ability to play games on Windows. However, the Hackintosh learning curve was a bit steep, and staying up to date with MacOS updates can be a time-consuming process. I’ll most likely get an actual Mac when the time comes.

My employer provided me with an i9 16-inch MacBook Pro to use for work. The laptop usually stays docked on the desk, as I’ve been completely remote.

Simple but functional Peripherals

A friend of mine got me into building mechanical keyboards a few years ago. This custom-built 60% Linear Keyboard is one that I’m rotating back into the setup. I prefer my other 60% Tactile Keyboard, but I felt like switching things up.

The MX Master 2S Mouse has been rock solid. I thought about upgrading to the MX Master 3, but I couldn’t find a big enough reason. I’ll probably wait until the next Logitech MX mouse is released.

I have a 720p Logitech Webcam for video calls. It’s not very fancy but it does the job well. I only use it for video, as I use a headset with a mic for audio.

I never like wearing headphones for long periods of time, so I wanted to have a decent-sounding speaker setup. The speaker and subwoofer combination is definitely overkill for the size of the office, but the setup will be future-proof for when I move to a new space.

Recently, I haven’t been using the speaker setup as often because our son’s nursery is next door to the office. I recently got a pair of Apple AirPods Pro shortly after switching to an iPhone. I find myself using the AirPods when I need to keep the sound to a minimum. The auto-switching feature on the AirPods makes it easy to switch between my desktop, laptop, phone, and iPad.

Studio Monitors

The speakers are HVL-1 studio monitors from a small company called Wavecrest. The sound quality is amazing for the price and I love that there is no branding anywhere on the speaker. Unfortunately, it seems that Wavecrest is no longer in business, but here are a few other speaker options I came across when researching speakers: ELAC Bookshelf Speakers , Fluance Elite Speakers , Cambridge Audio SX-50 Speakers .

Speaker Stands

The most recent addition to the setup are these Synthizer 3S-X Speaker Stands . They’re a simple 2 piece speaker stand with a few levels of adjustment. The stands elevate the speakers and slightly angle them up which points the speakers directly at ear level.

The sub is a 10-Inch Klipsch R-10SW 300W Subwoofer . Again, this is overkill for the size of the room, but I keep the gain extremely low to balance with the speakers.

Audio Amplifier

I’m using an SMSL AD18 Amplifier to power the speakers. The amplifier is plugged into the USB hub, so it will also seamlessly switch between my desktop and laptop. The amplifier also has Bluetooth connectivity, so I can connect to other devices like the Nintendo Switch.

I ended up making my own custom-length speaker wire with MediaBridge Banana Plugs and Cable Matters Speaker Wire . The banana plugs make it simple to plug and unplug the speakers.

My employer was kind enough to also send me a Logitech Zone Wireless Headset which I solely use for video calls. The active noise cancellation is surprisingly good and the microphone quality is much better than the built-in mic on the webcam.

Desk Setup Accessories

I replaced the previous Steel Series Desk Mat with an Oakywood Felt and Cork Desk Mat . I love the textured look of felt in photos, but I’ve found the material to be a little scratchy on the wrists. The next desk mat or mouse pad I’ll get will be leather.

To save desk space, I have a Macally Vertical Laptop Stand . Since the laptop stays docked on the desk most of the time, I have it tucked behind the monitor.

I picked up an Apple MagSafe Charger when I switched to an iPhone. I really like that the MagSafe design ensures that the phone is always properly aligned on the charger.

While power outages and surges are rare, I have all important hardware plugged into an APC UPS Battery Backup (newer model linked). An uninterruptible power supply will continue to provide power to devices along with providing surge protection. In the event of a power outage, the UPS will sound an audible alarm and will continue to power my desktop, monitor, and server equipment for 20-30 minutes, which is more than enough time to shut everything down safely.

Home Server Shelf

I was on the hunt for a shelf that would be able to hold hardware that required ventilation and have a way to neatly route cables. I eventually came across the Ikea Bekant shelf which ticked all the boxes. While it’s one of the more expensive items from Ikea, it’s very solid and was exactly what I was looking for.

Check out my dedicated post on the Ikea Bekant Shelf .

Synology Network Attached Storage

My wife and I store all of our files on this Synology DS418play NAS . A network attached storage is a storage device that’s connected to a home or office network. This allows us to share files easily, and be able to keep an archive of our documents and photos. Google Photos recently removed the unlimited photo and video backup feature, so we recently migrated to the Synology Photos app to back up our photos and video from our phones.

Smart Home and Media Server

We’ve been using Home Assistant for controlling our smart home automation since moving into our current house. I previously had it running on a Raspberry Pi, but it quickly became a bottleneck once I kept adding additional devices and automations. So I upgraded to an Intel i5 NUC (newer model linked) which has more than enough power for our Home Assistance instance. I also recently set up a Plex media server on the NUC. It’s been really convenient streaming local content to our TVs.

When researching baby monitors, I couldn’t find anything that would allow us to store footage locally. All of the baby monitors required some sort of cloud subscription. I did a bit of research and decided on trying out UniFi Protect running on an UniFi Cloud Key Gen 2 Plus since I was already using UniFi networking gear. UniFi had also just launched the $30 G3 Instant Camera . This solution has been a solid baby monitor along with a few security cameras around the house.

Networking Gear

A Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Switch and custom length Cat 6 ethernet cable were used to hardwire all of the equipment on the shelf. The office also has the UniFi AP AC Lite which provides WiFi for this floor of our townhouse.

I originally wanted to hide the Brother Laser Printer in the closet, but I realized that it fits perfectly in the Bekant Shelf. The printer itself has been great. I highly recommend a laser printer if you print infrequently since the toner that laser printers use doesn’t dry out ink in inkjet printers.

Sony Camera Battery Chargers

There’s a small battery charging station at the top of the Bekant unit. I just picked up the Nitecore Battery Charger for Sony A7IV batteries and love the additional charging information it shows over a normal battery charger. Finally, I have my Nintendo Switch and Pro Controllers on the Bekant for easy access.

Modern + Minimal Office Shelf

The shelf to the side of my desk is a CB2 Ladder Shelf . The 96″ height of the shelves fits perfectly with the 9 ft ceilings of the office. Highly recommend this shelf if you’re going for a modern minimal look – super sturdy and great quality!

The lower half of the shelves are used for functional storage or items that I need to access often like camera lenses, GoPros, keyboards, UE Megablast Bluetooth speaker, and a few leather storage bins. While the top shelves have decor and a small display of Apple boxes.

Office Lighting

Monitor light bar.

The most used light in the office is the BenQ ScreenBar Plus with Desktop Dial . This ScreenBar attaches to the top of the monitor, and the light emitted is directed down onto the desk surface. None of the light hits the screen, so there’s no added glare. The ScreenBar comes with a dial that controls brightness and color temperature. The dial also has a light sensor that can automatically dim the light bar as the light in the environment changes.

The ScreenBar is always on while I’m at my desk. During the day, it’s nice to have a little extra light since the office doesn’t get any direct sunlight. At night the ScreenBar is the only light I’ll turn on. The office stays dark and moody while preventing any eye strain from a bright monitor.

Nanoleaf Light Panels

Above the desk, I have a set of Nanoleaf Light Panels mounted on the accent wall. At night I’ll usually keep the color as pure white and turn the brightness way down to add a little fill light in the office.

Ceiling Light

The office has an 8-Light Semi Flush Mount ceiling fixture (similar Amazon option ) that’s paired with a hardwired GE Smart Switch . The smart switch allows us to control the light with either the Home Assistant dashboard on our phones or with a Google Assistant command.

Office Decor

I picked up a BMW F80 M3 a little over a year ago, so I was on the hunt for an M3 poster I could hang in the office. I eventually found HivePosters on Etsy, who sells a BMW M3 Evolution Poster . The poster contains all of the different M3 generations. I found out that the seller does custom orders, so I’m thinking of ordering a custom print of my exact car.

The print is framed in an 18×24 frame Fametory Metal Frame . We’ve tried a bunch of frames in the past and these are our favorite frames to achieve a modern minimal look.

I grew up playing with Legos and my dream motorcycle was a Ducati 899 Panigale, so it was a no-brainer to get a Lego Ducati Panigale V4 R for the office. I’d love to pick up a few more sets and build up a Lego Technic collection, but some of the sets get ridiculously expensive or are impossible to find. I was eying the Porsche 991 GT3 RS , but it appears to be discontinued and hard to come by.

Dark Accent Wall

I always loved the look of dark and moody setups. After comparing a bunch of different color swatches, I landed on Sherwin Williams Peppercorn in a matte finish. I found it to be a good middle ground between pure black and too light of a gray.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my office and that you gained some inspiration for your own workspace. If you have questions about any of the products, feel free to ask them below, or reach out to me on Instagram @tdchow !

This post was all about my home office desk setup.

IN: Office · TAGGED: Desk Setup , Home Office

Comments (3)

Can I have the link for the wallpapers they look so amazing..

Hi, how have you hidden the Nanoleaf cables?

Hey Max! I have the power cable routed behind the drywall.

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We're Viv & Tim, here to help you create a home you love! Follow along as we share our top home decor picks, plus helpful organization and entertaining ideas.

Designing My Ikea Kallax and Alex Craft Room

By: Author Tara Jacobsen

Posted on Last updated: August 29, 2023

Categories Craft Room Storage

Okay, I love me some Ikea, and I am sure you do too! But there are SO MANY OPTIONS that I wanted to sit down and think really hard about what I NEED for my craft room storage before I go to Ikea.com and get all star struck by the options available!

Here are all my best tips and ideas of things to think about while you are designing your Ikea craft room!

Related Post :: See the final Ikea Craft Room Makeover !

Please note:  This article contains affiliate links, and that means that I may earn a commission if you buy something. Read my full disclosure here.

Update April 2022!

About designing the perfect craft room, video: redesigning my craft room with ikea hacks, what is working, what is not working, are you a shelf gal, are you a wall hanger, are you a visual organizer, do you need flat surfaces, ikea storage color… black or white, what else do you do in your craft room, measuring your space, doing your layout, can you go high, is there covered storage for the ikea cubes, is the ikea kallax good for craft rooms, is there an ikea craft room planner.

• Does Ikea Sell A "Craft Table"?

What Kinds Of Craft Space Will This Work For?

I did it again! I moved my craft room and the Kallax cubes and Alex desks to my new craft room! If you are thinking about getting these amazing bookshelves, I am a super fan and have been so happy with the choices I made so that I wasn't “stuck” with a system that I couldn't learn and grow with!

I am going to be lifting my skirt for this post and showing you some of my good bits and some of my “not so good” bits (as in my hot mess areas!)

That said, before we start I want to say that this 1000% better than it was in the past and there are some things that I have learned that work for me!

Related Post :: What I learned from A Slob Comes Clean about cleaning my craft room!

So first, let's talk about some of my storage solutions that ARE working for me now…

• I LOVE having my embossing stuff right beside my chair so I can reach over and grab it
• My rainbow magazine holders work great, I just need to get them to a place I can actually reach (my husband says I have T-rex arms… I don't think that means they are long… hahaha)
• My faux apothecary box for my metal embellishments works great
• And my tiered storage unit is perfect for my sprays and stains

I think there are a number of things that are not working (#mistressoftheobvious).

• I have gotten a different small solution for each organizing problem I have and none of them are working together
• I don't have any flat places to put “works in progress” or even set things down to dry
• My desk is too deep (considering it is a dining room table, that is not a huge shocker)
• I have to see everything so it looks messy even if I am not feeling like it is messy

Things To Consider About Your Organizing

So now you know all my problems (well at least my craft organizing problems), so let's think about some things that you might not have really thought through until now!

I am a shelf gal! I love having a huge bookcase that I can use decorative boxes on to organize my “stuff”.

I got this bookcase/desk combo at an antique auction and I just love how the huge areas give me lots of room.

With my Ikea choices I am going to have even more shelves! I am getting the “Tetris of shelves”… a 4 shelf, 8 shelf and 12 shelf trifecta!

• Ikea Kallax Cubes 1 X 4 Unit
• Ikea Kallax Cubes 2 X 4 unit
• Ikea Kallax Cubes 3 X 4 unit
• Ikea Alex Drawers Desk Bases

And here is the final version of my craft room!

But maybe you are not such a “shelfer” like me, you might need to have a cool “wall of thread” or a fun pegboard like Jennifer Maker shows you how to make !

Not only does hanging things on the wall not appeal to me, but our walls are horrible and hanging anything on them is a recipe for disaster!

One of my biggest problems is I am a visual organizer! I have to see everything out in the open or I forget that I have it.

I found a lady that categorizes clutter people as Clutterbugs . I am some kind of butterfly or something, but she says I have two different overlapping circles… visual AND large scale organizing rather than lots of little boxes.

If you are struggling with organizing you might want to check out her free quiz.

Okay, this is a big one for me… do you need to have more flat (open) spaces in your craft room?

I don't have great areas to put things down and I have about a 2X3 area in the whole room to do work on.

So I got two new desks AND cubbies that are a little lower so I can put things on top of them too!

Okay, now comes a big question! Should you do all white, all black, a mix or what.

I already had a white cabinet, red bookcase and desk and black bookshelves in my craft room so I was going to use one of those colors.

I really would have liked to do black (it doesn't get as messy with all the paint and “stuff” I use for my art), but Ikea's “black” is really brown black and I thought it would look super derpy to have black and brown and red and white, so I went with the white!

That said, now that I have the white units I am super happy with them. They are light and bright and I feel like they do make the room a little more cheerful!

Some of us can have a dedicated crafting area and some of us have to have multiple uses for our room. I have 3 uses for my craft room…

• Taking pictures for my blog and store
• Making videos of my crafts for YouTube

You definitely want to think of all the different functions that you have in your space and make sure you have an area where you can accomplish that task.

Now you want to measure the area you have to use for your storage. I have a ring of bookcases and cupboards around my crafting area, but the space I had to use for my Ikea Cubes and my desks was 7'X8′ which is actually a pretty big area once I started plotting things out!

The one thing you don't want to do is try to cram three rooms of storage into one space, so much so that you don't have room to work!

Now you want to lay your “craft room” out on paper or on the computer. I did a 1″ equals 1′ kind of deal which I think is kind of normal for people who don't use the metric system.

I did two different versions of my layout, because I KNEW I would want to move things around later.

Originally I thought I would get all 2 X 4 Kallax Cubes, but then I realized that having a variety of sizes would allow me to do so many different arrangements.

Last but not least to think about is “going high”. I like that I can reach the top of the shelves when they are 4 high, but I had also thought about putting the 1 X 4 Kallax cube across the top to make a 5th row of cubes.

UPDATE August 2023

When I moved to my new craft room I added a bookcase tipped on its side and put on top of all the Ikea Kallax cubes. I found that this was brilliant!

Not only did I get more shelves, but there are now longer spaces to put things that are wider than the cube size.

This was just a random white bookshelf that my daughter left in the closet when she moved out and my father in law was actually the one who suggested putting the bookcase on top of the cubes!

Ikea Craft Room FAQs

I had SO MANY questions before I got all my Ikea storage units. I KNOW, you can return them, but I wanted to get it right the first time so I obsessed over every little thing… ha! Here are some of the questions that I had before I got my units!

There is! You can get doors for your cubes or even drawers for them.

I have gotten a ton of messes on my Alex desk and so far all of them have come off (once I had to use alcohol). The shelving unit is sturdy and the desk tops are super durable and the finish is a tiny bit shiny so that they are easy to clean.

Ikea has a planner for the Kallax units , but I found that just using the little one by one squares worked the best! That said, if you are an uber nerd and like doing things the fancy way, go for it!

Does Ikea Sell A “Craft Table”?

They for sure have a range of different desk tops that you can mix and match with different table legs or even the Alex drawer units like I used to replace two of the desk legs.

One thing I will say is that I had a “craft table top” rather than a “craft desk”. I have been using my new desks for about a month now and I am over the moon having those drawers there for craft supplies right at my finger tips… it is just so darn convenient!

These are great for all kinds of craft rooms… here are some ideas about each!

Sewing rooms – oh my gosh, those upright cubbies would be amazing to hold folded fabric or if they are on boards to wrap the fabric around

Crafts and scrapbook – the cubbies are just great for keeping papers and since they are 13X13X15 they hold scrapbook size paper easily!

Mixed media – I have SO MANY different types of craft supplies and I love that they can all have their own nooks and crannies!

Saturday 17th of June 2023

I have the Kallax system in white. Finished getting everything together just yesterday. Oh my! The size works perfectly. My papers fit as do my memory albums, paints, dies.. everything. Really pleased, thank you for the ideas.

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This sturdy desk is built to outlast years of coffee and hard work. You get a generous work surface and a clever solution to keep cords in place underneath.

Product details

K Malmvall/E Lilja Löwenhielm

• Materials & care Tabletop Particleboard, Linoleum, Plastic edging Sit/stand underframe for table top Total composition: 100 % polyester Top rail/ Cross rail/ Leg/ Housing/ Washer: Steel, Epoxy/polyester powder coating Foot: Aluminum, Epoxy/polyester powder coating Cable management: Stainless steel, 30 % polyester, 70 % rubber Desk sit/stand Wipe clean with a mild soapy solution. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Tabletop/sit/stand underframe for table top Check regularly that all assembly fastenings are properly tightened and retighten when necessary.
• Sustainability & environment Sit/stand underframe for table top Special waste handling may be required. Please contact your local authorities for more information. Tabletop We want to have a positive impact on the planet. That is why by 2030, we want all materials in our products to be recycled or renewable, and sourced in responsible ways. By using a renewable material like linoleum in this product, we avoid using fossil or finite materials.
• Packaging This product comes as 3 packages. BEKANT Tabletop Article Number: 103.663.05 Width: 33 " Height: ¾ " Length: 65 ¾ " Weight: 37 lb 8 oz Package(s): 1 BEKANT Sit/stand underframe for table top Article Number: 802.632.24 This product has multiple packages. Width: 6 ¼ " Height: 2 ½ " Length: 56 ¼ " Weight: 20 lb 15 oz Package(s): 1 Width: 8 ¼ " Height: 5 " Length: 28 ¼ " Weight: 35 lb 13 oz Package(s): 1
• Assembly & documents Assembly instructions BEKANT Sit/stand underframe for table top 802.632.24 Other documents BEKANT Sit/stand underframe for table top 802.632.24

Product size

Ideas that work for the office.

Today, there are as many ways of working as there are job titles. Some of us share a desk with colleagues, and some use the local coffee shop or the kitchen table at home as headquarters. No matter where or how you work, or what time of day (or night) you do it, it helps to have a flexible workspace. With furniture that adapts to your needs and not the other way around.

To work standing up

Good ideas thrive where the unusual is business as usual. So surprise your body with movement now and then – even if you’re super-concentrated on something for a long time. When you shift position, your blood circulation increases. It makes it easier to relax your back, neck and shoulders. With a height-adjustable desk, it’s easy to vary your work position. It can do wonders for your creativity and focus, and even be a good substitute for that extra cup of coffee.

Make 1+1 become 3

Sometimes we need to work on our own – sometimes we want to work together. Or just socialize. When we collaborate, we can share ideas, become inspired and create an environment where both businesses and people can flourish. To meet our changing needs, we need furniture that are as adaptable as we are. That makes it possible to create the workday we need and want.

Storage that takes you places

Storage with casters is easy to get out of the way when you want to turn the workplace into something else. Perhaps shift focus from one task to another, make room for cleaning or less serious stuff? Office supplies fit perfectly in storage with casters. It makes them easy to bring to the desk, the sofa – or wherever it is you prefer to work.

Two for one

Even if you have all your meetings online or out of the office, it can be a good idea to have an extra seat for colleagues or family members that want to stop by. When you’re on your own, you can use it for relaxation after a session by the screen – perhaps by doing a different type of work-task for a while. If you have little space, there are storage units approved to be used as seating as well.

Storage for people on the go

Storage units developed for standing work are handy if you don’t have a need or the space for a big desk. They can be used as presentation-desks, and if you add casters to them, you can easily move them around and rearrange the room in seconds.

Shared storage and shared spaces

Lack of storage seems to be a universal issue – no matter how disciplined you are or what you do for a living. Large storage units are convenient when you’re sharing storage with someone else. They can also be used as room dividers to create individual workspaces without walls or doors.

Hide or show what you’re storing

If you go for closed storage, it will always look nice and tidy no matter what is hidden inside the cabinets. With glass doors, you get an overview of what’s in the cabinets and can protect your stuff from dust. They also give an opportunity to show visitors things you are extra proud of.

To work sitting down

When you feel like working sitting down, choose a chair that adapts to you, not the other way around. Make sure it gives back support, is adjustable and can swivel – allowing for that all-important movement. You want to be able to sit upright and have your monitor at eye height, and your arms and elbows at a 90-degree angle with your hands just above your keyboard. If you need extra support for your lower back, choose a chair that has lumbar support.

A chair without armrests provides freedom for natural movement, but a chair with armrests will support the upper part of your forearms, thereby reducing stress on shoulders and back. Make sure the armrests don’t prevent you from drawing the chair close to the desk.

Chairs with casters

If you want a chair that can roll around and is easy to move, make sure it has safety casters. The safety casters make the chair stay in place when you get up from it.

Active seating

Do yourself a favor, change position now and then instead of sitting or standing all day. A sit/stand support doesn’t have any back-support or armrests. It allows for a flexible work position at both desks and high tables. You get a more open posture – good for your circulation and core muscles, and awesome for both body and mind.

Managing the essentials

Cables. We need them, but we don’t want to see them. They’re easy to trip on, and it can be hard to know which one goes where. A cable management solution helps you to organize and hide the cables. It also makes your workstation look less cluttered and cleaning a whole lot easier. There are a several different cable management systems to choose from, see which one that suits you best.

Digital help that works in real life

There are a number of technological aids that can make your working life easier. With NFC (Near Field Communication) you can lock away your things with a card key instead of a regular key. There are also apps that you can use to control some desks. The apps can remind you to move around now and then, so you get a healthier workday. Or automatically set your favorite height if you share a height-adjustable desk with someone else.

Reduce noise pollution

Your ears should feel just as comfortable at work as your back, neck and shoulders. What someone thinks is calming background sound, can be noise to someone else. With soft-closing doors and drawers you can reduce noise pollution. You can also use fabrics, cushions and rugs to dampen sounds, soften echoes and give the office a homier feeling.

Feel at home at work

Apart from having flexible furniture, there are other things you can do to make magic happen at work. Decorate with plants that improve the air quality. Let daylight in – without causing glare. Make sure there’s access to hot drinks and cold water. But above all, challenge truths, try new things and ask for help if you need it. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable at work.

Function solution

Stay active at work.

With BEKANT electric sit/stand underframe you can raise and lower your desk with the simple touch of a button. That helps you change working positions often and keeps your body active. The lowest position for sitting is 22" and the highest for standing is 48".

BEKANT Desk sit/stand, linoleum blue/black 63x31 1/2 "

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