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Ask HN: What cool desk ideas do you have for a home office?

I’m in the market for a new desk but I’ve decided I’d like to build the desktop out of wood and buy a height adjustable base. If I’m building it I want to do some interesting, unique, functional things. For reference I’m a software engineer and I’ve been working from home for 4 years with a pretty basic height adjustable desk. Assume I can build anything. That isn’t true but I’ll try :D

cvccvroomvroom 3y ago
It's cheaper to buy a repo adjustable desk than MacGuvering something from Home Depot. I spent $$$ making a counter height 3D printing table via all ways X crosses in tension stainless cable and threaded loops and stainless threaded rods through the base. Cut stainless cable is wicked sharp.
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  Definitely agree, but this isn’t about saving money, it’s about being creative and having fun doing some woodworking
michaelbuckbee 3y ago
So I have a big 4k TV that I use as a monitor. The distance from the bottom of the TV to the desk should really change when I switch from sitting to standing. It would be cool if the screen mount also lifted when going from sitting -> standing.
- RankingMember 3y ago
  I'd be curious to know what model tv you use for this.
  - michaelbuckbee 3y ago
    A Samsung 55" Curved - they stopped making them as I suspect they moved their production capacity over to higher margin curved monitors, but it's great if you can find one.
    - reckless 3y ago
      They do a 55" curved one called the Samsung odyssey ark
      - michaelbuckbee 3y ago
        Yeah, that's a ~$2500 55" curved monitor and I'm using a ~$500 Samsung Curved TV.
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  I’m the same way! I’m more torso than legs. But for me it’s just an inch or two so I don’t mind. But I’ve thought the same thing.
- coffeebeqn 3y ago
  Any downsides to using a TV? Anything specific you have to look for or are they basically the same as monitors these days?
  - michaelbuckbee 3y ago
    The pixel density is less, but that's offset with your face being further away from them. The only other real thing you need to do is fiddle with the settings to turn down stuff like auto-smoothing/auto-sharpening or whatever proprietary processing TVs designed for movies and shows are set to.
CA0DA 3y ago
built-in fridge?
phren0logy 3y ago
I always thought the Lian Li DK-05F was pretty cool - a computer case that’s a desk with a glass top. Not sure it really solves a practical problem, but it’s cool!
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  That is pretty cool! Yeah not practical imo, and I have a laptop, but definitely neat
- doitLP 3y ago
  Example picture: https://i1.wp.com/www.modders-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/image/2015/06/dk-03-00.jpg https://i1.wp.com/www.modders-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/ima...
  - vlod 3y ago
    My eyes immediately went to the rods on the right. I expected them to be joysticks and desk pacman to start playing. Yeah... wasted youth.
imposterr 3y ago
A directional speaker above you so you can take meetings without headphones but also without the sound bothering others. https://soundtube-int.mseaudio.com/fp6020-ii.html https://soundtube-int.mseaudio.com/fp6020-ii.html
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  I’m thinking more about how to build something out of wood that’s interesting, but I love that speaker idea. Headphones do get tiring pretty quickly for me.
deleted 3y ago
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EricMausler 3y ago
I did exactly this about 4 - 5 years ago I bought spring-based (not electric) height adjustable legs / frame and then went to home depot with a friend and cut a 70" x 30"ish x 1" piece of wood. Added a rounded edge to one side, sanded, stained it, then screwed it into the frame. I love it. It's huge compared to a typical desk, and although I haven't done anything unique with it, it's been solid. I dont really know what I'd add to it that would be worth giving up desk space, tbh. The conveniences / tools I use work fine being on the desk rather than part of the desk
gullywhumper 3y ago
This was posted a couple years ago. Make sure to check out the first pic: https://blog.luap.info/drafts/i-built-a-lay-down-desk.html?hnn https://blog.luap.info/drafts/i-built-a-lay-down-desk.html?h... And discussed on HN here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24687458 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24687458
duyhtq 3y ago
hi. happy to sponsor you a free height adjustable frame. pls email me at duy@autonomous.ai ps: i lead the hardware + software labs at autonomous (autonomous.ai), a smart office company. super excited to see what you’ll build!
meter 3y ago
I think it’d be neat to embed USB ports within the wood. The cables could be embedded in the wood using a router, completely out of sight. Imagine plugging your phone, keyboard, or mouse, directly into the wood. There might be some downsides, but it’d be unique. I prefer wired keyboards/mice for their reliability. But aesthetically, I don’t like having a bunch of cables spread across my desk.
- eropple 3y ago
  The downsides are pretty large: you're betting on using those plugs forever. With USB-C that is a better bet than USB-A, but...yeah. Better is the modular/drop-in approach and using through-panel connectors. Cable hiding is cool, but even with a full wood shop I just attach raceways to things or at most route out a channel that I can attach silicone catches over top of, because the juice isn't worth the squeeze.
  - coffeebeqn 3y ago
    Also most USB cables I buy these days seem to have a lifespan of 1-2 years before something disconnects somewhere and it needs to be replaced or soldered if you’re patient enough
  - ghaff 3y ago
    Periodically I clean up my cabling including pulling out all the "cables to nowhere" that seem to accumulate over time. My stereo system is worse. I periodically look at the rats nest of wiring and cables in the back--at least some of it to components that aren't in the rack any more--thinking to do something about it. But I then lie down until the feeling goes away. I know I would break stuff and it will end up being a tedious multiday project to get everything working again without much real benefit.
    - eropple 3y ago
      I definitely feel that. Buying a 3D printer helped a lot with this, for me (and also building custom furniture with the aforementioned cable tracks). I've been able to (for not a lot of money) print raceways and cable ports that keeps my basement rack a lot easier to deal with.
bombcar 3y ago
Route cable management into the desk so you can have wired peripherals without wires everywhere.
rnoorda 3y ago
Button under the desk controlling LED lights outside the room. The light indicates whether you're in a meeting and can't be disturbed, working but can talk if necessary, or just chilling.
zachrose 3y ago
I've been happily hacking on my Ikea Bekant for three years. I replaced the top, replaced the buttons with a double throw rocker switch (1), built a Mac Mini/laptop shelf on the back half, a KVM switch on a little shelf in the front. Cable management isn't horrible but there's a lot of room for improvement. I'd like to replace all the AC adapters with one big one that can supply everything. I've built some outlandish and unsatisfying desks in the past, the gradual approach has been better. 1. This is unsafe for children, as they might figure out a way to flip the switch and crush themselves. Please take this consideration into account.
splike 3y ago
For a while I've wanted to build a big red "Ship it!" button (think emergency stop button). When slammed, it runs `git add -u . && git commit -m "Shipped!" && git push`
- theshrike79 3y ago
  Make it one of those fancy buttons with the plastic cover you need to open before pushing and have it say "In case of fire" :D
efortis 3y ago
Having the mobo upside-down below the desk.
clktmr 3y ago
I would love to see a desk with an integrated mechanical keyboard, or an inlet for them. I really liked the mechanical keyboards I had, but ultimately I prefer very slim keyboards.
- deleted 3y ago
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- kesslern 3y ago
  If you're a bit DIY inclined, this would be pretty easy to do with a butcher block desk. You could use a router (the wood kind, not the network kind) to create a pocket for your ideal keyboard size and affix it to most any desk legs.
noja 3y ago
If you like solid oak, take a look at https://ergohide.com/ https://ergohide.com/
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  This website has a lot of inspirational ideas, thanks! I especially like the cupholder idea. I'm always concerned I'll knock over my drink and ruin something
tpmx 3y ago
I tend to mostly focus on the displays. The desk(s) follow from that... I currently have two 43" 4k displays (Philips BDM4350UC) next to each other. One directly in front of me, the other angled to the side. It's not working great - too much strain to use the right half of the side screen. What I'm curious to test: one 43" 4k screen in the the middle with an LG DualUp 18:16 screen to each side. Maybe I should just get two pivotable regular cheap 24-27" 16:9 displays and be done with it, a bit like this: https://old.reddit.com/r/battlestations/comments/aogog4/my_plp_setup/ https://old.reddit.com/r/battlestations/comments/aogog4/my_p...
- DR_Hero 3y ago
  That is exactly my plan for my future desk setup, I started from wanting a dualup, then found the monitor size that would be as close to flush in height as possible stacked side by side. A 43" display is the closest with a 0.39 cm difference in screen height, though I ended up getting a 42" LG OLED instead. My main hangups are finding a nice Monitor mount setup for them. Something like the following would be ideal, but I'm not sure if it'll fit with such a big main screen: https://eu.humanscale.com/userFiles/images/monitorarms/m10/m10_triple_image.jpg https://eu.humanscale.com/userFiles/images/monitorarms/m10/m...
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  That 3-monitor setup is exactly what I'm planning. I doubt I'll make much use of the side vertical monitors, but I have them so why not. After reading all the comments on this post I've realized I can build my own monitor mount system instead of buying some monitor arms. I think that'll make them more secure and less wiggly
  - DR_Hero 3y ago
    Another option I've looked into is mounting the monitors on a wall track, letting you adjust the standing desk and monitor height separately and without the instability. Something like this system with the walltrack kit, though I'm unsure if it'll work with the bigger tv/monitor sizes: https://www.ergomart.com/monitor-mounts/monitor-wall-mounts/multi-monitor/cmt2415-triple-monitor-arm https://www.ergomart.com/monitor-mounts/monitor-wall-mounts/...
blamazon 3y ago
I was at Home Depot to get a 6 foot butcher block countertop for this purpose, but then a 12 foot butcher block countertop caught my eye... and that's how I ended up with a 12 foot desk. Huge pain to transport. Takes up too much room. I have no regrets. If you get a butcher block countertop from a big box home improvement store, make sure to finish[1] it right away, since they are moisture sensitive and the plastic wrap job is usually somewhat damaged by the time you get it, due to the vagaries of transport. [1]: (finish == woodworking term meaning to apply a protective coating)
- shermanm 3y ago
  What sort of finish do you recommend for a desk? I used some sort of polyurethane for my current desk and it’s gotten gummy and gross from my hands and wrists (I’m assuming).
  - blamazon 3y ago
    I like polyurethane most, since I dislike the repeat maintenance of other options, and like the resilience of polyurethane, but I find it's a pain to get it right - I usually have an algorithm of try, wait, sand it down to bare wood, try again, wait more, sand more, repeat a couple times until I'm satisfied. If you're okay with periodically re-applying, and don't need the durability of poly, something like tung oil is a great choice - wipes on super easy and looks fabulous. Sibling comment has great recommendations in this domain. On gumminess - it sounds like it didn't cure correctly? Could be environmental factors, (temp/humidity) could be uneven application, etc. I also find I have to leave polyurethane alone for a looooong time for it to cure properly - I try not to touch the final coat for a week or more. I try to do very thin coats, sanding between each coat, for 2-3 coats, then for the final coat I use a spray polyurethane which seems to lie flat a bit better.
    - shermanm 3y ago
      I definitely applied it in my garage in the summer and only let it sit for a day or so.
  - 3y ago
swozey 3y ago
Do you move much? I had two of those solid wood Ikea desks in an L shape and I eventually got rid of them because they were absolutely miserable to move. I don't remember the exact weight but I think they were something like 80lbs each and I'd have to drag them up stairs on their sides alone. I miss that desk set up but I move every year or two since I rent and I just couldn't deal with them anymore. Now I've got a fully jarvis frame with some amazon wood top just sitting on it.
- deleted 3y ago
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- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  No I don't move much, but thank you for the warning. About 10 years ago I built a very simple desk that was easy to move because at the time I was moving a lot
csours 3y ago
Not a desk idea, but... I've thought about getting a nice seat from a wrecked vehicle and mounting it on a rolling platform for a desk chair. The nicer ones are heated and ventilated
bafe 3y ago
Get an Eiermann 2 tubular steel base. It is (slightly) adjustable, it can support very large boards and they also offer a cable tray to hang on the frame
ijustlovemath 3y ago
I've got a big partner desk, picture 1940s law office [1]. I've always wanted to make it a standing desk, but haven't yet found a good candidate which would require no modification to the original desk, save mounting hardware underneath the desk surface. It would need to be slim on the feet (about 2 inches of clearance underneath the file cabinet drawers), and able to support about 200lbs of gear to adjustable heights If y'all have suggestions, please let me know! Following this thread closely [1] - https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2e/7f/ec/2e7fecdc12ec89d510e11033e24bbcba--desks-for-home-partners-desk.jpg https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2e/7f/ec/2e7fecdc12ec89d510e11033e... Kinda like this, but the top is totally separate from the cabinets, and is slightly wider
deleted 3y ago
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h3xk1tt3n 3y ago
I did something like this recently, and it turned out okay; going into it I already expected there would be multiple iterations before I was really happy with it. My idea was to have the smallest actual desk surface possible for my needs, maximizing the number of screens/pixels in my field of view. I got the heaviest duty electric standing desk frame and built on top of that. The desk surface is about 16” deep, which allows me to have smaller monitors that extend below the surface of the desk (but still within view) mounted beneath my bigger monitors. I also set up rails (2x6) at two different heights to accommodate monitors at eye level and below, and at above eye level, so basically three rows of monitors. All of my monitors are on arms, which in retrospect was maybe not the right choice, since I don’t actually need them to move, and the arms make them wobble a bit when I bump the desk. I have my work and personal laptops each on a monitor arm (with a laptop tray). Laptops on arms are actually the best thing ever, since I can use them sitting or standing without adjusting the desk height, and I can have a laptop positioned over my mousepad. Got one of those aluminum mstand things collecting dust. If I had to start again, I would get a second standing desk frame just for my desk surface and laptop arms. I would cut out all the monitor arms and build a sort of parabolic-shaped frame on top of the heavy duty standing desk frame to hold my monitors infixed positions relative to each other. With two standing desk frames I could easily adjust my desk height vs monitor height. I also have a drivers seat from a PT Cruiser mounted to a gas cylinder chair base. This is mostly great, but I think it would be better without wheels, or at least with stiffer wheels. If you go this route be on the lookout for car seats with built-in heat; not sure why all desk chairs don’t have this feature. I guess I have a lot of thoughts on this lol.
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  Thank you for this! I was assuming I'd purchase monitor arms but reading your post made me realize, I don't have to, I can build something far studier :D
atoav 3y ago
As someone who learned industrial design think the most important thing is to have the desk match your use. There isn't any specific advice I could give as my desks are extremely tuned to my own needs (5.1 audio production, electronics, etc.). The most important thing is to get the width and depth right and to figure out where everything goes. Don't be afraid to add multiple levels either going up or down to add what you need. Don't limit your thinking to the desk, think also about storage of desk stuff, what accumulates on the desk, what you need to see, what not, etc. Although "designers" (if they don't think a lot about functionality I prefer to call them stylists) love them I'd avoid minimalist desk ideas, unless that is how you use desks (most people I have ever known have a ton of shit lying on their desks). Don't design for a shiny product picture, design for your own daily use. The best thing I ever did for my desk had nothing to do with my desk: I added a ton of small-stuff storage in the form of office cabinets for my electronics needs and label them properly. This makes it easy to clean up accumulated stuff and find it later. This improved the way I could use the desk more than any desk design could have done, ever. That means if you want a good desk design you have to analyze your own usage patterns before and try to draw the right conclusions.
- jacknews 3y ago
  Although "designers" (if they don't think a lot about functionality I prefer to call them stylists) Love that. The best I've managed is to emphasize "graphic designer", but even that is often undeserved. Then again 'software engineer' is almost always at least as disingenuous.
shermanm 3y ago
I made a quick and dirty desk when I started working from home during COVID. Plywood with some quick finish on some legs I got from Amazon. I didn’t spend too much time on it because I wasn’t sure how long I’d be working from home. Some things I added: * Integrated cable management: I attached the power strip and the LAN switch under the desk. I’ve got cats that get curious. * usb hub on the side * Boom arm for my microphone. I’m working on building a new desk right now. Some things I want to add: * Better cable management. I’d love a little cabinet under the desk that all the cables go through and stay hidden. * Some sort of bag or box on the side so I can sweep my desk clean * built in wireless charging. * integrated KVM switch. Preferably a button under the desk I can press to switch between computers. * built in hardware mute switch/press to talk for my microphone. * some sort of rail mounting system for monitors, camera boom, and microphone. * foot hammock
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  Wow, these are some great ideas, thanks!
- jacknews 3y ago
  I find Synergy, Barrier, Input Leap, etc better than KVM.
godelski 3y ago
Are we talking ultimate dream desk that definitely won't ever be built or something more approachable? This is weirdly one of the things I daydream about. In the latter case there's a few things I'd do, but in general simpler is better. I like clean desk surfaces, so starting with a nice piece of wood is great but entirely optional (and wouldn't do on first version). Most important thing to me would be to start with an adjustable height desk. Preferably a standing desk[0] but at minimum adjusting while I sit because I like to move around. The next thing is about ensuring a clean desk. The far side of the desk should have the apron inset so you can get vesa mounts on easily. Now for extra bonuses. Back end of the table has slats so wires can be passed through. Only to be thick enough for the cable because the end is open (I hate wrangling port shapes through awkwardly sized holes, just go around). Front apron and back surface would be nice to have small usb pass-through. Back for things like mouse and keyboard so they don't have to reach wherever the desktop is. Then just simple LED underlighting because I like to work at night and don't want to always have the full lights on so I can fall asleep sooner. Thing that I probably wouldn't actually do but could always be added later: insets for wireless things like locations to put your phone to wirelessly charge without needing to dock. But if I were actually to do this, I'd probably just get a butcher block like Blamazon and pre-built adjustable height legs. [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaebibxGdI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaebibxGdI
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  These are some great ideas! This is the kind of stuff I was looking for. I had a few standard ideas like integrated cord management, but thanks for giving me more ideas.
  - godelski 3y ago
    If you want to go way overboard there's a bunch of videos showing how to make a touch sensitive table[0]. Which now that we're talking about it, I'm a bit surprised these aren't mass produced because these should be fully automatable (pun unintended) and I could see being in high demand for things like high end bars. But I think it is more a Field of Dreams product than existing demand one. [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3mriHLV3oo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3mriHLV3oo
simon_acca 3y ago
As you'd would expect, Wolfram has a post about his home setup, including a custom built desk [0]. Also as one would expect, the post is as lengthy as it is insightful 0: https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2019/02/seeking-the-productive-life-some-details-of-my-personal-infrastructure/ https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2019/02/seeking-the-prod...
- PrimeMcFly 3y ago
  Talk about being 'extremely online'...
the_third_wave 3y ago
Get an older desk - preferably one of the many-drawered variety - at a thrift store, Craigslist, second hand store or similar. Also, get a 25 to 30 cm wide, 4-5 cm thick slab of some fine wood, Oak or Elm or something else relatively heavy. The slab should cover at least the width of the desk plus ~12-14 cm but it can be wider. Cut two 6 to 7 cm heigh 'feet' for the slab off the side and mount these on the bottom of the slab so that each foot sits on the edge of the desk. Put the slab on those feet on the back side of the desk, put your monitor(s) on top of it. The keyboard and laptop - that is assuming you have a stationary system at home, otherwise replace 'keyboard' with 'docking station' - go underneath the slab when not in use of when - like I have several times a day - the cat comes by to help you with your projects [1]. Get some 'home entertainment system speakers' from that same thrift store/Craigslist/Freecycle/dumpster and spread them out on the back of the slab behind the monitor(s), put the subwoofer in the foot well under the desk. If you are anything like me the slab will eventually be covered in parts and pieces, rolls of solder, breadboard with cables going hither and thither and more but at least the stuff is not directly on the desk, ey? [1] this is assuming the cat is as bad a hacker as ours is, if yours is actually better by all means allow it to participate.
- squeegee_scream 3y ago
  For some reason I'm having a really difficult time understanding your design. I've read it 4 times. I'm pretty sure my ability to visualize is poorer than average. Can you explain it in another way, or link a picture or sketch?
  - the_third_wave 3y ago
    Imagine a staircase with only two steps. The bottom step is the desk surface, it extends all the way to the back underneath the second step. There is no riser under the second step, this is an open staircase. The second step is the slab on top of which the monitor(s) stand. _ __________________ __________________ | | | || | | | | || | | | | || | | | | || | | | |__________________||__________________| T | | | | XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX HHHHHHH H [laptop] [keyboard] [drive] H ================= ==================================== | |o |[___o___][______o_______][___o___]| | | || ||--------------|| || | | || || || || | | || || || || | |o || o|| ||o || | | || || || || | | || || || || | ____________ | ||_______|| ||_______|| |_| |_| || || || || XXXXXXX = heavy wooden slab HHHHHHH = feet for slab, made out of same or similar wood ======= = desk surface o = knob on drawer or door The desk itself is an older type with loads of drawers behind the right door, shelves behind the left one. I'm using the right monitor as main, the left one is only switched on when needed. The wooden slab is not attached to the desk, it stays in place due to its own weight - one of the reason for choosing a heavier type of wood. I'm using a slab of oak I cut from a dead tree I felled some years ago. I did not cut the edges straight so the front edge is uneven, this is where the bark used to be. The top of the slab leans over a bit since it did not come from the middle of the trunk, this gives more top surface while looking interesting as well.
AugustusCrunch 3y ago
I think anything you can mount the computer in a drawer. Not having the case sitting on the floor or on the desk sounds really nice. I've told my wife for several years that I'm going to make a desk with a hinged top, and every night at midnight a small motor lifts it up until everything slides off onto the floor. That way people wouldn't stack random junk on my desk rather than figuring out where it should really go.
- sowbug 3y ago
  Beware: I got the perfect under-desk shelf for a NUC-style computer, and it kept shutting down. The fit was too perfect, and the computer's cooling vents couldn't get the job done.
theshrike79 3y ago
My employer gave us an allowance to build our home office when Covid hit, I used mine to get a width adjustable dual-motor electric desk with 4 memory slots for different heights. According to spec the two linear motors in this desk can lift about 150kg. =) Our apartment at the time was kinda small and I had to fit my desk to a very specific slot, so no off-the-shelf desk would've fit the nonstandard size. I bought a 100% wood kitchen counter cut to my measurements and finished it to fit the decor. We've moved since and I took off the old tiny desk, spread out the legs and got an even bigger kitchen counter cut. Still the same base. The old desktop is now my SO's remote work table, with a similar set of height-adjustable legs. tl;dr 1. Get a base with a memory so you can set your favourite positions fast (sitting, standing+writing, standing+just watching) 2. Get the biggest desktop you can fit and get a sturdy one. If the tabletop is too light, it'll shake and vibrate as you type. 3. Ikea Skådis pegboards can be attached to the actual desk so they move up and down with it: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/skadis-pegboard-white-50320805/
apricot13 3y ago
Whatever you decide on leave room for mugs/plates/bowls etc and random things that you just put in there 'to remind myself to do this thing' I always setup my desks so the keyboard mouse etc have homes off of the desk so I can have a completely clear desk to do other tasks like writing or crafts
friend_and_foe 3y ago
A monitor suspended from the ceiling and a chair that leans back, split keyboard mounted to each handrest.
rcarmo 3y ago
I have been using a 180x90cm dining table as my desk for a long time now (maybe a couple of decades). My only regret is that it’s not height adjustable, but it’s not easy to replace it with a sit/stand desk.
paddy_m 3y ago
I have a Steelcase Airtouch desk. I think it's probably the best lifting mechanism on the market, fast, no electronics, single column. I want to make a new base for the mechanism that is much heavier so the desk doesn't move, probably adding 100 pounds of mass to it. With this I could mount a larger surface to the desk.
kkfx 3y ago
Not done, nor designed yet BUT I plan a certain refresh of my "desk": - I do not need a desk to use my desktop, so I'm looking to build a kind of "wardrobe" on wheel (see after why) that will contain two desktops easily accessible on the back, my new main monitor (34.1"/21:9) and a secondary vertical mounted one (27" 16:9), inside the rest of such "small wardrobe on wheel" structure I've put a classic UPS, few extras (like my not-so-much-used-anymore laptop on the back, cables and so on), a compact laser printer etc all connection TO the wardrobe: just a power cord and a cat6A cable. FROM the wardrobe a usb cable; - separated from it my standing desk, reduced in size, to have a place for keyboard, trackball (both wired, I do not want wireless ones), a "conference bottle" (poors man Meeting Owl, meaning a "bottle with mic, speaker and cam") and few extras; - under this system a simple magnetic treadmill (so I can walk and stop without having to touch anything, even if I need a small angle to use such system) and a tipper chair that when I want it, it goes over the treadmill, when not in use remain behind. My target is having a standing desk (done, but not as I wish) where I can: - "walk" starting and stopping when I want, no buttons needed, no fixed or not so quick to regulate speed; - being sit when I want, with the minimum effort, so I can switch in few seconds without moving much stuff around; - a complete hand-free setup (done, but not done for cam) while I'm still far from the monitor. Perhaps I've build a good enough prototype in few months :-)
robbs 3y ago
A bit late but my desk is a sit-stand-race desk. I built a "wall" from an old 2x8 attached to an electric sit-stand desk and mounted a telescoping TV mount to it. When I want to play racing games, I extend the monitor out to the edge of the desk and position my racing cockpit right under it.

cvccvroomvroom 3y ago

It's cheaper to buy a repo adjustable desk than MacGuvering something from Home Depot. I spent $$$ making a counter height 3D printing table via all ways X crosses in tension stainless cable and threaded loops and stainless threaded rods through the base. Cut stainless cable is wicked sharp.

squeegee_scream 3y ago
Definitely agree, but this isn’t about saving money, it’s about being creative and having fun doing some woodworking

michaelbuckbee 3y ago

So I have a big 4k TV that I use as a monitor. The distance from the bottom of the TV to the desk should really change when I switch from sitting to standing. It would be cool if the screen mount also lifted when going from sitting -> standing.

RankingMember 3y ago
I'd be curious to know what model tv you use for this.
- michaelbuckbee 3y ago
  A Samsung 55" Curved - they stopped making them as I suspect they moved their production capacity over to higher margin curved monitors, but it's great if you can find one.
  - reckless 3y ago
    They do a 55" curved one called the Samsung odyssey ark
    - michaelbuckbee 3y ago
      Yeah, that's a ~$2500 55" curved monitor and I'm using a ~$500 Samsung Curved TV.
squeegee_scream 3y ago
I’m the same way! I’m more torso than legs. But for me it’s just an inch or two so I don’t mind. But I’ve thought the same thing.
coffeebeqn 3y ago
Any downsides to using a TV? Anything specific you have to look for or are they basically the same as monitors these days?
- michaelbuckbee 3y ago
  The pixel density is less, but that's offset with your face being further away from them. The only other real thing you need to do is fiddle with the settings to turn down stuff like auto-smoothing/auto-sharpening or whatever proprietary processing TVs designed for movies and shows are set to.

CA0DA 3y ago

built-in fridge?

phren0logy 3y ago

I always thought the Lian Li DK-05F was pretty cool - a computer case that’s a desk with a glass top. Not sure it really solves a practical problem, but it’s cool!

squeegee_scream 3y ago
That is pretty cool! Yeah not practical imo, and I have a laptop, but definitely neat
doitLP 3y ago
Example picture: https://i1.wp.com/www.modders-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/image/2015/06/dk-03-00.jpg https://i1.wp.com/www.modders-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/ima...
- vlod 3y ago
  My eyes immediately went to the rods on the right. I expected them to be joysticks and desk pacman to start playing. Yeah... wasted youth.

imposterr 3y ago

A directional speaker above you so you can take meetings without headphones but also without the sound bothering others. https://soundtube-int.mseaudio.com/fp6020-ii.html https://soundtube-int.mseaudio.com/fp6020-ii.html

squeegee_scream 3y ago
I’m thinking more about how to build something out of wood that’s interesting, but I love that speaker idea. Headphones do get tiring pretty quickly for me.

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EricMausler 3y ago

I did exactly this about 4 - 5 years ago I bought spring-based (not electric) height adjustable legs / frame and then went to home depot with a friend and cut a 70" x 30"ish x 1" piece of wood. Added a rounded edge to one side, sanded, stained it, then screwed it into the frame. I love it. It's huge compared to a typical desk, and although I haven't done anything unique with it, it's been solid. I dont really know what I'd add to it that would be worth giving up desk space, tbh. The conveniences / tools I use work fine being on the desk rather than part of the desk

gullywhumper 3y ago

This was posted a couple years ago. Make sure to check out the first pic: https://blog.luap.info/drafts/i-built-a-lay-down-desk.html?hnn https://blog.luap.info/drafts/i-built-a-lay-down-desk.html?h... And discussed on HN here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24687458 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24687458

duyhtq 3y ago

hi. happy to sponsor you a free height adjustable frame. pls email me at duy@autonomous.ai ps: i lead the hardware + software labs at autonomous (autonomous.ai), a smart office company. super excited to see what you’ll build!

meter 3y ago

I think it’d be neat to embed USB ports within the wood. The cables could be embedded in the wood using a router, completely out of sight. Imagine plugging your phone, keyboard, or mouse, directly into the wood. There might be some downsides, but it’d be unique. I prefer wired keyboards/mice for their reliability. But aesthetically, I don’t like having a bunch of cables spread across my desk.

eropple 3y ago
The downsides are pretty large: you're betting on using those plugs forever. With USB-C that is a better bet than USB-A, but...yeah. Better is the modular/drop-in approach and using through-panel connectors. Cable hiding is cool, but even with a full wood shop I just attach raceways to things or at most route out a channel that I can attach silicone catches over top of, because the juice isn't worth the squeeze.
- coffeebeqn 3y ago
  Also most USB cables I buy these days seem to have a lifespan of 1-2 years before something disconnects somewhere and it needs to be replaced or soldered if you’re patient enough
- ghaff 3y ago
  Periodically I clean up my cabling including pulling out all the "cables to nowhere" that seem to accumulate over time. My stereo system is worse. I periodically look at the rats nest of wiring and cables in the back--at least some of it to components that aren't in the rack any more--thinking to do something about it. But I then lie down until the feeling goes away. I know I would break stuff and it will end up being a tedious multiday project to get everything working again without much real benefit.
  - eropple 3y ago
    I definitely feel that. Buying a 3D printer helped a lot with this, for me (and also building custom furniture with the aforementioned cable tracks). I've been able to (for not a lot of money) print raceways and cable ports that keeps my basement rack a lot easier to deal with.

bombcar 3y ago

Route cable management into the desk so you can have wired peripherals without wires everywhere.

rnoorda 3y ago

Button under the desk controlling LED lights outside the room. The light indicates whether you're in a meeting and can't be disturbed, working but can talk if necessary, or just chilling.

zachrose 3y ago

I've been happily hacking on my Ikea Bekant for three years. I replaced the top, replaced the buttons with a double throw rocker switch (1), built a Mac Mini/laptop shelf on the back half, a KVM switch on a little shelf in the front. Cable management isn't horrible but there's a lot of room for improvement. I'd like to replace all the AC adapters with one big one that can supply everything. I've built some outlandish and unsatisfying desks in the past, the gradual approach has been better. 1. This is unsafe for children, as they might figure out a way to flip the switch and crush themselves. Please take this consideration into account.

splike 3y ago

For a while I've wanted to build a big red "Ship it!" button (think emergency stop button). When slammed, it runs `git add -u . && git commit -m "Shipped!" && git push`

theshrike79 3y ago
Make it one of those fancy buttons with the plastic cover you need to open before pushing and have it say "In case of fire" :D

efortis 3y ago

Having the mobo upside-down below the desk.

clktmr 3y ago

I would love to see a desk with an integrated mechanical keyboard, or an inlet for them. I really liked the mechanical keyboards I had, but ultimately I prefer very slim keyboards.

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kesslern 3y ago
If you're a bit DIY inclined, this would be pretty easy to do with a butcher block desk. You could use a router (the wood kind, not the network kind) to create a pocket for your ideal keyboard size and affix it to most any desk legs.

noja 3y ago

If you like solid oak, take a look at https://ergohide.com/ https://ergohide.com/

squeegee_scream 3y ago
This website has a lot of inspirational ideas, thanks! I especially like the cupholder idea. I'm always concerned I'll knock over my drink and ruin something

tpmx 3y ago

I tend to mostly focus on the displays. The desk(s) follow from that... I currently have two 43" 4k displays (Philips BDM4350UC) next to each other. One directly in front of me, the other angled to the side. It's not working great - too much strain to use the right half of the side screen. What I'm curious to test: one 43" 4k screen in the the middle with an LG DualUp 18:16 screen to each side. Maybe I should just get two pivotable regular cheap 24-27" 16:9 displays and be done with it, a bit like this: https://old.reddit.com/r/battlestations/comments/aogog4/my_plp_setup/ https://old.reddit.com/r/battlestations/comments/aogog4/my_p...

DR_Hero 3y ago
That is exactly my plan for my future desk setup, I started from wanting a dualup, then found the monitor size that would be as close to flush in height as possible stacked side by side. A 43" display is the closest with a 0.39 cm difference in screen height, though I ended up getting a 42" LG OLED instead. My main hangups are finding a nice Monitor mount setup for them. Something like the following would be ideal, but I'm not sure if it'll fit with such a big main screen: https://eu.humanscale.com/userFiles/images/monitorarms/m10/m10_triple_image.jpg https://eu.humanscale.com/userFiles/images/monitorarms/m10/m...
squeegee_scream 3y ago
That 3-monitor setup is exactly what I'm planning. I doubt I'll make much use of the side vertical monitors, but I have them so why not. After reading all the comments on this post I've realized I can build my own monitor mount system instead of buying some monitor arms. I think that'll make them more secure and less wiggly
- DR_Hero 3y ago
  Another option I've looked into is mounting the monitors on a wall track, letting you adjust the standing desk and monitor height separately and without the instability. Something like this system with the walltrack kit, though I'm unsure if it'll work with the bigger tv/monitor sizes: https://www.ergomart.com/monitor-mounts/monitor-wall-mounts/multi-monitor/cmt2415-triple-monitor-arm https://www.ergomart.com/monitor-mounts/monitor-wall-mounts/...

blamazon 3y ago

I was at Home Depot to get a 6 foot butcher block countertop for this purpose, but then a 12 foot butcher block countertop caught my eye... and that's how I ended up with a 12 foot desk. Huge pain to transport. Takes up too much room. I have no regrets. If you get a butcher block countertop from a big box home improvement store, make sure to finish[1] it right away, since they are moisture sensitive and the plastic wrap job is usually somewhat damaged by the time you get it, due to the vagaries of transport. [1]: (finish == woodworking term meaning to apply a protective coating)

shermanm 3y ago
What sort of finish do you recommend for a desk? I used some sort of polyurethane for my current desk and it’s gotten gummy and gross from my hands and wrists (I’m assuming).
- blamazon 3y ago
  I like polyurethane most, since I dislike the repeat maintenance of other options, and like the resilience of polyurethane, but I find it's a pain to get it right - I usually have an algorithm of try, wait, sand it down to bare wood, try again, wait more, sand more, repeat a couple times until I'm satisfied. If you're okay with periodically re-applying, and don't need the durability of poly, something like tung oil is a great choice - wipes on super easy and looks fabulous. Sibling comment has great recommendations in this domain. On gumminess - it sounds like it didn't cure correctly? Could be environmental factors, (temp/humidity) could be uneven application, etc. I also find I have to leave polyurethane alone for a looooong time for it to cure properly - I try not to touch the final coat for a week or more. I try to do very thin coats, sanding between each coat, for 2-3 coats, then for the final coat I use a spray polyurethane which seems to lie flat a bit better.
  - shermanm 3y ago
    I definitely applied it in my garage in the summer and only let it sit for a day or so.
- 3y ago

swozey 3y ago

Do you move much? I had two of those solid wood Ikea desks in an L shape and I eventually got rid of them because they were absolutely miserable to move. I don't remember the exact weight but I think they were something like 80lbs each and I'd have to drag them up stairs on their sides alone. I miss that desk set up but I move every year or two since I rent and I just couldn't deal with them anymore. Now I've got a fully jarvis frame with some amazon wood top just sitting on it.

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squeegee_scream 3y ago
No I don't move much, but thank you for the warning. About 10 years ago I built a very simple desk that was easy to move because at the time I was moving a lot

csours 3y ago

Not a desk idea, but... I've thought about getting a nice seat from a wrecked vehicle and mounting it on a rolling platform for a desk chair. The nicer ones are heated and ventilated

bafe 3y ago

Get an Eiermann 2 tubular steel base. It is (slightly) adjustable, it can support very large boards and they also offer a cable tray to hang on the frame

ijustlovemath 3y ago

I've got a big partner desk, picture 1940s law office [1]. I've always wanted to make it a standing desk, but haven't yet found a good candidate which would require no modification to the original desk, save mounting hardware underneath the desk surface. It would need to be slim on the feet (about 2 inches of clearance underneath the file cabinet drawers), and able to support about 200lbs of gear to adjustable heights If y'all have suggestions, please let me know! Following this thread closely [1] - https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2e/7f/ec/2e7fecdc12ec89d510e11033e24bbcba--desks-for-home-partners-desk.jpg https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2e/7f/ec/2e7fecdc12ec89d510e11033e... Kinda like this, but the top is totally separate from the cabinets, and is slightly wider

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h3xk1tt3n 3y ago

I did something like this recently, and it turned out okay; going into it I already expected there would be multiple iterations before I was really happy with it. My idea was to have the smallest actual desk surface possible for my needs, maximizing the number of screens/pixels in my field of view. I got the heaviest duty electric standing desk frame and built on top of that. The desk surface is about 16” deep, which allows me to have smaller monitors that extend below the surface of the desk (but still within view) mounted beneath my bigger monitors. I also set up rails (2x6) at two different heights to accommodate monitors at eye level and below, and at above eye level, so basically three rows of monitors. All of my monitors are on arms, which in retrospect was maybe not the right choice, since I don’t actually need them to move, and the arms make them wobble a bit when I bump the desk. I have my work and personal laptops each on a monitor arm (with a laptop tray). Laptops on arms are actually the best thing ever, since I can use them sitting or standing without adjusting the desk height, and I can have a laptop positioned over my mousepad. Got one of those aluminum mstand things collecting dust. If I had to start again, I would get a second standing desk frame just for my desk surface and laptop arms. I would cut out all the monitor arms and build a sort of parabolic-shaped frame on top of the heavy duty standing desk frame to hold my monitors infixed positions relative to each other. With two standing desk frames I could easily adjust my desk height vs monitor height. I also have a drivers seat from a PT Cruiser mounted to a gas cylinder chair base. This is mostly great, but I think it would be better without wheels, or at least with stiffer wheels. If you go this route be on the lookout for car seats with built-in heat; not sure why all desk chairs don’t have this feature. I guess I have a lot of thoughts on this lol.

squeegee_scream 3y ago
Thank you for this! I was assuming I'd purchase monitor arms but reading your post made me realize, I don't have to, I can build something far studier :D

atoav 3y ago

As someone who learned industrial design think the most important thing is to have the desk match your use. There isn't any specific advice I could give as my desks are extremely tuned to my own needs (5.1 audio production, electronics, etc.). The most important thing is to get the width and depth right and to figure out where everything goes. Don't be afraid to add multiple levels either going up or down to add what you need. Don't limit your thinking to the desk, think also about storage of desk stuff, what accumulates on the desk, what you need to see, what not, etc. Although "designers" (if they don't think a lot about functionality I prefer to call them stylists) love them I'd avoid minimalist desk ideas, unless that is how you use desks (most people I have ever known have a ton of shit lying on their desks). Don't design for a shiny product picture, design for your own daily use. The best thing I ever did for my desk had nothing to do with my desk: I added a ton of small-stuff storage in the form of office cabinets for my electronics needs and label them properly. This makes it easy to clean up accumulated stuff and find it later. This improved the way I could use the desk more than any desk design could have done, ever. That means if you want a good desk design you have to analyze your own usage patterns before and try to draw the right conclusions.

jacknews 3y ago
Although "designers" (if they don't think a lot about functionality I prefer to call them stylists) Love that. The best I've managed is to emphasize "graphic designer", but even that is often undeserved. Then again 'software engineer' is almost always at least as disingenuous.

shermanm 3y ago

I made a quick and dirty desk when I started working from home during COVID. Plywood with some quick finish on some legs I got from Amazon. I didn’t spend too much time on it because I wasn’t sure how long I’d be working from home. Some things I added: * Integrated cable management: I attached the power strip and the LAN switch under the desk. I’ve got cats that get curious. * usb hub on the side * Boom arm for my microphone. I’m working on building a new desk right now. Some things I want to add: * Better cable management. I’d love a little cabinet under the desk that all the cables go through and stay hidden. * Some sort of bag or box on the side so I can sweep my desk clean * built in wireless charging. * integrated KVM switch. Preferably a button under the desk I can press to switch between computers. * built in hardware mute switch/press to talk for my microphone. * some sort of rail mounting system for monitors, camera boom, and microphone. * foot hammock

squeegee_scream 3y ago
Wow, these are some great ideas, thanks!
jacknews 3y ago
I find Synergy, Barrier, Input Leap, etc better than KVM.

godelski 3y ago

Are we talking ultimate dream desk that definitely won't ever be built or something more approachable? This is weirdly one of the things I daydream about. In the latter case there's a few things I'd do, but in general simpler is better. I like clean desk surfaces, so starting with a nice piece of wood is great but entirely optional (and wouldn't do on first version). Most important thing to me would be to start with an adjustable height desk. Preferably a standing desk[0] but at minimum adjusting while I sit because I like to move around. The next thing is about ensuring a clean desk. The far side of the desk should have the apron inset so you can get vesa mounts on easily. Now for extra bonuses. Back end of the table has slats so wires can be passed through. Only to be thick enough for the cable because the end is open (I hate wrangling port shapes through awkwardly sized holes, just go around). Front apron and back surface would be nice to have small usb pass-through. Back for things like mouse and keyboard so they don't have to reach wherever the desktop is. Then just simple LED underlighting because I like to work at night and don't want to always have the full lights on so I can fall asleep sooner. Thing that I probably wouldn't actually do but could always be added later: insets for wireless things like locations to put your phone to wirelessly charge without needing to dock. But if I were actually to do this, I'd probably just get a butcher block like Blamazon and pre-built adjustable height legs. [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaebibxGdI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaebibxGdI

squeegee_scream 3y ago
These are some great ideas! This is the kind of stuff I was looking for. I had a few standard ideas like integrated cord management, but thanks for giving me more ideas.
- godelski 3y ago
  If you want to go way overboard there's a bunch of videos showing how to make a touch sensitive table[0]. Which now that we're talking about it, I'm a bit surprised these aren't mass produced because these should be fully automatable (pun unintended) and I could see being in high demand for things like high end bars. But I think it is more a Field of Dreams product than existing demand one. [0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3mriHLV3oo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3mriHLV3oo

simon_acca 3y ago

As you'd would expect, Wolfram has a post about his home setup, including a custom built desk [0]. Also as one would expect, the post is as lengthy as it is insightful 0: https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2019/02/seeking-the-productive-life-some-details-of-my-personal-infrastructure/ https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2019/02/seeking-the-prod...

PrimeMcFly 3y ago
Talk about being 'extremely online'...

the_third_wave 3y ago

Get an older desk - preferably one of the many-drawered variety - at a thrift store, Craigslist, second hand store or similar. Also, get a 25 to 30 cm wide, 4-5 cm thick slab of some fine wood, Oak or Elm or something else relatively heavy. The slab should cover at least the width of the desk plus ~12-14 cm but it can be wider. Cut two 6 to 7 cm heigh 'feet' for the slab off the side and mount these on the bottom of the slab so that each foot sits on the edge of the desk. Put the slab on those feet on the back side of the desk, put your monitor(s) on top of it. The keyboard and laptop - that is assuming you have a stationary system at home, otherwise replace 'keyboard' with 'docking station' - go underneath the slab when not in use of when - like I have several times a day - the cat comes by to help you with your projects [1]. Get some 'home entertainment system speakers' from that same thrift store/Craigslist/Freecycle/dumpster and spread them out on the back of the slab behind the monitor(s), put the subwoofer in the foot well under the desk. If you are anything like me the slab will eventually be covered in parts and pieces, rolls of solder, breadboard with cables going hither and thither and more but at least the stuff is not directly on the desk, ey? [1] this is assuming the cat is as bad a hacker as ours is, if yours is actually better by all means allow it to participate.

squeegee_scream 3y ago
For some reason I'm having a really difficult time understanding your design. I've read it 4 times. I'm pretty sure my ability to visualize is poorer than average. Can you explain it in another way, or link a picture or sketch?
- the_third_wave 3y ago
  Imagine a staircase with only two steps. The bottom step is the desk surface, it extends all the way to the back underneath the second step. There is no riser under the second step, this is an open staircase. The second step is the slab on top of which the monitor(s) stand. _ __________________ __________________ | | | || | | | | || | | | | || | | | | || | | | |__________________||__________________| T | | | | XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX HHHHHHH H [laptop] [keyboard] [drive] H ================= ==================================== | |o |[___o___][______o_______][___o___]| | | || ||--------------|| || | | || || || || | | || || || || | |o || o|| ||o || | | || || || || | | || || || || | ____________ | ||_______|| ||_______|| |_| |_| || || || || XXXXXXX = heavy wooden slab HHHHHHH = feet for slab, made out of same or similar wood ======= = desk surface o = knob on drawer or door The desk itself is an older type with loads of drawers behind the right door, shelves behind the left one. I'm using the right monitor as main, the left one is only switched on when needed. The wooden slab is not attached to the desk, it stays in place due to its own weight - one of the reason for choosing a heavier type of wood. I'm using a slab of oak I cut from a dead tree I felled some years ago. I did not cut the edges straight so the front edge is uneven, this is where the bark used to be. The top of the slab leans over a bit since it did not come from the middle of the trunk, this gives more top surface while looking interesting as well.

AugustusCrunch 3y ago

I think anything you can mount the computer in a drawer. Not having the case sitting on the floor or on the desk sounds really nice. I've told my wife for several years that I'm going to make a desk with a hinged top, and every night at midnight a small motor lifts it up until everything slides off onto the floor. That way people wouldn't stack random junk on my desk rather than figuring out where it should really go.

sowbug 3y ago
Beware: I got the perfect under-desk shelf for a NUC-style computer, and it kept shutting down. The fit was too perfect, and the computer's cooling vents couldn't get the job done.

theshrike79 3y ago

My employer gave us an allowance to build our home office when Covid hit, I used mine to get a width adjustable dual-motor electric desk with 4 memory slots for different heights. According to spec the two linear motors in this desk can lift about 150kg. =) Our apartment at the time was kinda small and I had to fit my desk to a very specific slot, so no off-the-shelf desk would've fit the nonstandard size. I bought a 100% wood kitchen counter cut to my measurements and finished it to fit the decor. We've moved since and I took off the old tiny desk, spread out the legs and got an even bigger kitchen counter cut. Still the same base. The old desktop is now my SO's remote work table, with a similar set of height-adjustable legs. tl;dr 1. Get a base with a memory so you can set your favourite positions fast (sitting, standing+writing, standing+just watching) 2. Get the biggest desktop you can fit and get a sturdy one. If the tabletop is too light, it'll shake and vibrate as you type. 3. Ikea Skådis pegboards can be attached to the actual desk so they move up and down with it: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/skadis-pegboard-white-50320805/

apricot13 3y ago

Whatever you decide on leave room for mugs/plates/bowls etc and random things that you just put in there 'to remind myself to do this thing' I always setup my desks so the keyboard mouse etc have homes off of the desk so I can have a completely clear desk to do other tasks like writing or crafts

friend_and_foe 3y ago

A monitor suspended from the ceiling and a chair that leans back, split keyboard mounted to each handrest.

rcarmo 3y ago

I have been using a 180x90cm dining table as my desk for a long time now (maybe a couple of decades). My only regret is that it’s not height adjustable, but it’s not easy to replace it with a sit/stand desk.

paddy_m 3y ago

I have a Steelcase Airtouch desk. I think it's probably the best lifting mechanism on the market, fast, no electronics, single column. I want to make a new base for the mechanism that is much heavier so the desk doesn't move, probably adding 100 pounds of mass to it. With this I could mount a larger surface to the desk.

kkfx 3y ago

Not done, nor designed yet BUT I plan a certain refresh of my "desk": - I do not need a desk to use my desktop, so I'm looking to build a kind of "wardrobe" on wheel (see after why) that will contain two desktops easily accessible on the back, my new main monitor (34.1"/21:9) and a secondary vertical mounted one (27" 16:9), inside the rest of such "small wardrobe on wheel" structure I've put a classic UPS, few extras (like my not-so-much-used-anymore laptop on the back, cables and so on), a compact laser printer etc all connection TO the wardrobe: just a power cord and a cat6A cable. FROM the wardrobe a usb cable; - separated from it my standing desk, reduced in size, to have a place for keyboard, trackball (both wired, I do not want wireless ones), a "conference bottle" (poors man Meeting Owl, meaning a "bottle with mic, speaker and cam") and few extras; - under this system a simple magnetic treadmill (so I can walk and stop without having to touch anything, even if I need a small angle to use such system) and a tipper chair that when I want it, it goes over the treadmill, when not in use remain behind. My target is having a standing desk (done, but not as I wish) where I can: - "walk" starting and stopping when I want, no buttons needed, no fixed or not so quick to regulate speed; - being sit when I want, with the minimum effort, so I can switch in few seconds without moving much stuff around; - a complete hand-free setup (done, but not done for cam) while I'm still far from the monitor. Perhaps I've build a good enough prototype in few months :-)

robbs 3y ago

A bit late but my desk is a sit-stand-race desk. I built a "wall" from an old 2x8 attached to an electric sit-stand desk and mounted a telescoping TV mount to it. When I want to play racing games, I extend the monitor out to the edge of the desk and position my racing cockpit right under it.