The Top 40 Desk Setup Ideas
Working from home presents a whole host of unique benefits and challenges. As a result, your home office setup can make or break your workday productive (and overall mood!).
If you’re toughing it out by working at your kitchen counter or coffee table, it’s time for a change. Check out these desk setup ideas and discover how to design the best at-home workspace for you and your needs.
1. Black Desk Setup Ideas
The old adage is true: Black goes with everything. From furniture to gadgets, and even the color of your walls, a black home office design is simple and timeless.
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Pair black technology with silver or white accessories. Or go with an all-black desk setup for a super sleek and stylish work space. For a masculine aesthetic, incorporate elements of leather or natural wood in your desk design.
Emphasize your black desk setup with a grayscale computer background or screensaver. You can also use your monochromatic desk design to make a colorful screensaver and LEDs seem more vibrant.
2. Cool Desk Setup Ideas
For a cool desk setup, begin with the desk itself. Opt for a natural wood grain or glass desktop to add classy intrigue to the space. Stick with decor that’s functional over just aesthetically pleasing. Unique speakers or light fixtures are an excellent place to start.
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Stylish furniture and decor aside, organization is the key to making your desk setup look cool, calm, and collected. Hang floating shelves above your computer to hold decor and office supplies. Add a desktop shelf for even more storage within reach of your workspace.
Remember to look at the big picture. An uber-cool desk design won’t mean much if the rest of the room doesn’t match. Pay attention to the details surrounding your desk space, from your office chair to the room’s light fixtures.
3. Gaming Desk Setup Ideas
Computer gaming has come a long way in just a few years. So have the computers themselves. Even if no one sees your gaming setup but yourself, it deserves to look as good as the games it runs.
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Designing an aesthetically pleasing gaming setup will make your desk look great even when you don’t have time to game. Plus, there’s nothing like a perfectly curated atmosphere to help immerse yourself in a favorite game.
If the modern, futuristic aesthetic isn’t your style, don’t fret. Introduce organic elements like natural wood or potted plants to counteract the tech-focused look of your gaming computer setup. The resulting contrast will be quite poetic.
4. Home Office Desk Setup Ideas
Comfort is just as important as functionality. If your work desk is too short, add a desktop shelf to elevate your computer to eye level.
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Ensure there’s plenty of storage space within reach. A basic filing cabinet will get the job done in a pinch.
You can get surprisingly far designing a home office setup on a tight budget. But the one place you shouldn’t skimp is your desk chair. Invest in a stylish, ergonomic chair that goes with your existing decor. Or consider switching to a standing desk if sitting too much is a concern.
5. iMac Desk Setup Ideas
Apple has spent decades crafting its brand aesthetic. One of the main reasons consumers choose an iMac over a PC is because of the company’s knack for design.
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The simple, straightforward look of the iMac lineup lends itself to all kinds of decor trends. You can emphasize its clean lines with modern decor. Or use it as the centerpiece of a contemporary, maximalist home office setup.
If you have several Apple products, design a desk layout that works with rather than against your collection. Use a stand to prop up your iPhone or iPad as a second monitor. Do away with unnecessary chargers and instead consolidate everything you can into a central hub.
6. Laptop Desk Setup Ideas
Working from home and on-the-go can look very similar, especially if you do most of your work on a laptop. But that doesn’t mean you need a dedicated home office any less than someone with a full-size machine.
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A laptop stand is the best way to raise your laptop to a more comfortable level. Use a separate keyboard to transform your Macbook or Windows laptop into a makeshift home computer. You can also pair your laptop with a PC or iMac for use as a second monitor.
Using a Macbook or other laptop as your primary computer can open up a ton of usable workspace. Give your desk space multiple purposes from the start. When your laptop isn’t taking center stage, your office desk could double as a writing desk, vanity, or mini art studio.
7. LED Desk Setup Ideas
Custom PCs are incredibly popular right now, especially in the world of gaming. One of the biggest trends in PC-building is the use of colored LEDs within the actual computer hardware.
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You can mount LED strips around the edge of your monitor or underneath your keyboard to match the built-in lighting of your computer’s hardware. For a more subtle take on this trend, hide LED lights behind your desk for a soft, ambient glow.
LED wall art looks great at night and during the day. If you’re particularly tech-savvy, consider rigging up your LEDs to respond to music coming from your computer speakers.
8. Minimalist Desk Setup Ideas
Minimalist design is all about keeping your office space simple and clean. Choose a color scheme containing just one or two shades — neutrals are best. If you want to add character to your minimalist desk setup, go with a unique desk lamp or computer screensaver.
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Prioritize function and organization, and give every item left out a “home.” For example, invest in a magnetic charging stand for your smartphone, rather than letting it sit on your desk. Ample storage built into your desk or elsewhere in the room will prevent clutter from building up.
Minimalist design can feel cold and sterile. But you can counteract this feeling by using natural materials in your decor. Wood grain furniture, leather, and potted plants are all great materials that will warm up a minimalist workspace.
9. Computer Monitor Ideas
In today’s tech-centric culture, your computer monitor is like a gateway to the outside world. But it can also be the star of your home office decor. Whether you’re working with a Macbook Pro or a top-of-the-line ultra-wide monitor, be sure to use your computer screen to its full potential.
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Choosing a gorgeous, high-definition photo or piece of art as your desktop background is just as effective as hanging a framed painting on your office wall.
Keep the space around your monitor clear of crowded computer accessories and office supplies. Install a slim LED lamp overhead to prevent eye strain without interfering with your monitor.
10. Simple Desk Setup Ideas
You don’t need to have some grand design vision to achieve the perfect desk setup. Instead, a simple work space is often ideal for both looks and productivity.
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Keep your desk surface clean and organized. If your home office is in a living room or other multi-purpose space, it will quickly attract clutter. Invest in a desk organizer to ensure your setup stays neat and tidy.
Just because your home office setup is simple doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Select and stick to a singular theme in your decor. Try to opt for decorative versions of functional items — speakers, light fixtures, etc. — rather than decor that is purely ornamental. Less truly is more!
11. Small Desk Setup Ideas
Turning a small space into a home office is a challenge many have had to face. While you could use your kitchen table as a temporary desk, a real workspace will do wonders for your productivity and work-life balance.
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A corner desk is one of the best ways to conserve square footage in a dual-purpose room. Hang a floating shelf over your desk to supplement the available storage. Choose an ergonomic office chair that still fits snugly underneath your desktop.
Look for clever ways to move your office tasks and supplies to the digital realm to save space. For example, you can eliminate the need for a standalone clock by installing a clock face screensaver on your desktop computer.
12. Studio Desk Setup Ideas
Traditional office work isn’t the only profession that relies on an effective home desk setup. You’ll also find many home offices devoted to game design, photography, music, voice acting, online streaming, and other art forms.
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No matter what your studio is used for, it likely revolves around a computer monitor. Pick a desk with a slide-out shelf to hold your keyboard, soundboard, or other equipment.
Long hours at a desk doing anything can be hard on the body. Invest in a standing desk to make your workdays more comfortable and gentler on your joints.
13. Two-Person Desk Setup Ideas
Sharing an office space is never easy. This is especially true when you live with your office mate. Dividing your desk setup evenly and clearly could be one of the best things you do for both of your work lives.
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Symmetrical design is often the most aesthetically pleasing, but it’s not a necessity. Mix-and-match your desk accessory collection for a relaxed, eccentric look. As long as you have a cohesive color palette, using two different chair styles or lamps won’t hurt your office design.
Along with dividing your work surface, be sure to provide ample storage for each person. Use separate filing cabinets or labeled desk drawers to keep documents and work supplies neatly organized.
14. Work Desk Setup Ideas
Home office setup ideas aren’t hard to come by. Finding inspiration that meets both your stylistic and physical needs, however, is another matter.
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Allow plenty of space on your work surface to comfortably hold all of your gadgets. Stacking monitors vertically can help conserve desk space. If you plan to use a laptop or tablet as a secondary monitor, keep a charging cable ready and easily accessible.
Wall-mounted monitors are extremely space-efficient and can create a more ergonomic desk setup by preventing neck strain. Opt for an adjustable standing desk to minimize poor posture and back pain caused by sitting in an office chair.
15. Desktop Desk Setup Ideas
Whether used for school, work, gaming, or pure leisure, your computer desktop is just as much part of your home office decor as any other item. If you have multiple monitors, install coordinating desktop backgrounds.
Of course, your computer is made up of more than just a few monitors. Express your personal style with a custom-designed mechanical keyboard. Complement any LED accents built into your PC with matching lights elsewhere on your desk and throughout the room.
Set up speakers and other peripherals symmetrically around your computer monitor. Designate specific spots for your must-have computer accessories for an organized appearance. Ditch the standard mouse pad for a full-size desk pad that matches your home office color scheme.
Desk Setup FAQs
Good cable management is often the difference between stylish and subpar home office design. Install a wall-mounted channel or wrap wires to keep them organized and out of sight when running between your desk and surge protector.
If there’s a large space between your computer desk and the nearest outlet, arrange furniture and decor to hide the cords from sight. Use adhesive or magnetic cable clips to keep small charging cords from slipping behind your desk when not in use.
Home desks offer storage, a generous work area, and are compatible with most office chairs. But there’s no reason you can’t use another piece of furniture in place of a normal desk.
Tables work well as temporary or minimalist desks but offer no additional storage. Vanities can be repurposed as computer desks and offer just as much built-in storage.
You can also DIY a simple desk with a set of filing cabinets or crates and a flat desktop. As long as your makeshift desk is the right height, really any design will do.
Screensavers originally existed to prevent damage to older computer screens. Modern laptops and desktop monitors use newer technology that doesn’t require a screensaver.
Today, screensavers are largely a stylistic choice. They can also aid in privacy, especially if you occasionally take your laptop to a public office or place like a coffee shop.
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
