UPDATE: For more information regarding computer desks and workspaces go to www.twanis.com
The content of this article has been updated at the following locations:
The Best Computer Desk Setup from IKEA
How to build the best IKEA computer desk (parts & Instructions)
A while ago I put together a desktop computer desk from IKEA, usually I don’t really care much about computer desks but after going to IKEA and building/putting together the perfect computer desk setup for my shiny (at the time) Windows 7 Desktop I realize how cool (and time consuming) was the whole experience.
If you would like to see the computer desk I put together from Ikea you can see more pictures here:
New Computer Desk setup from IKEA (Home Office)
Here is a picture from of desk I put together:
Now more importantly if you would like to put together the same computer desk setup for yourself, I am going to do you a favor and save you some time and tell you exactly what are all the parts I got from Ikea to to make my super cool and awesome computer desk from Idea.
The Computer Desk:
So this picture pretty much is taken straight from the IKEA site and display exactly the computer desk I got, the model is called the IKEA GALANT DESK frame and comes with a table top that is 160 cm by 80 cm or 63 inches by 31 inches, which gives you plenty of room to put key board, mouse and anything else you might need. The table top I got is the birch veneer wood which gives it a very nice and tropical clean wood color and the legs I got is the T-Legs for the desk I found this legs to be the most convenient because while you are sitting town the desk you are less likely to hit your knees in the desk legs than if you go with “A”-Shaped legs, I also recommend going with the desk that is silver color because looks cleaner and nicer just like the photo. And the most important point about this T-shaped legs is that you can adjust the height of the desk very easily only one screw on each leg and done.
One thing to consider is the table top, if you go to the IKEA store in person you will see that you can also get a table top that is all glass, I think this is a totally personal choice however I recommend not get the glass top because it is heavier and not to mention glass is a magnet for fingerprints and I don’t feel confortable with glass since it can break and you can get cut, even though the glass is supposed to be very tough etc, but glass will be glass. One big plus for the wood table top is stain resistant and easy to keep clean.
The Monitor Riser Stand
The stand table that raises the monitor is made with the EKBY JARPEN wall shelf (without the wall mounting parts) in birch veneer color to match the desk also in the same wood color, this is another reason go to with a table top for the desk that is not glass since you can’t get this wall shelf in glass. It is very nice to use the the wall shelf to be used as monitor raiser to match the same material and color as the desk table, that way people think it actually came with the desk, not to mention everything looks less ghetto when it all matches. in my case I went with the light color wood and silver color for metal parts.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can get 2 of these wall shelf: one to use as a computer monitor riser and the other one to use as an actual wall shelf above the computer monitor, that is exactly what I did, if you do the same you must remember to get the pieces that are use to mount the wall shelf to the wall which I believe they are the “EKBY BJARNUM” pieces and they are metallic and they screw into the wall to hold the wall shelf, I recommend this to make your home office look more nice with everything of the same color (silver/metallic and birch veneer wood color)
The wall shelf is 46X11 inches.
The Monitor Riser Legs
The monitor riser shelf needs to have 4 legs in my case I went with 4 IKEA CAPITA Legs which come in stainless steel and complement very nicely the silver color frame of the IKEA GALANT desk. The IKEA capita legs come in a 4 unit Pack, which means you get the 4 legs you need in one package. These legs come in the size 4, 6, and 8 inches, and trust me on this one you want to get the smaller size (4 inches) if you can’t find the 4 inches size at the store try to order them online or Ebay because 4 inches plus the thickness of the wall shelf is just about the right height to rise the monitor, anything longer is it is just too high. Also remember that the legs need to be screwed to the wall shelf (not to the desk) and once they are screwed to the wall shelf simple put the lets on top of your desk, there is no need to secure them to the desk.
The Computer Holder
The IKEA GALANT desk does not comes with a desktop computer desk holder, however you can get this holder for very cheap and I highly recommend it, this holder is very strong and sturdy and can hold computer of all sizes and you can put it very conveniently on either side under the desk. this is a metal holder and you must remember to get it in the same silver color to match the desk frame and legs.
Cable management for Computer desk
Do yourself a favor and get one of these, one is all you need, a SIGNUM Cable management which collects electric and computer cables together and makes it easier to keep a work area tidy. this piece is crewed underneath the desk and is where you keep all your cables it is made with a metallic mesh and it has a crew that will allow you to crew a radio to it so it can amply and get better reception for you radio or TV at the same time.
Optional Drawer unit
HELMER Drawer unit comes with casters and the same silver color to match the silver metal parts of the desk frame. Slot for label on each drawer. Helps keep contents organized and easy to find. comes with 6 bays. Highly recommend this to keep all your cable etc.
Optional Desk Lamp
This item is optional because not everyone needs a desk lamp, but if you do IKEA has many desk lamps, I was not able to find the one I have setup with my desk (if you see at my picture above) however this one is very close to what I have, which has a metallic silver frame to match the desk and can be attached either to the desk or even better to the monitor riser stand.
Optional Mouse pads
Ikea also has mouse pads in stock, in my case I got the LAGIS Mouse pad which I believe is the only model they have, I got myself white but if you find silver get it to match the rest of your desk setup and since they are so cheap buy a few in case you loose them or you get them dirty.
Optional wine glass rack as Cable Management
Wine glass rack from IKEA used to hold other electronic related needs like a wireless router, an external hard drive, a mini computer etc.
Conclusion
That’s pretty much it in a nut shell, what do you think? what would you change about my desk setup?
13 comments
Write commentsAgree! Best Desk Setup
ReplyI would prefer to have some way to access power from the top, but so far this is probably the best design for a solid workstation I've seen yet. I may actually use it for my new 4-man office.
ReplyKen, having powerstrips under the desk is useful to keep them not visible for things that are always needed, like the printer, computer and monitor, there is also a nice way to use the same mechanism of bolting more power strips under the monitor stand.
ReplyThank you! I went with this setup exactly and it's awesome.
ReplyBuyers beware though - I like my desk to be very low like a keyboard tray so that my arms can be in a good position when using the keyboard and mouse. The Helmer drawer at 69 cm will not fit underneath the desk is lowered. I have it next to the desk. Also I suggest the red helmer to brighten up this setup.
thanks for the recommendation on the RAM. I had missed the v-rating. As for the Hardware, I have a reformatted 320GB WD Cavier that I planned on using. It is a 7200 rpm unit so I thought would be good for what we planned on for the useage.
ReplyHow far in from the edges do you attach the capita legs?
ReplyThe Computer Showcase Support & Repair Service provides low-cost assistance to U-M individuals and departments at two full-service locations. computerrepairsremote.com
ReplyCan you post a link to the IKEA GALANT TABLE, all I see on the site is the l-shaped table. I am looking for the one that is 63 inches by 31 inches, the one that you mentioned in your blog.
ReplyCan you post a link to the IKEA GALANT TABLE, all I see on the site is the l-shaped table. I am looking for the one that is 63 inches by 31 inches, the one that you mentioned in your blog.
ReplyThanks for this great post! I'm hoping someone might have suggestions on where to obtain the computer tower cradle component in Canada, for a reasonable price. I've been looking online, and surprisingly this part is either very expensive, or poor quality.
ReplyI want to Buy CPU Holder with best quality and good grip. Thanks for sharing. Keep exploring.
ReplyCzech producer of office furniture and provider of comprehensive furnishing and fit-out services for commercial interiors. office guides
Replywow, a very nice desk model suitable for office work at home and office work
Reply