Office Desk Accessories: The Desk Must-Dos You Need in Your Workspace
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Office Desk Accessories: The Desk Must-Dos You Need in Your Workspace

|Mar 14, 2024
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Office desk accessories are about more than just décor. Some certainly have aesthetic benefits, but there is also the practical side to consider. Choosing the right office accessories makes your workspace more efficient, convenient, and comfortable- so it is important to consider your options.

We tested a range of cool office desk accessories in various categories serving many different purposes. The following guide includes reviews of those we found the most beneficial. It also discusses a few desk accessories ideas and inspirations to help you decide where to begin with your setup.

The Importance of Desk Accessories for Office Spaces

Desk setup accessories can increase productivity, improve comfort, and help keep your work area more organized. They can also be used to add a touch of personality to a professional space- especially home office desk accessories.

These things are important because they avoid clutter and confusion- and make a desk a more practical and enjoyable place to be.

The Importance of Desk Accessories for Office Spaces

Types of Accessories for Desk Setup Perfection

Here are some of the key types of office desk accessories to consider.

  • Storage and organization
  • Comfort and ergonomic accessories
  • Lighting
  • Electronics
  • Decorative accessories
  • Stationery 
  • Accessories for use with your computer or laptop

No matter the kind of office worker you are, the right set of desk accessories can really make or break your day of productivity and comfort. Here's a list of the best office desk accessories tailored for different kinds of office workers.

1. The Tech-Savvy Professional

  • Wireless Charging Pad: Keep your devices powered up without creating a mess of wires on your desk.
  • USB Hub: Expands your computer’s connectivity options.
  • Cable Management System: Keeps cables organized and prevents tangling.
  • Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard: Enhances comfort and reduces strain during long hours of work.
  • Monitor Stand with USB Ports: Raises your monitor to eye level and provides extra USB ports.

2. The Creative Designer

  • Graphics Tablet: Essential for digital drawing and design work.
  • Adjustable Desk Lamp: Provides proper lighting for detailed work.
  • Color Swatch Books: Keeps color samples organized and easily accessible.
  • Dual Monitor Arm: Allows for flexible positioning of multiple monitors.
  • Desk Organizer with Compartments: Keeps art supplies and tools neatly arranged.

3. The Organized Planner

  • Planner or Bullet Journal: Helps in organizing tasks and scheduling.
  • Desk Calendar: Provides a quick view of important dates and deadlines.
  • Pen and Pencil Holder: Keeps writing tools within easy reach.
  • File Organizer: Stores documents and files neatly.
  • Sticky Notes and Notepads: For quick notes and reminders.

4. The Minimalist Worker

  • Minimalist Desk Mat: Defines your workspace and protects your desk.
  • Slim Desk Lamp: Provides necessary lighting without taking up much space.
  • Wireless Mouse and Keyboard: Reduces cable clutter.
  • Compact Monitor Stand: Saves desk space and improves ergonomics.
  • Cable Clips: Keeps charging and peripheral cables organized.

5. The Health-Conscious Employee

  • Standing Desk Converter: Allows switching between sitting and standing positions.
  • Ergonomic Chair: Provides proper support and comfort.
  • Anti-Fatigue Mat: Reduces strain while standing.
  • Desk Cycle: Promotes movement even while seated.
  • Water Bottle with Time Marker: Encourages regular hydration throughout the day.

6. The Remote Worker

  • Noise-Canceling Headphones: Reduces distractions and improves focus.
  • Portable Laptop Stand: For ergonomic setup anywhere.
  • Webcam Cover: Ensures privacy when the camera is not in use.
  • Portable Whiteboard: For jotting down ideas and reminders.
  • Wi-Fi Extender: Ensures a stable internet connection throughout your workspace. To optimize your workspace, consider some office wall organization ideas.

Having the right office desk accessories can enhance your productivity and make your work environment more comfortable and efficient, no matter your work style. Invest in the accessories that best suit your needs and watch your productivity soar. For those setting up a workspace outdoors, check out our comprehensive guide on outdoor office setup.

Types of Accessories for Desk Setup Perfection

Below, we have taken some of the stand-out categories and reviewed our favorite finds for 2024. Whatever type of accessories people need for their office desks, they can find the inspiration they need right here!

Desk Organizers and Storage Solutions

1. Autonomous Filing Cabinet

The easiest way to increase storage around your desk is with a filing cabinet. There are plenty of under-desk designs to choose from to match your style and requirements. We love the Autonomous Filing Cabinet for its versatility, convenience, and practicality.

It has three drawers- including one extra-deep drawer for larger files- and four easy-roll wheels that let you move it around hassle-free. You can lock the wheels as well as the drawers- a feature you don’t find with lots of designs. 

We were surprised by how robust and strong this cabinet was, considering the compact and lightweight design. It can hold up to an impressive 275 Lbs. and feels like it is built to last.

With an anti-rust finish, the white cabinet works well with any design- with a contrasting color on the handles. The gray option is the most versatile, but there are a few more colorful options if you want to add a bit of subtle fun and brightness to your office space.

2. AOTHIA Magnetic Desk Organizer

Calling all neat freaks looking for a funky and functional way to organize their stationery- the AOTHIA Magnetic Desk Organizer is here for you. Our favorite things about this product are its genius simplicity, modern design, and versatile usage.

You can arrange it in whatever way suits you best using the magnetic connections and individual compartments. It is dinky- designed for things like pens, sticky notes, paper clips, and other small stationery- plus, it has a built-in phone stand. 

We think this desk accessory is best for a student or someone who does a lot of manual writing or drawing. That said, anyone who appreciates efficient desk organization will love this product.

3. Practiko Truss Magazine Rack: Clip-On Accessory

The Practiko Truss Magazine Rack is the perfect example of how the simplest ideas can be the most effective. We love a fuss-free approach to storage solutions, and this clip-on magazine holder is just that.

It is perfect for people who need a little more space to hold books or papers but don’t want cabinets or drawers under their desks. This design gives you quick access to your things in a professional, minimalistic way. If you like understated efficiency, this is worth a look. 

For more storage solutions, explore these office storage ideas.

Ergonomic Desk Accessories for Comfort

1. Deltahub Carpio 2.0: Ergonomic Wrist Rest

Wrist pain is a major issue for many people spending long hours at a desk. We tried many accessories designed to reduce pain, and the best results overall came from the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 Wrist Rest. 

The design is exceptional- with a sleek, discreet, and compact style. It is one of the more masculine desk accessories on our list, but anyone can use it. Make sure you order the correct size- the results are best when it fits your hand properly.

2. ErgoFoam Lumbar Support Pillow

Lumbar support is arguably the most important part of desk comfort. Most ergonomic chairs have built-in lumbar support, but you don’t get it with regular chairs.

Our favorite attachment is the ErgoFoam Lumbar Pillow because it feels the most natural, breathable, and comfortable. It only takes a few seconds to strap it onto your chair (we tried it with many shapes and sizes, and it always worked fine), and you immediately feel the benefits.

3. R-Go-Tools Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse: Ergonomic

Your mouse probably isn’t the first thing you think of when considering desk ergonomics, but you would be surprised. We certainly were when we felt the difference between a regular mouse and the R-Go-Tools Vertical Ergonomic design.

It takes a minute to get used to, but you instantly feel the difference in the reduced muscle strain from your wrist to your elbow. Movement is smooth, the aesthetics are edgy, and the wireless version is fully versatile.

Cable Management Solutions

1. Autonomous Cable Tray

Accessories don’t have to be fancy or expensive to be effective- as the Autonomous Cable Tray proves. Cable trays are amongst the most important office desk accessories, and we look for designs that offer discreet organization without any fuss. This ticks those boxes- providing a spacious and sturdy steel tray to keep your wires tidy and out of sight.

2. Function101 Cable Blocks - 4 Packs: Magnetic cable management

Function101 Cable Blocks ends the tedious hunt for loose cable ends behind the desk- something our testers unanimously loved. We all enjoyed the quirky modern design (especially the fun color options) and found the efficient simplicity behind the product to be a winner.

3. Mount-It! Cable Management Spine

At first glance, the Mount-It! Cable Management Spine looks quite alien, but it is actually an innovative, intelligent design that makes a lot of sense. It is very different from the other cable management solutions we explored, but it is worth considering.

The design works by pulling together cables feed behind the desk and carrying them to the floor- where they can discreetly finish their journey to a power outlet. It looks like your desk has a spine. Sounds weird, but it is a super clever way to keep cables tidy behind a sit/stand desk.

Desk Lighting and Task Lamps

Ready to upgrade your workspace? Check out our tips for setting up a satellite office and discover some cute office decor ideas for work for more inspiration.

1. Autonomous Light Bar

Working with limited natural lighting? Try the Autonomous Light Bar. We love this sleek design- and how much thought has gone into the functionality.

Because of its width and adjustable brightness settings, you can perfectly light any desk space in any condition. It doesn’t overheat, is fully flexible to help you find the best angle, and has memory settings for your convenience.

2. Lumicharge LED Desk Lamp with Smartphone Control

If, like our tester team, you are a fan of multi-tasking accessories- you need this lamp. In our search for our favorite desk lighting accessories, this Lumnicharge design stood out.

The modern design stood out immediately, but it was the multi-purpose features that really impressed. It not only holds your phone- it charges it too- and your smartwatch! Convenience is another ticked box- you can control the settings from your phone, and everything is displayed on the digital screen.

3. Lamp Depot Magnetic Levitation Lamp: Floating Moon

We cannot stress how much we love this floating moon lamp. As far as unique desk accessories go, this is one not to miss. It is a beautiful accessory that adds instant charm to a workspace- but it is also functional with three different color settings.

It floats, spins, and glows- a magical addition to a gaming zone, home office, reading corner, or study nook. Add a touch of your personality with themed decor. If you're a Harry Potter fan, explore some Harry Potter office decor.

Tech-Savvy Accessories: Gadgets for Efficiency

1. Autonomous Monitor Arm

Monitor arms are incredibly useful in many scenarios- and are especially popular as gaming setup accessories. They free up desk space and make it easier to adjust the screen height to help with posture. 

We tried a few and realized the most important qualities are strength, stability, and range of motion. If you only have one monitor to mount, our top recommendation is this 360-degree motion arm with a secure clamp base. It is ergonomic, minimalistic, sturdy, and affordable.

2. Mount-It! Under Desk Keyboard Tray: Clamp-On

Keyboards often get in the way and take up valuable desk space- but not if you use an under-desk tray. This design by Mount-It! is stylish, minimalistic, and versatile- which is why it made our list. 

The things we like most about it are: 

  • How easy it is to attach and detach
  • The smooth and controlled motion when it moves
  • Its sturdiness

3. 6Blu 3-in-1 Wireless Charger: Wireless Recharging For 3 Apple Devices

The 6Blue Wireless Charger was a big hit with our testing team for a few reasons. First, it charges multiple devices quickly. Secondly, the design is discreet and sleek- and thirdly, it is far more convenient than plugging in multiple chargers. 

This is especially useful with a standing desk setup when you want to keep wires to a minimum. If you are an Apple user who hates cables trailing across the desk, this is a great option.

Greening Your Desk: Plants and Décor

Altifarm PICO Smart Planter: Self-watering & LED Light

We believe there is always space for a bit of greenery in any office. Don’t worry if you are not great at looking after plants- we found you the perfect gadget! The PICO Smart Planter by Altifarm has a self-watering system and the coolest LED light display- not to mention it fits in the palm of your hand. 

 If you don’t have much space but want a little plant life, this is the solution. It looks cute sitting on a desk- or you can attach it to a different surface using the magnetic mounts.

Writing Tools and Note-Taking Accessories

1. Think Board Calendar

One of the niftiest and cleverest note-taking tools we came across is the Think Board Calendar - a sticky whiteboard calendar that turns any surface into a place to organize your schedule. If you pick the clear option, you really can put it anywhere- perfect for multi-purpose home offices. 

We tested it on a few different surfaces, and none were left with any sticky residue afterward. It feels robust and cleans easily, so you can reuse it as many times as you need.

2. DeskBoard Buddy: Desktop Whiteboard Combo

The DeskBoard Buddy is a quirky and casual way to take notes. We loved using this accessory- and we found it a lot more practical than we thought we would. 

It is essentially an angled whiteboard that can sit on your desk alongside or behind a keyboard for fast and easy note-taking. What earned it a spot on our list was the fact it doubles up as secret storage for your stationery- and it has smartphone and tablet holders at the back. 

We like that it is compact and lightweight enough to put away when you are not using it, but has a generous writing space for all your notes and reminders. It may not be the most professional-looking accessory, but it sure beats sticky notes!

Summary

Even the most minimalistic setup can benefit from a few carefully chosen office desk accessories. You don’t need to go overboard- but think about the things that will actually make a difference and improve your productivity or comfort. 

Autonomous is a one-stop shop for all your office needs. Upgrade your personal workspace or the desk setups in your office with the effective and unique office desk accessories on this list.

If you're looking for something truly unique, consider these additional ideas:

  1. Car Themed Decor: Perfect for automobile enthusiasts. Check out some car themed office decor ideas.
  2. Saddle Chairs: Great for your posture. Learn more about whether saddle chairs are good for you.
  3. DIY Cardboard Table: A creative and eco-friendly addition. Find out how to make a DIY cardboard table.

Looking to buy office supplies in bulk? Find out where to buy office supplies in bulk in California.

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