A good desk setup is ergonomics plus aesthetics plus not tripping over cables. I rebuilt mine twice — cheap IKEA phase, then proper monitor arms and chair — and the second version eliminated the neck pain that ended my first "make it pretty" attempt.

Monitor height and distance

Top of screen at or slightly below eye level when sitting upright. Arm's length viewing distance — closer causes eye strain, farther makes text tiny. Laptop-only users: raise machine on stand, use external keyboard and mouse — non-negotiable for daily 8-hour use.

Chair and desk

Feet flat, thighs parallel, elbows ~90° at keyboard. Adjustable lumbar support beats flat gaming chair aesthetics. Desk height ~70–72 cm for average height — standing desk converters work if you alternate postures hourly, not stand all day immediately.

Keyboard and mouse

Mechanical or scissor-switch — preference matters less than wrist straightness. Mouse at same level as keyboard; consider vertical mouse if RSI history. Wrist rests optional — neutral position beats foam padding.

Cable management

One power strip under desk with surge protection. Velcro ties, cable tray or raceway. Label both ends. USB-C dock = one cable to laptop when docking. Leave one front-accessible USB for thumb drives.

Lighting and video calls

Desk lamp with adjustable colour temperature (4000K day, 2700K evening). Bias LED strip behind monitor reduces eye strain in dark rooms. Webcam at eye level — stack books under laptop if needed. Window behind you = silhouette; face window or use curtains.

Acoustics

USB mic beats laptop mic for calls. Headphones prevent speaker echo on Zoom. Soft furnishings reduce hollow room reverb if clients complain about audio.