Compact Minimal Desk Setup for WFH and Gaming

We wanted to turn this flex room into a game room and wfh setup while keeping whatever pieces we can. So of course, I was in charge of “teching” it out and making sure this space matched the minimal aesthetic of the room.

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The desk had to match the theme of the rest of the room, natural wood, white, and dark neutrals like a dark gray, or black. And because I loved having the stained butcher block top on the standing desk in the studio. We repeated the process by buying a Butcher block countertop from Lowe’s, and rather than stain it, we cut it down to our desired size, sanded it down, and applied some matte polyurethane, giving it this nice natural look to it that matches the rest of the decor in the room. The desktop was then mounted to some cheap standing desk legs from Amazon, and I reused some monitors that were luckily the same size. Because this desk would be used for video work and gaming, a 1440p 144hz monitor and 4K monitor combo gives us the best of both worlds, between frame rate and resolution. The monitors are mounted on vivo monitor stands straight off the most exclusive, fanciest retailer on the internet. Amazon, and the Shure MV7X microphone is mounted on a blue compass mic arm. Cables for everything used on the desk is mounted to the underside of the desk using these cable organizers with adhesive backing.

The PC is on the other side of the room, where it can be on display and it increases the amount of usable space on and underneath the desk, and thanks to the massive sectional taking up that wall, we were able to basically, hide the cables by routing it behind the desk all around the sectional to the PC. Because of that, we had to purchase DisplayPort cables that were ridiculously long. I think the ones I bought were 40ft. But because the PC was over on the other side of the room now, it created a new issue, how would I plug in any devices I wanted to use like a keyboard, mouse, microphones or flash drives? Well, The same way we solved the display problem, a really long usb 3 extension cable coupled with a usb 3 hub to plug peripherals into. And it’s honestly worked well. I finished the desk off with the orbitkey desk mat which I think matches the vibe of this room perfectly.

During the day, it looks like a regular desk but at night, when the lights turn on, the vibe changes dramatically. Behind this desk is a Lifx Z light strip, which allows me to change the color to anything I want through my phone or a voice assistant like google or Alexa, but for this room, I’m leaving it at a static warm white. If you’re using a Windows PC, and looking for great wallpapers. I’d recommend Wallpaper engine, it’s a one time purchase on steam, but gives you access to a ton of really cool and animated wallpapers created by other wallpaper engine users. It’s great for landscapes, cars, tech, and anime girls. If you’re into that, good for you, but for this setup, we’re going for a more chill and inviting vibe so we’re picking wallpapers to match that.

With any project, there are always things that I’d probably do differently if I were to redo this. Let’s start with these standing desk legs. Most of the known brands have standing desks that have the motor sitting like this, flat across the bottom of the desk frame, but this compact cheapo desk frame, has its motor sitting up and down preventing me from being able to push in my chair all the way in. If you buy super long cables, make sure it supports the spec you’re looking for at those lengths. I found that Displayport cables at long lengths were more reliable than their hdmi counterparts. Also, know how big your monitor will be for your desk. This desk is only around 40inches in length. If I wasn’t recycling old monitors, I think I would have gotten 24in monitors to sit side by side instead of 27in ones with one in front and one awkwardly angled on the side. And lastly, plan out your room thoroughly. It helps you imagine how it would look in the end. If you just buy things without thinking it may not end up looking the way you think.

[BarelyBreezy]

You've inspired me to think outside the box when it comes to setup in a small space, thank you!

[Mr.SneezeAlot]

I would change the monitor layout. Stacked layout would do the job and make some more room on the desk.

[DavidWormley]

The Aqara blind drivers rule, I have ten of them and they've made such a difference.

[tridibeshsen]

Such a minimalist corner table..damn maaann

[GamerGrit]

just finished my setup after watching your vid, it helped. work from home a lot. so nice space saver. got ps5 setup, mac pro and work laptop all done. thanks.

[nomadic-mind]

I think a keyboard tray that can be slid under the desk would be a game changer for maximizing the desk space.

[forthewin]

I personally would vertically mount the monitor on the right. Maybe that would help the the awkward angel it is in.

[nenamydog]

You can’t post a serious vid on April Fools mannnn

[JF-vwlv]

My WFH set up is currently two 4ft folding tables from Walmart in L shape in the dining area of my apartment. The pro is that I can fold the legs up and then slide the tables behind the sofa or under the bed, or put them in the closet. The con is the surface space is limited once you add a keyboard, mouse, two monitors, a laptop. I had to get the second table to have more surface space to work with.

If you don't care about the aesthetics and just using a laptop and a monitor, one 4ft folding table could be the way to go if you have limited space and want the flexibility to put away your "desk" when your not using it.

[KiLLJOY]

This is my favorite one so far man. You inspire me to work with what ive got. thank you

[webinatic]

I'm feeling like getting a mac mini and a 42 inch 4k oled and call it a day. So tired of cables everywhere.

[JeskidoYT]

I feel like that second monitor is kind of cramped in that desk from the viewing angle. I would honestly sacrifice cutting the sofa somehow and getting a bigger desk. You're basically stuck in that corner. That size of a desk is a perfect candidate for an iMac/Mac studio setup. Also long cables are a gamble and hopeful for them to work long term

Also that tv is a bit low in terms of eye distance

[nubb_o]

interesting concept, I particularly like the monitor layout but I can't help but wonder how does that feel in normal use? feels like the angled monitor is very sharp and could end up very close to your face which would be uncomfortable?

[Hreljin]

You can make your door sliding for more space.

[miguelnez]

I’m considering creating a desk and after watching yours is the most ideal for such a small space. Thanks!

[robertbarnes]

Its funny I have a computer/3d printing desk i made for my front room with a mining rig looking desktop under the desk and an array of 6 monitors and a response chair oh and the desk has butcher block that I cut for it as well because the 3d printers wouldn't of fit on a traditional sized desk. On the other side of the room I have my laptop with 2 laser engraver on a shelf that I also put butcher block on for the laser engraver would fit on. I had also customized the engravers with USB cameras and 3d printed the holders and a few other things. However both the desk and shelf has usb led lighting accents for lights for the equipment for later on when I automate all the machines to the computers. So I can 3d print and see the progress from a USB camera or I can laser engrave and view it while I'm gone to see how far along I am or to see any troubles with the engraving I can cancel same with the 3d printer so I have less waste.

[RaymondwLin]

I am going to take some inspiration from this as i also have a small desk. With the exception of the PC being the other side of the room.

Mac Mini M4....problem solved!

[djallilovsky]

Going to the other room to just turn on the pc is wild

[Practicalinvestments]

Thank you for your cpm video tjat was the most informative video on how Adsense revenue currently works

[rickygamer_football]

What is the size of the desk length and width???