With many people working from home now, I thought I’d share how I created a more ergonomic workspace. When I first became a full-time photographer, I sat on a folding chair at a small IKEA desk. It was very uncomfortable and not ergonomic at all. If you have back pain or neck pain from your desk, you know what I mean.
So what was the best workspace solution that worked for me?
Main Workspace
1. Ergonomic, Adjustable Chair
Steelcase Leap v2 chair in White Alpine Fabric and platinum base with a headrest: After years of working on an uncomfortable chair (a folding chair, to be exact), I finally invested in a Steelcase Leap v2 chair where I could fine-tune the ergonomic features to someone of my height and needs (adjustable armrests were very important for me).
I added the headrest, but note that even though it’s adjustable, the lowest setting wouldn’t be at the right height for someone shorter than 165cm/5”5.
This desk chair was an investment, but it’s where I spend many hours working so it was needed and I’ll probably be keeping this chair for a long time.
2. Height-Adjustable Desk
THYGE desk: When I worked in a corporate office, the standard cubicle desks weren’t adjustable at all. They seemed to be made for people taller than 165cm/5’5” and the only solution was to give you a height-adjustable chair and footrest. Those options didn’t help me.
The THYGE desk from IKEA works well for me because it can be lowered to suit someone my height. While standing desks have gotten a lot of attention the past few years, it’s just as important to find a desk that lowers to the right height, specifically for people who are shorter.
I first measured how low I needed a desk to be and researched different options that would lower to that height. It has made a HUGE difference. While this desk can’t be adjusted while using it (you’d have to take everything off of if first), I prefer to be seated when I’m working and just take breaks regularly.
Two things to keep in mind:
If you’re working from home, you’re unlikely going to have your shoes on, so the desk will need to be a bit lower than you think when you try it out at the store.
You’ll also need to account for an extra bit of height from the keyboard/laptop so again, the desk will need to be a few centimetres lower than you think.
3. Desk Drawer Storage Unit
IKEA’s ALEX drawer (White): I needed a simple drawer unit that could hold stationery, papers, cables and other small office accessories and IKEA’s ALEX drawer did the job. It has 2 drawers for small items and 3 larger drawers which helps to keep my desk clear of clutter.
It doesn’t come with caster wheels so I created my own IKEA hack by adding a set of 2-inch swivel caster wheels with brakes that I bought on Amazon. Both the brakes and swivel features were important so that it can be moved around easily and anchored in place. The screws that it came with were too long for the drawer so I found shorter ones from the hardware store.
Optional Everyday Items
1. Thermal Carafe
Hastings Collective thermal carafe: I boil a kettle of water in the morning and fill my Hastings Collective thermal carafe to keep water hot for the day. It can also be used to keep your water, coffee or tea cold. I prefer to do this rather than to keep a kettle/water boiler plugged in all day to save on energy.
2. Small Catch-All Tray
Kinto Nonslip Slim Tray (left): There are a few things I use every day so I keep it on my desk. A catch-all tray is great for keeping those items together. The tray I have is discontinued at IKEA Canada but there are other options out there like EQ3’s Fika Tray. You don’t even have to use a tray. It could be a nice plate or a small box, whichever works for you.
I hope this helps! Feel free to share your ergonomic recommendations or leave a comment if you have questions!