These productivity-enhancing accessories are perfect for any at-home workspace.
As of 2023, 40.9 percent of full-time employees were still working from home in some capacity. (For part-timers and freelancers, that number is even higher.)
Of course, because of COVID-19, there was an explosion in home office setups. But that also created a lot of confusion.
Now, there are countless articles about the best office accessories, but itโs become harder to tell which ones to trust. After all, many of these articles are just hawking specific products.
Thatโs where this article comes in. This is a handpicked list of what I truly believe to be must-have desk accessories for any home office setup.
Quick Take
Here are our recommendations from the list:
Unlock the ultimate tech experience with the Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboardโa must-have for all tech enthusiasts.
Witness the mesmerizing SwitchPen transform with a flick of its switchโa truly satisfying experience you must try.
Compact camera with 5x HD zoom, dual omni-directional mics, three FOV presets. Compatible with USB-A/C for versatile connectivity.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
What Makes Good Desk Accessories?
I selected only accessories for office desk setups that either I or someone else at The Modest Man had tested.
I personally use six of these items and own variants of two items. And the last item is one weโve reviewed on The Modest Man.
These accessories have helped dramatically increase my productivity over the years. Also, Iโm not sponsored or financially tied to these companies in any way. (However, if you do purchase through the affiliate links, weโll get a small commission.)
The Best Desk Accessories for Home Office Setups
You wonโt find any boring old office supplies on this list. These are productivity-boosting home office accessories youโll wish you bought sooner.
Ergodriven Topo Comfort Mat
If you use a standing or sit-stand desk, you need the Topo Comfort Mat. Simply put, itโs one of the best working desk accessories you can invest in.
The matโs ergonomic, anti-fatigue design encourages movement, and its firm yet soft feel makes standing much more comfortable. Itโs especially beneficial if youโre working on hardwood floors.
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
I toyed with the idea of investing in a mechanical keyboard on and off for years. Initially, I was intimidated by the sheer amount of options and the seemingly steep learning curve.
Iโm also a Mac user, and itโs tricky to find Apple-friendly mechanical keyboards that work well and fit the aesthetic.
When I discovered the Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard, I pretty much ordered it right away. Iโm pleased to say that itโs exceeded my expectations. It immediately became my daily driver (and itโs what Iโm using to write this article).
I ordered the fully assembled knob version in the Shell White color, though barebone options are available if thatโs your thing.
For switches, I went with the Keychron K Pro Brown, and Iโm really satisfied with the feel and response. These tactile switches have a good amount of travel, but they also feel light and bouncy.
Creative Pebble V3 Minimalistic 2.0 USB-C Desktop Speakers
For a while, I used my external monitorโs onboard speakers to stream background music. Of course, the audio quality wasnโt great, and there was also a lot of bleed.
A little bit of researching for cheap speaker options led me to the Pebble V3 Minimalistic 2.0 USB-C Desktop Speakers. In short, these speakers sound way better than they should considering how small and affordable they are.
The USB-C connectivity makes these speakers a breeze to set up and use. They also have Bluetooth 5.0, which is great if you want to incorporate them into an existing media setup.
Orbitkey Desk Mat
Most desk mats are nice to have, but theyโre not incredibly functional. The Orbitkey Desk Mat is a notable exception thatโs both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
This low-profile mat is more than just a home for your keyboard and mouse/trackpad. It features a document hideaway, toolbar, and magnetic cable holder for additional desk organization. Itโs made from premium vegan leather that looks great (and is surprisingly close to the real thing).
Itโs available in two sizes (medium and large) and two colors (black and stone). Between this, you should easily be able to find a configuration that works with your setup.
Grovemade Wood Monitor Stand
Thereโs a good reason Grovemade shows up on every list of the best desk accessories. The Portland-based brand makes some of the most premium desk goods on the market.
Understandably, Grovemadeโs stuff is expensive, and not all of its products are necessary for everyone.
However, if you use an external monitor, then you should strongly consider picking up the Wood Monitor Stand. Sure, it looks great, but it also performs the important job of bringing your monitor up to eye level.
This elegant stand can support up to 200 pounds โ and no, I didnโt accidentally type an extra zero. E
ach stand is made in the USA from either American black walnut or 7-ply eastern hardrock maple plywood. It even has cork feet, so it wonโt scratch your desk.
Twelve South BookArc Flex
Hereโs a must-have desk accessory specifically for MacBook users: the BookArc Flex from Twelve South.ย
The BookArc allows you to save tons of desk space when using your MacBook in clamshell mode. Itโs an extremely simple device thatโs secure and easy to move around.
Itโs worth mentioning that the brand also makes plenty of other great accessories for home office setups. (Just note that most of them are for Apple devices.)
Logitech Brio 4K Webcam
If youโre still using your laptopโs built-in webcam for Zoom calls, it is high time you upgraded.
Right now, the best all-around option is the Brio 4K Webcam from Logitech. This small but mighty camera features 5x HD zoom, dual omni-directional microphones, and three field-of-view presets. It can connect via USB-A or USB-C, so itโll work perfectly with most setups.
Ember Mug 2
If you sip your coffee instead of chugging it like a madman, then the Ember Mug 2 is absolutely worth buying.
This is another home office accessory that gets tons of praise, and in this case, itโs completely warranted. The ability to never have cold coffee again is amazing. Iโve used Ember mugs for years, and I canโt go back to normal mugs.
Yamazaki Headphone Stand
The Headphone Stand from Japanese home goods brand Yamazaki is a necessity for anyone who uses over-the-ear headphones. Available in white or black, the Headphone Stand provides a minimal resting spot for your cans.
While there are fancier stands out there โ Grovemade makes an especially premium option โ this one does the job very well.
Bonus: Unique Desk Accessories for Home Office Setups
Here are a few extra unique accessories to consider if you want to add a bit of flair to your desk.
SwitchPen
The mesmerizing SwitchPen magically transforms when you flip its switch.
Itโs an extremely satisfying change that you have to experience yourself.
Rapa Nui Eyeglasses Holder
The Rapa Nui Eyeglasses Holder is a very fun way to store your specs.
Itโs modeled after the famous Easter Island statues, and each holder is handmade in India.
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