A proper home office setup makes work easier. A mess of cables and a wobbly desk does the opposite. Here's how to sort it.
Desk Assembly
Choosing the Right Desk
Size considerations:
- Minimum width: 120cm for computer work
- Depth: 60cm+ for monitor at comfortable distance
- Height: 72-75cm standard (adjustable is better)
Material matters:
- Solid wood: Heavy, stable, expensive
- MDF/particleboard: Lighter, cheaper, fine for most use
- Standing desk frames: Need solid top attached
Assembly Tips
General:
- Clear space larger than the desk itself
- Lay out all parts and count hardware
- Read instructions fully before starting
- Don't tighten screws fully until everything's aligned
IKEA desks:
- BEKANT (office): Straightforward, solid
- MICKE: Fiddly drawers, take your time
- KALLAX with desk attachment: Needs care with alignment
Common mistakes:
- Panels wrong way round
- Tightening too early (hard to adjust)
- Not checking level (wobbly result)
Monitor Positioning
Ergonomic setup:
- Top of screen at eye level
- Screen arm's length away (50-70cm)
- Tilted slightly up toward you
- No glare from windows
Monitor Mounts
Freestanding arms:
- Clamp or grommet mount to desk
- Adjustable height and angle
- Frees up desk space
Wall mounts:
- Best if desk against wall
- More permanent
- Need proper wall fixings
Cost:
- Basic stand: £20-£40
- Desk mount arm: £30-£80
- Premium arm: £100-£200+
Cable Management
The difference between a professional setup and a rat's nest.
The Problem
Average desk has:
- Monitor power
- Monitor cable (HDMI/DisplayPort)
- Laptop power
- Laptop dock/hub
- Phone charger
- Desk lamp
- Keyboard/mouse (if wired)
- Ethernet (if wired)
That's 8+ cables minimum.
Solution 1: Cable Tray
What it is: Mesh or solid tray mounted under desk, holds cables and power strip.
How to fit:
- Mark position under desk (near back edge)
- Drill pilot holes (avoid going through top)
- Screw tray in place
- Put power strip in tray
- Route all cables through tray
Cost: £15-£40
Solution 2: Cable Clips and Ties
Options:
- Adhesive clips: Route cables along desk edge
- Cable ties: Bundle cables together
- Velcro straps: Reusable, adjustable
- Cable sleeves: Wrap multiple cables in one tube
Best combination: Tray for under desk, clips for routing, velcro for bundling.
Solution 3: Desk Grommet
What it is: Hole in desk with a cover, cables pass through.
Good for: When monitor mount is at back and cables need to go down to floor.
DIY: You can drill a grommet hole and fit an insert (about £5).
Power Management
Extension Leads
Get a good one:
- Surge protection (protects equipment)
- Enough sockets
- USB charging built in (useful)
- Switch to turn off completely
Position: Under desk in cable tray, not on floor (trip hazard, harder to reach).
Individual Switches
USB switchable strips let you turn off specific things. Useful for phone chargers that draw power even when not charging.
Network Setup
WiFi vs Ethernet
WiFi: Convenient but can drop during video calls Ethernet: Reliable but needs cable
If you're on video calls regularly: Ethernet is worth the setup.
Running Ethernet
Options:
- Along skirting with cable clips
- Through floor if accessible
- In surface-mount trunking for neat appearance
DIY: Running ethernet cable is straightforward. Crimping your own plugs takes practice - easier to buy pre-made lengths.
Practical Setup Process
Step by Step
- Assemble desk in position (or near it if heavy)
- Mount monitor arm (if using)
- Position equipment where it'll live
- Run cables but don't neaten yet
- Test everything works
- Then neaten cables - now you know what goes where
- Secure cables with tray, clips, ties
The Mistake
People try to neaten cables before testing. Then something doesn't work and they have to undo it all.
Accessories Worth Having
Cable Management
- Cable tray: Essential
- Velcro ties: Reusable bundling
- Label tags: Know which cable is which
Comfort
- Monitor arm: Proper height, free desk space
- Under-desk footrest: If desk is fixed height
- Desk mat: Protects surface, warms wrists
Organisation
- Desk drawer: Pens, chargers, small items
- Monitor shelf: Extra level on desk
- Headphone hook: Under desk, out of way
Professional Setup
When to DIY
- Simple desk assembly
- Basic cable tidying
- Single monitor setup
When to Get Help
- Complex desks (motorized standing desks)
- Multiple monitor setups
- Wall mounting monitors
- Running cables through walls
- You want it done quickly and properly
What I Can Help With
- Desk assembly (any brand)
- Monitor mounting (wall or arm)
- Cable management installation
- Network cable routing
- Full office setup
Time: Simple desk 30-60 mins. Full office setup 2-4 hours.
Need your home office sorted? I set up home offices across Exeter. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
