We all praise the virtues and aesthetics of a modern and clean work space. The modern part is relatively straightforward, it's the clean that's impossible to keep up with. Deciding to make the switch to a glass desk was the worst best decision I've ever made. It has forced me to stay on top my cleanliness as well as created a strong visually enjoyable environment. I’ve also had to sacrifice my third and fourth monitors and it's near impossible to keep my workspace tidy and clear of paperwork.
Read on through for a detailed breakdown of what I’m using in my office space.
The driving factor for the space required a splurge for the Crate and Barrel Strut desk. I have always admired its updated mid-century modern design and finally took the plunge when deciding to move my office upscale in presentation. The Zuo Lider knockoff Eames Management chair is readily available at Amazon and other furniture stores, although the quality of knockoffs has been argued.
Dropping down in monitor real estate was made bearable with two beautiful aluminum Apple Cinema Displays. While Apple no longer sells these particular models, their new LEDs are quite nice. Non-Apple monitors are slowly getting that form is important too so options are ever increasing. With inexpensive storage solutions and accessories mixed in, I’ve created a workspace that’s a productive joy to work in and always gets compliments from clients for my web design firm, Digital Studios.
- Desk: Crate and Barrel Strut 70" work table($699)
- Chair: Zuo Lider (mine without arms) ($269.89)
- Storage: IKEA Expedit bookcase ($69.99)
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Apple Cinema Display
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Apple keyboard ($49.00)
- Mouse: Logitech Performance Mouse MX ($99.99)
- Mousepad: Ikea Lagis ($.99)
- Floor lamp: Pier 1 Metropol ($169.99)
- Picture frame: CB2 gallery frame ($19.95)
- Storage: IKEA Kasset box with lid ($9.99 / 2 pack)
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Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium
- TV: Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK Plasma HDTV
Dirty Little Secrets of Tidy Families
Hillary & Michael's Refined Roost
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Nomade Express Slee...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
How to Make Buckwheat Soba Noodles from Scratch
Wow! No that's a clean office. I wish I had double monitors!
wow, talk about a boring office. you should look into getting some things for your walls, quite drab.
i had a similar problem on a glass desk... isn't that mouse suppose to work sans pad?
@msechea - Haha yeah they were doing some patching on the walls so we had to pull everything down. Got some new stuff I'm putting back up soon. :)
@ben_says - Yeah it does work quite well on the glass itself but I didn't want to scratch/bang the glass. Now I'm finding myself playing around and wondering if that would even happen. There are some pads on the bottom but it feels like plastic...
Oh and these damn flourescent lights made the pictures come out horribly so. I need some more small lighting so I can just keep the overheads off. I'm lazy though and the overheads are on a motion sensor. Maybe I'll need to install motion sensors or the clapper on several area/mood lights. :)
been thinking about getting some clappers for my lights as well.
@mesechea - You know, I was just at Home Depot and they didn't have it and didn't really seem to know about it. Then I was reading about the Clapper not being good with the new fangled lightbulbs. Anyone got any insight/experience with it? I should try to buy some online.
Nice setup!
I am a web developer myself and wondering if you like that mouse? The magic mouse was ok and now I use the toucpad with some custom gesture but for somethigns its just not good.
Debating on trying the one you have out...
I will agree, it is quite boring, it's just another setup that relies heavily on Apple and other technical components and their design rather than the persons individual design, all he did was put it together, I can't complain though, my desk is just as boring to be honest.
Although one thing that I will never do again is have a glass desk like this, I used to have a similar one and it was a nightmare to live with, being the perfectionist that I am, constant smudge marks and even dust would just show up so much all the time that it was just a constant distraction.
@gianthobbit - I do like the mouse a lot. The only gripe I have (and it's really nitpicking) is the two speed settings for the wheel are completely at opposite ends. Super fast or crazy slow.
@bluepanties - The glass definitely needs a lot of attention all the time!
Jason, sorry I don't know about the clapper, but I once had a metal lamp with one of those add-ons that cause it to turn on/off when you simply touch the lamp.
I couldn't figure out why the lamp kept going on seemingly by itself, till I realized: it was sitting on top of a dresser that I'd covered with an Indian shawl that had gold-colored metallic threads running through it. Simply touching a part of that shawl was sufficient to send the electromagnetic signal necessary to activate the switch. It was kind of awesome. This probably isn't helpful but I'm avoiding getting started on my day, so thanks for listening.
@Annie-O - that is pretty awesome indeed! Pretty random that was happening.
The really efficient IT type guys I've known have had very minimal offices, no knick knacks or decorative items lying around. Its all about the tech because these guys don't really deal with paper much, that's all they need. I think its nice and will be even more so with art on the wall. Its a very elegant, focused office with beautiful furniture and a few tasteful touches.