Did you know that 74% of Australian workers prefer to work from home even after the pandemic? If you work from home and wonder how to optimise your home office space for maximum efficiency and comfort, consider a Corner Desk setup. It's an efficient way to structure a home office as it creates a productive workspace while taking up as little room as possible.

These setups can be as flashy, tidy, creative, or minimalist as you’d like. However, you must consider ergonomic principles to maximise comfort while working long hours. In this article, I’ll show you how to create the ultimate Corner Desk setup in Australia that will make you feel like a boss. Let’s get started.

Corner Desk Setup: At a Glance

To set up a corner desk in your home office or workstation, there are four steps to follow.

• Step 1: Pick the ideal corner in your home or office.
• Step 2: Choose a fitting corner desk, i.e., if you don't have one already.
• Step 3: Set up your corner desk ergonomically.
• Step 4: Personalise your corner desk with decorations.

We'll go over each of these steps below, providing expert tips and value to get the most out of your corner desk.

Step 1: Picking the Ideal Corner

Start your corner desk setup by selecting the optimal setup spot in your room. Here are five essential factors to consider:

Lighting

Consider the lighting in your room. You’ll want to position your desk in a place that has good lighting to reduce eye strain. An area close to the window for natural lighting is always ideal.

Noise

Considering the noise level in your room, position your desk in a place that is quiet and free from distractions. Be careful in doing so that you don't reduce or block access to good lighting and ventilation.

Outlets

Consider the location of electrical outlets in your room. Position your desk near an outlet so that you can plug in your computer and other devices. Remember that you can always use an extension to extend outlets in your room.

View

Consider the view from your room. You’ll want to position your desk in a place that has a good view if possible. This helps reduce your stress levels and keeps your mind refreshed.

Space

Consider the amount of space you have available for your corner desk setup. You’ll need to measure the length, width, and height of the corner walls before purchasing a corner desk. Once you have these measurements, you can use them to find a corner desk that will fit in your space.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Corner Desk

You have your ideal space, it’s time to find the ideal desk—supposing you don’t already have one. To choose the right corner desk for your needs, you should consider the following factors:

Shape:

A corner desk should conveniently fit into the corner of a room and save you a lot of space. Thus, examine its shape to choose the appropriate option. For example, triangular desks are good for small spaces, L-shaped desks are good for large spaces, and standing desks are good for health and comfort.

Function

What do you need your desk for? Do you need a lot of working space, storage space, or equipment? Do you need a desk that can adjust in height or angle? Do you need a desk that can be used for multiple purposes, such as gaming, reading, or relaxing? Choose a desk that meets your functional needs and preferences.

Style

Desks may be made of actual wood or have a wood-look appearance. They may also have different colours, finishes, and designs. Choose a desk that matches your personal style and the decor of your room. You can also personalise and decorate your desk with accessories or items to make it more appealing and enjoyable to use.

Size

For size, different factors come into play, including your use case and room space. You will find three types of corner desks in the market—more on this below. You should measure the space available in your room and the size of the desk before buying it. Make sure the desk is not too big or too small for your space and your needs.

Price

Of course, the price range of corner desks is varied. You should set a budget and look for a desk that fits within your budget. You should also compare the quality, features, and durability of different desks and choose the one that offers the best value for money.

Types of Corner Desks Available in Australia

Some examples of different types of corner desks are:

• Triangular Corner Desk: They have a triangular shape that fits into the corner of a room. They are ideal for small spaces and for people who need a simple and compact desk. Triangular corner desks usually have no storage space underneath and may have a drawer or a shelf on the top surface.
• L-shaped Corner Desk: This desk type has two rectangular surfaces joined at a right angle, forming an L shape. It is suitable for larger spaces and for people who need more working space and storage space. L-shaped corner desks have drawers and cabinets on both sides of the desk and may include a hutch or a bookcase on top.
• Standing Corner Desk: These are height-adjustable corner desks, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing positions. They are beneficial for health and productivity purposes and offer comfort. They also have different shapes; triangular, L-shaped, or curved.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Corner Desk

Now, it’s time to set up your corner desk. We’ll go over how to do this ergonomically, then we’ll discuss proper arrangements and placements for your desk accessories.

Ergonomic Corner Desk Setup

To arrange the desk setup ergonomically, you should follow these steps:

• Adjust the height of your desk so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle and your wrists are straight when using your keyboard and mouse.
• Adjust the position of your monitor so that it is at eye level or slightly below and about arm’s length away from you. Avoid placing it in a corner or at an angle that causes you to twist your neck or body.
• Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest and your thighs are parallel to the floor. Make sure your chair has a backrest that supports your spine and armrests that relieve your shoulders.
• Adjust the lighting in your room so that it is bright enough to see clearly but not too bright to cause glare or eye strain. You can also use curtains, blinds, or shades to control the natural light from windows.
• Adjust the temperature and ventilation in your room so that it is comfortable and fresh. You can also use a fan, a heater, or an air conditioner to regulate the airflow and humidity.

Adding Essential Accessories and Equipment

To arrange your corner desk with essential accessories and equipment, follow these guidelines.

Monitor Placement

Place your computer screen or monitor in the centre of your desk, at eye level or slightly below. You can use a monitor stand or arm to adjust the height and angle of your screen. Make sure your screen is about an arm’s length away from you and that there is no glare from the lighting.

Keyboard and Mouse Placement

Place your keyboard and mouse on the same level, directly in front of you, and about 10 to 15 cm away from the edge of the desk. You can use a keyboard tray or a wrist rest to support your forearms and wrists. Keep your mouse close to your keyboard, and avoid reaching or twisting your arm to use it.

Most-used Accessories Placement

Use the extra space on your desk to place any other accessories or equipment that you need frequently, such as a phone, a notebook, a pen holder, or a lamp. You can also use desk organisers, bins, or trays to keep your items neat and tidy. Avoid cluttering your desk with unnecessary or distracting items.

Storage Solutions

Use the space under or beside your desk to store any items that you don’t often need, such as files, folders, books, cables, or printers. You can use drawers, cabinets, shelves, or baskets to organise your storage space. Make sure you have enough legroom under your desk and that there are no tripping hazards.

Cable Management

Organise the cables around the corner desk. Unplug and untangle all the cables from your devices and power outlets and label them with stickers or tags to identify them easily. You may also bundle cables that belong to the same device with cable ties, velcro straps, or rubber bands. Remember to leave some slack for movement and flexibility while at it.

Similarly, you can route the cables along the edges of your desk or under the desk with cable clips, adhesive hooks, or cable trays. But avoid crossing or overlapping the cables, and keep them away from sharp corners or edges. We recommend plugging the cables into a power strip or a surge protector and placing it near your desk or under your desk. Sometimes, a cable box or a basket can help you hide and protect the power strip and the excess cables.

Personalisation

Decorate your desk with items that make you happy and motivated, such as plants, art, photos, or candles. You can also add some colour or texture to your desk with a rug, a chair cushion, or a wall hanging. Make sure your desk reflects your style and personality.

Step 4: Decorating Your Corner Desk with Personal Touches and Flair

Here are some more ideas to decorate your corner desk with personal touches and flair.

• For effectiveness, you can use a bulletin board, a corkboard, or a magnetic board to display your notes, reminders, quotes, or photos. Similarly, you may use pins, magnets, stickers, or washi tape to add some colour and fun to your board.
• You can use a vase, a jar, or a pot to hold some fresh or artificial flowers, plants, or succulents to purify the air, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Likewise, use a terrarium, a bonsai, or a fairy garden to create a mini oasis on your desk.
• You can use a frame, a canvas, or a poster to hang some art, prints, or paintings on your wall. Better yet, consider the use of a tapestry, a banner, or a flag to cover large areas of your wall. Art can inspire you, express your personality, and make your desk more attractive.
• To improve the smell of your room, you can use a candle, a diffuser, or an aromatherapy device to fill your desk with a pleasant scent. An oil burner, incense holder, or a potpourri bowl can help create a relaxing atmosphere. Remember, a good scent can help you focus, calm you down, and enhance your well-being.
• Finally, you can use a mug, a coaster, or a placemat to hold your favourite drink or snack. Drinks and snacks can help you stay alert, refreshed, and satisfied.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up Your Corner Desk

Some common pitfalls or mistakes when creating your corner desk setup are:

#1. Placing your Desk in a Dark or Cramped Corner

This can make your workspace feel gloomy, claustrophobic, and uninviting. You should choose a corner that has enough natural light, ventilation, and space for you to move around comfortably.

#2. Ignoring the Ergonomic Principles of Your Desk Setup

This can lead to eye strain, neck pain, back pain, wrist pain, and other health problems. You should adjust your desk height, monitor position, keyboard position, mouse position, chair height, and lighting according to your comfort and posture.

#3. Cluttering Your Desk with Unnecessary or Distracting Items

This can reduce your productivity, focus, and creativity. You should keep only the items that you need and use frequently on your desk and store the rest in drawers, cabinets, shelves, or bins. You should also organise your items in a way that makes sense for you and label them if needed.

#4. Forgetting to Personalise and Decorate Your Desk with Your Favourite Items

This can make your workspace feel bland, boring, and impersonal. You should add some colour, texture, art, plants, photos, candles, or other items that reflect your style and personality to your desk. You should also make sure your desk matches the decor of your room.

#5. Connecting Your Corner Desk and Countertop Incorrectly

This can result in gaps, cracks, uneven surfaces, or weak joints. You should use the right tools, materials, and techniques to join your corner desk and countertop securely and smoothly. You should also measure and cut your pieces accurately and align them properly.

Benefits of a Corner Desk Setup

Being a work-from-home employee for over five years, I’ve found that using a corner desk setup has many benefits over a straight one. Here are some of the reasons why:

• More Space: A corner desk setup provides more space than a straight desk setup. You can use the extra space to store your office supplies or to spread out your work.
• Better Ergonomics: A corner desk setup allows you to position your monitor and keyboard in a way that is more ergonomic than a straight desk setup. This can help reduce eye strain and prevent repetitive strain injuries.
• Improved Productivity: A corner desk setup can help you stay organised and focused on your work. You can use the extra space to keep your work materials organised and within reach.
• More Privacy: A corner desk setup can provide more privacy than a straight desk setup. You can position your desk so that you’re facing away from distractions like windows or doors.
• Better Aesthetics: A corner desk setup can look more professional and polished than a straight desk setup. You can use the extra space to add decorative items like plants or pictures.

Using a corner desk setup has been a game-changer for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who works from home.

Maintaining Your Corner Desk

Setting up your corner desk is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It is essential to periodically assess what items are essential and what can be removed to maintain a clutter-free workspace and enhance your productivity.

To maintain your corner desk for optimal performance and longevity, you can follow these tips:

• Clean your desk regularly with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the surface or the finish of your desk. Wipe off any spills or stains as soon as possible.
• Organise your desk items and papers in a way that makes sense for you. Use desk organisers, bins, trays, folders, or labels to keep your items neat and tidy. Avoid cluttering your desk with unnecessary or distracting items. Put away or recycle any items that you don’t need or use.
• Adjust your desk height and angle according to your comfort and posture. If you have a standing corner desk, you can switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day. Make sure your desk is at a level that allows you to keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle and your wrists straight when using your keyboard and mouse.
• Check your desk for any signs of wear and tear or damage. If you notice any cracks, scratches, dents, or loose parts, you may need to repair or replace them. You can also apply some protective coating or polish to your desk to restore its shine and prevent further damage.
• Update your desk accessories and equipment as needed. If you have any outdated, broken, or malfunctioning items on your desk, such as a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, a lamp, or a phone, you may want to upgrade them to newer and better models. You can also add some new items that can improve your productivity, creativity, or well-being, such as headphones, phone stands, plants, art, or candles.

Choosing an Office Chair

To pick the best office chair for your corner office setup, you can consider these factors:

Comfort

A comfortable office chair should have a padded seat, a backrest that supports your spine, and armrests that relieve your shoulders. You should also look for a chair that has adjustable features, such as height, tilt, recline, and lumbar support, so you can customise it to your body and posture.

Style

A stylish office chair should match your corner desk and the decor of your room. You should also choose a chair that reflects your personality and preferences. You can find office chairs in different colours, materials, designs, and shapes. For example, you can opt for a leather chair for a classic look, a mesh chair for a modern look, or a fabric chair for a cozy look.

Durability

A durable office chair should last for a long time and withstand daily wear and tear. You should look for a chair that has a sturdy frame, a stable base, and quality casters. You should also check the warranty and the weight capacity of the chair to ensure it can support you and your work.

Price

A good office chair doesn’t have to be expensive, but it shouldn’t be cheap either. You should set a budget and look for a chair that offers the best value for money. You should also compare the features, benefits, and reviews of different chairs and choose the one that meets your needs and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions when setting up a corner desk.

Bottom Line

A corner desk setup can be a great way to optimise your space, productivity, and comfort in your home office. By choosing the right desk, chair, accessories, and equipment, you can create a corner desk setup that suits your needs and preferences.

I hope this article has given you some useful tips and ideas for creating your corner desk setup. Good luck with your journey to create a corner desk set-up that you will love and enjoy. Remember, you can always experiment and customise your corner desk set-up to make it your own. Have fun and happy working.