I Clamp Every Accessory I Can to My Desk To Avoid Clutter, and You Should, Too

for most For us, desk space is at a premium. Between computers, keyboards, speakers, and maybe some photos of your family or a mesh Wi-Fi node, things can quickly feel a little cramped. Desk accessories provide a better look and feel to your workplace. Mounted office accessories are perfect for standing desks because everything stays firmly in place as you move up and down your position. Even if you’re sitting, these tools can clear some clutter from your desktop — and maybe clear your mind a little by giving yourself some space to focus. As a dedicated clamper, after working at a desk for three decades, I’ve tried every desk-mounted accessory I could find. I have a few favorite devices that I’ll share below.

Before you purchase any desk-mounted accessory, make sure you measure your desk and allow for the appropriate space for the clamp. Don’t assume it will fit, as they all have thickness limits, and some don’t work well with desk clamps. There is also a risk that the clamps will discolor or mark your desktop over time, especially if it is softwood or in direct sunlight.

monitor weapons

Number one on my list of desk-mounted accessories are monitor arms. By not needing a stand, you can free up a lot of space, and the monitor arms enable you to fix your screen at the ideal height and position, making it easy to adjust the angle as you need. I’m a fan of the dual-monitor setup with the wide-screen in landscape orientation and a portrait monitor on the left because it’s perfect for my workflow.

I like Ergotron’s monitor mounts because they’re seriously sturdy, yet allow wide movement to move your screen to the right spot (the top of the screen should be at eye level and your monitor at about arm’s length). I use the LX Pro with the older Ergotron LX ($189), which has a wider base and can handle more weight. What I like best about it compared to other monitor arms I’ve tried is that my monitors stay properly stable once they’re in position. With some arms, the slightest bump on your desk can cause your screen to shake.

pet perch

While a dog may be content to curl up at your feet, cats prefer to perch on high. My cats are always jumping on my desk, walking in front of the monitor, and scratching the back of my chair. They love nothing more than to steal my hot seat when I get up for coffee. But there is a clamping solution to the pet problem.