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Ever sat at your desk and felt like something was missing, even though you’ve got a laptop, a lamp, and a coffee mug? That “something” is usually the right accessories. The small extras — a sturdy monitor stand, a clever cable tidy, or a well-sized worktop — can transform a cluttered, uncomfortable setup into a productive, calm workspace. In the UK market, there’s a huge range of options from minimalist Scandinavian designs to practical, budget-friendly pieces. Picking the right items saves you time, reduces strain, and can even make your home office feel like a proper place of work rather than a makeshift corner.
Okay, so what should you actually add to your desk? Here’s a simple list of essentials that have the biggest impact on comfort and productivity. Think of these as the wardrobe basics of office gear — you can build an outfit (or in this case, an office) around them.
Raising your monitor to eye level is one of the easiest ways to improve posture. A monitor stand that lifts your screen by a few inches can reduce neck strain and help you sit taller, literally. You’ll find everything from simple risers to adjustable gas-arm mounts across UK stores. If you work with two screens, look for dual monitor arms rated for the combined weight in pounds, and check that the base clamps to desks that are roughly an inch to two inches thick.
The foundation of any good desk is the tabletop and its legs. Scandinavian brands like those found at Nordic Nest offer slim, elegant leg frames and worktops that suit minimalist interiors. A popular frame option is the Hay Loop style which, in some versions, measures about 28.3 inches tall — a comfortable mid-height for many setups. For desktop size, pieces around 63 inches long (5 ft 3 in) provide generous room for a laptop, monitor, and notepad without feeling cramped.
Drawers, under-desk pedestals, wall-mounted shelves, and modular shelving systems keep clutter off your work surface and help maintain focus. Whether you prefer an open shelf for design-led items or a lockable drawer for confidential papers, aim for storage that matches your working habits. Small desktop organisers and pen trays can keep essentials to hand, while larger units free up breathing space on top of the desk.
Nothing kills a clean setup faster than a tangle of cables. Clip-on cable trays, adhesive cable channels, and power strips with built-in USB ports make life easier. For laptops that need a charger and a dock, look for cable solutions that hide the wires under the desk and lead to a single power hub, ideally with a surge protector rated for typical UK home use.
Nordic Nest is a go-to for those who love sleek, timeless designs. Their selection includes well-crafted legs, worktops and modular pieces that pair beautifully with other brands. A few standout items highlight what to expect from this style: clean lines, muted colours, and materials that look at home in both apartment offices and larger rooms.
One popular frame option resembles the Hay Loop aesthetic: slim, sculptural legs that lift a tabletop in an unobtrusive way. In some variants, the stand height is about 28.3 inches, making it a great match for a standard desktop when paired with a comfortable office chair. The two-pack frames often come in bold finishes like deep blue, which can add a subtle pop of colour without overpowering the room.
String-style worktops give you a compact, wall-friendly surface that’s ideal for smaller rooms. A worktop measuring roughly 31 inches by 23 inches (about 2 ft 7 in by 1 ft 11 in) offers enough space for a laptop and a lamp, or for use as a writing station. The ash black-stained finishes bring a sophisticated contrast to lighter walls and pair well with metal wall shelves for a true Scandinavian look.
Extension leaves — like those that accompany some FDB Møbler models — add a practical boost to a tabletop when you need it. These leaves tuck away until required and can turn a compact desk into a wide work surface in seconds, ideal when you’re working on a long project or need extra room for layout work. Think of them as a “stretch” you can call on when creativity or paperwork demands more space.
For those wanting a solid oak look, a works desk top around 63 inches long (5 ft 3 in) is a popular choice. It gives you room for dual monitors and a couple of accessories without overwhelming the room. A durable top paired with a simple leg frame can last for years, and it’s a flexible solution if you plan to upgrade frames or change layout over time.
If you’re shopping in the UK, a number of retailers cover every budget and design taste. Here’s a quick guide to where to look depending on what matters most to you: price, sustainability, or style.
IKEA remains a solid pick for budget-conscious shoppers who want modular, functional pieces. Their range includes monitor stands, adjustable table legs, and storage systems that can be configured in multiple ways. The brand’s simple designs are easy to pair with higher-end accessories if you want a mix of price points.
John Lewis tends to stock more classic, durable items, from wooden tops to upholstered seating. If you value long-term durability and good customer support, it’s a place to consider. Their curated ranges often include complementary accessories so you can buy a cohesive setup.
Made.com and Habitat focus on contemporary style, including Scandinavian and mid-century modern accessories. Wayfair UK has an extensive online catalogue with everything from designer monitors arms to budget-friendly desk organisers. These stores are great when you’re looking for a specific aesthetic or a statement piece.
For fast, convenient purchases and decent prices, check Dunelm, Argos, and Homebase. They stock a mix of affordable storage solutions, cable tidies, and lamp options. These retailers are handy for quickly sourcing essentials without breaking the bank.
Choosing accessories isn’t just about looks — it’s about fit. Here’s a quick, practical checklist to make sure what you buy actually works in your space.
Always measure your desk and room in inches before ordering. Measure the width and depth of the tabletop and allow extra inches on either side for movement. Also check the height from floor to underside of desk to ensure any under-desk storage or a keyboard tray will fit comfortably.
Your chair, monitor height, and keyboard position should work together. If you’re upgrading your desk top or frame, make sure the height allows your elbows to sit at a 90-degree angle when typing. If in doubt, test different heights in store or buy adjustable legs that let you fine-tune the level.
Decide whether you want all-wood warmth, industrial metal, or a mix. A wood top and metal legs is a timeless combination, while all-wood tops bring warmth to a room. Keep in mind that darker finishes hide stains but show dust more easily.
Combining pieces from different stores is a smart way to balance budget and design. Pair a high-quality desktop from a premium brand with affordable legs and accessories from a budget retailer. Add one or two design-focused items — a lamp or a colourful monitor arm — to lift the whole room. The trick is consistency: pick a colour palette and stick to it, and match materials (wood tones with wood tones, metal with metal) where possible.
Think of your setup like a pair of shoes: invest in the ones you’ll wear every day. The office chair and the desk top are worth spending more on because they affect comfort and posture daily. Conversely, small accessories like cable ties, simple monitor stands, or pen holders can be inexpensive without compromising function. If you’re on a tight budget, prioritise an ergonomic chair and a sturdy tabletop, then gradually upgrade accessories as funds allow.
Looking after the planet doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Many brands now offer sustainably sourced woods, recycled metals, and modular designs that can be repaired rather than replaced. Consider second-hand marketplaces for solid desk tops or vintage legs — you can often find high-quality pieces for a fraction of the price and give them a new lease of life.
Here’s a short checklist to prevent returns and regrets: measure in inches, check weight capacity in pounds (especially for monitor arms), verify clamp or bolt compatibility with your desk thickness (usually 0.75 to 2 inches), confirm finish samples if available, and read customer photos for real-life setup ideas. Following this will save you time and headaches later.
A few final tricks can make even a small home office feel sleek and intentional. Keep surfaces mostly clear, store papers out of sight, and add one or two natural elements like a plant or wooden accessory. Good lighting — a desk lamp with an adjustable arm — can make a massive difference to how productive you feel. And don’t underestimate the power of a rug to anchor the space, especially if your desk sits in a corner of a larger room.
Upgrading your home office doesn’t require a full overhaul. With a few smart accessories — the right desk top, a sturdy set of legs or a frame, a monitor riser, and tidy cable management — you can dramatically improve comfort and productivity. UK shoppers have plenty of options, from Scandinavian stores with elegant worktops to high-street retailers offering practical, affordable solutions. Measure carefully in inches, prioritise ergonomics, and mix budget-friendly finds with a couple of quality investments for a workspace that works as hard as you do.
| Office Furniture Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| String String Worktop 78x58 Cm Ash Black Stain | £ 127,- | |
| Hay Loop Stand Frame Leg Stand 72 Cm 2-pack Deep Blue | £ 180,- |
