Custom Computer Desk

[blundaruss]

Hey all!

Finaly finished the design of my computer desk which will be installed in my "broom closet"

I figured I would get some input/suggestions from you guys before I start building. The last thing I want is to finish building it then think of somthing cool to add to it!

 

[MassiveJim]

personally, I hate having anything deep between my hands and legs, like keyboard trays, or in this case a drawer

also where are your legs going to go by the way ?

 

[jpaul]

+1 ? space for legs

what is the overall width, did you consider a 21:9 monitor if it is narrow
I might make the desk deeper, so you have room for papers (in an office role) on top, and keeping that cup of coffee at a safe distance -
so maybe even consider putting some of the storage (or 'really useful boxes') under the desk against wall, to increase desk depth and maybe allow two chairs side by side
across width, when needed.,
speakers could be above monitor in corners on wall mounts, and monitors on an arm, so could go for an overall simpler flat build desktop.

 

[blundaruss]

Trust me there is plenty of room under the draw for legs, the height of the desk is the same as any that have a draw/keyboard draw

The storage on the right is for box files for documents etc and that seems the most convenient space to put them, plus there is only just about enough room for one chair with or without the storage so no chance of getting a second chair in either way. Im trying to keep it all low as the window behind the desk is the only source of natural light in an otherwise dark hallway.

The monitors are just there for show but one 21:9 monitor makes more sence than two smaller monitors. The wall arms and mounts are a stroke of genius though! cant beleive I never considered them! I think I was trying to be too clever for my own good and over complicating somthing that is otherwise very simple! Although, if I do go down that route, that means I would have wasted a lot of time on sketch up trying to design the monitor shelf!

 

[Bickaxe]

Do you have space to turn around in your chair?
I don't think i would like the storage at the side. Would feel too restricted. Maybe put it higher up at head height

 

[blundaruss]

Actually, funny you should say that, after jpaul suggested the monitor arms Ive been thinking of more of a minimalist setup. Although there would be just about enough room to spin in the chair it will still be quite restrictive like you say. Unfortunately because of the size of the window, if i put the shelf any higher than it is now then anything i put on it will obscure light from the window, I know its miniaml but you would understand if you can see how dark my hallway is even on a sunny day! So I will likely build a small shelf above the door (which is the 4th wall in the picture)

Im still considering keeping the monitor shelf as I have other things to store like router and NAS but I guess I could always use the window sill for those.

Thanks guys! you have given me plenty to think about!

 

[lsg1r]

I'd put money on you clouting your elbow on that side box storage when your arm naturally spreads when bent and moving the mouse.

 

[Haggisman]

I'd put money on you clouting your elbow on that side box storage when your arm naturally spreads when bent and moving the mouse.

That's exactly what I was thinking!

 

[blundaruss]

You both have a good point. The shelf will be removed in version 2.0!

 

[Adam]

I think this is over engineered and an L shaped single level desk will be far more effective and look better too.

 

[blundaruss]

I think you are right, it is over engineered, I do tend to over think things!

The L shape desk is a good idea but I think I have decided to avoid putting anything on the right wall to maximise the space for the chair.

I still like the shelves at the back of the desk for storage, looks better than just having the router and NAS at the back of the main desk, plus it gives me plenty of space to store paper and miscellaneous office equipment, what do you think?

 

[Martynt74]

To give us a bit more of an idea what are the actual dimensions you're working with?

Also whats the purpose of the room, is it an actual office workspace or just a place where you'll use the computer for browsing?

Also whats the split at the back between purple and white? I'd have assumed that it would all be just the back wall but the image suggests not.

 

[wakadoo]

monitor looks way too high, sort of like you will be looking up at it all the time.

speakers are throwing the sound over the top of you, both need to be lower.

from the pic i also favour the idea of an "L" shaped desk for ease of getting in and out.

 

[Begbie]

If it's just for gaming, web browsing etc. Then get rid of everything and just put a bit of wood in for a desk. That's what I'd do anyway. Acctually I'd create a small hanging shelf underneath for my AMP but that's about it.

 

[jpaul]

potentially something more like this ? (I realise your room is narrower though - best I could see)
also monitor arm would more usually come vertically up from desk.

 

[blundaruss]

To give us a bit more of an idea what are the actual dimensions you're working with?

W104cm x D146cm

Also whats the purpose of the room, is it an actual office workspace or just a place where you'll use the computer for browsing?

Admittedly it will be more for recreational purposes than work but storage is always an issue in a small flat and occasional household paper work and filing is still required.

Also whats the split at the back between purple and white? I'd have assumed that it would all be just the back wall but the image suggests not.

Not sure what you mean by split. The white secion underneath the desk is the skirting board (its an old place so the room is high and so are the skirting boards) and the hole in the skirting board is a cat flap (I didnt put it there! but I do have cats, so I cant block this up)

monitor looks way too high, sort of like you will be looking up at it all the time.

speakers are throwing the sound over the top of you, both need to be lower.

I didnt realy measure up the hight of the monitor/speakers, It was just to get an idea of what I had planned.

from the pic i also favour the idea of an "L" shaped desk for ease of getting in and out.

Not sure how the L shape desk will help getting in and out? The door is directly oposite the desk, Its literally just the end of a hallway (I know, its an old victorian building which has been converted into flats) At the bottom there is a screenshot of the room zoomed out to give you a better Idea (I have made the wall with the door in it transparent.)

JPaul - That would be ideal, but due to my limited space I have had to make a few compromises, I dont even have room for a printer let alone a proper book shelf, hence the shelf at the back of the desk and the draw.

 

[blundaruss]

And heres a photo

(The bike and scratching post will be moved BTW)

 

[lsg1r]

And heres a photo



(The bike and scratching post will be moved BTW)

Assuming the door/wall is staying.... can you remove that window up top? If not how much space between top of door and bottom of window, depending on size you could put the side shelf up above the door. If that window could come out above the door you'd have no end of vertical space you could work with on the door wall.

Second suggestion. Could you maybe make the depth of the desk 20-30cm deeper (thick enough for whatever you want to store) and then have shelves under the desk where your feet go? You'd also gain a slightly deeper desk which might make things a little easier to work with. Something like the (very simplified) image below.

 

[blundaruss]

Assuming the door/wall is staying.... can you remove that window up top? If not how much space between top of door and bottom of window, depending on size you could put the side shelf up above the door. If that window could come out above the door you'd have no end of vertical space you could work with on the door wall.

Would take too much work to remove the window plus it helps to increase the amount of natural light which comes into the hallway so thats not an option. I did mention in previous post that I will probably move the shelf above the door, but atleast now I know its not a totaly ridiculous idea to have a shelf above the door!

Second suggestion. Could you maybe make the depth of the desk 20-30cm deeper (thick enough for whatever you want to store) and then have shelves under the desk where your feet go? You'd also gain a slightly deeper desk which might make things a little easier to work with.

I had considered this but adding 20/30cm to the desk will take up half the room, which wouldnt be too bad, but I would also be limited to how much space I could use due to the power outlet (which is in the far left corner) and the cat flap. Would cause issues with cable management. Thanks for the sugestion though!

I have come up with another Idea for the shelving which solves my printer and file issues. I have gone against my need to avoid putting shelves up due to obscuring the window but think I have minimised it as much as possible. The file shelf could also go above the door but think this may look better. I still may get rid of the desk shelf, although I still think it would be handy for various external drives and raspbery pi etc, I havnt decided yet.