Every designer's workstation is half a work of art and half functional space. It doesn’t matter whether your desk area is big or small; the fun is making it your own.

It makes sense to spruce it up and make it comfortable because, as a creative, you’ll be spending a lot of time there working on projects and thinking up new ideas. There’s the idea that the state of your room is like the state of your mind; our desks might be a better reflection of that. The gadgets you use or accessorize with show your personality and style.

That’s why we wanted to put together the ultimate list of desk gadgets worth having for designers in 2024. Whether you’re a new budding designer, a seasoned pro, or looking for a gift for the designer in your life, these gadgets are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Note: The makers of these products do not sponsor us.

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1. Let there be light

Every designer needs good lighting at their desk to see the beautiful work they’re crafting. We know you have an overhead light, but why not try a desk lamp to liven things up?

• ‍Ribbed Glass Table Lamp from West Elm: This lamp starts at $99 and comes in white, amber, or green. It’s perfect for adding a splash of light and bringing some fun with its curved edges and ribbed texture.‍
• Riveter Metal Tripod Lamp from All Modern: This modern lamp is perfect for the busy modern designer. Its simple design and elegant structure would make any desk brighter. Its current price is $112.‍
• Ranarp Work Lamp from Ikea: The RANARP lamp has a vintage appeal with lots of detail, from steel joints to a striped textile cord. Perfect for designers who need to adjust their lighting depending on their work while still keeping their desks looking cool. This lamp is priced at $47.99.

2. It’s time to type

Every designer needs a good keyboard. The design of a keyboard plays a crucial role in limiting hand, shoulder, and neck strain. Check out these designs for more support.

• ‍Kinesis Advantage2 Quiet LF Ergonomic Keyboard: This keyboard is perfect for designers who want ergonomic support. It features split keywells and cushioned palm pads - and you can plug and play with all major operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome. It’s currently listed for $525.‍
• Adobe Premiere Pro CC Silver Slimline Keyboard by LogicKeyboard™: The LogicKeyboard is perfect for controlling Adobe Premiere Pro CC with custom key commands and a color-coded board. You’ll be able to learn the key commands faster. Any designer using Windows would love this. The price is $139.90.‍
• POP Keys Mechanical Wireless Keyboard from Logitech: The Logitech POP keyboard can connect with Bluetooth and has a retro feel. It also allows for emoji keys that you can swap out when you want a fun change. It comes in yellow, pink, purple, grey, and mint. Regularly priced at $129.99.

3. Take out the trash

Every desk setup needs a garbage can for all of those pesky paper bits and snack wrappers you need to throw away. Keep your desk clean and tidy with these options.

• ‍Brabantia Newlcon Step On Trash Can: This trash can comes in a variety of colors and sports a convenient step-on mechanism, so you don’t have to lift the lid with your hands. It gives a modern look and a pop of color to your workspace. Priced at $166.31.‍
• Yamazaki Rin Round Trash Can: This sleek, stylish trash can is made of steel with a removable-grained wood walnut top. Take the trash out in style and keep your space spotless. Priced at $83.36‍
• Brabantia Bo Touch Top Multi-Compartment Recycling Trash Can: This multi-compartment trash can can hold up to 9 gallons. It comes in a variety of colors, so there’s sure to be one that will accent your workstation. It’s priced at $225.

4. A space for all the things

Yes, we’re talking about storage options. In a creative space, storage is important. As a designer, you’re likely to have rulers, pens, markers, scissors, headphones, tablets, and more. Check out these storage options to keep your space clutter-free.

• ‍Skadis Wood Pegboard from Ikea: The Skadis wood pegboard is the perfect option for wall storage. It looks cool; you can design the board to fit your things however you like. Hang your headphones, notebooks, pens, and more. Priced at $29.99 per board.‍
• Metal pen holder from Indigo: This penholder was inspired by architectural drawings and adds an urban feel to any desk setup. Keep your stationary organized with this steel cage and wooden base. Regularly priced at $49.50.‍
• Arrange Desktop Configuration by Muuto: This organizer was designed by Big-Game and allows the user to interact with it, using and reconfiguring the combination of trays. Inspired by contemporary architecture, it is made in 100% recycled plastic and cork. It is priced at $108.

5. Ergonomic necessities

When you’re working you want to be comfortable and keep healthy. Ergonomic gadgets are the perfect solution. We’ve gathered three options below you might find useful and stylish.

• ‍Standup Desk from ChalkDown: This adjustable standing desk allows you to prop your laptop, keyboard, or tablet so that you can remain comfortable while working. Sometimes, you need to stretch and stand. This solution offers stability and flexibility. Priced at $225.‍
• Adjustable iPad Stand by Go: This adjustable iPad stand comes in the colors blue, yellow, black, or white. It’s made of 50/50 diecast aluminum and rubber, making it sturdy and easy to use. It is currently priced at $80.‍
• Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse by Microsoft: Microsoft’s ergonomic mouse maximizes wrist comfort while helping you navigate with ease, helping to support hand, wrist, and forearm posture. There’s never a bad time to care about your health. This mouse is priced at $59.95.

6. Weigh down, we go

If you work with a lot of paper, you might want a paperweight. Keep those papers in place or, at the very least, make them look cool.

• ‍Kima Design Wooden Cube Paperweight: This paperweight is made from natural materials and doubles as a pencil holder. It’s perfect if you have a natural woodsy theme for your office. It’s listed in the UK for $25.‍
• Smithsonian Blue Mineral Globe Paperweight: If you love to travel and whenever you’re not designing, you’re planning your next getaway, this paperweight is for you. Hand-painted and hand-polished, this paperweight maps the countries of the world, and it’s brought to you by the Smithsonian Museum. It’s currently on their website for $50.‍
• John Derian Right Eye Paperweight: This paperweight was handmade in New York by John Derian Company and shows a vintage right eye print. The print was cut and collaged onto handblown glass. This piece gives a unique touch to any creative space. Priced at $65.

7. Let’s get loud

If you’re a designer working with a team, you’ll know how important a good working microphone is. Make sure you’re heard in those virtual meetings with one of these three choices.

• ‍Aurora Collection Yeti Microphone from Logitech: The Yeti microphone from Logitech works like a charm. It perfectly accompanies your headset, mouse, and keyboard and comes in either pink or white. Regularly priced at $179.99.‍
• RODE NT-USB Condenser Microphone: This microphone by Rode is compatible with your computer and smartphone. Get ready to sound like you double as a smooth jazz singer when you’re swapping creative ideas with your team. Currently priced at $229.‍
• The Tula Mic: The Tula Mic is best used when traveling if you need to stay connected, sound great, and don’t want to lug around anything big and clunky. It's a studio-quality USB-C microphone with a built-in noise reducer. It is priced at $259.

8. Listen to the sound

Along with a great microphone, you’ll likely need some headphones to keep background noise away and hear your coworkers during creative jam sessions. Here are three great options for your hearing needs.

• ‍Apple Airpods Max: These Apple headphones come with active noise cancellation, personalized spacial audio with dynamic head tracking, and up to 20 hours of listening time from a single charge. Available on the Apple website, they are priced at $549.‍
• MH40 Wireless Headphones from Master & Dynamic: These headphones are perfect for listening to multiple devices when you want to bounce back and forth from your computer to your phone. They come with Bluetooth, noise cancellation, and up to 30 hours of battery life. They are sold for $399.‍
• Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones: These over-the-ear headphones offer comfortable support with active noise-canceling technology and hands-free calling capabilities. They work with Bluetooth to connect to your phone or other devices. Available at Best Buy for $399.

9. A holder for the computer in your pocket

While you’re working, you’ll want to keep your phone protected and out of the way. Having a phone holder for your desk can help keep you less distracted when needed.

• ‍Bergenes Bamboo Phone Holder: This phone holder from Ikea has a simple wood design. While it’s not flashy with extra features, its natural look offers an understated solution to your phone storage problem, and it's priced at just $3.49.‍
• EZVALO Wireless Phone Charger: This phone holder acts as a charging station, a touch-activated lamp with 4 levels of light, and a Bluetooth music player. It has everything you need to keep your phone powered up, turn on some focus music, and get to work. It’s available on Amazon for $99.‍
• Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Phone Charger: This phone holder and charging station allow you to charge multiple devices at once. It offers a durable rubberized pad at the bottom so your devices will stay locked in place, for sale at Best Buy for $71.99.

10. Become a digital scribe

Whether you’re creating stunning lettering, illustrations, or logos, when working on a tablet, laptop, or drawing pad, it's best to have a good stylus pen. All graphic designers need one.

• ‍Apple Pencil 2nd Generation: The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) has low latency and pixel-perfect precision. It also supports double-tapping to change tools so you can continue working without putting the pencil down. Draw, sketch, color, and take notes. Available at Apple for $129.‍
• ZAGG Pro Stylus 2: The ZAGG Pro Stylus 2 really feels like it has everything. From wireless charging, dual-tip, tilt recognition, palm rejection technology, and long battery life, this is the stylus you need when you’re creating stunning visuals at your desk. Available for $79.99.‍
• Adonit Mark Stylus: This stylus is smooth, simple, and built to last. Use on any touchscreen for precision, smudge-free movement. This stylus is one of the more budget-friendly options if you’re looking for something that will last but won’t break the bank. It’s available from Adonit for $9.99.

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We hope you loved our designer desk gadget finds. As a team of professional creatives here at The Futur™, we know what it’s like to make your creative space your own so that you can run a successful business.

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This article is brought to you by our Accelerator program. Accelerator is an educational and coaching program tailored for creative entrepreneurs. It offers detailed tutorials, regular coaching sessions, and a curriculum that guides you through launching and growing your creative business.

Accelerator might be just what you need, but we understand everyone's journey is unique. We recommend taking our Find Your Fit quiz to help pinpoint the right Futur™ offering based on your specific goals and stage in your career. Click here to take the quiz.

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