Shopping·8 min read

11 Useful Products to Refresh and Organize Your Desk

Desk lamp and desk calendar
Design: theSkimm | Image: Urban Outfitters, Burke Decor
August 11, 2022

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Whether you mostly work from home these days or regularly head into an office, there’s no better time than the fall to give your desk a little refresh. (Hello, back-to-school shopping nostalgia.) So we’ve rounded up some products that’ll help you organize your workspace, make using your desk a little more comfortable, and all-around upgrade your workday. Like a standing desk converter for dual screen users, an under-desk treadmill to stay active, a colorful desk notepad, and more. Psst…if nothing gives you a thrill quite like the feeling of new stationery supplies, we’ve also got recs for the best pens and pencils to replenish your stash.

desk converter
Amazon

A standing desk converter that’ll help maximize your space… 

This converter is an HQ’r fave, and is available in either 36-inch or 42-inch options, wide enough to accommodate dual monitors. If you prefer to stand, the converter rises up to 17 inches. It comes with a removable accessory tray and has cable clips and zip ties to help tame any messy wires, and is available in five different finishes. Rise and shine. ($199.99, Amazon)

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Desk pad
Bando

An oversized desk notepad to stay on top of your weekly to-dos… 

Because sometimes writing things down instead of keeping track of things digitally is the best way to remember ’em. Keep your important work dates, meetings, or to-dos right at your desk with this undated notepad. It’s available in three different (equally colorful and cute) patterns — hello, pastel zebra print — and has 52 tear-away sheets with tons of space allotted for each day of the week. BRB, getting organized. ($14.95, Bando

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LED desk lamp
Amazon

A LED desk lamp that’ll save energy and space… 

But won’t skimp on style. This desk lamp has a super-minimalist design that’ll fit in with any office aesthetic. It features three color modes, ranging from warm to cool, and five dimmer settings. It’s also got sensitive touch control, an anti-slip bottom, and a tilting head that’s easy to adjust. ($26.99, Amazon)

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Desk lamp
Urban Outfitters

Or a retro glass desk lamp to cozy up your decor… 

It comes in four pastel shades, all with the same frosted finish. This lightweight lamp measures just under 5 inches wide by 8.2 inches high. You’ll get a warmer glow from this one — perfect for those rainy WFH days spent in comfy sweats. BTW, you’ll have to purchase a lightbulb separately. We rec this LED smart bulb that’s compatible with Alexa and Google Home. ($49, Urban Outfitters)

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Under desk treadmill
Walking Pad

An under-desk treadmill to get your blood pumping… 

If you’ve been working from home for a while, perhaps you’re not as active as you were when you were commuting to an office. Enter: this solution to help you get your steps in without leaving home. It’s got a handheld remote for manually adjusting the speed, but it also has a feature that lets you control it based on your position on the treadmill — towards the top to speed up, in the middle for continuous speed, and at the bottom to slow down. And its compact design means that after you’re done using it, you can just slide it out of sight under your couch, or fold it in half and store it upright. Psst…if a treadmill isn’t your vibe, we’re also fans of this fitness chair that’s essentially a desk chair and stationary bike in one. ($499, Walking Pad)

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Desk mat
Amazon

A desk mat to keep your workspace clean and tidy… 

And free of scratches, water rings, or ink spills. This one comes in three sizes and a ton of colors, all with dual-sided use (we love the light green and blue combo). A convenient buckle strap makes packing it easy if you’re taking it on the go, and it’s also waterproof, heat-resistant, and has a slip-free surface for mouse users. ($10.19+, Amazon)

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Desk fan
Amazon

A vintage-style desk fan that’ll keep you cool and that looks cool…  

If you work in a stuffy office or don’t want to have the AC on blast all day, a desk fan is a must. This one is available in two different design options — choose from a classic base or a modern one — and comes in four different colors. It’s got two speed settings, and you can tilt the head for adjustable airflow. You can also snag the dual fan option that comes with a smaller pivot fan. Cool days ahead. ($39.99+, Amazon)

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Etsy glass vases
SilcStuff via Etsy

Glass vases for pens, pencils, flowers, and more… 

Time to say ‘see ya’ to the random cup that’s been holding all your pens. These come in 16 different styles, varying in height, width, and color. If you’re looking to fill ’em with writing utensils, we rec a wider option like vase B or F. If you want to display some tapered candles or flowers, options E and H are the way to go. One classy desk, coming right up. ($25.34+, SilcStuff via Etsy)

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Bookends
Uncommon Goods

Handmade bookends that double as a propagation station…

Each one comes with three vials that you can fill with a bit of water and add your houseplant clippings to. The wooden bookend comes in either a maple or walnut finish and measures 7.5 x 2.5 x 14 inches. Don’t have a green thumb? Zhuzh it up with some lifelike artificial flowers you won’t have to worry about watering or switching out. ($60+/each, Uncommon Goods)

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Desk organizer
Amazon

Interlocking desk-drawer trays to corral all your miscellaneous items… 

Like loose erasers, mini paper clips, and sticky notes. This one’s got 22 interlocking bins in varying sizes and comes in black or white. Fill your drawer with as many as it can fit, and use the rest for any kitchen bits and bobs that need a home. ($17.99, Amazon)

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Desk Calendar
Burke Decor

A chic concrete desk calendar that’ll never run out of dates… 

Like, ever. It comes with two numbered concrete blocks to note the day and individual concrete slabs with the days of the week and the months of the year. The understated design is an easy way to elevate any desk space. ($17.50, Burke Decor)

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Cord organizer
Brighttia via Etsy

Cable organizers for when you've got a wire jungle underneath your desk…

Consider these gold ones a small style win. No more cheap-looking plastic clips. You can use them for your WFH setup and for lamps you have placed around your home. Sometimes it really is the little things in life. ($12.98+/2 pack, Brighttia on Etsy)

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