3 Ways to Design a Smarter Workspace
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Quartet and ACCO Brands.
I’ll be honest…
I get caught up in all of the stunning offices and workspaces beautifully styled for magazines and catalogs and online stores just as much as the next person. (What’s a productive space if it’s not perfectly styled in every way??)
But the truth is, a perfectly styled and captured space doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most productive setup.
Below, I’m sharing with you three very simple and easy-to-replicate ideas for designing a smarter workspace that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
Hint: I found the perfect product that allows you to do all three.
If you’re looking to elevate your desk or workspace this year for higher productivity and easier organization, keep reading!
Idea #1: Reduce eye strain and improve your posture by positioning your monitor correctly.
Here’s a fun fact: more often than not, our computer monitors are sitting too low. It’s natural to simply pull out your computer for the first time and set it on your desk without another thought — and then, there it lives for the rest of it’s life in your space.
But the truth is, even if the screen is on the larger side, the computer is likely sitting too low, causing neck and posture strain that builds up slowly over time.
An easy fix?
Elevate your entire monitor.
For the longest time, I used a stack of beautiful coffee table books to accomplish this — and when you’re on a budget, this solution works perfectly!
But then, I was introduced to the new Quartet Desktop Glass Monitor Riser, and it completely changed the game for the me.
Not only did the riser itself feature a clean, beautiful design, but it was also EXTREMELY sturdy (necessary for our precious tech), had adjustable height options, and included other features I knew I would love.
The goal for your monitor height is to ensure your eye level is right at the top 1/3 of the monitor screen; so the adjustable height options on the Quartet Riser came in handy when I realized I only needed some of the included pieces to reach the appropriate height.
From box to desktop, this riser was in use within five minutes of opening, and I’m already obsessed with the new addition to my workspace.
Idea #2: Have a consistent strategy for quick notes and ideas that pop up throughout the day.
We’ve all been there — we find ourselves in the middle of a phone call and quickly need to jot down a name or number. Or maybe we’re focused in on a project, but suddenly remember that thing we need to pick up at the store later.
Instead of scrambling for loose paper or interrupting your flow, get ahead of this everyday occurrence by setting up an easy and consistent space for quick notes and ideas that pop up throughout the day.
A dedicated notepad on your desk is one easy way to capture these notes (emphasis on “dedicated…” keep it in your physical space so you’re not constantly searching for it daily).
But after using this strategy for awhile, I was BEYOND thrilled to see that the Quartet Desktop Glass Monitor Riser I fell in love with also featured — get this — a PULL-OUT DRY ERASE PAD that I could easily tuck away when not in use! Mind. Blown.
This is honestly one of the smartest workspace additions I’ve seen in awhile. It starts out being neatly tucked in the riser, but then easily slides out and props up at various angles in a way that keeps it easy to access, yet doesn’t block my keyboard or monitor screen in any way. Plus, it comes with a dedicated space for your dry erase marker and doesn’t rub the top of the pad at all when storing away — so your notes are safe from day-to-day. Genius.
Whichever solution you go with, having a dedicated space and strategy for those notes throughout the day is one of the best ways to stay focused on the task at hand and avoid losing crucial info that gets jotted down on the fly.
Idea #3: Keep your workspace in a “ready state” while controlling the clutter.
You may have heard me talk about the “ready state” before. But if it’s a new concept that you’re hearing for the first time, here’s the gist: have the tools and resources necessary to do your day-to-day tasks easily organized and accessible so you spend less time “preparing” and more time doing intentional work.
The problem that sometimes pops up with this concept is that it can create more clutter in your workspace — taking away from the peaceful, beautiful space you previously designed.
So here’s the good news: there are ways to be intentional about your “ready state” materials that will make your space super functional and still beyond beautiful.
For instance, you can use a simple organizational tray or unit to keep your most-used tools available in a beautiful, organized fashion. This rounds up your “clutter” and gives the collection of items a more intentional space on your desktop.
What I was so excited to see with the Quartet Desktop Glass Monitor Riser, however, is that it solved this problem for me in an even more discreet way: the riser itself has the perfect open space beneath it that allows for additional storage while also being super accessible!
Now, I’ll be honest — I generally only have a couple of items I need to store on my desktop for daily use which usually consists of my planner, favorite pen, and another working journal or sketchbook. So the storage space there is perfect for this use.
But depending on what you need for your daily “ready state,” you could grab a couple of small organizational bins, storage tray, or even a slim drawer unit that could live there and even more discreetly keep your various items organized and accessible.
The idea of keeping your workspace in a “ready state” means you’ll be able to more seamlessly dive into your work each day, and doing so in an organized fashion is sure to keep your space just as beautiful as it is productive.
All of these ideas can be used separately to elevate your workspace, and together, they’ll really take your space to the next level by creating a smarter work environment that’s beautiful and productive!
Check out the new Quartet Desktop Glass Monitor Riser here for a clean, minimal desk addition designed to accomplish all three strategies in one.
And be sure to browse all of Quartet’s glass dry erase products to complement your space, no matter where you work!
