Having a dual monitor setup can help you work and multitask more efficiently.
But what if you have a small desk? Well, here’s how you can fit two monitors on your small desk:
How To Fit Two Monitors on a Small Desk?
The Best way to fit two monitors on a small desk is using monitor arms. Also, you can try mounting your monitors on the wall above each other or use one of them as a vertical screen to save more space on the desk.
But before we jump into solutions, How big are your monitors?
Let’s take a look at standard desk sizes for two monitors:
Monitor Size | Dual Monitor Setup | Triple Monitor Setup |
---|---|---|
21 Inch | 45” W . 23” D | 63” W . 28” D |
24 Inch | 50” W . 25” D | 66” W . 32” D |
27 Inch | 56” W . 28” D | 77” W . 36” D |
32 Inch | 66” W . 35” D | 85” W . 40” D |
But even if you have a smaller desk, don’t worry!
Here are 4 ways you can fit monitors on a small desk:
Use Monitor Arms/stands
A nice sturdy monitor arm clears all the space below the monitor and makes your setup look much cleaner and more professional. They also let you keep your screens at any height, distance, or angle you like.
Also, when the monitor is attached to an arm, it’s no longer dependent on the desk width. So, if the desk is too narrow, you can have them sit even a bit outside the edges.
Another significant benefit of the arms is cable management: monitor arms help you hide your monitor cables and pass them through the arm.
Additionally, there are monitor arms specifically made for dual monitors, so you can have both of your screens connected to a single component, saving even more space on the desk.
A critical benefit of these arms is that you can rotate your screen at any angle that you like, which leads us to the following option:
Use Vertical Monitors
Monitors can be used both horizontally and vertically. If it’s practical for you (considering your tasks), you can rotate your side monitor to a vertical position.
Unlike regular horizontal screens, vertical monitors don’t take much space on the desk.
But remember that most monitors can not rotate by default, and you’ll probably need to install a monitor arm to do so.
The biggest fans of vertical monitors are coders and programmers since it enables them to read more codes at once. However, it can also benefit designers, data analysts, etc…
Also, if you don’t benefit from a vertical screen, you can split the vertical monitor into two almost square screens above each other, which leads us to the next tip:
Use Monitors Above Each Other
Instead of using your monitors beside each other, you can have your second monitor installed above the main one.
This way, you’re utilizing the vertical space instead of the horizontal and save a lot of space on your desk.
This configuration may not be as ideal as having your monitors sitting side by side. But it’s a good choice if you have ultra-wide monitors that take up too much space on the desk.
Keep in mind that, to have your monitors above each other, you have to wether use a monitor arm or install the second monitor on the wall, which leads us to the following trick:
Mount The Monitors on the Wall
Just like TVs, monitors can be wall mounted too. You’re no longer limited to your desk size by installing your monitors on the wall.
Also, if you have big monitors and don’t want to sit too close, you can keep a gap between the wall and the desk.
To install your monitors on the wall, you must use “wall mounts” or monitor arms that can be screwed to the wall.
For more information about the process, you can follow the steps in the video below:
Maximizing Desk Space With Multiple Monitors
Using the 4 methods we discussed above, you can save a lot of space on the desk for your other peripherals.
But Still, sometimes it can be overwhelming, so, here’s how you can organize your desk:
Install Keyboard and Mouse Trays
Moving your keyboard and mouse under the desk can save a good amount of space on the desk.
And also if your desk depth is less than average, they create more distance between you and the screens which is important to protect your eyes.
However, in my experience, most desk trays are wobbly and limit the legroom, that’s why I’d suggest you to wether invest in a solid and legit desk tray or don’t use them at all.
finally, if your desk isn’t too narrow, you can easily keep the mouse and the keyboard on the desk and use a desk mat to organize them:
Desk Pads Make a Difference
Desk pads aren’t just for the looks, they divide your desk space into two separate areas and make it look much more organized.
So, for me personally, everything except the mouse and the keyboard should be off the desk pad.
It may not seem that important at first, but trust me, over time you will feel the difference. A nice soft desk mat makes your desk look more organized which leads to more focus and productivity.
Cable Management
To have a clean, organized, and minimalist setup, cable management is key.
The simple rule here is to minimize the number of visible cables. The more lines you hide, the cleaner your desk looks.
A few simple tips on cable management:
- Use a wireless mouse and keyboard.
- use under desk cable management racks and trays to hide all power outlets, extra cables, modem router, etc.
- try to pass your monitor cables through the stand or the arm.
- never leave your charging cables for your phone, laptop, and other gadgets on the desk. Organize them in a way that the minimum amount of cables is visible.
Small Desk-Dual Monitors Considerations
Big monitors especially when connected to a small desk by arms can sometimes damage or unstable the desk.
- Make sure to check the desk weight limit especially if you’re using a standing desk, they can be sensitive to high loads of weight and might get damaged while moving the desk up or down. Also overloading them may lead to different errors on the standing desk.
- And if you’re mounting the monitors on the wall, make sure the wall mount can handle the weight of the monitors.
- And finally, always remember to keep at least arm length distance from your screens. Usually the bigger the screens are, the more distance is needed.
Conclusion
Are you trying to build a dual monitor setup on your limited desk space?
Well, in this article, we discussed 4 different hacks that can help you build your ideal setup and to summarize it all,
Here’s how you can fit two monitors on a small desk:
- Use Monitor Arms/Stands
- Use Vertical Monitors
- Use Monitors above each other
- Mount the Monitors to the Wall
Additionally, here’s how you can maximize your desk space with two monitors:
- Install Keyboard and Mouse Trays
- Use Desk pads to divide the areas
- Manage Cables Properly
Hopefully, by now, you have all the information you need regarding desk sizes for different monitors, ways to fit two screens on a small desk, and managing your limited desk space.
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