I Clamp Every Accessory I Can to My Desk To Avoid Clutter, and You Should, Too

For most of us, desk space is at a premium. Between the computer, keyboard, speakers, and maybe a few photos of your family or a mesh Wi-Fi node, things can quickly feel a little cramped. Desk-mounted accessories make your workspace look and feel better. Mounted office accessories are perfect for standing desks because everything stays firmly in place when you lift and lower your position. Even if you stay seated, these devices can clear some of the clutter off your desktop—and maybe clear your mind a bit by giving yourself some space to focus. As a dedicated clamper, closing in on three decades at a desk, I’ve tried every desk-mounted accessory I could get my hands on. I have a few favorite devices which I’ll share below.

Before you buy any desk-mounted accessory, make sure that you measure your desk and scope out a suitable spot for the clamp. Don’t assume it will fit, since they all have a thickness range, and some desks don’t play nicely with clamps. There’s also a risk that the clamp will discolor or mark your desktop over time, especially if it’s softwood or in direct sunlight.

Monitor Arms

Number one on my list of desk-mounted accessories is monitor arms. With no need for a stand, you can free up a lot of space, and monitor arms enable you to fix your screen at the ideal height and position, making it easy to adjust the angle should you need to. I’m a fan of the dual-monitor setup with a wide-screen in landscape orientation and a portrait monitor on the left because it’s perfect for my workflow.

I like Ergotron’s monitor mounts because they are seriously sturdy, yet allow for a wide range of movement to get your screen into the sweet spot (the top of the screen should be at eye level and your monitor should be roughly at arm’s length). I use the LX Pro alongside the older Ergotron LX ($189), which has a wider base and can handle more weight. What I like best, compared to other monitor arms I’ve tried, is that my monitors stay properly still once positioned. With some arms, the slightest bump on your desk has your screen vibrating.

Pet Perch

While a dog might be content to curl up at your feet, cats like to be up high. My cats are always jumping on my desk, walking in front of the monitor, and scratching the back of my chair. They also love nothing more than to steal my warm seat when I get up for a coffee. But there is a clamping solution to the pet problem.