Hello Lovelies,
I thought you might be interested in the office supplies and furniture I find essential as a writer. Maybe you’re an aspiring writer, maybe you’re looking for some new things to add to your office, or perhaps you’re just interested in seeing what my office looks like? Either way, you’ve come to the right place! Today I’ll be sharing my absolute must-haves as a writer!
All of these things are ones I have and use every day. Most of them I’ve had for years and couldn’t live without, though some are newer additions that I just want to rave about!
Also, please excuse the fur that may show up in the pictures. My cats are shedding so much that I’m starting to think they’re attempting to make me a fur coat 😅
What’s on my desk?
My desk is a pretty important part of my office. It has my computer on it, after all. It also has my monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer on it. These are some of the bare necessities of my business.
My desk itself is from Ikea. It’s called Lagkapten/Alex. I put together the design I wanted in Ikea’s ‘build your own desk’ program and voila! I had a desk that fit my space and my needs. You can check out the program here!
I have had this desk for two years now and so far it has met all my expectations! The drawers are deep and there are many of them. Are they also absolutely filled to the brim? Uh… I admit to nothing! 🤫
This desk made no fuss when I crawled onto it to hang my pictures or my Ikea Flönsa memo boards on the walls. So far, it has no scratches despite me having two cats that love to join me while I work (which is kinda impressive, if you ask me).
Storage is key
I got this desk organizer from Amazon a few weeks ago and while it’s small, I like that about it. It still fits all my things and it doesn’t take up too much space but it adds some color and it looks really nice. I love that rose gold look so much!
I like that I can have all my essential writing tools right there without them taking up as much space as they used to. I also got two phone holders in the same look for me and my PA’s phones and they’re perfect! They’re sturdy and pretty!
You need a chair!
Obviously, as important as the desk is, having something to sit on when you’re at the desk is also somewhat necessary. You might have noticed from the images that I have two desk chairs. The reason for that is that I am lucky enough to have a PA who comes to work with me every week.
Both chairs are from Ikea and the one in front of the monitor is mine. I actually had it in white for quite a few years, but then a little devilish cat decided to move in and scratch it up. I replaced it with the same chair in black and I still love it very much. The back is just high enough to give my upper back and neck the support they desperately need.
Underneath the desk, I have my beloved footrest. I honestly don’t know how I lived without one for so many years. I certainly couldn’t be without it now! Not only does it help with better blood circulation and sitting more ergonomically, it also keeps my ADHD legs occupied which in turn helps me concentrate. If you don’t already have a footrest under your desk, you should get one! Trust me, it will help you so much.
Something to write on
My computer is of course essential to my writing and working. I’m quite pleased with my Lenovo laptop. I have had this laptop for a few years now and I have never had a problem with it.
I made sure to look for a computer with a lot of storage because my books and covers take up a lot of space. I don’t want to run out! I did with my old computer which meant it started to stall and got really slow. Now I have a Lenovo Ideapad 5. It’s not the cheapest laptop but it has served me well so far and I highly recommend it!
Something to read on is also important for me. I love to use my Kindle Paperwhite to read through my books at the editing/proofreading stage. I love the sepia light on my Paperwhite. It makes reading so much nicer on the eyes and it also makes it feel a little more like reading a paperback. Also, the size of it makes it easier to hold and I like it way better than reading on my phone!
So if you’re in the market for a Kindle, the one I have is great! You can get it ads-free and it’s got warm lighting and dark mode, the battery lasts a really long time, and it looks great. It makes for a lovely reading experience!
You need the right tools
I love my keyboard and mouse combo! I have had them for over seven years now and I dread the day I might have to replace them. My mouse is the perfect shape and size for me and it has a return button on the left side that I use often.
My keyboard has the perfect feel when pressing the keys (my tism likes it a lot). I’ve got my skip and pause buttons and my volume buttons on it and I couldn’t be without them.
Back when my old computer started to lag, I first thought it was my keyboard that was the problem and I begrudgingly went out and bought a new one. I got the newer version of the combo that I had and I absolutely hated it. The keys weren’t the same and the mouse didn’t have the return button!
When I found out that my computer was the problem, I happily brought back my trusty keyboard and mouse and gave the new ones to my mom. Best decision ever!
Good ergonomics
Having a mousepad with a wrist rest has been a game-changer for me. I have a lot of muscle and joint pain so having things that can help lessen it when I need to work at my desk for many hours at a time is crucial for me to keep working! Even if you don’t have joint pain it’s still a good investment in the long run because those long hours by the desk? It can really ruin your wrists!
I also wear compression gloves in the wintertime, because my hands get cold quite fast from my muscle and joint issues. They’re good for arthritis and other conditions like carpal tunnel and tendonitis, so I highly recommend getting yourself a pair of compression gloves if you have any of these kinds of problems.
A good monitor is key
My computer monitor is something I wouldn’t be without. Have I spent many nights with my laptop on my lap? Yes. Does it fuck up my eyes? Also yes.
My Samsung monitor has been my trusty friend for around ten years now. It has helped with both eye strain and back pain because I can’t sit all crouched over when I use it. I think many of us can relate to looking like a hunched-over gremlin in front of your computer but, seriously, it ain’t good for you!
My monitor is placed on a monitor stand from Ikea. It’s called Elloven. I love the little wooden drawer it has and there is plenty of room underneath the drawer as well. That’s where I usually keep my notepads.
Speaking of notepads
These notepads are some of my favorites. They’re pretty and good quality. I use them often, both when I’m writing and also when I’m planning. I got all three for around 17 USD at a local bookstore (if you’re in Denmark, you can grab these beauties at Arnold Busck).
If you want notebooks with the same kind of aesthetic, you can absolutely get some on Amazon. I have a few on my wishlist and I’ve linked them below, too, if you want to have a look:
Gold flower spiral notebook 3-pack
It’s not the same without music…
I’m the kind of gal who can’t be without music. I prefer listening to music while I write and work. Do I sometimes stop working to sing along? Yes, obviously. Who wouldn’t?
Music can also help set the tone for what I’m writing. I even used to make little playlists for the books I was writing. I still have them and I have a full playlist for the Raiders as well as individual playlists for each couple in the series. It’s always funny to put on a song and remember a scene I was writing or a book I was reading.
I got these Bose speakers for Christmas a few years ago and the sound is exquisite! I also really like the simple design and that they’re almost completely black.
The darkness is upon us..
As we head into the dark, cold winter months in the northern hemisphere, one thing that will definitely be on my desk, is a mug of hot chocolate! It’s just the best on those cold and dreary days and it gets even better if you have a pretty or funny mug.
I’m an OG Disney girl, so when I saw this mug while doing some online shopping, I had to have it! Mulan is such a good movie. I love Mushu so much! (Don’t talk to me about the live-action movie. There’s no live-action Mulan movie in Ba Sing Se 🎬❌).
Storage and aestetics
Across from my desk, I have the Fjällbo shelving unit from Ikea (Yes, in case you missed it, I’m an Ikea girlie 😉). It’s gorgeous and I love it so much! The boxes and magazine filers are also Ikea and I just love the way they look. I keep my new and used notepads in them and yes, there are a lot of them.
I also have a picture of my grandmother with my mom and her brothers from when they were kids, some fake flowers and vases, and other decorative pieces along with all of my own books on the shelving unit. My PA usually flips through my books when she’s searching for references and quotes for social media posts when she’s here so it’s also nice to have them within reach!
A lot goes into a functioning writer’s office but it’s really not that difficult to create for yourself once you get a feel for the essentials. Thank you for reading along! I hope you liked seeing more of my office and where my books are created!
Now tell me, which things are essential in your office? Are you still figuring out what you need? Share in the comments below!
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