The working from home thread: tips and advice

Did you find a footrest in the end? I think I'm in the same situation - high desk, high chair - pressure on back of thighs

How are you getting along with the sit-stand desk legs? Considering buying the same as sitting down all day is causing my hip pain to get worse.

Really good thanks.

I probably use the stand function about 20% of the time but it's enough to create a bit of variety in my posture (and my day) which is handy.

Wouldnt' say that it necessarily makes me focus any more than usual but good none the less.

No, never even got round to looking. I really should.

Thinking about it I may just go for the easy option of a piece of wood like a shelf under my desk.

My thighs declare that the oak desk with drawers I have been using as an office desk must go. I have a bead on those IKEA trestle stands. What’s the best thing to get for a custom cut desktop:

Piece of 1” MDF that I can seal.
Tempered gla££ and eat ramen for a year
A n Other material?

(two monitors, one attached using a Humanscale arm, laptop dock, Mac mini)

Cheers.

I find glass worksurfaces really uncomfortable on the hands/wrists.

I can see this might be a thing. As soon as I thought about it, I figured a rubber mat would be needed!

Just wanted to avoid another slab of MDF. Maybe plywood is the way.

Wooden kitchen worktop can be had for a decent price.

Christ yes and they seem to be offered in 900mm deep. I’m an idiot. Perfect! Thanks : )

Nice one, shame they're sold out in white

I've got silver - looks nice.

Also - how many times do you even look at the legs?

I have a custom oak worktop in 900mm from worktop express, got them to cut it to size, pencil curve the edges, round the corners all for a reasonable price, they will also drill holes, put in wireless chargers etc as well. Mine is sat on ikea trestle legs as well.

Thanks for the tip, especially about the cutouts. That’s really useful to know!

They have a handy design tool... https://www.worktop-express.co.uk/online-bespoke-worktop-tool.html

meh, I've never been keen on 'silver' (grey) on office furniture, especially when it'll be living in my lounge. Seems white is back in stock now anyway

Fair enough.

Mine is in a little dedicated 'office' so I guess it matters less.

rollers have saved me during this lockdown. difficult to find them in stock at all times, but I definitely recommend

Anyone with a treadmill desk setup? I like the idea to stop the sedentary working taking it's toll on health over the years. I think I should be able to walk slowly and work, and potentially jog slowly if I'm on a call (with no video). How loud are the unpowered ones?

My ideal setup atm would involve one that folds up, with a folding desk mounted on the wall so it takes up a small footprint when not in use (due to small house).

Lighting, talk to me, do I want a daylight bulb for the gloomier days or am I going to find it to clinical? I can see me landing up with two lamps, one with a cooler light for the day and one for warmer light late afternoon/evening

I always use 4000k LED bulbs indoors. They're more natural than the ultrabright 6000k bulbs that give off a blue tinge but less dull / dark than 3000k 'warm' bulbs.

I changed most of the bulbs in my house to 4000k LED bulbs.
When you're cooped up in the house all day, I think it makes a big difference.

Been working back in the main office a day or two a week, and I can really notice the orange.

Yup.

First thing i did when we moved last year was change every bulb to 4000k LEDs.

Makes a massive difference.

What sort of bulbs & switching do you have?

It may be worth spanking out for a smart one even.

I have one of these in a living room side light:

https://www.diy.com/departments/diall-e27-10w-1055lm-gls-warm-white-neutral-white-led-light-bulb/3663602667377_BQ.prd

Turn on once, its warm, flip the switch again and its cool.

Did not know variable white bulbs were a thing, will see if I can find one in E14 candle format