Locking storage is ideal to keep your kids from raiding your work supplies, a noise cancelling mic helps reduce unexpected background commotion, and a custom keyboard with silent switches is a win-win for all parties in earshot of your typing (including phone & virtual call listeners). Check out some of our preferred WFH gear below.
Adjustable Standing Desk:
Best Budget Buy: Vivo Manual Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk Frame with hand crank system
$169.99 at time of writing
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable adjustable stand up desk (especially if you already have a desktop you can attach to it). Sure, the manual crank isn’t as convenient as pushing a button, but I for one can use more exercise throughout the day. It also reminds me of what my dad used to say about manual windows: It’s one less thing to break.
Best Overall: Fezibo Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
$229.99 at time of writing
For an extra $60, you’ll get a tabletop and electric buttons with presets. Choose from multiple colors, and larger sizes are available.
Luxury: Jarvis Treadmill Desk
$2,854 at time of writing
If the price tag for a desk has a comma in it then it must be good. Right? Design your own at fully.com and see for yourself. Add a treadmill if you frequently find yourself short on steps for the day.
Storage:
If you’re a work from home parent then lockable storage drawers are a must! I haven’t upgraded from my Ikea 5 drawer (no lock), and my kids are always helping themselves to supplies, electronics, and (sometimes important) notes.
DEVAISE 3 Drawer Mobile File Cabinet with Lock
$159.99 at time of writing
Headset:
Platronics Voyager 5200 uc with travel case/charger
I’ve been using this exact headset for a couple years now and love it! The wireless bluetooth adapter makes setting up as easy as plugging in the adapter and flipping on the power switch. The travel case has a built in battery and acts as a headset stand when it’s not attached to your ear. Everything fits inside the case for easy travel too!
The earpiece swivels so you can use it in either ear. I prefer the single ear so I can hear what’s going on around me. Bonus points for noise cancellation.
Keyboard:
Don’t get me started on keyboards! If you have to type while on the phone (like me) then I highly recommend looking into a custom build with silent switches. Look for a keyboard that is hot swappable so you don’t have to worry about soldering. You can also get some work or play in at night without disturbing the kids. Silent switches have been a game changer.
I’m currently using a GMMK Pro, MT3 keycaps, and Alpaca silent switches.
Mouse:
Logitech G305 Lightspeed
$29.99 at time of writing
I customized mine with silent switches as to not defeat the purpose of the silent keyboard. This is a fantastic deal and is currently marked down from $49.99! Check out Etsy for a hot swappable switch adapter if you want to add some silent switches to your mouse.
Deskmat:
HIHUHEN Gaming Mouse Mat
$6.97 at time of writing
I personally like to have some desk real estate to go with my mat as opposed to the larger mat options out there. This one fits my desk, keyboard and mouse very well. It might be a little tight if you’re using a full size keyboard. I don’t have a number pad on my current setup.
External Monitor:
I prefer an ultrawide to a dual monitor setup and utilize the laptop screen as a secondary monitor along with the built-in laptop webcam when needed. This popular and affordable Samsung model can be used with Picture-in-Picture (Pro tip: press windows + right arrow key to quickly setup Picture-in-Picture).
Chair:
Home office chair ergonomic desk chair
$36.99 at time of writing
Hard to beat this amazon option at $36.99.
IKEA MARKUS Office Chair
$199 at time of writing
My current IKEA chair is no longer available. It’s served me well, but if I had to choose again, I’d recommend a non-leather (or non-pleather) and go with a mesh backing and fabric seat (or the mesh seat below). I’d also stay away from lighter colors to prevent dye transfer (i.e. blue jean dye).
Luxury: Herman Miller Aeron
$638 (open box) at time of writing
I’ve been debating on whether to upgrade to a Herman Miller. My current Ikea chair is nearing its end; I’ll provide a personal review if I scoop this one up myself.
Bonus: Herman Miller is beginning to utilize ocean-bound plastic in their chairs!
Office Layout:
Having the gear is half the battle. The other half is how to best arrange everything, including the layout of your office. Check out our WFH Office Layout with Video Calls in Mind post here.
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