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Designing for Cutting Cable Clutter, Part 2: Desks with Built-In Solutions
This article explores various desk designs that incorporate built-in solutions for cable management, addressing the common problem of cable clutter that many users experience. While built-in cable control offers functionality and aesthetic appeal, it often comes with trade-offs such as reduced flexibility for changing uses and potentially higher costs compared to simpler desks combined with aftermarket accessories.
The OneLess Desk from Heckler Design features two nesting surfaces made of powder-coated steel with polypropylene feet to prevent floor scratching. Its cable management is particularly effective when placed against a wall, utilizing a rear-facing shelf with notches and cut-outs for cable routing and accommodating a power strip, thus minimizing visible cables.
Christofer Ödmark's desk also provides a hidden space for cables and power adapters, incorporating eight power sockets and a detachable power cord. This design highlights the consideration of power management in cable control, noting that while integrated power strips are beneficial, their potential for failure raises maintenance concerns.
The Bluelounge StudioDesk includes an elongated slot leading to a hidden storage compartment, effectively concealing cable clutter. This design is primarily suited for laptop users, as accessing the compartment with a desktop computer like an iMac would be inconvenient. Desktop storage compartments are practical for cables, preventing issues of reach and movement that traditional drawers might present, though they can limit desk surface utility or ease of access.
Alki's Landa desk, designed by Samuel Accoceberry, similarly uses an elongated slot and a hidden desktop compartment, but with a placement that allows for desktop computer use. A strip of nylon bristles within the slot guides cables through.
David Hsu Design's D117 Desk incorporates a hidden pass-through for cables under a shelf and a "cable caching compartment" at the rear with an integrated power strip.
The Herman Miller Airia desk, though no longer in production, featured a design with a back trough and three removable covers for cable and peripheral storage.
Caretta Workspace's Betta 2 Desk, designed by Larry Tracewell, includes a large cable tray and a built-in 12-outlet surge-suppressing power strip with a resettable circuit breaker, indicating a strong focus on power management and protection.
Woodquail's Cable-Tidy Home Office Desk offers a cable slot and a sliding surface to hide chargers and hard drives, along with accommodating a power strip. This design, which allows for an external power strip, provides an easily fixable solution in case of power strip failure.
Jennifer Newman's Gap Desk provides minimal cable accommodation with just a plug hole and a groove, appealing to users seeking a simpler solution. It is constructed from all-welded aluminum with a powder coat finish.
Igland Design's Cable Guy desk features a distinctive cut-out for cables and a zig-zag opening on one leg and the tabletop for cable routing.
Finally, the article references the MILK desk by Søren Rose Studio, which includes cable-management features like a cable drawer and exits, and TMTnyc's side-wired products, which offer grounded receptacles and circuit breaker protection. The glass top of the TMTnyc desks, while showcasing neatly controlled cables in a flip-down compartment, might not appeal to all users due to visibility.
Overall, the article demonstrates a range of innovative desk designs that integrate cable management, addressing both functional and aesthetic aspects of modern workspaces, while also considering practicalities like power management and maintenance.
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