I added this under-monitor soundbar to my desk setup — and it's the perfect space saver

Living in a small apartment with a diagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a musician husband who constantly acquires new records presents a unique challenge for maintaining an uncluttered living space while accommodating collections. The Article Torme 54-inch media unit was tested to address these needs, offering significant storage capacity and a sleek design that integrates well into various small-space living scenarios. The media unit, praised for its quality and versatility, is a suitable investment piece for those living in compact environments. Its design effectively conceals clutter, a crucial feature for individuals who prefer a tidy aesthetic, especially when dealing with OCD. The unit’s spacious 20-inch shelves provide ample room for various items, from records to other household essentials. The console’s aesthetic is characterized by its sleek, subtle, and timeless appearance, which ensures it remains a relevant and stylish piece of furniture even if the owner moves to a larger residence. The adaptability of the Article Torme media unit is highlighted by its potential for diverse uses beyond a traditional media console. It can function as a bar cart, a coffee station, an entryway table, or even a shoe cabinet, demonstrating its utility in different areas of a home. This multi-functionality makes it a valuable addition to any small living space, maximizing its practical application while contributing to the overall design. The unit's construction is noted to be well-made, suggesting durability and a long lifespan, which adds to its value as a worthwhile purchase for discerning consumers looking for both functionality and aesthetic appeal in their home furnishings. Ultimately, the Article Torme 54-inch media unit serves as an effective solution for individuals navigating the complexities of small-space living, especially when confronted with the need for organized storage and a desire for an uncluttered environment. Its design and expansive shelving address the practical demands of accommodating possessions without compromising on style, making it a highly recommended piece for its storage capabilities, aesthetic integration, and versatile applications within various home settings. The unit, priced at $899, offers a practical and stylish solution for optimizing space in smaller homes. #SmallSpaceLiving #MediaConsole #HomeStorage #InteriorDesign #FurnitureReview #ClutterFree #VersatileFurniture #ApartmentDecor

This article details the creation of a minimalist computer desk from an IKEA floating shelf, addressing the need for a sleek and functional workspace. The designer, identified as Ellis, aimed for a clean aesthetic that would not distract him during work or internet browsing. The project begins with a standard IKEA floating shelf, which typically includes a metal bracket for wall mounting, allowing the shelf to slide over it for a 'floating' appearance. The core modification involves integrating a custom compartment between the arms of the U-shaped wall bracket. This hidden compartment is designed to house a power strip, a mini Dell computer, and other necessary accessories, effectively concealing them from view. To maintain the minimalist aesthetic, the shelf itself was adapted to mount onto drawer slides, which were affixed to the outer sides of the bracket arms. This allows the desk surface to be pulled forward when needed for typing or to access the hidden compartment, and then pushed back flush against the wall when not in use, preserving its integrated look. Further enhancing the clean design, a wide-screen monitor is directly mounted on the wall above the desk, and a wireless keyboard and mouse combo eliminates visible cables on the desk surface. This setup achieves Ellis's goal of a minimalist computer workstation that is both highly functional and visually unobtrusive. The article also touches upon some practical considerations and user feedback regarding such a design. One comment, for instance, raises concerns about proper ventilation for the mini-computer housed within the enclosed compartment. The original blog post, from which this design was inspired, clarifies that adequate ventilation holes were incorporated into the sides and bottom of the containment chamber to address potential overheating issues. Other commenters discuss the ergonomic implications of such a design, particularly for individuals with specific body proportions, suggesting that while aesthetically pleasing, it might not be comfortable for extended periods of use without careful consideration of desk and chair heights. Suggestions include integrating electrical outlets directly behind the shelf to hide cables even further and exploring options for expandable work surfaces for tasks requiring more space, such as tax preparation. The article concludes by acknowledging that the minimalist design prioritizes tidiness and space-saving, but also prompts reflection on the balance between aesthetics, comfort, and practical workspace needs. #MinimalistDesign #ComputerDesk #IKEAHack #DIYFurniture #HomeOffice #SpaceSaving #CustomBuild #Ergonomics #HiddenStorage

Media consoles often come with a hefty price tag, making budget-friendly alternatives particularly appealing. A popular solution involves leveraging IKEA products, specifically through creative hacks. TikToker Berna demonstrates an accessible approach to constructing a sophisticated media console using IKEA's EKET cabinets, requiring no specialized DIY skills or power tools. The foundation of Berna's hack consists of four EKET cabinet units, available in various colors to suit different decor styles. For a luxurious appearance, Berna opted for a dark color, creating a striking contrast with the lighter walls of her living room. The assembly of these cabinets is straightforward, primarily involving attaching the doors to the units. Once the individual cabinets are prepared, they are placed side-by-side to form a seamless media console. Berna enhances the aesthetic by adding brass-colored legs to the bottom of the units, elevating the console and providing a more refined, upscale look. The integration of two open storage units on either end of the console adds visual balance and provides practical space for decor or frequently used items. This arrangement creates a sleek and organized appearance that can easily blend with diverse interior designs. A key feature of Berna's EKET hack, which is not immediately apparent, is the innovative use of the square interior shelves that come with each EKET cabinet. Instead of installing them as traditional shelves, Berna utilizes these components as dividers within the open units. This clever adaptation maximizes the storage potential by creating additional compartments, perfect for organizing media devices, books, or decorative accents. This method highlights the versatility of IKEA products and encourages users to think creatively about their intended functions. Each EKET cabinet unit measures just under 14 inches in height, resulting in a low-profile entertainment center. This design choice aligns perfectly with Berna's minimalist living room aesthetic, contributing to an uncluttered and contemporary feel. The EKET units also offer the flexibility of being wall-mountable, allowing for higher placement if a different configuration better suits a specific living space. However, the low-profile look is particularly chic, mirroring the design of significantly more expensive, high-end media consoles. This hack effectively demonstrates how affordable IKEA items can be transformed into elegant, functional furniture pieces that rival designer brands, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical storage solutions without the need for extensive tools or DIY expertise. #IKEAHack #MediaConsole #EKETCabinets #DIYFurniture #HomeDecor #BudgetFriendly #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions #MinimalistLiving

This article highlights 30 useful desk accessories designed to enhance comfort, productivity, and organization in any work setup, whether in a home office or a traditional office environment. These accessories, starting from as low as $5, were recommended by Business Insider's own review editors, strategists, and reporters, based on their personal experiences in making their workspaces more conducive to focus and comfort, even when working from unconventional spots like kitchen tables. Among the featured items are technological tools aimed at streamlining workflow and improving digital interactions. The Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard is praised for its portability and ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, allowing for seamless switching between a laptop and a tablet. For improved video conferencing, the Insta360 Link 2 Webcam offers 4K video quality, a motorized gimbal for subject tracking, and enhanced noise cancellation. For audio, the Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone is recommended for its high-quality sound, ease of use with any Mac or PC, and stylish design, also serving well for podcasting or gaming. Cable management is addressed with the Twelve South CableSnap Stay, a leather tie system that neatly secures tangled cords, reducing clutter. To optimize laptop use with external monitors, the Satechi Dual Vertical Laptop Stand props the laptop vertically, freeing up desk space and improving airflow. Wireless charging solutions include the iOttie iON Wireless Plus Fast Charger and the Courant Catch 3 Wireless Charger, both of which minimize cable clutter while efficiently charging devices. For ergonomic comfort during prolonged computer use, the Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is highlighted for its design that alleviates wrist pain and precise tracking capabilities. Organization and comfort accessories are also central to a productive workspace. An Egchi Acrylic Laptop Stand not only elevates the laptop to a comfortable viewing height but also provides a storage shelf for notebooks, pens, and phones. The Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook combines the tactile experience of writing with the convenience of digital notes, allowing users to write, erase, and digitize content. For physical organization, the Madesmart Classic 4-Compartment Organizer Tray helps keep desk drawers tidy by giving pens, tape, and other small items a designated space. Seating comfort is addressed with the Purple Royal Seat Cushion, which utilizes GelFlex Grid technology to support posture and relieve pressure, making long hours of sitting more bearable. Similarly, the Secretlab Memory Foam Lumbar Pillow offers essential lower back support compatible with various chairs. For aesthetic and mental well-being, the Lego Bonsai Tree provides a maintenance-free decorative element, offering a calming activity during assembly and a peaceful display thereafter. A Room Essentials Organizer Task Lamp offers dual functionality with charging ports and storage compartments, alongside providing illumination. Smaller, yet impactful, accessories include Speks Magnets for fidgeting to maintain focus during meetings, a CloudValley Magnetic Phone Holder for Laptop to keep a phone easily accessible, and a Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) for smart assistant functionalities, displaying calendars or photos. For personal care and hygiene, the Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug 2 ensures beverages stay warm for hours, while the Hydro Flask 12 oz Coffee Mug and Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Water Bottle keep drinks at their ideal temperature. The ODISTAR Desktop Vacuum Cleaner is recommended for quickly cleaning up crumbs, and Transparent Sticky Notes allow for annotations without permanently marking documents. Finally, to protect digital devices and user health, a MOSISO Silicone Keyboard Cover prevents noise and spills, and Felix Gray Nash Eyeglasses block blue light, reducing eye strain and supporting healthy sleep cycles. These accessories collectively aim to create a more efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing work environment. #DeskAccessories #ProductivityTools #HomeOffice #ErgonomicDesign #WorkspaceOrganization #SmartGadgets #ComfortEnhancement #OfficeTech #DigitalWellbeing