30 Things To Create The Ultimate Web Designers Work Environment
We as web designers spend a lot of our time around the desk and our workspace can be our own personal environment. Here are 30 things to create the ultimate work environment for a web designer. Ranging from desk lighting to unusual gadgets, these 30 things will definitely make your work space stand out!
Please let us know what is your favorite item on the list. I think mine has to be number 30. Also, if you think we have missed any essential items out that you may have on your workspace, then please let us know by dropping in a comment. I would love to hear what other items can make up a fantastic workspace.
The Checklist…
#1 Retro HeadphonesA great pair of headphones is always a good place to start. Headphones can be used for skype calls with your clients and can block out background noise so your attention is fully focused on the client. Also it stops echoing on Skype. Between $40 – $80 | View Full Features |  | |
#2 Beer FridgeEvery web designer sometimes just wants to kick back, relax and have a nice chilled beer. Having a beer fridge under your desk is a great idea! Just don’t drink too many! Between $150 – $250 | View Full Features |  | |
#3 White BoardHaving a whiteboard on the wall can be very handy if you wish to write something down very fast, or suddenly have an idea. Between $40 – $70 | View Full Features |  | |
#4 Cool Business ChairYou need to have a chair that’s comfortable, because after all you will be sitting there most of the time when using your workstation. I am siting in this chair now, very comfy : ) Between $200 – $500 | View Full Features |  | |
#5 Doodle Pad & JotterHaving a doodle pad on your workstation is a great idea if you don’t have room for a whiteboard. You can write stuff down and doodle ideas right in-front of you. Between $10 – $20 | View Full Features |  | |
#6 Graphic Design TabletA graphic design tablet is great if your designing on Illustrator or Photoshop. It can help you draw pixel perfect. Much better compared to the mouse. Between $80 – $120 | View Full Features |  | |
#7 Apple 27-Inch LED Cinema DisplayHaving a dual screen can be very handy. If you have room for it then why not. It can reduce clutter on your desktop and make it easier to code and design. Which one do I think you should go for? Apple 27 inch LED Cinema Display. Between $200 – $2000 | View Full Features |  | |
#8 Glass DeskYou want a desk that looks good and has enough room for all your stuff. Now this doesn’t have to be glass (this is just a recommendation), but glass desks do look good. Between $120 – $170 | View Full Features |  | |
#9 Bulletin BoardHaving a bulletin board is a great idea to post notes on, and important information that you don’t wish to store on your computer or online. Between $15 – $30 | View Full Features |  | |
#10 Sticky NotesSticky notes are good for reminders. Like Skype conference at 8 with Ron etc. They can just sit at the back of your workstation for when you need them. Between $5 – $15 | View Full Features |  | |
#11 Desk LampA desk lamp is great for when you don’t want your whole lights on and you need to see whats on your desk. If your late night coding, its a good idea to have one. Between $40 – $80 | View Full Features |  | |
#12 Retro Under Desk BinOf course you will need to throw away rubbish. And i’m pretty sure you can’t place hand held-rubbish in your computers recycle bin. So having an under desk bin is often a good idea. Between $30 – $60 | View Full Features | ||
#13 iMacThis is the ultimate system for designers. There’s only 1 cable and that’s to the main unit. Everything else is wireless. The monitor has an incredible 2560×1440 resolution. Between $1500 – $2500 | View Full Features |  | |
#14 A3 PrinterDesigners often need to print out briefs, or large designs. An A3 printer is great to have. Between $150 – $700 | View Full Features |  | |
#15 Stationary Pot & HolderYou need something to hold all your stationary in. Keep it neat and tidy with a stationary holder on your desk. Between $10 – $15 | View Full Features |  | |
#16 Cell Phone Cradle/HolderHaving your cell phone on your desk is very handy if you need to make calls all the time. Why not treat your phone to a handy holder rather than just chucking it on your desk somewhere. Between $20 – $30 | View Full Features |  | |
#17 PlacematNow you’ve just spent all that money on a nice table, you don’t want to go and spoil it by marking it with a hot coffee. Just buy a simple placemat and your problem is solved. Between $5 – $25 | View Full Features |  | |
#18 2 TB External Hard DriveThere gets to a point when you run out of space on your workstation. That’s when an external hard drive comes in handy. Or if you just want to keep backups of all your files, these are handy to do that too! Between $90 – $150 | View Full Features |  | |
#19 Speaker System + SubListening to music whilst you code and design is pure bliss. It helps me to work, so having a half decent speaker system is something that you really need. Between $80 – $200 | View Full Features |  | |
#20 Small CD RackEveryone has CD’s with data on, or those you want to burn to give to people. A small CD rack that you can put at the side / back of your workstation is a great item to have so you don’t lose all those loose CD’s. Between $10 – $20 | View Full Features |  | |
#21 Portable Air Conditioner/Fan/DehumidifierYou really need one of these for those hot summer days slaving away at the workstation coding a clients website. Maintaining a nice room temperature is very important both for you and your expensive office equipment. Between $250 – $550 | View Full Features |  | |
#22 Lava LampA lava lamp can really spice up your desk, and make it look that extra bit better. It also looks great at night when you switch it on and can bring your desk alive. Between $15 – $50 | View Full Features |  | |
#23 Retro Wall ClockNow I know there’s a clock in the corner of your computer screen, but sometimes its nice to have a wall clock. It can break up your workstation a bit and if you get a nice one, it can be a cool feature to your office. Between $30 – $55 | View Full Features |  | |
#24 Digital Photo FrameHaving a digital photo frame that showcases photos and designs is great. Web designers could display inspirational sideshows of literally thousands of photos. Between $60 – $120 | View Full Features |  | |
#25 Wireless RouterHaving a wireless router is essential because it connects you to the internet. If your office is where it all happens, then its wise to put your wireless router in there, so you can get full signal strength and the fastest internet speeds. Between $70 – $100 | View Full Features |  | |
#26 Mouse Pad With Wrist SupportGiving your mouse a smooth ride can be essential when designing. There’s nothing worse than having a jumpy mouse. You want your cursor to be smoother than a ruler. You also need to make sure you have wrist support. Between $15 – $20 | View Full Features |  | |
#27 Money Tree PlantThis really depends on how much extra space you have on your desk. Its not an essential, but can bring life to your desk, and overall look nice. According to Feng Shui masters, the Money Tree or Pachira is thought to bring good fortune and luck to those who place it in their home or office. Between $10 – $25 | View Full Features |  | |
#28 Fountain PenIts so handy to have a pen around on your desk. When you need to quickly write things down, or write a simple note to leave for someone. A nice ink fountain pen will set you back only around £5. Between $10 – $40 | View Full Features |  | |
#29 Ambient LED Monitor BacklightA really cool light behind the monitor is a great feature to have and can improve your workspace. It looks stunning to have a beautiful ambient light behind your monitor. Between $50 – $90 | View Full Features |  | |
#30 USB Mini Desk FanIf you don’t feel like turning on the air con, then a mini usb desk fan is the answer. This one from John Lewis looks really stunning, and can be the last item to complete your desk. Between $15 – $30 | View Full Features |  | |
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Gavin (3 years ago)
In response to #7. It’s DUAL not DUEL. Unless you’re having a fight with your monitor.
Chris (3 years ago)
Great list! My tablet is by far my favorite item, but I guess my workstation could use a little “jazzing up” with #22 or #27.
Web Design by 314media.com St. Louis (3 years ago)
#10 is indespensable; however I always seems to have too many of these things all over the place…
Liam (3 years ago)
Two screens are not enough, need three min lol much more space increases workflow by about 30%.
Also like the idea of plant in a mug lol great!
Agent Deepak (3 years ago)
#28 Pen should be number 1. Pen is mightier than sword.
evan (3 years ago)
Great list. I want a fountain pen, a tablet, and a scanner now!
babboxy (3 years ago)
great list, I always wanted to be a webdesigner but I never had any of these items…. my clients where not happy.
Chris (3 years ago)
“Duel screen” – love it, would make a great cartoon.
Lindsay M (3 years ago)
I would love to see that cartoon!
Dheeraj (3 years ago)
Please also tell me…..
what tools we required to make a web design company?
Thanks for this post..
Onor (3 years ago)
In Brazil, it´s almost impossible to complete this list.
Scott (3 years ago)
Two screens is a good start, but a good Web Designer needs multiple machines. You need at minimum a dual-screen Mac setup, and 3 PCs — 1 for IE6, 1 for IE7, and 1 for IE8.
So if I’m counting what’s in front of me, that’s FOUR screens.
“And that’s ALL I need…”
Derrick (1 year ago)
You don’t need multiple screens for IE6, and 8. Get IETESTER – http://www.my-debugbar.com/wiki/IETester/HomePage.
Great last but for some of us, well go with the needful.
S
EmilyP (2 months ago)
You don’t necessarily need 1 PC for each version of IE. I use IETester, BrowserShots, and/or CrossBrowserTesting.
Alex (3 years ago)
Sharing this on twitter goes over the character limit.
Mark (3 years ago)
I’m just about to purchase some JBL Creature II speakers for my office.
I’ve put up with my tincan iMac speakers for far too long!I
andrew (3 years ago)
I hate sticky notes…….. HATE them.
Leighton Taylor (3 years ago)
Thanks for the list–made me smile. I love “duel” screens and “juddery” mice…
Peach (3 years ago)
So many things I want on the list, a comfortable chair, dual screen etc.. It all comes down to money issue unfortunately. – -
1001 Fonts (3 years ago)
For a dual screen, I can recommend forgetting about a second monitor and using virtual desktops instead. I Use Compiz-Fusion for KDE, but there should be equivalent software for all other operating systems out there. For all that still praise a second display, I do not understand why? As if you would look at both display simultaneously? For me, I can only look at one screen at a time.
Chris (3 years ago)
You… are a designer and don’t understand having a second screen… really? I’d love to see your portfolio.
Helbnt (3 years ago)
I stopped reading as soon as I saw “your” instead of “you’re”.
dilly dally (3 years ago)
Eeeekkk. I definitely don’t want to be “defiantly” sorted out!
Chris (3 years ago)
Great list of things! One thing I would suggest is a painting, fliers, or some type of art work to keep your creative flowing. Whether it is clean, grungy, colorful, retro, anything is good to always keep your design senses alert.
Wez Pyke (3 years ago)
I’m not quite sure I’d agree with you over a glass table; you constently need to use a mouse mat otherwise the mouse won’t function properly.
Lindsay M (3 years ago)
#30 is excellent, but where’s the USB hub? That’s a definite must-have. I’d die without one. I would love a tablet, but Logitech has a free wireless mouse and keyboard app for the iPod touch/iPhone, so I guess I’ll use that as a mini-tablet for now. Too bad I can’t afford the 27″ iMac (with a second monitor, of course).
Luke Jones (3 years ago)
Am I the only one who didn’t see “Desk” on the list. Sure, you talk about desk in the introduction and it may be obvious but you still need a desk that’s a good height and that has enough space.
Overall, an alright article but it would probably create one hell of a cluttered workspace.
kad1r (2 years ago)
Great list
I like it.
Rachel Nabors (2 years ago)
I liked glass, but I opted instead to make my own desk using itso boxes and plywood–covered in pink leopard fur! Word is now a tactile adventure! and because the fur is both patterned AND absorbent, I need not worry about the occasional spill of tea.
Also, I don’t see “pet fish” up there anywhere.
Edgar Leijs (2 years ago)
The beer fridge is very very important!
ditatompel (2 years ago)
All I WANT is:
Retro Headphones = $50
Beer Fridge = $150
Glass Desk $150
Desk Lamp $50
iMac $1500
A3 Printer $500
1 TB External Hard Drive $150
Speaker System + Sub $100
Wireless Router $100
Mousemat $20
Total = $2770
OMG! >.<
jonny da pigg (2 years ago)
of course you need 2 screens, how else can you watch sin city while working? add coffee machine and you’re there
Brad (2 years ago)
Ok I have to draw the line at a Lava Lamp? I would have to spend all day kicking my own ass if I had one of those on my desk!
@Jonny da pigg – I like where your heads at, a coffee machine is a must have!
JohN (2 years ago)
Wow, I already have 27 out of 30 Do I have a workspace or what
Doesn’t make days shorter though
Lisa (2 years ago)
Notice how your dual screens won’t fit on your glass desk
Also this is for VERY rich designers and you know how rich we all are 
Ignat_ (2 years ago)
Can add to this list laptop docking station with extra coolers…
Some things that are not on the list but I have them in my workspace:
1) photoprinter – it’s good to have different printers, type of paper and ink for different tasks.
2) another small desk for paperwork only – prevents a mess around you.
3) power stabilizer (UPS) – don’t let your expensive worktools to get killed just by a power jump in mains. There will be no one to blame.
4) Book shelf – I love paper books.
5) Some pieces of photography equipment, tripod, lightbox, extra light etc.
6) Two real, deadly sharp Japaneese Katana swords hanging on the wall – just because I love them.
Karthik (2 years ago)
Of course, these things are essential for the designer which help him to create a cool and better design
St. Louis SEO (1 year ago)
Thanks for the list…I love the beer fridge idea…gonna have to get me one of those!
Stewart (1 year ago)
Nice list, not sure about the lava lamp ;-}
Prova (1 year ago)
STATIONERY not STATIONARY FFS — This post is bobbins.
Web Design (1 year ago)
Are you sure?
sta·tion·ar·y Adjective/?st?SH??ner?/
1. Not moving or not intended to be moved: “a car collided with a stationary vehicle”.
2. (of a planet) Having no apparent motion in longitude.
sta·tion·er·y Noun/?st?SH??ner?/
1. Writing paper, esp. with matching envelopes.
2. Writing and other office materials
diegowar (1 year ago)
#2… it’s very important to have it close to liberate the oppressed mind… it works even with the clients.
Craig (1 year ago)
I’d add a window to the list. A bit of daylight helps the mood. And it’s good to look away from the monitor now and again.
Ruud (1 year ago)
what is the benefit of 2 screens
Dinesh (1 year ago)
Hi,
Some of the stuff in list are good and if you have it’s awesome but I don’t think of iMac is an essential part, if you have that’s good but if not your Windows 7 can provide you all Ultimate things to work you know.
Best
Kim (1 year ago)
I’d love to have all of that, but all I really need is a great set of headphones that will work for more than a week and that my dog does not find too tasty! Essential items on my list are a LazyBoy rocker recliner, laptop, and lapdesk! I don’t like to sit at a desk. lol
elle (1 year ago)
you’re missing a scanner!
The 3DS Max Tutorial Guy (1 year ago)
Hmm, allot of excess stuff here. I do just fine with my designs with only about five of the things mentioned in this list.
All you need are the essentials – excess stuff is distracting.
Bill K (1 year ago)
Pretty good list. I think I need a lava lamp.
Faizn (1 year ago)
I am just left with WACOM, Imac and Lava Lamp
Megan (1 year ago)
Love the list! I have a Salton coffee mug heater thingy gadget. Haha. I always forget I am drinking coffee/tea when I get immersed in my designs. This keeps it warm so when I remember it’s there, it’s drinkable. Think I may have to add the Money Plant to my desk though!!
Amit (1 year ago)
i am in india so i want a website where i buy these things easily & pay on delivery.
Colin Crawford (1 year ago)
Getting the dual screen sorted out as we speak, can’t see why you would want more than that. I’m using Server 2008 R2 with Hyper-v to virtualize different PC environments so that should do the job.
bertus (10 months ago)
i love you guys- all commenters as wel as you iggy
Web Design (10 months ago)
I love you too, bertus
Kevin M (9 months ago)
If you are really serious I would opt for a backup system that was built with a redundant RAID configuration. So when you have two terabytes of data and one hard drive fails you do not loose everything! In fact I recommend NEVER having a hard drive larger than 500GB in any configuration, unless it is setup using a redundant array. There is nothing worse than loosing your data, no matter what your profession. The extra money spent here will be one of the best investments you can make, second only to setting up an off site backup system in case of a flood, fire or something else that destroys your office.