Wee standing desk and cute displays make an easy-stash UK office [Setups]

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A small, table-top standing desk, tiny monitors and right-angle adapters save space in a cramped London flat.
A small, table-top standing desk, tiny monitors and right-angle adapters save space in a cramped London flat.
Photo: daxmillion@Reddit.com

Folks often endure work-from-home situations where space is at a premium. Maybe they have a big house full of kids and pets. Maybe they live a tiny studio apartment in a big, expensive city. In either case, sometimes the whole computer setup sits where they eat, and it has to go away at dinnertime. Today’s setup solved the problem by turning a dining table into an easy-stash U.K. office.

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That’s what Redditor daxmillion did. He lives with a partner in a small apartment in London. Their solution? Make everything in the M1 MacBook Pro- and M1 iPad Pro-based setup as small as possible and hide the whole thing away whenever the dining table needs to fulfil its original purpose.

Easy-stash U.K. office: Tiny standing desk, diminutive displays

Dax’s recent post, “Standing desk just came,” describes doing just that with a setup that recently acquired an Aimezo Standing Desk — one small enough to sit on a round kitchen table in the corner of the room.

“It’s truly a back saver,” Dax said of being able to stand while working. “We have a tiny place in London, so this is my WFH setup on the dining table. I have it completely broken down and put away by 7 p.m. so we can have dinner.”

The main monitor is just 17.3 inches in size, a Cocobar UHD 4K display that sits on a stand alongside a 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro on a Yoobao Tablet Stand Holder. Those two high-quality display don’t take up much room, especially with the M1 MacBook Pro tucked behind them vertically on its stand.

Dax said he was nervous about buying the little monitor, at first.

“Got it on Amazon. Pricey but it was highly rated. Was super nervous about spending the money and getting it but it’s really been great. USB-C powered and also serves as a USB hub,” he said.

The portable display is ultra-high-def and features FreeSync and high-dynamic range (HDR) technology. It has 3820 x 2160 pixel resolution and USB-C, mini DP and HDMI connections.

This view shows the desk lowered for sitting. Plus you can see more of the gear.
A small standing desk, a tiny monitor, an iPad as a second screen and right-angle adapters save space in a tiny London flat.
Photo: daxmillion@Reddit.com

Satechi Slim X1 keyboard

The small footprint of the displays and MacBook Pro leave plenty of room on the small table for other gear. The Satechi Slim X1 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard with room for a Magic Trackpad at its side, for example.

Designed with Apple users in mind, the keyboard features a full QWERTY layout, multi-device Bluetooth connection and macOS function keys — all in a compact size. The keys are backlit and the keeb comes with a rechargeable USB-C port.

And there’s space to spare for an Anker PowerConf S3 Bluetooth Speakerphone, too.

Right-angle adapters

Another trick to a space-saving setup is low-profile right-angle adapters. They keep cables from looking like wild hair springing out of the sides of devices, helping reduce the appearance of cable clutter. And they can also help you fit gear in a tight space.

Dax uses them for USB-C and USB-C to USB-A connections between his MacBook Pro, iPad, monitor and Logitech webcam.

“They are a dream,” Dax said. “I keep several sets in my bag.”

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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.

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