Finally, an ergonomic desk!

Jules Yap·
Work Station
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“We had an old Ikea desk that wasn’t ergonomic. In fact, none of the desks at Ikea are ergonomic! So we decided to build one ourselves using Vika parts (Furusund, Byske, Fintorp) and created a nifty second tier on top by mounting two Knuff magazine files sideways. The end result is a desk with tabletop cubbies, hidden wires, a top drawer charging station, and a hot, sliding keyboard tray. And did I mention it’s ergonomic?”

The old desk

Ikea Furusund

And the complete new ergonomic desk

Here is the Flickr photo set with instructions. Check out the video of them putting the hack together too.

Other desk jobs:
– This is no wallflower
– Study and dog room remodel
– Laundry room desk
– Cozy workstation for tiny alcove

Jules Yap
Latest posts by Jules Yap (see all)

14 Responses

  3. WOW! That’s some great work you are doing there! I love how the desk looks and the color is also great. I also have a blog about many different kinds of tables and chairs so check it out if you want and tell me what you think.

    Reply

  4. Thanks for the clarification on what makes the desk ergonomic. I’ve seen a lot of people claiming that a desk is automatically ergonomic just because it has a (non-adjustable) keyboard shelf, so it’s become a pet peeve. (And even the best desk in the world won’t help you if the chair is too short – a serious problem for me, as I’m 5’4″).

    Reply

  7. There are certain specifics that make a desk ergonomic, and yes we are using the word correctly. First, it is the right height for us when sitting in our chair with our feet flat on the floor. Second, the pull out tray is the right height in relation to the seated position so that our wrists are in line with our elbows when using the keyboard. Third, the monitor is the right height and distance away. If you’re leaning in toward your monitor, it’s too far away. If you’re slouching to look at it, it’s too low.

    The problem with most Ikea desks is that the keyboard has to be on the same surface as the monitor. That is never ergonomic. You would either have to place the monitor on a raised platform to meet ergonomic standards, or else you’ll slouch in order to look at it properly. Also, most of their pre-made desks are more suited for writing or using a laptop than full-time work at a desktop computer. You have to assemble the desk yourself to get something that is right for your body at the standard seated position.

    This hack is to show you that with a little planning, anyone can build a desk at Ikea that suits them. That’s the beauty of it. Before I built this desk, I endured months of physical therapy and steroid treatments for my back. Once I started using this desk, I haven’t had any problems. I owe it to Ikea for giving us not only creative freedom, but a way to customize their products to fit every need.

    Reply

  11. How are you defining ergonomic? Your product is nice, and I like the pictures and instruction, but I don’t think you’re using the word correctly, and I think you’re wrong about ikea not having anything ergonomic. All it means is that the desk is suited to the operator for reducing fatigue, discomfort and injury.

    Reply

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