Small Space, Big Impact
Monitor mount Ideas for compact desks
You may have noticed the world become more crowded, especially in the cities so most of us live in. One implication of that – at the office and at home – is shrinking ‘space per person’, including desk size. Monitor arms are one of the easiest ways to reclaim 30% to 50% of your desk depth – with the added benefit of improved ergonomics which amps health and productivity.

Why optimal desk space is important
Cluttered desks aren’t just annoying, they negatively impact performance – and smaller desks are more easily made ‘cluttered.’ The addition of keyboard and mouse peripherals, particularly if corded, can be enough to make a cramped desk non-ergonomic and inefficient. A study released by the University of California found that cluttered workspaces reduce focus by 15%, causing a diminished work productivity and quality. The effect of a poorly positioned screen – most likely using the native monitor stand – compounds this, causing discomfort including eye strain.
Atdec monitor arms reduce clutter, increase usable desk space, and enable optimal monitor positioning.
Reclaim usable desk space
One of the simplest ways to declutter a small desk is with a monitor arm. Monitor arms allow you to lift your screen off the desk entirely, freeing the space underneath otherwise taken up by the monitor stand. The space beneath the monitor is automatically less cluttered than previously.
Monitor arms allow you to pull monitors forward to your ideal position for eyesight, known as ‘focal distance.’ They can also be pushed to the very rear of the desk for maximum space for tasks that aren’t computer-based.
Atdec monitor arms (and monitor arms from other reputable manufacturers) have cable management features to tidy, obscure, and even conceal cables running to the monitor/s. Cables are a ‘clutter-creator’ so effective cable management makes a huge difference!
Wall mounts for ultimate space saving
Where desk space is extremely limited, you can consider the ultimate space saver in a wall mount. The lowest profile Atdec wall mount has just a profile of 14mm or just over ½” from the wall – but don’t expect adjustability (model AD-30100-WF)! With slightly deeper profile to wall, AF-WD-P has full swivel monitor movement, and multiple others offer arm extension for full adjustability.
Most recently we sold AF-WD-P into a New York City apartment block, which makes a lot of sense!

AF-WD-P in bookstore; use this to mount desk monitors at small desks
Laptop mounts
Monitor arms can hold laptops as well, to keep dual monitor-laptop user desks clutter-free, such as Atdec AWMS-2-D13 or an Ora laptop duo.
In addition to maximum usable desk space, the mounted laptop screen can be positioned alongside the external monitor to avoid neck and eye strain. It is recommended to pair the solution with a wireless keyboard and mouse, for a compact ergonomic workstation.
Enhance wellbeing
This article primarily focuses on achieving maximum clutter-free desk space, but the ergonomic message is centrally important too. Atdec monitor arms are designed with ergonomics at the forefront, to reduce physical strain. For instance, positioning monitors at eye level can prevent the neck and shoulder pain associated with poor posture. Similarly, adjustment of focal distance and angle can reduce eye strain, a common issue for those spending long hours in front of a screen.
Everyone feels and performs better in a tidy environment!
AWMS-2-ND13 dynamic laptop and monitor mount (shown with an older arm version)
There are many ways to avoid clutter, improve productivity, and achieve maximum comfort with a small footprint desk – and monitor arms are part of that equation.
Compact workstations don’t have to limit you. Use space-saving monitor arms from Atdec or another reputable provider (we’d prefer you use Atdec!) to improve even the smallest desk to be functional, ergonomic, and stylish.