My WFH, Gaming, Aesthetic, Cozy Desk Setup
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When I was looking at apartments last year, I knew I needed two bedrooms because I wanted a dedicated office space. I was tired of working from my lap on the living room couch. I already had a clear idea of how I was going to decorate based on the pain points I was having with my previous setup: getting rid of my standing desk because it was too small for my 49” ultra-wide monitor, investing in a wider and deeper desk so I could use my computer and write notes at the same time, and, of course, making it look cute. While my office still isn’t 100% done, it’s at a point where I’m excited to walk in every morning to create content, game, and send out those job applications. I’ve been posting more of my setup on TikTok and Instagram, but I’ve had a lot of people asking for specifics. So, to reduce redundancy, here’s a breakdown of everything on my desk that makes me productive, adds beauty, or just makes me feel good to look at or use.
Desk
For my desk, I did the infamous Ikea Desk Hack: using a countertop from Ikea and two of their Alex drawers as a base to create a deep and wide desk that was not swallowed up by monitor and allowed me to have my gaming PC on the desk instead of on the floor. It’s so perfect that I am thinking of extending it against my far wall of windows as a mechanical keyboard and content shooting space!
Perphrials
When it comes to my cozy desk setup, I like to blend style with serious functionality. At the heart of it all is my Samsung Odyssey G9, an ultra-wide, immersive display that’s perfect for working on code or winding down with some gaming. For productivity, I keep things sleek with the Logitech Mouse (Mac) — it’s smooth, responsive, and ideal for when I’m editing short-form videos for TikTok and Instagram. But when it’s time to game, I switch over to the Razer Viper V3 Pro, which delivers pinpoint accuracy and is lightweight enough for those quick reflexes when I’m playing Valorant. I’ve been a Razer fan for years; my first mouse was the Razer Naga back when I was serious about top-laning in League of Legends. Finally, when I need to use my cam for consulting calls or other work, I power up my Elgato Facecam MK.2. I haven’t found a reason to upgrade to their 4K webcam yet, but maybe if I start streaming again I can fit it into the budget.
Adding a touch of personality, I’ve got the Magic Girl Desk Mat by Mintlodica (actually, I have all three colorways, but let’s not talk about that right now), which not only looks awesome but also protects my desk and keeps everything cozy. My gaming setup wouldn’t be complete without my Customized Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller — I’ve tailored it for the perfect grip and button feel, but more importantly, I customized it with pastel colors, especially light pink, to match my aesthetic. For sound, I rely on the BASN BMaster In-Ear Monitors, which offer rich audio without taking up space like traditional headphones. Finally, tying it all together is my Akko MU01 Wooden Keyboard, a beautiful mechanical board that adds comfort and aesthetic with its wooden design and satisfying key clicks.
Tech
I really got serious about my audio setup when I launched my Git Cute Podcast. That’s when I upgraded to the Shure SM7B Mic — a game-changer for delivering clear, professional-quality audio. I recently upgraded and paired it with the Vocaster One audio interface, it gives me total control over sound levels, making sure everything comes through perfectly. It’s also not as complicated as more expensive models that you see a lot of streamers and audio people use. It’s only me and my mic; the simpler the better. To add a little personal flair, I hooked it up with a Rode Pink XLR Cable, because even tech gear can look good, and that is all that I focus on. Clearly. And for those moments when I want to switch gears from recording to relaxing, the Sonos Ray soundbar fills the room with rich sound, whether it's music, podcasts, or the cozy background tunes I play while I work. It’s all about blending functionality with the cozy vibe that keeps me productive and inspired.
Lighting
No cozy desk setup is complete without the right lighting, and I’ve really leaned into creating the perfect atmosphere. The Govee Flow Plus Light Bars on the back of my monitor adds a warm, dynamic glow to my space, which I can easily customize to fit my mood with the app. I also love the artistic touch of the Nanoleaf Elements 10 Bundle — the natural wood look brings a bit of nature indoors, while still offering that ambient smart lighting. For on-camera moments, the Logitech Litra Glow keeps my lighting soft and flattering, ideal for video calls for work or recording sessions for podcasts. As a special touch, the BenQ Screenbar Pro, gifted to me by the brand, adds perfect task lighting to my monitor, helping reduce eye strain without adding clutter to my desk.
Having a cozy and functional workspace has been a game-changer for me, boosting both my productivity and comfort. If you're looking to create your own cozy desk setup, I highly recommend trying out some of these items — they’ve made all the difference in my daily routine. It also helps that it’s just really pleasing to work in an area that feels beautiful.
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