How to set up your desk to boost your creativity

Have you ever wondered why bosses' desks are always positioned in such a way that they have a view of the entire room? It's not a coincidence or a whim. Such a desk setting is called a "power position" and has its roots in the principles of Feng Shui and ergonomics. It allows you to have better control over the room, increases your sense of security, but also affects your stress and creativity levels. 

In this article, you will learn how to optimally position your desk to increase comfort and productivity at work. Whether you're a boss or an employee, the right desk setting can have a huge impact on your well-being, creativity and efficiency. We'll explore the principles of ergonomics, the impact of natural light, and Feng Shui secrets to help you create the perfect workspace.

Are you ready for changes that can dramatically affect your productivity? Read on!

Table of Contents:

1. Ergonomics first - positioning the desk in relation to each other
2. How to position the desk relative to the room?
3. Position of Authority: does it really work?
4. Creativity - how does desk positioning affect it?
5. How to position the desk in relation to the door?
6. Positioning a desk in relation to a window
7. Positioning a desk in relation to other desks: how to organize space in a multi-user office
8. Setting a desk in a small room

Ergonomics first - positioning the desk in relation to each other 

Ergonomics in the workplace is not just a fashionable buzzword, but first and foremost the foundation on which every office should be based. A well-chosen desk is the first step to creating an ergonomic workplace. The height of the desk should be adjusted to your height and the type of work you do. A desk that is too low or too high can lead to back, neck and shoulder problems.

In addition, there should be as few unnecessary items on the desk as possible. Too many items can be distracting and limit work space. Optimizing your desk space not only increases efficiency, but also helps you stay organized and focused on your tasks.

How to position the desk in relation to the room? 

Okay, now that you've figured out how to choose a desk for your needs, determined its optimal height and organized your workspace, it's time to think about how best to position it in the context of the room as a whole. The right placement of a desk in a room can make a significant difference to your well-being and productivity.

Many people choose to place their desks against the wall, thinking that this is the optimal solution, especially in small rooms. However, this is a categorical mistake that can have negative consequences for your productivity and creativity. Positioning your desk in this way blocks your field of vision and creates a kind of "blind spot," which can limit your ability to think "outside the box."

A limited field of vision can also affect your feelings of isolation and increase your stress levels because you don't have full control over what's going on around you.

Position of Power: Does it really work?

Power position refers to the way a desk is arranged in a room so that the person sitting behind it has the widest possible view of the entire room, including doors and windows. This concept has its roots in the principles of Feng Shui, but is also confirmed by research in psychology and ergonomics.

In practice, this means that the desk should be positioned in such a way that the person sitting behind it can see most, if not all of the room, without having to turn or stand up. Ideally, the desk should be positioned so that the person has a view of the door, but is not directly facing it. This gives the person a sense of control over the space and increases the sense of security.

A position of power not only affects how others perceive us, but also how we feel and how effectively we work. It gives us a sense of control and autonomy, which is crucial for good productivity and job satisfaction. In addition, it enhances our ability to focus because we don't have to worry about what's going on behind our backs.

Creativity - how does the desk setting affect it?

Creativity and productivity are integral to effective work, and it turns out that the way we position our desk can significantly affect them. A wide field of view and the ability to look around the room freely can be invaluable in stimulating creative thinking.

When our field of vision is wide, the brain perceives this as a signal that we are in an open, spacious environment, which naturally increases our willingness to think creatively.  In contrast, a limited field of vision, by placing a desk against a wall, can lead to a sense of isolation and restriction, which in turn can inhibit creativity.

In addition, being able to look around the room freely can also affect our productivity. When we can freely observe our surroundings, it is easier for us to focus and immerse ourselves in a task because we subconsciously feel that we are in control of what is happening around us. This in turn increases our efficiency and allows us to make better use of our time.

How to position the desk in relation to the door? 

Creativity and productivity are integral to effective work, and it turns out that the way we position our desk can significantly affect them. A wide field of view and the ability to look around the room freely can be invaluable in stimulating creative thinking.

When our field of vision is wide, the brain perceives this as a signal that we are in an open, spacious environment, which naturally increases our willingness to think "outside the box." A limited field of vision, for example, by placing a desk against a wall, can lead to feelings of isolation and restriction, which in turn can inhibit creativity.

In addition, being able to look around the room freely can also affect our productivity. When we can freely observe our surroundings, it is easier for us to focus and immerse ourselves in a task because we subconsciously feel that we are in control of what is happening around us. This in turn increases our efficiency and allows us to make better use of our time.

Here are some practical tips on how best to position your desk in relation to the door:

A view of the door, but not directly

It is best to position your desk so that you have a view of the door, but are not directly facing it. This gives you a sense of control and allows you to see who enters the room without having to constantly turn around.

Avoid a "back to the door" desk setting

If possible, avoid positioning your desk so that your back is to the door. This position can cause feelings of anxiety and lack of control over what is happening behind your back.

Take advantage of the angles

If the room allows it, consider placing the desk at an angle to the door. This is a compromise between "face to door" and "back to door" positioning and is often recommended in Feng Shui principles.

Keep the right distance

Don't place your desk too close to the door. Adequate distance will allow you to enter and leave the room freely, and give you more time to react when someone enters the room.

Consider the other elements of the room

Remember that doors are just one of the elements to consider. Also consider the location of windows, light sources and other furniture.

Test and adjust

Feel free to experiment with different settings to find the one that is most comfortable for you. Everyone is different, and what works for one person will not necessarily work for another.

Remember that the optimal positioning of your desk in relation to the door can significantly affect your well-being and efficiency at work. So it is worth spending some time and attention on this aspect.

Positioning the desk in relation to the window

A window in the room where you work can be both a blessing and a curse. Natural light is good for our well-being and can increase productivity, but positioning your desk directly outside the window also has its drawbacks.

One of the biggest problems you may face if you set up your desk directly outside a window is glare on your computer screen. Sunlight coming through the window can hinder visibility and force you to change your position frequently, which can be tiring in the long run and reduce productivity.

Here are some tips on how to optimally position a desk in relation to a window: 

Side to the window

The best solution is to position the desk sideways to the window. This way you can enjoy the natural light without worrying about glare on the screen.

Use curtains or blinds

If you need to position your desk near a window, invest in curtains or blinds to control the amount of light coming in.

Keep the right distance

Don't place your desk too close to the window. Adequate distance will help you avoid glare problems and enjoy the view outside at the same time.

Check the direction of light

Also, the direction from which the light comes in matters. Light coming in from behind can create glare, while light coming in from the side is usually less problematic.

Experiment and observe

Everyone is different and what works for one person won't necessarily be good for another. Feel free to rearrange your furniture and observe how different settings affect your productivity.

Remember that the proper positioning of your desk in relation to the window can significantly affect your efficiency and comfort at work. So it is worthwhile to devote sufficient time and attention to this aspect.

Positioning a desk in relation to other desks: how to organize space in a multi-user office

In offices where many people work, the positioning of desks in relation to each other takes on added importance. Not only does it affect individual productivity, but also team dynamics and the overall atmosphere in the workplace.

Principles of privacy and personal space

One of the key aspects is to maintain an adequate level of privacy and personal space. Desks should be arranged in such a way that everyone has his or her "own place," but at the same time allow for easy communication and collaboration.

Linear or angular arrangement?

The layout of desks can be linear, where all desks are aligned, or angular, where desks are placed at different angles. Angular layouts often promote better communication and collaboration, but can be more difficult to organize in small spaces.

Pay attention to the directions

If possible, avoid placing desks "face to face," as this can lead to a sense of lack of privacy and increase stress levels. A better solution is to position the desks sideways to each other or with a slight offset.

Flexibility and adaptability

If possible, choose furniture that can be easily rearranged and adapted to different needs. Flexibility in layout can be very beneficial, especially in dynamically changing teams.

Remember that the proper arrangement of desks in a multi-user office is not only a matter of individual comfort, but also of efficiency and harmony in the whole team. So it is worthwhile to devote sufficient time and attention to this topic.

Setting up a desk in a small room

In a small room, every inch of space is at a premium. Therefore, how you set up your desk can have a significant impact on the comfort and efficiency of your work. Here are some specific tips for just setting up your desk in a limited space.

Alignment along the wall considering the seating position

In small rooms, positioning a desk along a wall is often the most efficient way to maximize the available space.However, if space and the layout of the room allow it, it is recommended to position the desk so that you sit with your back to the wall and your face facing the rest of the room. This arrangement offers several advantages: first, you get a better view of the entire room, which can improve your sense of control and comfort. Second, an open view of the room can minimize feelings of claustrophobia and create a more spacious atmosphere, even in a confined setting.

Corner positioning

If the room is very small, consider placing the desk in a corner. This will save you space and at the same time provide a certain amount of privacy.

Alignment opposite the door

If possible, position your desk so that you have a view of the door. This may be difficult to achieve in a small room, but if you do, you will gain a sense of control over the space and easier access to the exit.

Positioning close to the window, but not directly

If the room has a window, position the desk to take advantage of natural light, but avoid placing it directly under the window to avoid glare on the computer screen.

As you can see, setting up a desk in a room is a task that requires not only forethought, but also a conscious approach to various aspects, from ergonomics to psychology. As we have shown in this article, how we arrange our workspace has a huge impact on our creativity, productivity and overall well-being.

This is not just an aesthetic or organizational issue. Where and how we position our desk can affect our ability to think "outside the box," our sense of security and control, and even our health. That's why it's worth taking the time to consider how best to organize our workspace so that it serves us, rather than being an obstacle.

We hope that the tips and recommendations in this article will help you to optimally position your desk and create a space that will promote both your creativity and efficiency at work. Remember that any change, even the smallest one, can bring significant benefits. So don't be shy about experimenting and customizing your workspace to suit your needs and preferences.