My New Computer Desk For Photo Editing

My new desk is a minimalist workhorse.

An update was long overdue for my office. Though still functional, the sturdy desk I've used for over 20 years was tired. I also wanted to avoid sitting immobile for long periods. That's unhealthy. A sit/stand desk was the solution.

First, I refreshed the wall paint. Grey is recommended for colour accuracy all round, but I opted for Tuscan red and Hermitage green, or at least thought so until discovering that even computer matching doesn't work with different paint brands. What I ended up with is certainly vibrant. I'm sticking with it.

Research brought me to IKEA's MITTZEN ($449 CAD) model with 2 electric motors and a low to high spread that suited me comfortably. I wisely opted to pay for assembly ($45 CAD). A separate IKEA matching white table for my printer I put together myself.

My computer is a an Apple M2 Pro Mac Mini with an Apple 24" Studio Display. Sitting atop the Mini is my CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt Dock.

My previous setup had become a clutter trap.

The chair can be pushed beneath the table when I'm standing.

An IKEA VIHALS ($179 CAD) extendable table on the left holds my printer, phone etc.

The CalDigit 4 Thunderbolt dock ($600 CAD) sits conveniently on top of the Mini without any overheating issues.

Coloured stickers show where to connect what without having to think about it. A Caltech rep advised me on the recommended setup.

Each hard drive is labelled.

Magazine racks with old copies of Nat Geo act as buffers to prevent the hard drives from falling over.

IKEA's KOPPLA 5 ($40 CAD) outlet power strip & 2 USB ports conveniently slip into a pocket at the back of the desk. In addition to plugging in my hard drives, it's where I charge my iPad and accessories.

To reduce wrist strain I bought a Logitech Lift for Mac Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse ($90 CAD).

My Director.

PS: I have no affiliation with anyone. And I pay full retail.

© 2026 Gary Crallé