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[This is part of the Problogger Home Office Series.]
As you can see the temporary home office space is still evolving, thanks to you guys! Had some great ideas about the desk situation and more than a few of your recommended that I try the Standing Desk experience before I commit to it – so that’s what I’m doing.
I threw together my P90X Yoga Mat and an old Ikea Coffee Table and it seems like the right height for now. Check out this video of me talking about it for a bit:
[tentblogger-vimeo 25309301]
And so the question for you is this: What would you recommend for a “Standing Mat” or a Anti-Fatigue Mat?
I haven’t had much experience and a cursory Google search returns about ten thousand choices. I don’t mind spending a few dollars on choosing the right one! Send me links, pictures, or whatever else you’ve experienced!
Also, for those that are interested, if the Standing Table scenario does work I’ve created a sketch of how I’m going to have it custom-made:
Click for larger image.
I’m not exactly sure the dimensions yet but it’s going to be two pieces of reclaimed wood with a three inch in diameter slit in the middle for wires with a nice glass top. I’m going to have to drill some holes in the floor to create a new outlet for power. It’ll stand in the middle of the room, hopefully with a few standing mats on each side.
This, of course, is just a preliminary sketch so we’ll see how it evolves.
[This is part of the Problogger Home Office Series.]
So basically, your desk is going to be an adult Excersaucer. Just like your baby has but for blogging. I like it!
i guess you could say that…!
Awesome design! I also use an old yoga mat that I found and it’s been great to use. It’s also easy to roll up and store out of the way until I get a more permanent solution. A friend of mine uses a Crown mat (http://goo.gl/RYrJ2) and loves it so that’s probably where I’m heading with a new mat.
sweet chase! thanks for the link. looks pretty good. this might be really superficial, but in my head i’m thinking that the “better” mats are more expensive than $30…? again, i have no idea what i’m talking about but i feel like i “should” spend more than just $30…
i’m ready to be educated though!
I’m hurting for you… I hate moving and it always feels like that stage of getting “stuff” put away takes FOREVER. I’ll be anxious to read your experience on the standing desk. I may give it a shot if you find it is something you find beneficial.
i’ll let you know bro!
I like this design John. My suggestion would be to try to combine the standing and sitting desks in some way so they don’t take up space at the same time. Just a thought.
i’m not very interested in a sitting desk at this point…….
I could definitely use feedback on the floor mat as well. Currently I don’t stand on a mat. I’ve been thinking about buying this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EFK9KM and got the idea from here: http://smarterware.org/7102/how-and-why-i-switched-to-a-standing-desk
But if you come up with a great solution, I suppose I could spend more than the $15. I just need one that isn’t going to slip and I’ll use mine at work so I’ll be wearing shoes, etc. (not sure if you work barefoot since you are working out of your home or not). That does bring up another related subject. I did buy some padded shoe inserts so I’m “gellin” and that helps.
i’m willing to spend some significant capital on the right one… for sure. we might do a full-floor width…
Sweet set-up dude…I was a barber for 8 years and I highly recommend something like this http://www.salonguys.com/equipment/mats.html?gclid=CIXBn9b6wqkCFeVx5Qod7iwAgg
I was on my feet 8-10 hrs per day, and this thing helped TONS!!
They’re made for heavy use so take a look. Might be a little bigger than you’re looking for, but you could cut it down if need be. Great, professional looking solution for around $50
Good luck!
ah man, thanks for this!
Okay here’s my thought on the whole standing desk vs. sitting desk thing. I think a combination would be good. I’m guessing there will be times when you’ve got your whole 8Bit team or at least part of the team in that office with you. I see the standing desk being very useful for all of you for those times. There are probably going to be times when you want to sit and blog at a standard desk as well. I wouldn’t take that option away from yourself completely. It’s always good to have options.
One thought on your idea for a glass standing desk… think about optical mice on glass. Probably not a good surface for them.
Logitech makes mice that will work on a glass table, look for the ones with the Darkfield Laser.
True… just sayin’ for when other’s bring their laptops and if they use mice instead of trackpads… you want to be accommodating… and not require people to buy a specific mouse
yes. i’m going to have a cabinet full of peripherals!
you’re right… i’m going to make sure the place is setup for my team as well…!
oh, and yes……. who needs optical when you can get lazer?
http://theclosetentrepreneur.com/declutter-the-mess-under-your-desk
check that. i use the twisty ties. those rock
Very nice. Thanks for sharing that. I could definitely use some help with cord management.
i’m a part of a kickstarter project that will help with this….!
I must say I am digging it, let me know how it is goes at it looks like your feet may kill at the end of the day.
i’ll let you know for sure!
When I was running a Chocolate production biz – we had these for all of cooking spaces –
Gel PRO
Since the staff is standing – doing detailed work all day – it really helped with comfort and fatigue. They all had Danskos or Crocs on their feet – but these mats really helped too.
thanks for this katy!
Just came across this desk today – you might like it… http://www.bluelounge.com/products/studiodesk/
ah, sweet! thanks darius.
I’m loving this idea you have sketched out… Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
i hope it works…! it’ll take a bit of time… i hope no one’s waiting to anxiously…!
I definitely want to get into a stand up desk! Lots of bloggers are getting into it and I’ve read the many benefits. Just finding a desk for cheap!
I will add that the standing desks that are for sale are so expensive!
I’ve seen a few different standing desks made from IKEA furniture. Looks great.
I can see if someone could make a great standing desk and target it for bloggers they would make some $$!
yeah. i’m having one custom made….
Cool idea, I like it. I’m interested in doing a similar setup, so I’m curious to see how this goes for you.
What I REALLY want is a treadmill desk… maybe one day!
…… yikes!
I have a high table that I put some extensions on to make it just a little higher. I found it at a regular furniture store and with four stools was under $200. With the extensions it is comfortable either standing or sitting on a high stool. I alternate through the day. I have had since we moved (about 6 years now). I have been thinking of getting a mat because I am scratching up my floor.
i think alternating is where i’m going to sit as well.
I still think something that is adjustable (sit & stand heights) would be best! Consider your body & if you’re going to stand all day, make sure you can isolate your pelvic floor & exercise it regularly throughout the day! Otherwise you could run into real trouble later on in life!
you’re right. gotta keep the body in check…!
I like the thought of a stand up desk but the reality of always standing to work just doesn’t sound so awesome. Having said that, I’m looking forward to living precariously through you on this one!
…living precariously…
ha ha!!
seriously, what’s your desk setup?
i’ll definitely tell you how i like it.
great!!
An anti-fatigue mat? I had never heard of that and had to look it up.
Perhaps the advice from the McDonald’s UK TV commercial in the 1990′s could help you save some money:
“Don’t waste hundreds of pounds on expensive carpet. Simply buy two small pieces – attach them to the bottom of your feet and get that quality carpet feel throughout your home.”
#ROFLCOPTER
i need to find a video……
Hi there, I’m a student of interior design, which basically means I catalog every great furnishings idea I come upon in mental notes.
As far as finding a great standing mat, you should scope out a few design/home magazines at a book store — go towards the back where those ads that no one reads are and you will find gel mats made specifically for use in the kitchen in front of the sink/stove.
This should really feel good on your feet and be healthy for you body if you are standing for long periods of time… I can’t say where I first found this, but they are always in those magazines and I can’t wait to get one for my kitchen myself.
Good luck!
thanks so much for this jessica!
I picked up a chef’s mat at Sam’s Club a couple of days ago for around $30. I’m sure there are much higher end ones, but it definitely makes a difference.
on a scale of 1-10… how is it?
Um, 5 or 6? Hard to say since I haven’t used any others. It is much better than the hard floor that’s for sure. I’m tempted by those barber mats that Chris linked to. I could definitely imagine a better one than this one, but not sure where to get it. I also just thought about upgrading my shoes or shoe inserts.
seriously.. the barber mats… those have to be “proven”… right?
Sure do look good. You still using just a cheap mat that you showed in Part 6?
yeah. for now… i’ll test some more soon.
This post inspired me to look into the standing desk idea. I switched everything in my home office around so I’m using a bookshelf to test out the standing theory. And if I like it, I’m going to graduate to this: http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/04/expedit-standing-desk.html
awesome! how has it been? it’s nearly a week……….!