The benefits of an ergonomic workplace – part 3/3
A healthy workplace: Do It Yourself (DIY) Part 3/3
What came before
It’s time for something a bit lighter. You’ve hopefully already learnt a lot about the benefits of a healthy workplace and how to create one. Let’s take a look at how people all over the world are creating their ideal, healthy workplaces in creative and affordable ways. How? By making their own beautiful, reliable and high-quality tools.
Do-it-yourself
Take matters into your own hands (and perhaps some cardboard, wood and glue)
There are loads of brilliant creations circulating online that are fairly simple to make. By ‘fairly simple’, I really do mean that you probably won’t even have to leave the house. Chances are you’ve got all the materials lying around anyway. It couldn’t be easier!
I’ve selected the following 4 products for you:
Why these products in particular? Firstly: there are lots of great designs available that are fairly easy to make. Secondly: these are products that everyone can benefit from. Whether you spend 8 hours a day at your computer or just an hour here and there, these 4 products will enhance your workspace. Thirdly: they are less fiddly than, say, an ergonomic mouse or keyboard (and besides, try making those yourself).
The overview
I’ve put together a handy overview for you below with links to the various products. If there are clear instructions under the link, I’ll mention them. And I’ve made it even easier for you. Projects with a green list are easy to make, the yellow ones require a bit more of your time and skill, and the orange ones go a step further. Don’t be put off, though – the DIY projects that would qualify for a red list have been left out.
Stabureau
DIY desks and IKEA go hand in hand
- A standing desk, made from an IKEA cupboard door. Super-simple [+ brief instructions] – link
- Another IKEA ‘hack’. Made from a Lack table, Ekby shelf and Ekby wall brackets [++ clear instructions] - link
- So simple, yet so brilliant. Brackets for your standing desk [++ clear instructions] - link
- ikeahackers.net has inspired a lot of people. This man is one of them [++ clear instructions] - link
Monitor stand
Wood, wood and more wood
- Oak and ball-and-claw feet. Not tall enough? Then use two - link
- Just a large photo under the following link, but it speaks for itself – link
- Another Ikea hack, another Ekby shelf [+ brief instructions] – link
- A stand made from doorstops. It can certainly take a knock – link
Cable management
This is where creativity really shines
- Danish quality, and the bane of every foot on earth – link
- The paper clip is on the verge of an identity crisis [+ brief instructions] - link
- Reuse a shoe/storage box for all your cable spaghetti [++ clear instructions] - link
- Label all your cables from your router to avoid confusion - link
Laptop stand
Keep your old cardboard boxes for a while longer
- Cardboard laptop stand with clear visual instructions [++ clear instructions] - link
- Lightweight, strong, endless colour combinations possible [++ clear instructions] - link
- Sturdy cardboard construction with clear PDF. Definitely worth it [++clear instructions] - link
- This cardboard laptop stand also comes with a PDF. Print, cut, assemble [++ clear instructions] - link
A little something from our own kitchen
We couldn’t resist improving the cardboard laptop stands you find online. There’s something very important missing: the option to adjust it. We’ve found a solution for that. See the photos below. This solution can be used on all the stands you’ve seen above. 
Your creation
Time to roll up your sleeves
Now it’s your turn to come up with something lovely. I hope you’ve been able to draw some inspiration from the various DIY projects I’ve shown you. If you run into any problems whilst making a product, it’s always worth checking if there are any comments under the project. Here you can find more information or even ask a question. People on these websites are happy to help each other. Good luck!
Not so handy after all?
Then take a look at our products
Our ergonomic aids are ready to use. In no time at all, you’ll have an ergonomically sound workspace at home. If you’re still unsure what you need, take a look at our services. We can help you with advice on which products will best suit your needs, or put you in touch with an independent ergonomist who can advise you on much more than just products.
