Tristen Bennett
Setting up a home office with two monitors can be a great way to increase your productivity and multitasking capabilities. There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when creating your dual-monitor setup. Firstly, try to use monitors of the same size and height to maintain a steady gaze and reduce neck strain when switching between screens. Position the monitors side by side at an angle if you plan to use them equally, or place the primary monitor directly in front of you and the secondary monitor to the side if you will use one more than the other. It is also important to consider the type of work you will be doing and choose a desk that can accommodate your monitors and accessories, such as an L-shaped or adjustable desk. Additionally, maintain good ergonomic practices by setting up your keyboard and mouse to reduce strain on your arms and using a chair that provides lumbar support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of monitors | 2 |
| Monitor arrangement | Side by side, one behind the other, L-shaped, U-shaped |
| Monitor size | Equal or near equal |
| Monitor height | Same |
| Monitor position | 2-3 inches above eye level |
| Work performed | Gaming, coding, graphic design, engineering, remote work |
| Display settings | Brightness and colour should be identical |
| Desk type | Standard, L-shaped, adjustable, standing, corner |
| Chair type | Ergonomic, with lumbar support |
| Viewing distance | Arm's length |
| Lighting | Use a desk lamp if the room is not bright enough |
What You'll Learn
Monitor positioning
Monitor Placement
The most common approach is to place two monitors of equal or near-equal size side by side on a single desk. This setup works well with larger, traditional office desks or executive desks, providing ample workspace. The monitor cords can be neatly organised by allowing them to hang from the rear of the monitors and plugging them into an outlet or surge protector.
Another option is to position one monitor behind the other. This can be achieved using a desk with a credenza, a corner computer desk, or a corner TV stand. The rear monitor sits on a shelf higher than the front monitor. The rear monitor can be used for mobile TV, news or a stock ticker, while the front monitor offers an eye-level view of your current project.
For those with larger desk spaces, an L-shaped desk provides flexibility. Monitors can be placed side by side or on either length of the "L". An open-bottom desk design allows you to pull your chair up to the 90-degree angle where the two sides meet. L-shaped desks often feature recessed holes or openings to neatly manage cords, freeing up desk space.
A U-shaped desk is another option for those with ample space. Monitors can be placed on either side of the "U" or side by side on one side. This setup leaves the middle semi-circular area open for other tasks such as brainstorming or taking notes. Like L-shaped desks, U-shaped desks typically have recessed holes for cord management.
Monitor Height and Angle
It is recommended to use monitors of the same size and height to maintain a steady gaze and level neck posture when switching between screens. Position the monitors so that the top is two to three inches above eye level. Avoid any position that causes you to tilt your chin or bend any part of your body.
If you plan to use each monitor for an equal amount of time, place them next to each other at a comfortable viewing angle. If you use one monitor more than the other, place the primary monitor directly in front of you and position the secondary monitor to the left or right at an angle.
Ergonomics
To ensure optimal comfort and posture, follow good ergonomic practices. Set your keyboard and mouse so that your elbows are kept to your sides and your arms are at or below a 90-degree angle. Use a chair that provides good lumbar support, allowing your feet to be firmly planted on the ground.
Additionally, consider investing in dual monitor arms, which allow you to adjust the height and angle of the monitors for optimal viewing comfort.
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Desk type
When setting up a home office with two monitors, the type of desk you choose is an important consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting a desk for your dual-monitor setup:
Space and Size
Firstly, you need to ensure you have enough desk space to accommodate two monitors. A wide desk is ideal for dual-monitor setups, providing ample room for monitors, accessories, and maintaining proper posture. As a guideline, aim for a desk that is at least 55 inches wide and 30 inches deep. If you're working with limited space, consider a dual-monitor stand or mounted monitor arms to save desk space.
Shape
The shape of your desk can also impact your dual-monitor setup. L-shaped and U-shaped desks offer generous surface areas and flexible monitor arrangements. With an L-shaped desk, you can place monitors side by side or on either length of the "L". A U-shaped desk typically accommodates monitors on either side of the "U" or side by side on one side. These shapes also provide cord management solutions, with recessed holes or openings to route monitor cords neatly.
Height Adjustability
Another feature to consider is a height-adjustable desk. These desks allow you to adjust the height to your preference, promoting better ergonomics and the ability to switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day. Standing desks are a great option for improving your posture and wellbeing.
Symmetry and Eye Level
When positioning your monitors, it is recommended to keep them symmetrical and at eye level. This setup allows for effortless transitions between screens and reduces eye strain and neck pain. Monitor stands or monitor arms can help achieve the optimal height and positioning.
Cable Management
With multiple monitors and peripherals, cable management is essential to maintain a neat and organised workspace. Look for desks with built-in cable management solutions, such as recessed holes or channels, to keep cords tidy and out of the way.
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Ergonomics
When setting up a home office with two monitors, there are several things to consider to ensure good ergonomics and avoid musculoskeletal risks, back pain, and eye strain.
Firstly, posture is critical. When seated, ensure your back is straight against the lower back of the chair, your feet are flat on the floor, and your forearms are resting on the desk at a 90-degree angle. The same goes for standing—stand up straight and ensure your forearms are at a 90-degree angle.
Secondly, designate your primary monitor, which should be the screen you use for typing or filling out spreadsheets. This should be positioned directly in front of you, at eye level. The secondary screen, which is for reference material, should be placed to the side, slightly angled inwards, and at a parallel height to the main display. Both screens should be positioned side by side, with the top of each screen at eye height, to avoid neck strain. The ideal viewing distance is about an arm's length away.
If you are using an L-shaped desk, you can place one monitor on each length of the "L". This setup typically requires an open-bottom desk so you can pull your chair up to the 90-degree angle where the two sides meet. L-shaped desks often have recessed holes or openings to hide monitor cords, which can increase your workspace by freeing up the desk area.
A U-shaped desk is another option, offering three sides of workspace. You can place a monitor on either side of the "U" or place two monitors side by side on one side. This setup leaves the middle semi-circular area open for other tasks such as brainstorming or taking notes. Like L-shaped desks, U-shaped desks usually have recessed holes or openings for monitor cords.
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Display settings
Matching Displays
If you use the same manufacturers and models for both monitors, your display settings may automatically align. Windows OS will typically extend the desktop across both screens, leaving you to simply adjust the physical positioning of the monitors so that they line up perfectly.
Adjusting Display Settings
If you opt for two different monitors, you will need to manually adjust their display settings to match. For example, if you have a 4K monitor and a 1080p monitor, tweak the settings so that the brightness, colour, and resolution are identical on both screens. This ensures a seamless transition when moving windows between the two monitors and minimises any picture quality discrepancies.
Monitor Positioning
The positioning of your monitors will depend on how you plan to use them. If you intend to use both monitors equally, place them side by side at an angle. If one monitor will be your primary screen, position it directly in front of you, with the secondary monitor to the left or right at an angle.
Monitor Height and Size
It is recommended to use monitors of the same size and height to maintain a consistent gaze and neck posture when looking between the two screens. Position the monitors so that the top of the screen is slightly above eye level, avoiding any placement that causes you to tilt your chin or strain any part of your body.
Viewing Distance
Adjust the distance between you and your dual-monitor setup to find a comfortable viewing distance. As a rule of thumb, your monitors should be placed at arm's length. This setup should allow you to see the entire screen clearly without straining your vision or needing to bend forward.
Screen Brightness
Adjust the screen brightness to match the lighting of your environment. This helps to prevent eye strain, headaches, and fatigue caused by uneven brightness.
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Accessories
The right gadgets and accessories can make it easier and more comfortable to work in your two-monitor desk workspace. Here are some essential technical and non-technical items to consider:
Technical Items
- Dual monitor arms are used to adjust the position of the computer screens for comfortable viewing distance and height. They also raise the monitors off the table, offering more desk space.
- An ergonomic keyboard provides comfort to your wrists and eliminates any strain and discomfort of typing for long periods. It also encourages proper shoulder alignment, which leads to a healthier posture.
- An external webcam will provide better resolution, speed, colour balance, and noise reduction in your video meetings.
- A dual monitor docking station is useful if your PC does not have a port to connect it with another monitor.
Non-Technical Items
- A desk lamp serves as an alternative light source and reduces eye strain.
- A multi-port hub is useful if you are using a laptop and need to connect external devices such as your keyboard, mouse, and flash drive.
- An ergonomic desk chair encourages proper sitting posture and reduces the effects of sitting for long hours, including back pain, neck pain, and hip pressure.
- Plants can improve the aesthetic of your workspace, reduce stress, and improve productivity.
- Wall decorations, such as paintings, pictures, and other decorations, can liven up your space and help motivate you.
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Frequently asked questions
A two-monitor setup is better for multitasking, boosting productivity, and improving focus.
It is recommended to use monitors that are the same size and height to maintain a steady gaze and level neck posture when switching between screens. Position the monitors at eye level, with a comfortable viewing distance to avoid eye strain.
There are several options for desks suitable for two monitors, including a standard desk, an L-shaped desk, an adjustable desk, an adjustable standing desk, and a corner desk.
Technical accessories include dual monitor arms, an ergonomic keyboard, an external webcam, and a dual monitor docking station. Non-technical accessories include a desk lamp, plants, and wall decorations.
