How do you handle cable management?
How do you handle cable management?
I work from home and I’m going to school so I spend a lot of time at my desk. I can’t work if it’s cluttered and these cables are driving me crazy.
I built a custom desk using IKEA countertop and file cabinets that runs the full length of my wall. One half is for computer and one half is for other projects that need space!
I love it except the cables are wild and have a mind of their own. I’ve been researching methods so I was wondering:
How do you manage cables?
PS! All your stations have been awesome so far. I’m jealous!
Honestly you can get as crazy as you want with it regarding budget, but I find I’m happy when I just put a lot of patience in my cable management. I have ADHD so it’s pretty difficult, but when I dedicate time to it and take my time with it. I can usually make something really pretty with some zip ties or cable ties.
I only use a bit of twist ties, hooks and a box to route and hide all my cables. The twist ties keep all the cables into a single big strand and the hooks keep them level until the end of the desk. Then they all go down into a box that hides the extra bits and power bricks etc...
Large cable trays that run the entire length of the desk. Get a industrial power bar that also goes the entire length of the desk, put the power bar under the desk or on top (your preference)
For your misc cables get a cable holder and glue it or screw it into the back edge the of the desk, put a fishing weight on each cable off the desk, so it will slowly zip all the way back to the cable holder if you unplug something.
Some cables are good, they should just look intentional.
Any cable that doesn't need to move, you can just stuff in the cable tray. If you want extra points use cheap velcro strips, or zip ties to wrap the cables to the correct length in the tray.
I believe in a living setup you can modify at will, so the trays are a must to just get stuff done and not spend hours messing with cabling.
I bought a pack of the Velcro zip ties off of Amazon (something like this) and the have been a godsend for cable management. I have peripheral cables running all over my desk that I wanted to keep bundled and tidy, but also need to be able to remove for access, upgrades and cleaning. As far as cable routing, I would just do your best to make sure all the cables follow the same route from your desk to your PC and bundle them neatly together. You could even consider some sort of hook system on the underside of the desk along the back of it to route and somewhat conceal you cables