Well, do you?

The boring answer is “depends,” but honestly? You absolutely do.

Look, fancy ≠ expensive, and hunched over your laptop in bed ≠ workspace. Even with just a laptop, you need a dedicated space that signals “work mode” to your brain.

Think about it: you probably spend 8+ hours a day staring at code. Shouldn’t that experience be something you actually enjoy?

🍼 Let’s Make it Easy to Understand.

Your setup breaks down into three key components, and none of them require breaking the bank:

🖥️ 1. The View

Your main display: so a laptop or monitor. Center it, make it the focus. Prop that laptop up on a stand or grab any monitor (size/price doesn’t matter). You just need an isolated view of your work.

This simple change will benefit you a lot. Eye strain from looking down at your laptop all day isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s productivity poison. Elevating your screen to eye level is the single best upgrade you can make.

⌨️ 2. The Peripherals

Separate your keyboard and mouse from your display. Get a cheap mechanical keyboard, elevate your laptop, or close it entirely with an external monitor. Voilà, desktop setup at home, portable laptop on the go.

I’m being serious, I literally only use laptops, but at home I close the lid, connect to an external monitor, and use a separate keyboard. Best of both worlds.

🎉 3. The Serotonin

Add things that spark joy (and no, not your phone, that’s just sad). Rubber duck for debugging conversations (IYKYK), git commit streak display, bobbleheads, plushies, plants, literally whatever makes you feel like a kid again. A workspace you love looking at makes you want to actually work.

I’ve got a tiny Raspberry Pi that’s running a constant view of my GitHub contributions. Sounds nerdy? Absolutely. Does it make me want to keep that green streak alive? You bet.

💡 The “Essentials” (AKA Nice-to-Haves)

These are separate because they’re upgrades you add over time as you discover your needs:

🌅 Lighting That Doesn’t Suck

Multiple small, warm light sources—table lamps, monitor light bars, LED strips behind your monitor. Way better than one harsh overhead light that makes your workspace feel like a Backrooms cubicle.

🎧 Audio Setup

Good headphones or speakers. You’ll be listening to music, attending calls, and debugging with audio cues. Invest in something decent.

🌱 The Comfort Zone

Ergonomic chair, monitor arm, cable management: these aren’t day-one purchases, but they matter for long coding sessions.

📸 My Personal Setup:

Before we dive into suggestions or lists, here’s what I’m actually working with:

My current setup: just create something that works over time (and sparks joy).

Details about the setup are here if you’re curious.

🛠️ Here’s a list of suggestions:

The “Junior Dev 🧑‍💻” Pack

• Laptop stand
• Wireless keyboard and mouse combo
• Small desk lamp
• One plant that’s hard to kill

The “I’m the CEO of a Startup 😼” Pack

• External monitor (any 24” 1080p)
• Mechanical keyboard
• Good mouse
• Monitor light bar
• Multiple small lights
• Desk accessories that spark joy

The “I run a B2B SaaS 😎” Pack

• Multiple monitors or one ultrawide
• Premium mechanical keyboard
• High-end mouse and mousepad
• Professional lighting setup
• Standing desk converter
• High-quality audio setup

🤔 Why Bother, Though?

What most people gloss over is the fact that your environment shapes your mindset. When you have a dedicated workspace that you’ve intentionally designed, your brain automatically switches into “work mode” the moment you sit down.

It’s like putting on a uniform. Suddenly you’re not just someone with a laptop, you’re a dev on a mission (To Squash Those Bugs!).

The Fancy Ritual Effect:

Having a setup creates a ritual. You sit down, adjust your monitor, put on your headphones, and suddenly you’re in the zone. Without this transition, you’re constantly fighting to get focused.

🧧 Just Start Simple.

Do you need a setup? YES, absolutely.

Does it need to be fancy? Also yes, but you define “fancy.” Upgrade as you discover your needs, and soon work becomes something you actually look forward to.

Here’s a plan for you:

1. Week 1: Get a laptop stand + wireless keyboard and mouse
2. Week 2: Add one small light source
3. Week 3: Find one thing that makes you smile and put it on your desk
4. Month 2: Assess what’s annoying you and upgrade accordingly

The Ultimate Goal should be to create a space where you want to spend time coding, not one where you’re just surviving until 5 PM.

If you use a PC, go admire your RGB freakshow, why are you reading this?

But seriously, desktop PC users often have the hardware figured out but neglect the workspace around it. The same principles apply: make it a place you love to be. Stop making excuses about “not needing” a proper workspace. Your back, your eyes, your productivity, and your mental health will thank you (Though I wrote this blog post in my bed).

🎙️ What’s your current setup like?
💬 Share your workspace wins (or disasters) in the comments!
📲 Follow along for more developer productivity insights!