Are there high quality monitors that will fit on extremely shallow desks
May 16, 2020 9:01 PM Subscribe
Mrs. Proust works from home. Her desk is extremely shallow. Front to back it is 14.5 inches. Is there a high quality monitor 24-inches or larger that she can use with her MacBook Air that will fit in this space and still leave room for her keyboard (and preferably her laptop)?
The desk is a fold-down secretary desk. It is a family heirloom that cannot be replaced or modified. Please take that as a given.
She does a lot of teleconferencing, e-mail, and also work with presentations and spreadsheets. She doesn't play video games. She would dearly love something larger than the 13-inch MacBook Air screen she currently uses. But most monitors take up a lot more front-to-back space than she has available. Even if they would fit on the desk, most monitors tend to sit well in-front of their stands, pushing the screen too far forward to be comfortable.
Is there a high quality monitor that is low profile enough to work in this environment? The screen itself would ideally be all the way at the back of the space, perhaps with the flat base of the monitor stand extending forward and holding her laptop or keyboard.
As I said above, 24 inches or larger would be preferred, although we could consider something smaller. It doesn't need to be HD, but it does need to be easy to look at 10 hours per day.
Thanks in advance.
The desk is a fold-down secretary desk. It is a family heirloom that cannot be replaced or modified. Please take that as a given.
She does a lot of teleconferencing, e-mail, and also work with presentations and spreadsheets. She doesn't play video games. She would dearly love something larger than the 13-inch MacBook Air screen she currently uses. But most monitors take up a lot more front-to-back space than she has available. Even if they would fit on the desk, most monitors tend to sit well in-front of their stands, pushing the screen too far forward to be comfortable.
Is there a high quality monitor that is low profile enough to work in this environment? The screen itself would ideally be all the way at the back of the space, perhaps with the flat base of the monitor stand extending forward and holding her laptop or keyboard.
As I said above, 24 inches or larger would be preferred, although we could consider something smaller. It doesn't need to be HD, but it does need to be easy to look at 10 hours per day.
Thanks in advance.
Virtually every new monitor can be mounted on a monitor arm. In all probability, you'd be able to position the arm so that the monitor was at the back of the desk, and depending on the specific arm and (not too big) monitor could probably even have the desk away from the wall, with the monitor hanging off the back of the desk. Desk mount monitor arms can come with a screw clamp so they can be removed without damaging the desk (put a thin bit of wood in to protect the desks finish since it is very important). There are also versions that mount to the wall, if that might work.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:40 PM on May 16, 2020
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:40 PM on May 16, 2020
In addition to monitor arms that clamp to desks, you can get ones that clamp to a pole, which might work better if the back of the desk doesn't have purchase to clamp an arm to. Get a floor lamp or other free standing pole and clamp the monitor to it.
posted by Glaurung at 11:59 PM on May 16, 2020
posted by Glaurung at 11:59 PM on May 16, 2020
What about putting a small, simple table in front of it? I'm picturing something that would fit under the desk surface that folds down from the secretary desk, that could hold her (closed) laptop and an external keyboard. So functioning like a keyboard tray, but self-supported by legs. She could pull it out to whatever distance from the monitor is comfortable while she's using it.
posted by needs more cowbell at 3:33 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by needs more cowbell at 3:33 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Something like this that's height-adjustable would probably be easiest but searches for typewriter stands/desks/tables give more vintage options.
posted by needs more cowbell at 3:49 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by needs more cowbell at 3:49 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
For those with the time and/or interest, this old & lengthy forum discussion delves deep into the realm of shallow monitor mounts.
posted by fairmettle at 4:16 AM on May 17, 2020
posted by fairmettle at 4:16 AM on May 17, 2020
Best answer: I'm in a similar situation. I ended up getting a Dell P2419H 24 Inch monitor, which has a base that's about 6.5 inches deep. Here's a picture of the monitor and the laptop, with a measuring tape:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tt8ssneqcewlmk8/20200517_130800.jpg?dl=0
posted by shanek at 5:15 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tt8ssneqcewlmk8/20200517_130800.jpg?dl=0
posted by shanek at 5:15 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
I have an ancient Apple Cinema Display (like this) and I'm able to close my laptop and set it partially onto the base of the monitor to save space. I have an external keyboard in my lap. You may be able to get an old Thunderbolt or Cinema Display cheaply on Craiglist, or free. They're excellent and seem to last forever (I do need to use extra adaptors to make mine work with a modern laptop). But I think other monitors copied the design.
posted by pinochiette at 5:24 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by pinochiette at 5:24 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Samsung Space Monitor - "Space-saving design with integrated arm stand provides 40% more usable desk area."
posted by bluecore at 5:50 AM on May 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by bluecore at 5:50 AM on May 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Monitor arms can be great, but the clamp on ones can often leave marks, scratches, or dents on the desk surface. Something to be aware of if this is a prized family heirloom. An adjustable angle wall mount is probably a better alternative.
posted by reformedjerk at 7:28 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by reformedjerk at 7:28 AM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Several options:
#1, as whatnotever suggests.
#2, same, but with a bit of DIY to fit two L-shaped brackets to the screen using the stand attachment points, with the underside of the horizontal part of the L covered in felt or cork, and the length of the vertical part to give a workable viewing height. The horizontal parts can either be just long enough that the screen doesn't want to topple forward, or alternatively about as long as the desk is deep, with the laptop or keyboard sitting on top of them. Aluminium strip is easy to drill, cut and bend.
#3, a VESA wall mount on the wall behind the desk that can extend far enough forward that it can hold the screen just in front of the rear part of the desk. If no drilling in walls then a sheet of timber or a wide enough plank to take the wall mount, wedging it between the desk and the wall.
posted by Stoneshop at 7:42 AM on May 17, 2020
#1, as whatnotever suggests.
#2, same, but with a bit of DIY to fit two L-shaped brackets to the screen using the stand attachment points, with the underside of the horizontal part of the L covered in felt or cork, and the length of the vertical part to give a workable viewing height. The horizontal parts can either be just long enough that the screen doesn't want to topple forward, or alternatively about as long as the desk is deep, with the laptop or keyboard sitting on top of them. Aluminium strip is easy to drill, cut and bend.
#3, a VESA wall mount on the wall behind the desk that can extend far enough forward that it can hold the screen just in front of the rear part of the desk. If no drilling in walls then a sheet of timber or a wide enough plank to take the wall mount, wedging it between the desk and the wall.
posted by Stoneshop at 7:42 AM on May 17, 2020
Best answer: As a heads up, a secretary desk has a high back, so there’s no edge to clamp onto, and no back wall to mount to, causing the limitations. Like this
posted by politikitty at 9:33 AM on May 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by politikitty at 9:33 AM on May 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
The secretary desk makes this a really tough problem, as it's just not designed for your use-case, and there really isn't any good solution for non-destructively mounting a monitor arm which is my normal recommendation for shallow desks. You could *maybe* wall-mount a longer monitor arm above the desk in such a way as to allow it to position in front of the hutch, but even that feels like it'd be pretty awkward, and assumes you have the desk positioned against a wall near a stud that can bear the load in the first place.
I feel like the TV, side table or Dell monitor recs above are probably going to get you closest with the setup you have, but my recommendation would be to use a different desk, TBH. Especially if she's working from home for long hours and at the desk for the majority of them, I suspect the ergonomics of the desk aren't great and that can come back to roost in a bunch of not good ways.
posted by Aleyn at 12:46 PM on May 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I feel like the TV, side table or Dell monitor recs above are probably going to get you closest with the setup you have, but my recommendation would be to use a different desk, TBH. Especially if she's working from home for long hours and at the desk for the majority of them, I suspect the ergonomics of the desk aren't great and that can come back to roost in a bunch of not good ways.
posted by Aleyn at 12:46 PM on May 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Floor standing would be something to consider. Just mind that you don't choose too heavy of a monitor, or extend the arm too far. The combination of monitor weight and length of extension can lead to the monitor moving from even the slightest vibrations. Modern monitors are pretty light now, so you probably wouldn't need the massive base heavier monitors used to require. But you'd still want something heavy enough to avoid tipping risks.
Otherwise a wall-mounted articulating arm would be something to consider. One where you could raise/lower/move the monitor such that it could be "put away" in some fashion when the desk was closed. Doctor's offices are a typical scenario where arms like this get used. Where you want to be able to pull the screen down/over to a useful position, but the stow it back out of the way.
posted by wkearney99 at 4:02 PM on May 17, 2020
Otherwise a wall-mounted articulating arm would be something to consider. One where you could raise/lower/move the monitor such that it could be "put away" in some fashion when the desk was closed. Doctor's offices are a typical scenario where arms like this get used. Where you want to be able to pull the screen down/over to a useful position, but the stow it back out of the way.
posted by wkearney99 at 4:02 PM on May 17, 2020
I don't see a useful way to do this without a wall mount or arm (or building something from scratch). The desk isn't wide enough for both things, therefore monitor needs to attach to something other than the desk.
posted by aspersioncast at 4:08 PM on May 17, 2020
posted by aspersioncast at 4:08 PM on May 17, 2020
My bigger concern would be comfort. After a lifetime of desks with poor ergonomics (and the resulting wrist pain) I'm always keen to warn people about this. Do not set up something for extended use that's going to inflict a lifetime of pain. Especially not for scenarios like 10 hours of use daily. If it's lacking a decent amount of legroom under it you're inviting a lot of back pain too.
Better to temporarily store the 'family heirloom' somewhere else and use a properly positioned surface instead. 10 hours of pounding the keyboard on a short-depth secretary desk is very like NOT going to be good for it's hinges. Nor is the heat of a laptop sitting on one spot going to be good for the varnish.
These are just points to consider. I know there's likely extenuating circumstances lately, what with social distancing and all. So we all have to adapt, best we can.
posted by wkearney99 at 4:14 PM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Better to temporarily store the 'family heirloom' somewhere else and use a properly positioned surface instead. 10 hours of pounding the keyboard on a short-depth secretary desk is very like NOT going to be good for it's hinges. Nor is the heat of a laptop sitting on one spot going to be good for the varnish.
These are just points to consider. I know there's likely extenuating circumstances lately, what with social distancing and all. So we all have to adapt, best we can.
posted by wkearney99 at 4:14 PM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Better to temporarily store the 'family heirloom' somewhere else and use a properly positioned surface instead. 10 hours of pounding the keyboard on a short-depth secretary desk is very like NOT going to be good for it's hinges. Nor is the heat of a laptop sitting on one spot going to be good for the varnish.
This. You are trying to put this desk to a use it wasn’t designed for and cannot be made to serve without any number of compromises in terms of function, cost, comfort. And it will be ugly because modern office solutions that work with the limitations of the furniture are not going to work with the style of furniture.
If you absolutely have to use the desk do what business travellers do in hotels and compromise. Use an iPad or other tablet and extend your desktop using an app such as duet. Use an external mouse. If you want to use an external keyboard consider if it needs to be full sized or just bigger than the laptop. You can probably find a laptop stand but even space saving ones will use most of the space you could use for a keyboard. But raising that screen will make it more awkward to have the other screen lower down. So pick your stand carefully and pick something that works with your other constraints.
posted by koahiatamadl at 5:53 PM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
This. You are trying to put this desk to a use it wasn’t designed for and cannot be made to serve without any number of compromises in terms of function, cost, comfort. And it will be ugly because modern office solutions that work with the limitations of the furniture are not going to work with the style of furniture.
If you absolutely have to use the desk do what business travellers do in hotels and compromise. Use an iPad or other tablet and extend your desktop using an app such as duet. Use an external mouse. If you want to use an external keyboard consider if it needs to be full sized or just bigger than the laptop. You can probably find a laptop stand but even space saving ones will use most of the space you could use for a keyboard. But raising that screen will make it more awkward to have the other screen lower down. So pick your stand carefully and pick something that works with your other constraints.
posted by koahiatamadl at 5:53 PM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
So the constraints are:
1) fold-down secretary desk which means you can't clamp a stand to the sides or back of the desk.
2) Also the desk has sides which make coming in from the side with a floor or wall mount difficult/impossible.
3) Modifications to the desk aren't permitted so bolt on stands won't work.
A plain old riser would free up desk space but still locates the monitor fairly far forward.
If it was me I'd get a piece of 3/4 plywood cut the size of the desktop. Then get a monitor arm that bolts onto the surface of the desk (rather than thru) to mount my monitor on. But instead of bolting the arm to the desk bolt it to the sheet of plywood.
Or you could get a metal fab shop to bend an 1/8" aluminum sheet approximately 12" x 24" into an L with one side 16" and the other 8". Drill the 16" side to use the screw holes on the back of your monitor and then place a desk blotter over the 8" section (maybe use four thin cork pads to prevent damage to the desktop). The back of the desk will stop it from tipping backwards and the base will prevent forward and side to side tipping.
posted by Mitheral at 4:43 PM on May 18, 2020
1) fold-down secretary desk which means you can't clamp a stand to the sides or back of the desk.
2) Also the desk has sides which make coming in from the side with a floor or wall mount difficult/impossible.
3) Modifications to the desk aren't permitted so bolt on stands won't work.
A plain old riser would free up desk space but still locates the monitor fairly far forward.
If it was me I'd get a piece of 3/4 plywood cut the size of the desktop. Then get a monitor arm that bolts onto the surface of the desk (rather than thru) to mount my monitor on. But instead of bolting the arm to the desk bolt it to the sheet of plywood.
Or you could get a metal fab shop to bend an 1/8" aluminum sheet approximately 12" x 24" into an L with one side 16" and the other 8". Drill the 16" side to use the screw holes on the back of your monitor and then place a desk blotter over the 8" section (maybe use four thin cork pads to prevent damage to the desktop). The back of the desk will stop it from tipping backwards and the base will prevent forward and side to side tipping.
posted by Mitheral at 4:43 PM on May 18, 2020
Response by poster: Thank you for all these suggestions and for helping me think through this problem.
As some have noted, the secretary desk has some major limitations: the high back obstructs the wall; we don't want to clamp anything onto the desk or drill into it. Replacing the desk could be a good solution, but it would require my spouse to do some shopping. She hates shopping and she's very busy at the moment. I'm hoping for a solution that I can just give to her.
Shanek's suggestion comes closest to what I was looking for. The Dell website confirms the depth is 6.5 inches, which leaves just enough space for her MacBook. I'll let you know how it turns out.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 6:39 AM on May 19, 2020
As some have noted, the secretary desk has some major limitations: the high back obstructs the wall; we don't want to clamp anything onto the desk or drill into it. Replacing the desk could be a good solution, but it would require my spouse to do some shopping. She hates shopping and she's very busy at the moment. I'm hoping for a solution that I can just give to her.
Shanek's suggestion comes closest to what I was looking for. The Dell website confirms the depth is 6.5 inches, which leaves just enough space for her MacBook. I'll let you know how it turns out.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 6:39 AM on May 19, 2020
Response by poster: Spouse needed a large monitor for an immediate task and set up a card table. She's decided that's what she liked. Even if we could get a monitor with a slim base, it would be too close for comfort. (Some posters suggested this would happen.)
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to mark this resolved.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 6:31 AM on May 27, 2020
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to mark this resolved.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 6:31 AM on May 27, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
Alternatively, you could get a TV. Many TV models have low-profile stands that are legs on the sides that wouldn't get in the way of a keyboard. For example. Get at least 1080p resolution; 720p will be too low-res for decent computer use. And you might want to get 4k resolution if the budget allows, as that might be nicer to look at (especially reading text) all day.
posted by whatnotever at 9:17 PM on May 16, 2020 [5 favorites]