Digital Darkroom/Desk....Lets' see yours

<p>Ok...SO, I've convinced the family that I need a more usable "Darkroom". I've got a decent budget to put together my "Darkroom'...I have a desktop computer with 2 monitors, wireless keyboard and mouse, tablet etc...It's the desk and storage that I'm planning out...It's an odd shape....15' long and 5' wide...<br>

I'm thinking about using flat file cabinets as bases and put a solid top over it...Thoughts? Pictures of your work space...<br>

Thanks, <br>

Warren</p>

<p>I don't think seeing them is all that interesting.<br>

<br />I just have an Ikea desk with an add-on tray for keyboard and trackpad. A couple speakers. A 27" iMac with four disc drives in back. A card reader. An old margarita glass with a few tablespoons rotting inside. A Frida Kahlo doll. A UPS. The router. A rolling file cabinet underneath. A printer desk with two printers next to it. Not all that interesting to see and not easy to show without at least three photos.</p>

<p>I would be interested in seeing what others have set up...including yours Warren & Jeff.</p><div></div>

<p>My desktop PC and workspace is disassembled pending modification for better ergonomics, so nothing to photograph at the moment. Mostly using my laptop for online stuff.</p>

<p>Main suggestion: height adjustable monitor stands, or attachments for the main desktop surface. Ditto the keyboard tray. It can make a big difference in long term comfort.</p>

<p>My desk is just an old Cargo furniture plain pine computer desk, same one I've had since the 1980s. Technically it's fine and served me well for years, until a car wreck several years ago. But the "correct" monitor stand height is wrong for me now since a back and neck injury. My old Dell flatscreen monitor had a fully adjustable stand, including for height, which helped offset the non-adjustable desk. I retired it to TV/video use when it couldn't be calibrated properly anymore. But the Viewsonic I replaced the Dell with a couple of years ago has a stand that's only adjustable for angle. Not comfortable. I'm going to modify the upper shelf to lower the monitor height, and add an adjustable height keyboard tray too.</p>

<p>Here is a forum on reddit with nothing but pictures of crazy computer/desktop setups.<br>

http://www.reddit.com/r/battlestations</p>

<p>Shot with an IPhone with OlloClip fish eye attachment, almost an obit:</p><div></div>

<p>After I dismantled my old darkroom, I took over a small bedroom for my "digital darkroom". I have two Ikea Varde base cabinets ( http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/14631607/ ); one holds my two printers and paper, the other has a piece of glass on top and is used for laying out/viewing prints, matting, etc. My computer is on an old pine table. Everything is arranged in a U, as the room is small and almost square. The Varde cabinets are not typical Ikea; they are solid wood, very heavy and have a lot of storage.<br>

If I had a space like yours, I would consider using a table (I like big work surfaces) at the short end and run a long work surface down the long. Use some flat file cabinets and some kitchen cabinets (with or w/o doors) underneath to be able to customize storage. Be sure to cover part of it with glass or something else that can be wiped clean for laying out prints and doing matting.<br>

Here's a link to a similar setup for inspiration: http://www.danecreek.com/blog/2011/07/30/a-tour-through-the-print-studio-2.html </p>

<p>I found that I got the best solution by buying kitchen cabinets rather than office cabinets or similar. I used standard kitchen worktops too. <br>

This seems to give maximum storage space and flexibility..<br>

(sorry no picture)</p>

<p>I found a cabinet at Ikea that works great for holding my paper, extra ink as well as unmounted prints with plenty of room for the printer to sit on top<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40196241/#/40196241">http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40196241/#/40196241</a> It is also on wheels which makes it easy enough to move around the office if needed (and good for cleaning). It's wider than it looks in the photo; my printer will print up to 13" x 19" (Epson R1900) and that size paper fits easily in the drawers. </p>

<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I2FIHyMZkR4/U6Ni81QxDoI/AAAAAAAAgZU/Y6VS3IH3aws/w900-h675-no/Milner+20140520+0148.jpg" alt="" /><br />

<p>• EricMilner.com •<br>

.</p>

 

</center>

<center>

.<P>

<img src= "http://www.citysnaps.net/2014%20Photos/HomeLab.jpg"><BR>

<i>

My Digital Darkroom • San Francisco • ©Brad Evans 2014

</i>

<P>

.<P>

</center>

<p>lol</p>

<p>Sunday I'm off to Ikea to see what I can find...Some great suggestions...Thanks, Warren</p>

<p>Brad, from that John Waters hitchhiking book to the right of your feet, are you considering taking that MacBook on the road by thumbing a ride? ;)</p>

Tim, it's a funny book and a good read. Might even provide some project inspiration.

<p>Every great digital studio starts with a great desk chair....</p><div></div>

<p>...I need a loud stereo</p>