Optimizing Your Workspace: How to Arrange a Multi-Monitor Setup

How many tabs do you have open right now? Two, ten… too many to count?  We feel you. Whether you’re juggling email, Slack, and Zoom meetings — or just browsing online — things can get pretty overwhelming pretty fast when it comes to our virtual windows. 

One of the easiest solutions is to add more real estate — screen real estate, that is. Enter the multiple-monitor setup. While one monitor can be a great system, two or more is sometimes the magic number that’ll help increase your productivity, improve your ability to multitask, and amp up your overall workflow.

In this article, we’re covering the feel-good benefits of a multi-monitor setup, how to pick the right equipment, and more tips to make the most of your space from an ergonomic and aesthetic perspective. 

The Benefits of a Multiple-Monitor Setup

There’s a reason why multi-monitor desk setups are becoming increasingly popular. Aside from making your screen less cluttered, multiple screens have been linked with a 40% boost in productivity. 

Plus, more screens allow for multi-tasking, a more immersive gaming experience, and a more ergonomic experience overall. 

Let’s break down these benefits so you know why an extra screen could be the secret to healthier, more productive workdays.

• Reduces Distractions

For starters, having a multi-monitor setup lets you mentally compartmentalize more easily and reduce the distractions that come with popping from tab to tab. For example, during meetings, it can be helpful to have one dedicated screen with video conferencing, one with notes, and one with your team’s messaging platform. That way, you’re not juggling everything on one screen, which gets cluttered and chaotic very quickly. 

• Amps Up Productivity

Going back and forth between different windows and tabs can be downright draining - and it might even decrease your productivity more than you think. Extra monitors give you more space to designate screens for specific tasks, which will keep you more focused and “in the flow.” You’ll spend less time searching through windows to find specific pages - and more time working on projects.  

• Allows for Multi-Tasking 

More screens means better multi-tasking. Depending on your work, you might have one screen with email, one with documents, and one with your team’s messaging platform. Or — if you like a buzz in the background while you crank through your to-do list — maybe one screen is playing media that helps you zone in and tick things off. 

• Creates a More Ergonomic Environment

Two key ergonomic principles are to keep tools within reach and work in a neutral position. A multi-monitor desk setup allows you to do just that, relieving neck strain and and eye strain while improving your posture. (Just make sure they’re set up at an optimal height. Read how to set up your desk ergonomically.) 

• Sets Up a More Immersive Experience

Whether you’re gaming or in a writing flow, a multi-monitor setup will level up your entire experience. With more monitors, you’ll help feel immersed in whatever you’re doing while being able to keep other applications and programs open, such as browsers and music players.

Bonus: One of the perks of a multi-monitor setup is how awesome wallpapers look on more than one screen. Usually, wallpaper sites offer multi-monitor options, so don’t overlook this nice-to-have perk.

How to Set Up a Multi-Monitor Desk Setup? 

Wondering how to use more than one screen? Here’s how to optimize your setup with a few tried-and-true tips, from practical, ergonomic hacks to basic design musts. 

1. Measure, Measure, Measure

Triple check that your screens will comfortably fit in your workspace and won’t cramp your style (literally). Make sure to ensure an extra monitor or two doesn’t mean you’ll be contorting your body into an uncomfortable position, which can cancel out the benefits of the extra screens. 

2. Find the “Goldilocks” Position For Your Screens

Your screens shouldn’t be too close or too far from you. Find the right balance that doesn’t cause you to squint and strain your eyes.

For most people, that means between 20 and 40 inches of space between your eyes and your screen. Try out different setups and see what works for you. Sometimes an inch here and there can make a world of difference in your experience. 

3. Lift Your Screens to Eye Level

 

 

Rule of thumb: The top third of your screen should be at eye level. Why? This keeps yourneck in a neutral position and will help you avoid slouching your shoulders, tilting your neck as you look down at your screen, and adding pressure to your lower back. Over time, this position can wreak havoc on your body, cause fatigue, and lead to eye strain.  

On the other hand, an elevated computer setup can help improve your posture, mitigate body aches, and support your body’s natural alignment. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues with a Multi-Monitor Setup 

Here’s a quick guide to troubleshooting common issues that might arise with a multi- monitor setup.  

• Eye Strain? Integrate Dark Mode

To further reduce eye strain, consider integrating dark-mode preferences into your setup. This can reduce blue light (which can be associated with vision problems) and help protect your eyes.

• Keep Microfiber cloths handy

Sick of smudges on your screen? A microfiber cloth can help keep your screens in tip-top shape.

• Sync Your Screens Together

Take a look at this helpful guide. Prefer to have monitors sync together? Check out this and this tutorial. 

Accessories to Complement a Triple Monitor Setup 

If you have a multi-monitor desk setup, that means you’re serious about dialing in your workstation. Here are some must-have tools to make the most of your setup. 

• Monitor Arms

Get your monitors exactly right where you want them with our fully adjustable Dual Direct Monitor Arm and Single Monitor Arm. These will help you position all your monitors exactly where you want them to be, which can help reduce neck pain and overall fatigue. 

• Monitor Stands and Lift Desks

Our collection of monitor stands is made to lift your screens and keep your body feeling supported and healthy. Looking for a do-it-all solution? Check out our Artifox Lift Desk, which elevates your monitor and features organization compartments for a laptop, papers, sticky notes, you name it. 

• Sit-to-Stand Desks

Want to boost your productivity, reduce back pain, and improve your posture? Do yourself a favor and pair a sit-to-stand desk with a multi-monitor desk setup. Check out this article about the surprising benefits of standing desks. 

Multi-Monitor Setups Can Be Just What You Need 

One thing’s for sure: We look at our screens *a lot*. Opting for a multi-monitor setup can make for a less cluttered, more productive, and peaceful workspace experience. You might even wish you started using a multi-monitor setup sooner! 

Ready to upgrade your workspace? Get our home office checklist and discover 14 things to add to your office space.