A few days ago, my adjustable-height “Autonomous Desk (basic)” arrived (earlier blog post), and I like it.

But even before it arrived, I knew I would need to address some “cable management” issues.

The issue is that the desk’s movement (up and down) creates a range of motion that any cables must also allow for.  I was especially worried that at some point, I’d lower the desk and somehow a cable would get caught, so that when the desk was raised again, the cable would be pulled tight (taut) and might end up either unplugging or pulling something down from the desk (or up from the floor).

My first goal was to reduce the number of cables from the desk to the floor; ideally, there would be just one, a single 120V power cord, with ample slack.

To accomplish this, I knew I’d need to somehow mount one or two power strips under the desk.  I looked at many options, and I was prepared to spend $20 to $50 for the right products.  But then, while shopping for an inexpensive surge protector, I chanced across a perfect solution at Big Lots: a “Small Under Shelf Basket” (pictured above right) for just $3.20 each. (I hadn’t found this product on Amazon before my visits to Big Lots, but now I see it offered on Amazon for $10 to $15.)

I bought two of these baskets, and placed them at the back of the desk.  I used a strap to bind them to the center post of the table, to reduce the risk that they might slide off.

I placed a surge protector/power strip in each basket, and plugged in my laptop, monitor, USB hub, and of course the desk itself.

Now, only a single power cord now carries power from the wall to the desk. Below, a couple of photos plus a video of the desk moving from its lowest to its highest setting.

3 Responses to “Cable Management for Adjustable Desks”

1. Rob says:

   August 24, 2015 at 7:32 am

   Hello:

   Re: I used a strap to bind them to the center post of the table, to reduce the risk that they might slide off.

   May I ask you to please post a picture or 2 of the strap – What type of strap are you referring to please?

   Thank you
   Rb

2. Mark Welch says:

   August 25, 2015 at 4:10 pm

   I’m not sure it matters; I think any string, wire, cable, or strap would work equally well.

3. Daniela says:

   October 30, 2015 at 5:33 am

   Hi! I’d be interested too in checking out pictures of how you attached the baskets! My desk just arrived! 🙂
   Thanks!