March 28, 2024

A Showcase of Workstations that’ll Make You Jealous

Whether you’re a designer, developer, animator, or blogger, your workstation plays a major role in how you get things done. Some of us like a neat, clean, and inspiring workspace, while others require a crazy over-the-top hardware configuration.

In this article, we’ve compiled a showcase of photos that will give you workstation envy. The thing about workstations is that even if you have a nice one, seeing another awesome setup can make you a bit jealous.

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Henry Jones is a web developer, designer, and entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience. He is the founder of WDL and ThemeTrust.

190 Comments

  1. Nathan Reply

    Whoh… Now what’s what being a geek means. I greatly enjoy watching such workstations, it keeps me motivated to work day by day, perhaps someday I’ll get such workstation on my own.

  2. Peach Reply

    All of them are great workstations. I wish I had such an environment in my workstation, currently not possible though with all the crap on my desk 😀

  3. Dutch Reply

    So where’s the part where I get jealous? I only see a few clean workstations, the rest is just a load of clutter and cables running everywhere, as well as a very unproductive environment.

  4. David Reply

    I have two screens and I can see why some people might need a third one. But what’s the point in having more than three screens? It’s just ridiculous, I might even say retarded. Stop showing off the 8 screens because at the end of the day we all know you’ll just use it to watch porn.

  5. Daniel Winnard Reply

    Great post.

    I think a lot of them are a bit over the top, but still some nice gear on show. I have only a PC and and a Power Mac, so I have serious workstation envy looking at these.

  6. Cg Reply

    Most of them look like the workstation of a casino supervisor who happens to be gay! its just theyre so messy. but just a few of them look professional. cause a professional designer wouldnt let its working environment negatively affect his creativity or limit the kinds of styles he can think about.
    loved the grass thing. my next project needs a peaceful design, and that grass could help me a lot through it!

  7. Seannachie Reply

    Some of the workstations are great and I’m truly envious…others just look like people are trying to see how many monitors they can possibly cram into a work area – what’s the point? Nice inspirational post.

  8. Joel Reply

    I like about half a dozen, and the rest look like there were door-crasher specials at best buy! Cool, but I think I’d go crazy with more than dual monitors…

    thanks for this post 🙂

  9. Thinker Reply

    I don’t see any purpose of having more than one LCD. Time of moving your head and getting focus to other monitor is same, as switching windows. Some time ago I had 2 monitors, but its really hard to work that way, so I sold smaller one. One 27″ fullhd is enough for me 🙂

    I think the best workplace is the one with windows above head.

  10. Pasz.nl Reply

    I used to have a dual monitor setup before I used Macs but somehow I can work just fine on one in Mac OS X.

    The funny thing is I hardly use Expose. I just [cmd] + [tab] to the app I need to work in and then [cmd] + [~] to cycle thought the windows.

    I actually think having more than two monitors can be counter productive. I think that focusing on one thing at a time gives you better results, faster.

    Plus using less monitors saves the planet :P.

  11. Amos Reply

    Pretty brutal.. worth watching…

    But let’s get real, for those of us who are always at a hurry trying to finish something are not close to have such a clean desktop…

  12. FYI Reply

    Just so’s ya know, two of the photos show the same office but in different stages. Stefan Didaks old office and his new one are both listed, apparently.

  13. mary Reply

    The guy with “facial expression gradient” was funny although personally, I’d love to work at #10 (the attic-looking office with glass ceiling)

  14. Chad Engle Reply

    Even though some of those aren’t really usable…. they are still awesome. I can’t see being effective above 3 screens just too much going on. (unless you are monitoring stuff)

  15. Jepchumba Reply

    You are right I am jealous. I am in the midst of building my office at home and this is great inspiration. I have the perfect office with great light and space all I need to have is the perfect setup and this is great inspiration.

    1. working on mine Reply

      It all depends on what you’re doing, once you have wide screen you’ll find square are well square. And the better montiors do rotate just like in the 9th picture from the bottom.

  16. Mark Reply

    All these pictures that don’t show an unmanageable number of screens or have major glare issues look like cramped home offices. I think I’ll go for a standard cubicle with only one or two screens and possibly a laptop.

  17. Ivan Reply

    Nice collection – there are some set ups which are impractical and don’t think people need that many monitors. (one monitor as a clock – that’s ridiculous.)
    Hopefully they also spend money getting renewable energy at their place.

  18. Konraden Reply

    Can’t help but notice the over abundance of Macs in this series. Having an apple product does not automatically make your workspace “fantastic.” Some of these are legitimate (skylights, anyone?), but many of these are just glamour shots of Apple hardware.

    And I have to agree with Cotswolds: Always just want one more monitor. I have two, plus a 30″ TV, and I’m constantly moving back and forth between them all.

  19. Larry Reply

    I got 37 screens in my workplace, all of which serve an individual purpose 24/7. Wish I could post a pic. It would put the rest of these noobs to shame. Plus the view is one of a kind, and I get paid six figs for this…not including pennies. lol suckers

  20. LarryIsLying Reply

    Seriously Larry? 37 monitors? LMAO I’m a computer programmer and I use 3 monitors, and make 6 figs. Assuming you had 8 computers on a kvm switch, each with 2 graphics cards with dual output, that’s still only 32 monitors capable of being used. So I guess you have like what, 9 or 10 computers running at the same time? I’d hate to get your electric bill… But being logical, I know you’re just trying to show off and make people think you’re cool. Some will believe you, but those who know anything about technology, bills and liars on the internet will see right through this. BTW, almost all of these setups are lame.

    1. working on mine Reply

      You beat me too it I was going to ask how many computers, video cards (type) and all myself. But he did say workplace not home office and if I were to count what my workplace has… LOL

  21. Alison Rowan Reply

    I suppose it depends what you do, but I really can’t see anything beyond 3 monitors being practical. It’s one of those things that intrigues me, and makes me want to watch over someone’s shoulder–I want to see these stations in use, and just how their owners make proper use of them.

  22. chris Reply

    Hey guys, I love blog posts with this type of content. So much that I created a website to go along with it. check out http://www.theultimateworkstation.com – we showcase a large variety of workstations, and allow you to tag them up with hyperlinks so others can find the cool products in your photo – online! Come check us out! Tell us what you think.

  23. Solomon Reply

    So having millions of monitors will make me jealous? I don’t think so. Two computers is probably the best setup, due to easy troubleshooting/fixes/multitasking/etc.

  24. Macca Reply

    Like sitting in a NOC or an MCR with the screens right up to your face.. Wouldnt like to know how thse people would feel after sitting there for 8 hours 5 days a week no matter how cool it looks. lol

  25. Chris Reply

    I’m surprised at the quantity over quality approach taken with most of these. Looking over the screens used, presumably, for visual design I’m shocked at the number of cheap TN panels. Yes, Apple fanboys, that includes the iMacs.

    I saw one setup (#1) with Samsung SM206BW screens, which are about as good as TN gets, but if we’re working on visual design we should be spending our hard-earned on good quality IPS panels with decent colour reproduction.

  26. Nick Soper Reply

    There are some silly rigs out there, but all are so right but overkill 😀

    My personal favorite is the 6th workspace, but I can’t help thinking that it never stays that clean for long.

    1. xNickD Reply

      I second this. It kind of pissed me off that there were some shots of normal workstations but with ONE iMac. Like really, what is there to be jealous of there? A clean desk?

      And I’m not necessarily being anti-mac here (but I am), it’s just that a clean workstation with one computer doesn’t really make me jealous.

  27. ice Reply

    I’ve come to think that mac is the ultimate solution to everything now…after reading a few posts today…

    BUT I use a HP laptop running Windows 7…

  28. James Reply

    Wow, some awesome systems, but my GOD what are you doing with all those screens? I mean some of these shots put NORAD to shame.

    Thanks for this article.

    1. Shokz Reply

      A Mac Pro is disgustingly bad for for the price. Build it yourself and cut the cost be 50% and get better components while you’re at it.

  29. Doug Glass Reply

    I am so glad I actually have a life and get outside as much as possible. Poor fellows who built these contraptions did at least brighten up their basement hovel.

  30. mark Reply

    the second one doesnt make me jealous at all… it makes me feel bad for whoever owns a mac and a macbook… what a waste of money that could have been used to buy a good pc

  31. Kyle Reply

    OMG! 4th pic from the bottom, on the top shelf, the black & silver com with the blue circles, i have that same one 🙂

  32. Len Palitti Reply

    Extremely interesting post thanks for writing it I have added your blog to my bookmarks and will be back 🙂 By the way this is a little off topic but I really like your web page layout.

  33. SI Reply

    the ones with tons of monitors give me a headache just looking at them. would never want to get near those work stations. the 5th one just looks like some awful clutter. hahah. but i love all the simple clean spaces. i could actually concentrate in those!

  34. Liam Reply

    My 19 inch wide-screen monitor seems quite inferior now. I find that although a lot of these are absolutely brilliant designs, some of them to me look slightly cluttered. But overall some great ideas there!

  35. Joey Reply

    “I could understand the Mom or I heart Wanda…But why the Reaper?” – Airheads

    In other words…why all the screens? One even had his set up by the shower. They should post their light bill next to these pictures.

  36. sig Reply

    had a setup like that once. more screens doesn’t really improve productivity. one screen is enough.

    The 10th one is amazing though.

  37. Really Now Reply

    Some of those were amazing, especially the ones where the had two whole Apple computers and weren’t completely in debt!

  38. Avi Reply

    If you could afford that many monitors in picture fifteen, why would you be siting on a folding chair??

    I am fond of number twenty-seven. Comfort and research at my fingertips…valuable.

  39. Tess Reply

    Wow, how do you get something done if you have to focus on so many screens … that’s what I call multitasking 😉 I am more for a neat and clean workspace. Pure and simple to keep you focused, but cosy though. Like the one with the tree in the room … would love to work there. Thanks for sharing this it’s pretty interesting to see how other people are working.

  40. James Reply

    Interesting, but lousy ergonomics! If any of you are motivated to upgrade your workstations be sure to investigate proper ergonomics beforehand. Many of these users are suffering from back pain, neck pain, eye strain and other repetitive motions disorders. Flash isn’t always comfortable or productive.

  41. JOhn Reply

    you know this showcase almost made me jealous and then i realized the majority of the workstations are macs….. so i lol’d

  42. tat2ddeviant Reply

    Multiple screens come in really handy when you have to utilize multiple apps to complete consolidated task.
    For example, I use 3 monitors:

    Monitor 1- Hosted Databases for multiple client sites (45+)
    Monitor 2- Test Environment Virtual Machine/Production VM
    Monitor 3- Help desk software/email/web browsing

    I can’t imagine having to do all that w/ fewer than say 2 monitors.

    1. Chad Reply

      I guess so… didn’t see anything inspirational in ANY of these pictures, except maybe #29… he’s got a lot of sh*! happening there!

      Also, 28 and 30 are the same bloody workstation with different lighting…

      Multiple screens are NOT the be-all end-all of workstation envy. They’re a common thing when you’re talking about a “work”station.

  43. DvC Reply

    Is it sad that I don’t find many of these workstations impressive? I have 4 monitors and a 55 Inch LED TV. Also my laptop.

    Multiple screens are usually good for working with media, security camera/software, or stock trading, etc. Also if you want to see your music playlist while playing a game and display your social networking feeds. I definitely recommend multiple monitors for multi-taskers. 😀

  44. Scribble Reply

    There are quite a few tasks in product development and visualization that require a multiple screen setup. For instance, when it comes to preparing visuals for immersive applications to be displayed on a gigapixel powerwall or CAVE, not every developer will have one of those connected to his workstation.

    I’m happy to confine myself to the macbook-and-cinema-display solution though.

  45. Jonzy Reply

    Just think how difficult it would be to close if your parents walk in RIGHT when your watching porn on ALL the screens in pic 15 XD

  46. Secdoom Reply

    Too much clutter for me….And not energy efficient….Money down the drain if you ask me for toys for boys….If someone wants to feel like cpt. Picard than maybe other than that 20+ ” inches is more than enough. And regarding running db software + Citrix / VM / rdp + ticketing tools + help desk software and whatever else you can think of, it can be done on 1 screen, 17″, worked like this for some time for a major IT company 😉

  47. James Reply

    Some of these are very pretty. But I don’t like multiple screens myself, even though I’m a programmer. Anything other than the one two feet in front of me is too far away, or too distorted by the viewing angle. They’re over rated.

  48. Pete S Reply

    Multiple screens are an absolute must if you are using more than one application at a time and want to be productive. For instance if you writing a document and in order to do that need to find information on the web, in other emails and perhaps from other documents. Multiple screens lets you view all information at the same time and saves you from having to flick back and forth between applications all the time.

    Linux and Mac OSX also comes natively with virtual desktops so you can have several complete desktops that you can easily switch between. That’s a great feature for power users.

    I’m a developer and have three monitors with 12 virtual desktops. So in reality access to 36 monitors when working but only three at a time. But three is just not enough for me so I’ve been looking to go to six monitors.

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