Home Office Setup for Small Business Owners: How I Built a Budget-Friendly, High-Performance Workstation as a UX Designer
- Gloria MacGillis
- May 1
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Once I committed to web design as my lifelong career, I dove deep into researching the perfect home office setup. As a UX designer, I naturally obsessed over every detail—I wanted a workspace that not only looked good but also delivered the best user experience for my own daily workflow.
Whether you're just launching your small business or have been at it for years, having the right tools can make all the difference. But figuring out what to buy can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. That’s why I’m sharing my personal, battle-tested setup: reliable, efficient, and budget-conscious tools that power my web design agency every day.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to build a dual-monitor workstation for only $2,000 to $3,000 in 2025. While I originally spent more, many of the products I’m still using today have held up beautifully and continue to perform like champs.
The best part? I keep this post updated as my setup evolves—so you're always seeing what I actually use and recommend right now.
Note: The links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. It won’t cost you anything extra, but I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase—helping me keep this kind of content coming!
The Ultimate Stationary Home Office Setup
If you mostly work from a dedicated home office, a Mac Mini is a game-changer. It offers incredible computing power in a compact, budget-friendly package—and gives you the flexibility to build a customized workspace around it.
What’s a Mac Mini?
It’s a powerful 8x8x2-inch desktop computer (without a monitor, keyboard, or mouse), allowing you to mix and match peripherals to your liking. Think of it as the command center of your work-from-home spaceship.
You don’t need the newest model either—Apple’s hardware is incredibly durable. For example, my 2012 MacBook Pro still runs (albeit slowly). The Mac Mini is fast, has 8GB of RAM (plenty for running tons of tabs, design tools, or video editing software), and starts with 256GB of storage—more than enough if you use cloud storage. Need more space? Upgrade to 512GB for around $70 or grab a 2TB external hard drive for just about the same price. In other words, you don't have to rely on the internal storage from Apple.
So now we have the Mac Mini, what should we purchase to go with it?
2 x Samsung 27" Monitors
These ultra-slim, 1080p curved monitors offer great graphics and a smooth refresh rate. I use two of them side by side, which makes multitasking effortless—like watching a tutorial on one screen while following along on the other, without constantly switching tabs. Personally, I don’t recommend ultra-wide 49" monitors for work. While they’re impressive for gaming, they’re less practical when you need to view and manage multiple full-size windows at once.
USB-C to HDMI Adapter
While each monitor typically comes with its own HDMI cable, the Mac Mini only includes one HDMI port. To set up a dual-monitor workspace, you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. It’s a simple, affordable solution that lets you fully take advantage of a multi-monitor setup without compromising on performance.
Dual Monitor Arm Stand
This adjustable dual-arm stand gives me complete control over monitor positioning—something I couldn’t achieve with other stands I’ve tried in the past. It’s highly flexible, allowing for tilt, swivel, height adjustment, and even full 90-degree rotation for vertical viewing. As a bonus, it includes two USB ports at the base for extra charging or connectivity needs, which is a great touch for keeping my setup clean and functional.
Vivo Electric 71 x 30 Standing Desk
When it comes to desk space, more is definitely better. While I don’t own this exact model (mine is a now-discontinued 60" x 30" desk), the Vivo 71" x 30" version is what I’d recommend if I were starting over. Depth is especially important—not just for monitor arms, but also for your sound system, accessories, and multitasking. If you’re like me and use an iPad alongside your main screen, having enough space to slide your keyboard back and still draw or spread out makes a huge difference in daily workflow.
PU Leather Office Chair
When it comes to an office chair, comfort is key—especially if you're sitting for long stretches. I personally never sit with my feet flat on the ground; I always cross my legs, so I needed a seat wide enough to accommodate that. I also wanted adjustable armrests and the ability to lean back, and this chair checks all those boxes.
I considered investing in real leather for durability, but the truth is, tastes change. I went with PU leather instead—it's still tough, super easy to clean, and more affordable. Plus, it comes in a clean, crisp white, which looks great now but won't feel like a big loss if I decide to switch styles later. Overall, I’m really happy with this purchase.
Anti-Fatigue Standing Desk Mat
Mine’s an older model that’s now discontinued, but this one is the closest match—just without the rolling ball. Fun fact: my chiropractor neighbor once visited my office and freaked out over this mat. She said it would be perfect for all her work-from-home clients with standing desks. And I agree. This comfort mat makes standing feel so natural that I often forget I’m not sitting. It cushions your feet, encourages better posture, and helps you stand longer without fatigue. Just one more piece of gear that supports a healthier, more productive workday at the computer.
Pebble Speakers
While the Mac Mini does have built-in audio, it’s basic at best—meant more for system prompts than actual listening. If you want quality sound, these compact Pebble speakers are small but surprisingly powerful. They deliver rich bass and clear audio at a very reasonable price. Although they support wireless connection, I prefer to keep them plugged in for the most stable and reliable performance.
iPhone as Webcam
If you have an iPhone XR or newer, you can use it as a webcam with your Mac Mini—and honestly, it delivers the best video quality I’ve ever experienced. It handles lighting (even tricky neon backgrounds) beautifully, making it perfect for video calls or content creation. If you need a dedicated webcam instead, the NexiGo Webcam is a solid budget-friendly option. I used it for several years; it had a few glitches over time but ultimately self-corrected and served me well.
Phone Holder
If you decide to use your iPhone as a webcam, you’ll need a phone holder that clamps securely to your desk. The one I use offers excellent flexibility and works well with just about any setup. That said, there’s a small quirk—my iPhone 11 Pro’s wide-angle lens captures more of the background than I’d like when it's in landscape mode. When I switch to portrait, the weight of the phone sometimes causes it to slowly slide out of the phone holder.
My workaround? Position the holder at a 45-degree angle (or whatever feels right for your setup) to keep it stable and control how much of the background is visible. One of the best parts of using an iPhone as your webcam is that no matter how it’s angled, your image stays properly oriented. Plus, adjusting the angle gives you total control over your frame. Pretty sweet, right?
Mac Mini M2 Mount
I use this mount to attach my Mac Mini under the desk, which frees up valuable surface space and keeps my workspace clean. Its ventilated design helps with heat dissipation, allowing the Mac Mini to run efficiently even during heavy use. As a bonus, if you choose to wall-mount it, the bracket lets you showcase the iconic Apple logo for a sleek, minimalist look.
Apple Magic Keyboard 2
Compact, clean, and built for Apple devices, the Magic Keyboard 2 connects via Bluetooth—so you won’t need to use any of your Mac Mini’s ports. It’s a sleek, minimalist option that just works, no extra clutter.
Or, Logitech Solar Keyboard
If I hadn’t gone with the Magic Keyboard, this would’ve been my pick. The solar-powered design means no charging—one less thing to worry about. While it does use a USB receiver, it’s worth the trade-off. Plus, its minimalist look pairs well with any Apple setup.
Apple Magic Mouse
Although you can't use the mouse while charging, it's still an excellent little mouse. It does charge quickly and encourage you to take a break. :p I did purchase a second mouse just in case.
Apple Magic Trackpad
Is it essential? Not exactly—but if you want to work more efficiently, I highly recommend it. There are times when being able to scroll with the trackpad while dragging with the mouse can seriously streamline your workflow. As a web designer and artist, I find this combo especially helpful for repetitive tasks.
Anker USB Hub
If you’ve followed this setup, this USB hub is more than enough to handle your accessories. It plugs directly into your Mac Mini and connects everything—speakers, webcam, even a USB receiver for your keyboard if needed. After adding a couple of charging cables, I still have a free port, plus an unused USB-C on the Mac Mini itself. Be strategic: devices that only need charging can use the USB ports on your monitor base or standing desk control panel—that’s three extra spots right there.
Magnetic Charging Cable
I wish I had found these sooner—charging would’ve been so much easier. With magnetic charging cables, you just plug a small tip into each device, and one cable can charge them all. No more fumbling for the right cable. It seriously cuts down on desk clutter and lets you use a single cord for multiple devices—I've got a cord at my desk, couch, bed, and car. The magnets are strong enough to hold the weight of a phone, and I even stick mine to my metal bed frame so it’s always right where I need it. Trust me—get these for your own sanity. Finally, if you need more of those cable tips for more devices, you can just buy more separately here.
Epson Eco Tank Wireless Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax ADF and Ethernet
Ever heard the saying, “They’re not selling the printer—they’re selling the ink”? It’s true. Most printers are cheap upfront because the manufacturers make their money on constant ink refills. That’s what makes the Epson EcoTank such a game-changer.
Instead of traditional cartridges, this printer uses refillable ink tanks, and the bottles it comes with are pure ink—no fluff. One set can easily last up to two years (or more) for typical home office use. Sure, the printer costs more upfront, but it pays off fast. Third-party ink sets are around $30 (and often come with an extra black bottle), or you can go with Epson’s original ink for about $44—and still get years of printing.
Not to mention, this printer does it all: scanning, copying, faxing, automatic document feeding, and even wired Ethernet. When you factor in all those features, the price feels like a steal.
Desk Pad
Totally optional—but a small detail that goes a long way. I use a reversible desk pad to give my all-white setup a pop of color. It’s a subtle way to change the vibe of your space without committing to anything permanent.
Beyond aesthetics, it protects your desk from scratches and wear, doubles as an oversized mouse pad, and makes writing on paper feel smoother and more comfortable. It’s one of those little things that quietly elevates your workspace.
Ergonomic Slope Mouse Pad + Keyboard Wrist Rest
If you’re working 5+ hours a day, this one’s a must-have. Your productivity is only as good as your comfort—and wrist pain is a real focus killer.
While I currently use a separate mouse pad and a hand-me-down keyboard rest from my husband, if I were to buy new, this is the set I’d go with. The sloped design offers full wrist support, making long hours of clicking and dragging feel effortless. It also comes with a matching keyboard rest and a coaster to keep your setup looking cohesive. Plus, there are tons of patterns to suit your style. Yes, it's an extra $31, but for the comfort and consistency it brings to your workflow, it’s totally worth it.
2 Drawer File Cabinet
Even in a mostly digital world, having a small but functional filing system is a game-changer. This compact file cabinet is perfect for organizing all things business—whether it's taxes, paperwork, books, or a dedicated spot for your printer. I'm currently only using one drawer, which gives me room to grow as my business expands.
It’s also a nice bonus that it’s stylish enough to sit in my Zoom background without looking clunky. If you’re a minimalist, you could stick to a simple binder—but I find having this dedicated space keeps everything organized and accessible.
Color Coded Hanging File Folders
Let’s talk about organizing the inside of those drawers. If you picked up that file cabinet, these hanging folders are the perfect match. The color-coding makes it easy to categorize everything—like taxes by year, business receipts, office equipment manuals, banking info, contractor details, and other important documents.
Label each folder clearly (especially your tax folders by year), and you’ll be able to keep things tidy and know exactly what’s where. Plus, it’s a good habit to discard outdated files to keep your drawer clutter-free and current.
Midea 8,000 BTU U Shaped Window AC
This one’s definitely optional—but again, comfort equals productivity.
I chose the sunniest room in the house for my office. It has two windows for natural light (because working in the dark is depressing), but it’s also on the top floor—which means it turns into a sauna in the summer. And with my rosacea, overheating isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s a real issue. Not to mention, spaghetti strap tops aren’t exactly Zoom-appropriate.
So, I finally bit the bullet and got the Midea U-Shaped Window AC—and it’s been a total game changer. It’s energy-efficient, super quiet, and cools the room without freezing out the rest of the house. Now, even on the hottest days, my office stays at the perfect temperature for focused, comfortable work.the hottest days.
Finally, how much does it cost to build a powerful work from home station in 2025?
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a powerful, efficient and comfortable home office. Invest in quality where it counts, and save where you can. This setup has helped me run a thriving web design agency from home—and I hope it helps you too. Here's the final cost breakdown at the time of the post updates:
Essential: $1,867.00
Mac Mini 2 256GB: $359
Samsung 27" Curved Monitor: $191 x 2
Huanuo Dual Monitor Stand: $120
Vivo Electric 71" x 30" Standing desk: $400
PU Leather Office Chair: $335
Uni USB C to HDMI Adapter 4K: $8
Creative Pebble V3 Desktop Speakers: 40
NexiGo 1080P Business Webcam: $40
Apple Magic Keyboard 2: $67 or Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard: $75
Apple Magic Mouse: $69
Anker USB Hub 4 Ports: $8
Mouse pad and keyboard rest: $31
Optional: $1098
2TB external hard drive: $70
Anti-Fatigue Standing Desk Mat: $79
iPhone as webcam: You already have that so I won't count it.
Jsaux Phone holder: $25
Mac Mini Mount: $19
Apple Magic Trackpad: $129
Magnetic Charging Cable Pack: $21
Magnetic Charging Cable Tips: $12
Epson Eco Tank Wireless Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax ADF and Ethernet: $240
Afritee Desk Pad: $15
2 drawer File Cabinet: $156
Midea 8,000 BTU U Shaped Window AC: $332
It's crazy to think that you can setup your entire workstation for just $1,867 to $2,965. That's about the price of the newest 16" MacBook Pro! Have questions or want help picking the right gear for your needs? Drop a comment—I’d love to help!
Want to know what software subscriptions actually worth paying for? Check out this blog post and we'd love to hear your thoughts too!
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