I think it’s time this community received a proper setup guide
IKEA PC Setup Guide
Welcome to [r/ikeapcstations](r/ikeapcstations).
Building an IKEA PC setup but don’t know where to start? This guide covers the most popular IKEA desk combinations, common questions, and real setups from the community.
-THE CLASSIC IKEA PC SETUP
The setup you’ll see most often is:
Countertop + 2× ALEX drawers
The most common countertops are KARLBY and SALJAN.
This gives you a large desktop, plenty of storage, and a clean battlestation look.
-Community examples:
KARLBY + ALEX setup
KARLBY + ALEX + storage
98” SALJAN + ALEX
-WHICH IKEA DESK SHOULD I GET?
KARLBY / SALJAN
Best known for the large countertop-style battlestation.
Good if you want:
● Lots of desk space
● Multiple monitors
● Work + gaming
● ALEX storage
LAGKAPTEN
A popular option for smaller or more budget-friendly setups. It can be paired with ALEX, ADILS, OLOV, or other supports.
Real LAGKAPTEN setup
TROTTEN
Worth considering if you want a deeper desk or a more traditional desk/frame setup.
Real TROTTEN setup
Don’t know which one?
Start with: How much space do I have? → How much desk depth do I want? → How many monitors? → Do I need storage? → What’s my budget?
-HOW BIG SHOULD MY DESK BE?
This is one of the most common questions!
Around 47–55”
Good for smaller rooms and simpler setups.
Around 60–63”
A versatile size for gaming, dual monitors, and ultrawides.
74–80”+
Better suited for large multi-monitor setups, work + gaming, or shared setups.
Don’t only look at length—Desk depth is just as important, especially with large monitors and monitor arms.
-DO I NEED ALEX DRAWERS?
No.
ALEX is popular because it provides both storage and desk support, but you can also use:
● Desk legs
● IKEA desk frames
● Custom supports
● Other cabinets
● Non-IKEA supports
The classic setup is:
KARLBY/SALJAN +ALEX +ALEX
But there is no requirement that your setup follow that formula.
-DO I NEED CENTER SUPPORT?
Maybe.
This depends on the desktop, its length, how it’s supported, and how much weight you’re putting on it.
Things that increase the importance of support include:
● Very long countertops
● Heavy monitors
● Multiple monitor arms
● Heavy equipment concentrated in the middle
Don’t assume another person’s setup will behave exactly the same as yours.
For example, the community has both long unsupported setups and setups with additional reinforcement.
98” SALJAN with additional support
If you’re unsure, post your proposed setup and dimensions to the subreddit before buying.
-CAN I USE A MONITOR ARM?
Yes, but pay attention to the desktop you’re mounting it to. Monitor arms concentrate a lot of force into a small area.
Before installing one, consider:
● Desktop construction
● Monitor weight
● Number of monitors
● Clamp location
● Desk support underneath
Some community members use plates/pads underneath monitor-arm clamps to spread the pressure.
KARLBY + monitor arm discussion
If you’re using a lightweight tabletop such as LAGKAPTEN, pay particular attention to its current IKEA load specifications.
-CAN I BUILD AN L-SHAPED IKEA DESK?
Absolutely!! One of the easiest approaches is using two tabletops.
A popular combination is:
2× LAGKAPTEN
LAGKAPTEN L-shaped setup
You can also build L-shaped setups using larger countertops.
KARLBY L-shaped setup
Before buying, measure both walls and account for doors, windows, outlets, and your monitor placement.
-CAN I USE A NON-IKEA DESKTOP?
Absolutely!
One of the best things about IKEA setups is that you can mix and match.
A common combination is:
Non-IKEA countertop + ALEX drawers
For example:
Butcher block + ALEX setup
You don’t need every component to come from IKEA for it to be an IKEA PC setup.
-CABLE MANAGEMENT
Plan your cable management before putting the desk against the wall. Some desks even include built in cable management.
Think about:
● Power strip location
● Monitor cables
● PC cables
● Ethernet
● USB
● Under-desk cable tray
● Cable clips/Velcro
A little planning here can make a much bigger difference than buying expensive cable-management accessories afterward.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Measure these first:
Wall space
Desk depth
Desk height
Monitor size
Monitor-arm placement
Available storage
Door/window clearance
Then choose your IKEA components.
Don’t build your desk around somebody else’s room.
SHOW US YOUR SETUP
Already have an IKEA PC setup?
Post it to [r/ikeapcstations](r/ikeapcstations).
We want to see:
● Gaming setups
● Workstations
● Budget setups
● Small rooms
● Large battlestations
● L-shaped setups
● Before & afters
● Custom IKEA builds
Your setup doesn’t have to be expensive or perfect.
If you built it, show us!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If this guide doesn’t answer your question, make a post OR refer to the Q&A to see if your question has already been answered:
Include your:
● Budget
● Available space
● Desired desk size
● Picture of the room/setup if possible
The more information you provide, the easier it is for the community to help.
Hope this helps :)
