Smart devices for your desk: get more out of the setup you have

You do not need to replace anything to make a desk setup feel better. A few smart plugs, a light or two and some simple routines can make it nicer to use and cheaper to run.

A Yuki Lab guide. Last checked: October 2026.

Start with the boring win: standby power

Speakers, monitors, chargers and gaming kit often keep drawing a little power when they look switched off. It is small per device, but it runs all night and every day you are away. A smart plug lets you cut the power on a schedule, or with one tap, without crawling under the desk.

Standby cost calculator

Find the standby watts on the device label, in its manual, or on a plug-in energy meter. Find your unit price on your electricity bill, since it varies by supplier and changes over time.

Standby watts Hours on standby per day Your price, pence per kWh

Plug safety. Check the maximum load printed on the plug against the device, and avoid cutting power to a PC while it is running or saving. Speakers, lamps, monitors and chargers are the usual safe choices.

Light the desk, not just the room

A soft light behind the monitor reduces the contrast between a bright screen and a dark wall, which many people find easier on the eyes. Smart bulbs and light strips let you change brightness and colour temperature without touching a switch. Cooler, brighter light suits daytime work, and warmer, dimmer light suits the evening.

One tap, whole scene

The real value comes from combining devices into routines. Here is how the presets in the Yuki Lab builder could translate into a real desk:

Work from home: Neutral, bright light. Monitor and speakers on. Everything else off.
Streamer: Accent colour behind the monitor, key light on, speakers on.
Budget gamer: Low room light, a single colour strip behind the screen, console or PC accessories powered up.
Cosy night: Warm and dim light, speakers at low volume, then a timer that switches things off for you.

Do not forget the speakers

A smart speaker is handy for voice control and timers, but as a music speaker it is usually less capable than a dedicated desk pair. If sound matters to you, put your budget into the speakers first, then use a smart plug to switch them on and off. Our guide to why cheap speakers sound thin explains what to look for.

Before you buy anything smart

Check compatibility. Matter is a standard designed to help devices from different brands work together, but support varies. Check the box and your existing app or hub.
Know what needs a hub. Wi-Fi devices connect directly to your router, while some other types need a hub or bridge.
Check the Wi-Fi band. Many smart plugs only use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so make sure yours is switched on.
Think about privacy. Devices with microphones or cameras should have a physical mute switch or shutter, and a clear privacy policy.
Start small. One plug and one light is enough to find out whether you will actually use it.