Re:power points, shelves and lighting (Score 2)

Some additions from a decade in my labs...

Power points - you cannot have enough, but plan them.

• Don't place them too low to the benchtop. Many devices these days run off plugpacks and they need more clearance than the standard plug.
• Use a combination of narrowly spaced and widely spaced sockets (plug packs again)

LAN - at least some access is a must.

• A desktop switch is just as convenient as multiple sockets, requires less patching further afield, and allows for you to isolate the lab when necessary.

Computers

• These days a laptop is more convenient and requires less space than a full blown desktop.
• With just a little planning you don't need parallel ports any more.
• You can still find laptops with a serial port if really necessary.

Toolchest

• use a tool chest on wheels
• choose one that has shallow slide out drawers - it really helps you avoid filling it up with clutter and helps ensure [others / you] keep it organised

Electronics supplies

• Work it in with your toolchest (if appropriate)
• Plastic specimen phials are a great way of keeping a couple of sizes of all the passive electronic components close to hand, organised, without taking much space.

Soldering station

• Have a decent permanent station with fume extraction / filtering.
• Have the right tools - it saves you plenty of time from fixing poorly done jobs.

Decent lighting, microscope

Plenty more, but that'll do for now.