What desk is the right office desk for you? The answer depends on several factors, including the space you have available, what you intend to use the desk for, and your personal style preferences.
Contents
1. Desk size
Everyone loves a large desk where you have room for all your office supplies, computer monitor(s), papers and maybe some décor. However, a large desk can quickly get messy, and you might not have room for it if your home office is located in one of the smaller rooms in your home – or maybe just in a corner of your living room. To begin with, consider what size of desk is right for you. There are different things to consider:
Depth
If you plan to use the desk for work requiring both a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, it should be as deep as possible, with a minimum of 60 cm. The larger your monitor, the greater the desk depth you will need. If you mainly use it for paperwork or working on a laptop, a desk with a depth of 45 cm may suffice.
Width
If you have a single monitor, your desk should be at least 120 cm wide. This will provide you with enough space for keyboard, mouse, documents and accessories as well. If you use two monitors, a desk width of at least 130-140 cm is recommended.
Height
Finally, consider the height. Most standard desks are around 75 cm tall, but if you like standing up while working, a standing desk can be right for you. A standing desk allows you to change your position several times a day, and this can help prevent strain on your neck and back.
Also check out our guide to choose the right office chair
2. Desk with storage
When you are shopping for home office furniture, it is always wise to consider storage solutions. Do you need a desk with storage or a separate drawer unit for your new working space or home office? Some desks have built-in drawers while others have a shelf underneath the tabletop or a combination of both, allowing you to both keep clutter out of sight and access important papers quickly.
The storage space can also be located on the side of the desk, so you have more space for your legs. Drawers and cabinets each have their benefits. Drawers are ideal for organizing papers and notepads, while cabinets can store bigger items for you, such as boxes with files or computer accessories.
3. Choose the right style
While it is important that the functionality of the desk suits your needs and the space that you have available, you should also consider its overall look and expression. If the desk is intended for a corner of your living room, it is specifically important to find one that is in line with your existing design. But even if you have a room dedicated for a home office, choosing a desk with a design that appeals to your personal taste – whether elegant, romantic, minimalist, or any other style – will enhance your workspace.
Get more tips to decorate your home office
Gaming desk
If you are (or your child is) an eager gamer, a standard desk might be suitable. Instead, opt for a gaming desk, with cup holder, headphone holder and maybe even LED lights.
4. Materials
Desks, like other home office furniture, come in different materials with metal, laminate, veneer and wood being among the most common.
Solid wood, veneer and laminate all add warmth to a room. These materials are durable and easy to clean with laminate being more stain-resistant than the others. Still, it is a good idea to take precautions and use coasters for drinks.
Metal desks offer a modern aesthetic to the home office. They have a colder feel than other materials which some people prefer throughout the workday.
5. Examples
1. You often work from home and use multiple monitors
You have dedicated a room in your home to a home office and you spend up to 8 hours at your desk and need room for notepads, your mobile phone, a coffee mug, headset and maybe a plant pot or other décor.
Our recommendation
We recommend a large desk, possibly a standing desk that allows you to change your position throughout the day. You can find cordless standing desks, operated by gas lift, as well as electric standing desks that require a nearby outlet. Also consider a gaming desk with a headphone holder and a cup holder to maximize tabletop space.
2. You spend one to two hours at a time at the desk
Your take care of online correspondence, check news and do online shopping on your laptop. You don’t have a dedicated office but carry your laptop with you to wherever there is an available seat and tabletop.
Our recommendation:
Consider a small, decorative desk that can double as a console table, or one that matches the existing style in your home. Make sure that the desk has storage space so you can put away your laptop and paperwork when you don’t use it.
3. You are a student, and you want to do your homework and assignments at the desk
You have multiple textbooks that you use to look up quotes or formulas. You live in a studio apartment, or maybe a dorm room, and so you don’t have much space for a desk.
Our recommendation:
We suggest a desk with room for your laptop as well as extra space for your textbooks and notepads. Opt for one with storage space, so you keep your materials organized when you are not studying – this helps you better enjoy your time off.
With these conditions in mind, you are ready to go shopping for your new office desk. At JYSK our skilled staff is always happy to assist you.
