How to Choose the Right Office Desk

An office desk is an essential component of your workplace as it is the home of your computer, files, and other work-related accessories. An office desk is the cornerstone of your office. So, choosing the right one is crucial for a productive work environment. When you set out to buy an office desk, you must take into account a few factors. A thoughtful consideration before the purchase will pay you off in the form of work efficiency, comfort, and lasting peace of mind while a hastily made decision can prove to be a waste of time, energy, and resources. So where do you get started? We have put together this comprehensive blog post that covers everything you need to look for before buying an office desk. We have also discussed office desk options for home-based workplaces. So, let’s get started.

Factors You Need to Consider

The choice of a home desk differs from person to person depending on their unique styles and needs. You need to evaluate your own needs and then choose the desk that fulfills them best. Consider the following factors:

Desk Size

Desk size is one of the major factors you need to consider when choosing an office desk. Your desk size should allow you to work comfortably but not overwhelm the room space. If you work with a computer and you need to place a laptop too, you work with a lot of papers and files, you need a larger desk. The desk should be wide enough to comfortably rest your hands on it. But if your work doesn’t involve a lot of clutter, smaller desks might be the ideal option for you.

You should also consider the amount of space in your room. Your desk should not be so large that it impairs the ability to use other furniture items like storage cabinets and trashcans. It’s important to gauge your room measurements beforehand and then choose the desk that fits in your room most comfortably.

Large-sized office desks are best for open-plan offices. They serve team collaborations and allow multiple users to work on the same project at the same desk. But if your office is in a rented apartment, where space is at a premium, you should go for smaller desks.

Desk Height

The height of a desk should also be appropriate for an optimal workspace environment. If your table is higher than your sitting level, you’ll have to keep your head tilted upwards all the time which is, obviously, not very comfortable for your neck. You’ll also have to raise your arms and wrists for typing. On the other hand, a desk lower than your sitting level would require you to hunch over it you won’t have any space to place your legs comfortably.

According to the Cornell University Ergonomics Web, the height of your working surface should be 28-30 inches above the ground. This measurement is suited for most adults, but you should always try yourself first, considering your own posture and height, and then choose the one you’re most comfortable with. Another metric is that the desk should be of such height that you would be able to access the mouse and keyboard without any effort or strain.

Nowadays, you also find office desks with adjustable heights. So, if your needs change from time to time, you should definitely check out one.

Desk Color

Color is another thing that impacts your choice of an office desk. The choice of desk color entirely depends upon your taste. You should choose a color that complements the interior of your office. If bright and cheerful colors reflect your robust nature, you should go for them. If you wish to reflect serenity and professionalism, you might want to choose muted and neutral colors.

There’s always a wide spectrum of colors to choose from you go for the one that suits you best. The color of your desk should also add to and enrich the design of other furniture in your office. A cohesive office décor not only improves the look and feel of your office but also reflects your personality and brand values and also improves your productivity.

Storage Options

Storage of a desk is also a crucial feature that you need to look for when buying an office desk. Do you work in your office for eight hours a day? You might need storage for your files, phone chargers, bills, invoices, receipts printer papers, and books. An office desk with a lot of storage drawers and cabinets is the one for you.

If your office has other furniture like storage cabinets for taking care of these items, a simple desk with one or two drawers might be your ideal choice. Some desks also feature shelves that you can use to place things you need to access frequently, like a pen, and also for placing decoration items.

Comfortability

Comfortability is undoubtedly the most important feature of an office desk and the entire workspace in general. If your desk isn’t comfortable enough, you are not going to work efficiently, and you might destroy your posture and cause several health issues. Make sure that there is enough space underneath, so your legs don’t get cramped. Other features like padded seats, armrests, and adjustable height are some other features that further improve comfort.

In addition to the desk, your office chair should also support your body well. It should neither be hard as a rock nor cozy as a sofa sleeper. You should be able to work to your maximum capacity without being dizzy.

If you work on a computer, a desk with a slide-out tray feature is very comfortable to have. It’s usually not convenient to place a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories on the same surface. A slide-out tray helps you to place your keyboard and mouse on it. For ultimate use, try to place your wrists on the stray-out tray as well. This will help in preventing wrist strain while typing. Placing a nonstick mat under it prevents it from drifting. Using a wireless keyboard and mouse will add to your luxury.

Durability

Your desk should be made of high-grade material. Buying a quality desk may seem an expensive investment but such a desk would be durable and fulfill your office needs for several years. A cheap desk, on the other hand, will only cost you more money down the road as you’ll have to replace it due to premature wear and tear. An office desk made of real hardwood and tempered steel is much more likely to stand the test of time than a plastic desk.

Ergonomic Considerations Before Buying an Office Desk

Sitting for forty-plus hours a week, staring at a screen or documents, with negligible breaks in between can cause serious health issues. These include neck strain, wrist strain, back pain, ankle strain, and posture problems among others. To mitigate these dangerous effects, it’s important to choose the right desk and optimize its usage in the light of following ergonomic guidelines.

Adjust your chair so that your back is properly supported.
Your knees should be a bit lower than your hips.
Your wrists and arms should be straight, resting on the table, and parallel to the floor.
Your work screen should be at least 20 inches away from you.
The top of the screen should be at your eye level or at a slightly lower angle of 10-20 degrees.
If you need to call frequently, use a headset to prevent neck strain.
Arrange the height of the desk such that the upper arms are in line with your torso and the angle between your upper arms and forearms is between 90 to 110 degrees.
Sit-stand desks help users to work while standing and reduce health concerns.

Different types of Office Desks

Office desks are available in every design, shape, and color. And there is definitely one to suit your workplace. Whether you have a wide and spacious office or a small and tight apartment, there’s an office desk for your needs. The following are some of the most common designs that are used in a variety of offices.

Executive desks are used in large offices. They often have a double pedestal and box drawers. They provide a single workspace and provide substantial storage capacity.
Computer drawers are ideal if you work on a computer and its accessories like CPU towers and printers. These desks usually have dedicated space for each component of a computer system.
Compact desks are optimum for limited-space offices and private apartments.
L-shaped desks are one main desk and a small accessory desk at a right angle that makes the L-shaped design. They are suitable for executive offices and team collaboration.
U-shaped desks are one of the largest-sized desks. They have a main desk, a bridge, and a credenza creating a U shape.
Adjustable height standing desks allow you to smoothly adjust the height of your working surface. These can be used to work both in a sitting and standing position.
Writing desks are minimalist desks that offer a large working surface and very limited storage options.
Laptop stands feature a flat surface for placing a laptop and minimal to no storage space.
Corner desks, as you might expect, are designed to fit into a corner. They are ideal for tight quarters.
Left-handed office desks have their features revered to that of a similar right-handed desk. They are more handy for lefties.
Modular desks are easy to assemble and disassemble and can be rearranged quickly. They are the best choice if you change your work environment frequently.

Choosing Home Office Desks

An office desk is the core of your home office setup just as it is of a traditional office setting. If you work from home, there are certain perks like you get to decide the design and aesthetics of your workspace without anyone’s interference. But there are also some drawbacks like you might have to face much more distractions. So, you must optimize your work environment to the best of its capacity to level up your productivity. Let’s see how you should choose an office desk for your home setup.

Some Factors to Consider While Choosing a Home Office Desk

The factors we discussed earlier for an office setup also play a role in your choice of a desk for home office setup. The size of your room will determine whether you can opt for a larger desk or a smaller, simpler option like a laptop stand. If you need more space for storage, desks with drawers and extra storage options are available. It's also important to choose a high-quality, durable material for lasting use.

If you prefer more variety in your workspace, a modular desk that can adjust to your changing moods and needs is a good option. Consider the nature and intensity of your work when choosing a desk - if you work for long hours in one place, you may need a dedicated chair and table, but if you frequently switch your workspace, a portable option like a desk with wheels or a foldable laptop stand would be better.

Your personal style and aesthetic preferences should also be taken into account when choosing a desk that complements your room's interior design. Budget is another important factor, with desks available at all price points. Prioritize spending on a good chair and table, and then consider other furniture pieces like storage cabinets if your budget allows.

Various Home Office Desk Setup Options

When it comes to desks, there are several options available to suit different needs and preferences.

Traditional desks are simple and functional, often featuring storage options like drawers or shelves.
Wall-mounted desks save floor space and offer built-in storage.
Desk with wheels features portability and generous storage.
Standing desks help you avoid laziness and health issues.
Credenza desks feature space carved out for your legs and provide generous storage options.
Computer desks are designed to accommodate your specific needs, your work primarily on a computer.
For those who want to combine work with exercise, there's the option of a desk with a treadmill. they can fit under your existing standing desk and allow you to lose weight while you work.

Office Desk Options for Small Home Spaces

There are also a lot of office desk options for those living in small and compact apartments. They also provide a great deal of functionality while occupying much less space.

If you primarily use a laptop and would prefer not to purchase a new desk, there are various laptop stands available that are space-efficient and promote a tidy work environment.
L-shaped desks offer exceptional space-saving solutions.
Bed tray desks and sofa tray desks are flat lightweight work surfaces that enable you to work while seated or lying on a sofa or bed.
Folding desks are typically small, flat desks that can be folded and stored away when not in use.
Ladder desks are modular desks that can be assembled and disassembled effortlessly, making them fit into small and compact spaces.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to setting up your workspace, the office desk is the main item you need. There are many different types of desks available, each with its own features. Choosing the right one for you depends on what you need and like. You should think about things like the color, size, height, durability, storage space, and how comfortable it is to use. If you work from home, there are many different options available to suit your needs and the space you have. Ultimately, you should choose a desk that will help you be productive and that you like the look of. It's important to take your time and consider all the practical, aesthetic, and ergonomic factors before making your decision.