What to Consider When Choosing a Home Office Desk

Desks are the heart of your home office. Whether you’re setting up a new office or upgrading your current one, choosing the right desk is essential for your comfort, productivity levels, and overall working-from-home experience. In this guide, we share our top tips for picking the perfect home office desk for you.

In short, you need to think about the space you have available and the needs you need to accommodate for. Your desk should be an appropriate width and depth for your computer, mouse and other essential items, as well as offer storage where you need it. However, you should also consider ergonomics. An office desk that lets you adjust the height (a standing desk) has been proven to be better for your mental and physical health. In addition to this, choosing a desk that fits your style and meets your budget is important. 

What Type of Desk Do You Need?

There are a wide range of desk types to choose from, and you need to determine which one is going to be the best for your needs. Consider the nature of your work: Are you primarily using a laptop, or do you need space for additional monitors, paperwork and other tasks? As well as the space you have available in the room itself. The most popular types of desks are as follows. 

• Computer Desk: The most common type of home office desk available. A computer desk features space for a laptop, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It will often include a cable management system and, sometimes, built-in drawers or shelves. 
• Writing Desk: A writing desk is a simple and minimalist desk, with a flat surface and minimal storage. These desks are commonly seen in children's' rooms or smaller offices.
• Folding Desk: A compact, portable desk that can be folded down and stored when not in use.
• Corner Desk: A corner desk is designed to fit into a corner of a room. As a result, it is often used in small or awkward spaces where a "traditional" desk won't fit. 
• Standing Desk: A standing desk is a height-adjustable desk that allows you to switch between sitting and standing positions. These desks promote better posture and reduce the risk of sedentary-related health issues. 
• Wall-Mounted Desk: A wall-mounted desk is attached directly to the wall, saving floor space. It can be foldable or fixed, and is most often found in small home offices. 

Is The Desk Ergonomic?

Working from home at your desk for hours at a time in an unnatural position is bad for your spine and overall health. Make sure that the desk you choose allows you to maintain good posture and meet the following requirements: 

• Your desk should be at a height that allows your elbows to rest at your sides, with your forearms parallel to the ground. 
• Ensure that your feet can rest flat on the ground, and that your knees are level or just lower than  your hips.
• The monitor should also be at arm's length away from your face, no closer to you than 20 inches (about 50 centimetres) and no further away than 40 inches (about 100 centimetres).
• Sit upright, and use your chair's lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of your lower back. Relax your shoulders, and avoid keeping them high or hunched up.

How Big Is Your Space?

Having a desk that is too small can cause repeated interruptions as you shuffle things around to access what you need, and having one that is too large can be an unnecessary expense while taking up too much room.

Thus, it is important that you evaluate the available space in your home office. Measure the dimensions with care, and consider the desk's placement relative to other furniture, windows, and electrical outlets. Use these measurements to avoid choosing a desk that's too small (or too large) for your space.

If space is tight, you might want to consider a desk designed for small spaces, such as a corner or folding desk. 

Do you Need Additional Storage Space?

Consider how much storage you need, and the types of items you might need to store, such as documents or office supplies. Desks with built-in drawers and shelves can help keep your workspace organised and clutter-free. However, these are often larger than the average desk, making them unsuitable for small spaces. 

What Is Your Budget?

Home office desks come in a wide range of prices, from budget options to high-end models. Determine your budget before you start to shop so you don't overspend. However, keep it flexible within this; the make, model, shape, material, and accessories will increase or decrease the price.

You need to find the best value for your budget, but this doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest option. Look for a desk that meets your needs and will provide long-term satisfaction. A desk should be treated like a long-term investment.

What Style is Your Office?

Finding the perfect desk for a domestic setting is in many ways a more difficult challenge than a commercial equivalent. After all, while an ugly desk at work might not be ideal, at least you can leave it there. When it comes to your desk at home, it’s more important it suits your décor and taste.

Consider the materials, colours and style of your desk. Common materials for desks include solid wood, veneer, metal, and glass. Some desks also offer customisable options, such as different tops, drawer configurations and cable management solutions, to meet your needs.

At Ergo Desks, we offer a range of colour options for both the worktops and desk base to ensure that we can provide a product that doesn’t just function, but that you can take pride in. It’s also worth noting that we sell individual desk frames that allow you to place any worktop that you can think of on top. 

Conclusion

For those of you still sitting at the dining table, struggling on the couch with a laptop on your lap, or even hunched over a coffee table, it’s time to upgrade! Consider your specific needs, available space, ergonomic requirements, aesthetic tastes and budget, and invest in a desk that will serve as the foundation of your workspace and support your best work.