Choosing the right desk for your home is crucial for productivity and comfort. The first step to finding your perfect desk is to understand how you will use it.

Are you someone who needs space for multiple monitors and storage or do you just need room for a laptop and keypad? Do you enjoy moving around during your workday or prefer to sit still to focus? Figuring out how you will use your desk will help you find to the perfect fit for you and your work style.

How deep should your desk be?

By understanding how you interact with your desk, you will know what depth complements your needs. The average desk depth is between 20” to 30”, with the most common depths between 24” and 30”.

Depth depends on several different factors, such as the purpose of your desk, what you keep on it, and the size of your space.  If you have multiple monitors and need a spot for writing, an L-shaped desk gives you the space you need. Maybe you need less surface area, but lots of file space. That’s where a built-in storage desk comes in handy.

The size of your space is a critical factor in determining your desk depth. Before you choose a desk, measure the area where it will be placed. In smaller rooms, a small desk with a depth between 16” and 24” can help maximize the available space. Our Beam bookcase or Copenhagen office cabinet are great options for optimizing small workspaces. In larger rooms, you can have a desk with a deeper surface, as deep as 30” to 36”. Depending on your space and needs, a custom desk would be a great option. You can tailor the desk height, depth and width to your workspace needs.

What is the best desk height?

There is no “one size fits all” typical desk height. Comfort is key, and everyone’s comfort is different. The desk height is important for overall comfort. The standard measurement for desk height ranges from 28” to 30”.

The best way to ensure the proper height for your desk is to have your arms, wrists and hands in a neutral position while you work. With your arms bent at a 90-degree angle, you want your desk to be at elbow height so that your hands rest naturally on the keyboard tray.

If you are someone who likes to move around while you work and wants the flexibility to choose your own desk height, an adjustable height desk might be the perfect fit for you. Adjustable desks give you control over your environment throughout your workday.

Finally, make sure you have enough room under your desk for your favorite office chair. An adjustable office chair can help you get your personalized seat height and can compensate for a fixed-desk height. We offer a wide selection of office chairs from fabric, leather and ergonomic. Check out our office chair comparison guide to find the right fit for you.

Still not sure what kind of desk is right for your needs? We offer free design services virtually, over the phone or in our stores. Set up an appointment with our friendly experts today.