There’s no denying the benefits of a proper desk in your home — it’s the best way to stay organized! Whether you work from home full time, telecommute part-time, game a lot, or need a convenient space to do the bills, a desk is just the thing to keep your productive flow going.
But not all desks are the same, and while you can technically work on any flat surface, you can’t dismiss the appeal of a workspace that suits all your needs. In other words, the perfect desk makes all the difference! But what does this desk look like? We’ll show you!
Size it Up
The first thing to consider for your work-from-home desk is the size. The best desks will have a work surface that is large enough to have your basics like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and computer. But other factors you should consider include:
- Desk Height: For most adults at a sitting desk, 28 to 30 inches is ideal for sitting with your shoulders relaxed and feet fully supported. You can also find desks with adjustable heights!
- Desk Depth: A desk depth of 30 inches (from the front to the back) is ideal for supporting your forearms on the desk, along with the mouse and keyboard. 24-inch depths will work if you have an office chair with armrests to support your arms.
- Size Range: 48 x 24 inches to 60 x 30 inches are standard desk sizes that accommodate space for everyday use (make sure to measure!)
Ergonomic Support
Once you’ve figured out which size will suit your needs, you’ll also need to determine the ergonomics, so the desk suits you. This means having enough space to separate your computer screen from the keyboard, being able to type with your elbows hanging next to your body, and having plenty of leg room to sit close without bumping your thighs or knees.
Some ergonomic desks will have a curve in the front, so keeping proper posture when typing is more effortless. But other desks will feature adjustable heights, so you can alternate between sitting and standing.
Material Thinking
Another factor to consider for your home office desk is the material. Most desks are wood or metal, but you’ll find other materials too.
- Wood is durable, long-lasting (especially kiln-dried wood), and great for home office aesthetics.
- Powder-coated steel is incredibly sturdy, resists stains and scuffs, and remains cool to the touch (which is important if you plan to have a lot of electronic equipment).
- Acrylic is also durable, fade-resistant, and antimicrobial (easy to clean!) while adding modern vibes to your office.
- Glass is usually paired with wood or metal construction, adds visual space and light to the room, and is easy to clean!
Storage, Storage, Storage
No matter your work or game style, having plenty of storage is essential for any desk setup! It’s always better to have it and not use it than to need it and not have it.
So, look for desks with drawers, shelves, and cubbies (or even attachable hutches!). But it would be best to avoid desks with storage right under the main work surface area as it can reduce your leg space.
Pro Tip: If you’d rather maximize work surface space, you can always get a bookcase or file cabinets in your home office to store documents, books, and home décor touches!
What’s Your Type
After figuring out your basics, it’s time to consider the desk type, which can get a little complicated. But hopefully, with this list, you’ll be able to find the best setup!
- Executive desks are the biggest, with plenty of storage options, making them ideal for complicated tasks!
- Credenza desks combine a desk with a cupboard-like credenza, creating a standout style piece that also helps keep you productive.
- Writing desks are minimalist, meant for lighter use (like writing), featuring a thin, rectangular surface with an open space underneath. These might have a single drawer, but that’s about it for storage options.
- Shell desks are simple, three-sided desks with little to no storage underneath, which means plenty of available legroom!
- Secretary desks are a throwback, featuring an upper board that folds down to create a writing surface with lots of little cubbies and drawers for smaller objects.
- Leaning/ladder desks typically lean against the wall and provide multiple levels of vertical storage (these are ideal for compact spaces!).
- Corner/L-shaped desks: gives you more space to work and spread out while having extra features like a print-out tray. Smaller corner desks exist for compact spaces!
- Standing desks can be raised to standing height, so you don’t have to work while sitting down all day (which is much healthier!).
- Height-adjustable desks let you raise or lower the desktop to suit your needs, much like a standing desk.
To Game or Not to Game
If you’re looking for an ideal gaming desk, the same methods of size, height, materials, and ergonomics apply. But there are other considerations, including what you want from your gaming desk and how much surface area you need.
For gaming desks with multiple monitors and keyboards, you’ll need a gaming desk with multiple ports, cable organization, plenty of surface area, and enough weight capacity. Some desks can support over 300 lbs. of gaming equipment, while others have less weight capacity (keep an eye on the material when considering weight capacity!).
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, Off to Work We Go!
Whether for gaming or working, having the perfect home office desks makes all the difference in your productivity and organization. You just can’t go wrong with a well-organized home! So, if you’re ready to outfit your home office, Van's Home Center has you covered! We have plenty of in-stock options we can ship to you quickly!
And if you have any questions, please give us a call! Our team is happy to help!