How to Choose a Home Office Desk - 6 Things to Consider

With 44% of people now adopting a hybrid working model, creating a comfortable workspace at home is more important than ever. And one of the, if not the, most crucial components of a workspace is, of course, the desk.

A well-chosen desk can transform your home office from a basic corner of your home into a productive work environment. 

But with so many options available, how do you pick the perfect desk for your home-office needs? This is where we can help! 

Keep reading to discover 6 key factors you should consider when choosing a home office desk, from space and ergonomics to materials and functionality. 

1. How Big Is Your Home Office Space?

First things first, you need to consider how much space you’re working with. There’s nothing worse than squeezing a desk in a corner where it barely fits, leaving you cramped and unable to move comfortably. A well-sized desk should complement the space and let you move around easily.

So, before looking around, make sure you measure the dimensions of your home office space with care, and consider the desk's placement relative to other furniture, windows, and electrical outlets. 

It’s important to ensure you choose a desk that’s large enough to accommodate your work essentials, like a laptop, monitor/ monitor shelf and office supplies, without feeling cramped.

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

2. What Type of Desk Do You Need?

There are many different types of desks to choose from, each offering its own set of features and benefits tailored to various needs.

Think about what you’ll be using the desk for. Will you be using it solely for a laptop and some paperwork, or do you need space for additional monitors and other tasks? When you determine your needs, you can then choose a desk that provides the appropriate size and functionality.

For a single laptop and paperwork, a micro desk might suffice, however if you’ll be using more than 1 monitor and extensive equipment, you may need a larger, more versatile setup. 

The Different Types of Desks

• Computer Desk: These are the most common type of home office desk available, which features space for a laptop, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It will also often include a cable management system and, sometimes, built-in drawers for additional storage.
  
  
• Folding Desk: As it says in the name, these are compact, portable desks that can be folded down and stored when not in use.
  
  
• Corner Desk: A corner desk is designed to conveniently fit into a corner of a room. It is often used in small or awkward spaces where a "traditional" desk won't fit as well.
  
  
• Standing Desk: A standing desk is a height-adjustable desk that allows the user to alternate between sitting and standing positions. These desks are proven to improve posture and reduce the risk of sedentary-related health issues. 

This leads us nicely onto the third point…

3. Do You Require a Desk With Storage?

As with any office, whether you’re at home or in the commercial office, it’s likely that you’ll need storage for stationary, documents, and of course, snacks.

Desks with built-in drawers and shelves can help keep your workspace organised, clutter-free and can help maintain a neat appearance by hiding cables, paperwork, and other office supplies, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room. 

Browse our quality range of under desk storage here, including premium under desk drawers, CPU holders and the renowned Jorn pedestal.

Keeping your workspace organised is especially important when working from home, as a clear working space equals a clear mind, which is essential for productivity.

4. What Material Desk Do You Want?

You should also be aware of the different types of desk materials available, each with their own benefits and aesthetic qualities.

Wood desks: Wood desks are one of the most common types as they’re classic and versatile, offering durability and a range of finishes from natural to stained or painted. Solid wood is sturdy and long-lasting, while engineered wood (like MDF or plywood) is often more affordable and can mimic the appearance of solid wood.

Metal desks: These are known for their industrial, modern look and durability. They are often incredibly resistant to wear and tear, and can be commonly combined with other materials like wood or glass for a stylish contrast

Glass desks: Glass desks are less common than wooden desks, however they can give a sleek, contemporary feel to your workspace, and are often combined with metal or wood frames for support.

Browse our wide selection of quality engineered wood desktops here.

5. Do You Need Ergonomic Features?

Lastly, do you need a desk with ergonomic features?

Working from home at your desk for long periods of time in an unnatural hunched position is naturally bad for your spine and overall health. This is why it’s important to make sure that the desk you choose allows you to maintain good posture.

The best type of desk you can invest in to improve posture is a standing desk, as they promote a more natural spinal alignment by allowing you to adjust your position throughout the day. This increased movement also helps prevent stiffness, supporting better overall posture.

Browse our wide range of quality standing desks here, and if you need some additional help choosing the perfect desk, give our friendly experts a call on 020 8064 0600.

Learn more about posture in our standing desk posture guide, here. 

6. What Budget Are You Working With?

Budget is another important factor to consider. Home office desks come in a wide range of prices, from affordable, budget-friendly options to higher-end premium models.

So, determine your budget before you start to shop around so you don't overspend. 

You need to find the best possible value desk for your budget, but this doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest option. Look for a desk that meets both your needs and that will provide long-term value.

We hope this article has helped guide you when it comes to choosing the perfect standing desk for your home office. And for more tips and insights from our experts, check out our standing desk blog page.