Choosing a computer desk is actually quite an easy task if you know what to look at. Main factors include considering your setup, looking at ergonomics, space saving and work comfort. Below we will discuss the most important aspects of the task.
What is your computer setup?
Are you just using a laptop? A laptop with an external monitor? A laptop with an external monitor, a mouse and a keyboard? A desktop? A multi-monitor desktop setup? Any peripheral devices? A printer? Speakers? A graphics tablet?
How much space will your computer setup need is one of the crucial factors for choosing a computer desk. At this stage we assume there is no limit to space in the room where you plan to set your new desk.
When planning your workspace, it is important to remember that the computer desk is not meant for a computer. It is meant for a person using the computer. That means there are ergonomic factors to be taken into account. To work efficiently you need a certain degree of comfort. As one the most basic factors, you need enough distance between you eyes and the monitor. It is an individual matter, as some people have better vision than others, but the general guideline is to have your monitor at an arms length from your body. Ideally you want to account for this.
You also need some space to use the keyboard and a bit of wiggle space for the mouse. This would take at least 20 cm (8 inches) off your desk depth dimension. Now, if your desk offers just enough depth or a monitor plus 20cm for your keyboard you will end up either with your nose in the monitor or outreaching with your arms. None of these is good for your body, so how can this be remedied?
Desk depth
While most people pay attention mainly to the width of the desk, as this is the more visible dimension, depth is at least just as important. Depth of the desk does not only determine the amount of stuff you can put on your desk, it also determines how comfortable your work is. One of the worst things you can do to your posture is outreaching with your hands. Your elbows should not outreach forward past your centre of mass as this takes stability away from your torso and causes an unnecessary strain on your muscles. It's not wrong to reach for an item, but to spend considerable amounts of time in an outreached position can have devastating consequences. Choosing the right depth of your desk might be the question of health rather than anything else.
Office desks sold by Kings Office Furniture are 600m, 700mm or 800mm deep. Each of those depths are enough for safe work with display screen equipment.
Desk Width
The width of the desk determines how much space a person has. The choice is usually a compromise between space limitations and how much stuff one wants on their desk.
Standard widths of office desks are 1200mm, 1400mm, 1600mm and 1800mm. Rarely companies buy narrower or wider desks. If you are looking for a computer desk for your home office, commercial office desks might be too large for you.
Desk Height
Height is a rather standard dimension for all kinds of desks usually it is 700-750mm. For most people that is the right size. If you are much taller than average, you might want to look at height adjustable desks. These desks apart from being adjustable to the exact users height, have the added benefit of offering standing position for work. Some people find this attractive and beneficial for their health. It is certainly best to change your position throughout the day. Standing at the desk does however require a certain amount of discipline and people often buy sit-stand desk and .. sit at them all day long.
Storage
Storage space is always useful when it comes to any office work. Keeping spares, stationery, cables or additional equipment may be best done with a few drawers. Some desks come with fixed set of drawers on the left or right hand side. Other desks come with a mobile under-desk pedestal, which allows for more elasticity when arranging your workspace. This usually comes at a price of less foot-space, but such pedestal can also be easily moved out of the way entirely. Home desks often offer more variety of storage solutions, but Kings Office Furniture trades only in office furniture. There is also other kinds of office storage, which can be helpful for your workstation.
Cable management
Often overlooked feature of a computer desk is cable management. Running your cables in a tidy manner helps your equipment stay in good shape for longer and makes your desk look better. It also limits trip and electrocution hazards. Depending on the setup, a combination of a cable spine and a cable tray with some zip-ties or velcro-ties should do the trick.
In summary
Apart from the obvious space limitations, there is a number of factors to be considered when buying a computer desk. It is worth to look at the comfort of usage with health consequences in mind. Storage space is also worth planning ahead. If you are having trouble deciding on the right desk for your needs, our friendly team is always available to advise. Give us a call for free on 0800 6522 809 and we will help you in no time!
