How to Choose the Right Desk in Your Office: A Step by Step Guide
A thoughtful desk selection can ensure that you sit with a good posture, work more effectively and have a nicer, more professional workplace. This benefits not only your productivity over time but also your health and motivation.
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know to make the right decision to fit the space, your needs, and your style, so your desk becomes more than just a surface but a tool to help you be successful.
What You Will learn:
- Understand your needs
- Pick the right desk size and shape
- Choose the right materials, storage and style
- Focus on ergonomics
- Keep your space clutter-free
- Align your desk with your workflow
- Consider Flerxibility
Step 1: Understand Your Needs
The initial stage in learning how to choose the right desk in your office is analysing what you actually require. Each workspace is special, and your desk should be individualised to your daily work and space.
Start with your space. Measure your area correctly: pay attention to walls, doors, windows and obstructions. This will make the desk fit without restriction or feeling cramped.
Evaluate your work style. If you work on multiple monitors, handle paperwork, or use specialised equipment, you may need a larger area and additional storage. In more mobile or digital jobs, a compact and flexible desk could be precisely what you need.
Also, consider the ambience you desire. Does your office have trendy, contemporary finishes or classic and heritage qualities? Your desk must conveniently match the look and feel of your preferred style, helping you create a place where you love to be.
Step 2: Pick the Right Size and Shape
The second step is to pick the right desk size and shape, for which you can follow the table below:
|
Desk Size |
Best For |
Room Size Recommendation |
|
1.0 m width x 0.6 m depth |
Perfect for small setups or laptop-only work |
Works best in compact rooms or tight spaces |
|
1.2 m width x 0.8 m depth |
Great for a single monitor and a bit of paperwork |
Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms |
|
1.6 m width x 0.8 m depth |
Suitable for dual monitors or creative setups |
Best for medium to large rooms |
|
L-shaped desk |
Perfect for multitasking or using multiple devices |
Fits well in corners or open-plan offices |
|
Corner desk |
Great for making the most of awkward spaces |
Perfect for rooms with limited wall space |
Popular Desk Shapes
The most preferred are the rectangular desks. They are simple, multipurpose and used in simple setups. Apart from these, you can pick other shaped desks, too, such as:
- L-shaped Desks: L-shaped desks are ideal for situations where additional space is needed to accommodate multiple tasks or functions on different surfaces.
- Corner Desks: Corner desks are ideal for awkward spaces and are particularly useful when space is at a premium, such as in a small room.
- Round or Oval Desks: Round or oval desks will help achieve an open and inclusive design that is suitable during meetings or brainstorming sessions.
A good-sized desk makes the working environment comfortable, and everything you need is easy to get.
Step 3: Choose the Right Material, Storage, and Style
When it comes to a desk, a balance between practicality and personality is essential. It is where you spend a lot of your time, so it has to look and work well.
Below is the brief about desk materials, storage facilities, and style.
Materials
- Wood: Solid, classic, and warmer to the environment. Ideal in an old-fashioned or mixed office.
- Glass: Clean-cut, simplistic and can be very easily cleaned and wiped off. Suitable for modern, open office spaces.
- Metal: Tough, industrial, and perfect where your workspace is more on the modern, practical side of things.
Storage
Incorporated shelves, drawers, or cable trays can provide an organised and clutter-free environment. With an office in a minimalist style, hidden or slimline storage can help you maintain a clean office appearance.
Style
A desk can be the highlight of your office. Whichever style you may be interested in (Scandinavian minimalist or traditional executive style), select a style that identifies with who you are or what you represent as a company. A beautiful desk can transform work from a chore to a comfortable daily routine
Step 4: Focus on Ergonomics
Ergonomic furniture is where you must not compromise when choosing the right desk for your office. The wrong-sized desk or improper arrangements can cause back pain, eye strain and decreased productivity.
Make sure that:
- Typing from the arm should be about 90degrees.
- Your PC screen must be at eye level to avoid neck strain.
- Legroom needs to be sufficient to sit comfortably without twisting and cramping.
Height Adjustable Desks
This is a great investment in sit-stand desks. They enable you to alternate sitting and standing during the day, which can improve energy and reduce the health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
An option on a lower budget is to use a desk converter platform. It sits on the surface of your old desk, offering height adjustability without the expense of a new desk.
Step 5: Keep Your Space Clutter-Free
In the process of learning how to choose the right desk in your office, a clean desk provides a clean thought. Cluttered desks can make even the fanciest and most ergonomic desks feel uncomfortable.
Some easy ways to keep your workspace tidy are:
- Install relations to organise cables and eliminate fueling.
- Put in storage trays or drawers of stationery and small tools.
- At the end of every day, set aside five minutes to clean up your desk.
You can also make your room feel homier by adding decorative touches, such as a plant on your workdesk, a picture frame, or a simple table lamp. A clear desk generates a feeling of clarity that assists in concentration and productivity.
Struggling with keeping your office desk neat and clean? Read our office cleaning checklist right away!
Step 6: Align Your Desk with Your Workflow
Your working desk must be aligned with your working ability. If you work in teams, choose a chair that allows your workmates to sit down easily before you.
When working in a solo or deep focus setting, choose layout types that create a sense of privacy. An effective barrier screen or even an L-shaped desk can provide a dividing barrier that results in an apparent reduction in distractions and aids productivity.
How to choose the right desk in your office is a decision more than just a piece of furniture– it emphasises your workflow, which further ensures that your investment continues to benefit your work process in the short and long term.
Step 7: Consider Flexibility
Modern offices are dynamic, and being flexible is the key. Whether that be adding to an expanding team, optimising, or relocating to a collaborative workspace, a modular desk makes it simple.
Choose designs that are relocatable or modular systems that can be moved to adapt to new designs. Portability is something that can make a difference in coworking spaces, as it enables one to remain productive regardless of the location. Want to optimise flexible workspaces even more?
Discover the 6 impactful desk-sharing strategies you can use in 2025 to keep your office future-ready.
Your Workspace - Your Rules; Choose Smartly with Office Hub!
So, to answer the question ‘how to choose the right desk in your office?’, it is about getting the right balance between performance, ease and style. A comfortable size, suitable materials, and ergonomics make the correct option perfect for your daily working life.
Want an upgrade to your workspace? Visit Office Hub today to explore countless flexible spaces where you can choose your preferred desks and customise layouts accordingly. Give us a call to get started!
