You’ve found the perfect room in your home for your new office. Now you’re ready to make the next step and furnish it. The first priority is to select a desk. Choosing the right office desk is crucial for your productivity and comfort.
You should also select a desk that fits well within your space. A cramped office will only lead to loss of productivity and possible injury. Here are a few tips to guide you in how to choose an office desk.
Assess The Space
The first consideration in selecting an office desk is space. An empty office can be quite deceiving. You may think you have lots of space for a desk but once it’s in place, you may be surprised.
Therefore, the first thing you should do is take measurements. Take measurements of the room, taking into consideration doors, closets and windows. Once you get to the store, take measurements of the desk and determine if it is a good fit.
Keep in mind these general guidelines when choosing a desk:
• There should be at least 30 inches allotted for leg space so that your legs rest at a 90 degree angle to the floor.
• Allow at least 3-1/2 feet of space behind and surrounding the desk so there is adequate room for you and other furnishings.
• If you are placing a computer on the desk, the desk depth should allow for a 20 to 40 inch space between your eyes and the monitor to minimize eyestrain.
Determine A Style Of Desk
What is your working style? Do you prefer having space to spread out papers and have everything clean and clutter-free? Do you want to use a computer at your desk? Will you require the maximum of storage space? These are some of the considerations to keep in mind when choosing the style of desk for your office. Here are some of the different styles of desks from which you can choose:
• Executive desk – a beautiful desk that delivers lots of stylish appeal, best selected for a large room. This style is often quite large and bulky, the smallest measuring six feet by three feet. Careful consideration of space must be taken for this style.
• L-shaped desk – the best choice for a smaller office space. Generally fitted with filing drawers, you may even be able to forego a separate filing cabinet to further increase your space.
• U-shaped desk – the design takes up a large amount of space but is very functional. It often contains areas for a computer and peripherals as well as ample work space and filing drawers.
A simple desk that offers plenty of flat space will reduce clutter and help you focus on the task at hand. It offers you an open area that cuts down on claustrophobia and visually opens the space of your office. How to choose an office desk depends on your work style, the space available and your organization needs. Choose wisely and you will have in place a key element to your productivity.