Home Office Desks

Whether you're a remote worker or office-based, having the right desk is the cornerstone of a well-designed office space. When deciding on a desk, the three essential factors to consider — outside of figuring out your budget — are functionality, comfort, and style. Continue reading to learn how to find the perfect fit for your setup.

Workspace Layout

Your workspace should feel inviting and inspire confidence the moment you sit down. When arranged your office area with purpose and intention, you want to ensure smooth traffic flow and freedom of movement. Three tips to achieve a functional office area:

1. Take careful measurements of where you would like your desk to be.
(a) Ensure approximately three feet between the desk and any cabinets and walk space for your desk chair.
(b) Account for all doors, moldings, outlets, baseboards, and windowsills.

2. Place your desk near outlets, so you have a power source for your devices.

3. Place your desk near or in front of a window to occasionally look out, a chance to enjoy the outdoor scenery and give your eyes a break from the screen.

Desk Materials

Consider the material you’d like your desk to be made of — one that will complement the style you’re trying to create in your home office or office space. Whether you gravitate toward simple, sophisticated, rugged, or bright desks, let your personality shine through. Here are some popular options to consider:

Wood & Wood Veneer

Solid wood is the most versatile and timeless material for creating a variety of styles, from vintage to modern. Various colors and finishes are available, whether you want to showcase a natural, warm, inviting ambiance or a vibrant and bold statement.

If you’re looking for a more portable desk, we suggest looking for desks constructed with wood veneer. They are lighter than desks made of solid wood but still add warmth to any office space. Desks made of solid wood or alternative wood are known for their durability and longevity against wear and tear.

Glass

Glass desks are perfect for those who want a minimalistic look, bringing a spacious and airy aura. Options exist to combine glass with other materials, like a glass desktop with wood legs (or vice versa) or a glass desk with metal legs or accent hardware, giving the space a rustic or industrial vibe. A less expensive alternative to a glass desk is one made of acrylic.

Metal

Metal desks are durable against scratches and scuffs, making them an excellent option for those who want a modern or industrial appearance. They are also easy to clean and require less maintenance than glass and wood.

Desk Shapes and Sizes

Space plays a significant role in deciding which desk would provide optimal performance for your everyday work needs. So, after determining the material you’re looking for, think about the shape and size that would benefit your productivity.

Desk Shapes

Fortunately, today’s world has many desk shapes to fit and serve different workspace needs.

Rectangular Desks: A classic shape. Some designs offer a closed or open plan (with or without a backing), depending on how much legroom you need. You can position it around an office space in countless ways. They come in different sizes and designs that can fit a single person or multiple people.

L-Shaped/Corner Desks: These are the perfect shape for a corner and offer lots of surface area for your devices, decor, and notebooks. For smaller apartments or spaces, corner desks can work in tandem as a nightstand in the bedroom or as a side table in a living room.

U-Shaped Desks: A U-shaped desk is a spacious option that offers three workstations in one large desk. The desk's shape provides an open nook for your office chair to swivel, so you can reach everything you need without getting up.

Curved Desks: Their bent shape helps reduce strain on your shoulders, elbows, and wrists and makes it easier to reach for a pen or piece of paper at the other end of the desk. This unique shape is designed for ergonomic benefits.

Desk Sizes

Once you have measured your workspace, you can narrow down your desk options based on what can and cannot fit in the allotted space. These are the measurements and dimensions you should keep in mind during your search:

Height: Standard desks are about 28–30 inches tall, which works well for people between 5’6”–5’11”. Some desks are made to accommodate those who are taller or shorter. As a general rule of thumb, your monitor should be at eye level, and your elbows should be comfortable at a 90-degree angle. Your back should have proper hip and neck alignment to reduce the risk of injury.

Width: Desk can typically be categorized into these standard sizes:
Small— This is great for narrow spaces for children. Their surface space is usually 20–40 inches wide, with enough space for books and a computer monitor.
Medium — This is considered the standard size for desks. Medium-sized desks have 40–60 inches of surface space. They are great for most spaces like studios, one-bedroom apartments, or offices.
Large/Long — Large desks have over 60 inches of surface space, making them ideal for larger spaces. They tend to house more storage space with design features like attached hutches, bookshelves, credenza, cabinets, and more.

Depth: If you plan to keep more devices than the standard computer, keyboard, and mouse setup on your desk, consider a deeper design. To determine the depth you need, measure the distance between the edge closest to your body and the edge furthest from your body. The standard depth range for desks is usually between 24–36 inches.

Popular Types of Desks

Beyond dimensions, color, and material, another consideration you need to make for your desk is what kind of design works best for your space, as well as the way you like to work. Here are some popular types and designs of desks to choose from:

Writing Desks are the most basic option, with enough space for a laptop and notebook. They come in various designs and colors and typically have one to two drawers for storage.

Computer Desks are similar to writing desks but are designed with slots and holes to accommodate cables, cords, and sometimes even a tray for your keyboard and mouse. They also offer a bit more surface and storage space.

Gaming Desks aren’t just for gamers. These desks also beloved by heavy tech users (e.g., photographers, video editors, content creators) thanks to their sturdy dual-support legs that can accommodate heavy gadgets — as well as extra compartments that can store accessories.

Executive Desks come to mind when you think of a desk for corner offices. They are larger and bulkier than a writing desk, offering drawers and filing cabinets for more storage options.

Drafting Desks are simple desks with an adjustable tabletop. Their broader and deeper surface area is great for artists, architects, and designers.

Hideaway Desks can hide in plain sight. They’re discreet, sometimes even multifunctional, and perfect for anyone short on space. Some common types of hideaway desks include folding desks, secretary desks, floating desks, murphy desks, and armoire desks.

Ergonomic Desks are a boon for people working from home and in the office. Also called sit-to-stand or standing desks, these adjustable designs eliminate concerns about getting the right height for your desk. Plus, they allow you to stand up and stretch your back and legs throughout the day without interrupting your flow.

Desks With a Hutch are a great option to keep your work area neat. The shelves are also perfect for decor and accessories to accentuate your office style. Some common designs for these storage desks include ladder desks and bookcase desks.

One Desk Away From Improved Productivity

You don’t have to settle for a desk that feels uninspiring and boring. Choosing the best type of desk for your workspace will reinvigorate you to do more, focus better, and get things done efficiently. Start your search on furniture.com to find the desk of your dreams.