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DESIGN 101
Choosing the Perfect Desk for Your Home Office
In a world where working from home is more and more the norm, the home office is a critical space. To improve your productivity, it's important to have the right tools, including the perfect desk.
Desk Buying 101
Choosing a desk is one of the most important things you can do when setting up your home office. The right desk should be a comfortable size, have adequate storage, suit your work needs, and match the aesthetic of your workspace.
Size
The size of your desk should balance both your surface needs and the space in your office. First and foremost, you want to be sure that the surface of your desk will hold everything you need to work without needing to clear or swap items for projects constantly. If your work is entirely on a laptop or tablet, you may not need as much surface as someone whose job involves large blueprints.
You want to be sure that your desk will fit comfortably in your office. In a small home office space, it's better to choose a desk that won't make the room feel crowded, even if it doesn't have quite as much surface area.
Storage
Depending on how you use your office, you may need to store a variety of things in and around your desk. Many desks come with drawers, cabinets, or open shelves that allow you to access important tools quickly. However, if you prefer a more minimalist desk, or you want to use a standing desk, you may need to invest in external storage. Some desks may also come as a full office furniture set, with a cabinet or shelves designed to match.
Some desks also have a hutch — a series of shelves and cubbies that sit on top of the desk for extra storage. This is a great option for a smaller office, since it doesn't require extra floor space.
Type
There are several types of desks. Each one has benefits for a different kind of work or office space. In addition to the typical desk with a clear surface and a few drawers, there are:
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Hutch desks
As described above, these feature a hutch on top for additional storage. These are great for easy access to a variety of supplies. Hutch desks are popular among writers and artists for keeping a variety of art supplies or research materials within arms reach.
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Standing desks
These are taller, designed to be ergonomic for users who prefer to stand instead of sit. Many are adjustable so that they can be repositioned for a taller or shorter person. Some people also install small treadmills underneath to create a walking desk. Standing and walking desks are great for people who spend a lot of time in one place. They can help reduce pain in your back and joints by keeping you in motion while you work.
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Corner desks
These have an "L" shape designed to fit in the corner of your office. This is great for multitasking or adding surface area without straying too far from easy reach.
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Computer desks
These are made for people who use a lot of tech, whether for work or for playing video games in their spare time. They usually have storage space for items such as a printer or scanner, a designated spot to hold the tower of a desktop computer, and a special drawer that slides out to hold the keyboard and mouse. They're often ergonomically designed for using a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
Aesthetic
The style of your office may also influence the desk you buy. Desks come in a variety of aesthetics ranging from natural woods for a classic or cozy feel to minimalist desks with sleek accents. Consider what style will most help you focus and will pair well with the other decor in your workspace.
Accessorizing
Once you've selected a desk, there are a few things you'll want to add to optimize your office space. The right combination of desk and accessories can help improve your productivity and make for a more comfortable workspace.
Chairs
When selecting an office chair to go with your desk, choose something comfortable, stylish, and ergonomic. Remember that you'll probably spend quite a few hours in this chair, so it's worth investing in. You don't need something exorbitant — there are many moderately priced office chairs that do the job nicely. But this is not an area where you want to skimp.
Look for something with adequate support. It should have adjustable height to ensure you're ergonomically positioned relative to the floor and desk. It should also be comfortably padded, but still firm enough to provide proper support.
Lamps
Adequate lighting is an important part of your office environment. Desk lamps provide direct lighting to your workspace to allow you to see projects clearly. They usually include an adjustable arm to allow you to direct the light. They also may have an opaque shade to keep light from shining directly into your eyes.
Select a lamp that illuminates enough of your desk to work efficiently while still having a small enough profile to avoid taking up too much of your desk space. To save even more space, some lamps have organizers in the base, or include a USB port or wireless charger to power your devices while you work.
Organizers
Desk organizers are a great way to store pens, paperclips, sticky notes, and any other tools or office supplies you may use in your day-to-day work. They typically have several small cups to separate and contain your supplies. They may be made of wood, plastic, or metal to suit any office aesthetic.
If you handle a lot of paperwork, you may also want file folders or a paper tray. These can keep papers from being shuffled around your desk too much, resulting in lost or damaged paperwork.
Choose Your Perfect Desk
The right desk can elevate your home office and set you up for success. The perfect desk combines your size, storage, and style needs to keep everything you need within easy reach. Comfortable seating, adequate lighting, and organization can enhance your productivity even further. When your home office is comfortable and well-organized, you'll feel ready to take the world by storm.