Every effective workspace starts with a quality desk and that counts double for the home office. Home offices often have to pull double duty as your 9 to 5 job space and the central hub for organizing your life. This makes your home desk even more important. Whether you’re working remotely, starting a business as an entrepreneur, or simply looking for a place to run your life, getting your workspace right will make a world of difference.
However, which features do you need? Which options will truly make a difference and what will you pay for only to have it go unused?
In this guide, you’ll learn the essential features for your home office desk that will create the ideal setup for your work area.
Home Office Desk Height
Getting the desk height is step one in deciding on an office desk. You’ll likely never notice the full impact, but your desk’s height will greatly affect your long-term comfort and health. If the desk’s too high, you’ll keep your shoulders shrugged to rest your arms on the surface. Typing on a keyboard or using a mouse will put pressure on your wrists and elbows which can cause discomfort and even injury. A desk that’s too short, on the other hand, will cause you to hunch over and may lead to long-term shoulder and back issues.
Most standard-sized desks are optimized for people between 5’8” and 6’0”. If you’re shorter or taller than this narrow range, search for extra short or tall desks. Or, even, better, get an adjustable standing desk.
Standing desks can not only adjust to your height but also allow you to transition from standing to sitting and back again. This will help improve your posture and circulation.
Computer Monitor Support
Most permanent home office workers use a second monitor to improve their efficiency so any good home office desk should incorporate support for that monitor. An adjustable support will allow you to elevate your monitor to your natural eye level. Reducing the need to look down will maintain good posture and reduce neck strain. Most adults spend around 11 hours per day looking at a screen, so this is an important part of a healthy home office.
Cable Management and Organization
With power cords, monitor cables, a keyboard, and a mouse your office can quickly become cluttered with cables. Disorganized cables reduce your work efficiency and represent a serious tripping hazard. Good desks include cable management systems such as trays, doors, and cutaways. Well-organized cables keep you working efficiently and give your home office a clean, professional feeling.
Amount of Storage Space
You want storage space where office supplies aren’t in the way when not needed but still easily accessible when you want. Each person will have specific needs in this department, so consider your job and work style before shopping. Many desks come with options beyond drawers such as file cabinets, shelves, and paper trays. If you opt for a platform for your monitor instead of a support arm, you can find one with shelves for extra efficient storage.
As you set up your home office, look for these four features for your desk. By looking at height, monitor support, storage, and organization, you’ll create a space that keeps you working effectively and makes your workstation you enjoy being in.
