Choosing the right desk for your office can be a challenging task. And whilst it’s easy to get carried away with all the options available out there, you have to discipline yourself and stick to what you really need, especially if you are on a budget. There are a number of factors you must consider and a number of questions you must ask yourself if you want to choose a desk that will allow you to work productively, comfortably, and efficiently.
Here, then, are a few top tips on choosing the perfect office desk:
Determine how your Desk will be Used
First of all, you must determine how your desk will really be used. For instance, if most of your work will be done on the computer, then you need a desk that will be an appropriate fit for the purpose. If you are planning to use a desktop computer (rather than a laptop), you will need a bigger desk with an allotment for the computer as well. On the other hand, if you are planning to do a lot of paperwork, then choose a desk which has an ample surface area for you to be able to spread out your papers, books, spreadsheets, and the like. In the same vein, you may also want to consider an office desk with appropriate shelves for your paper documents. If you will be doing a lot of work both on a computer and with paper documents, then you may want to choose a desk with an L-shape. If your budget is not limited, you can even opt for a U-shaped desk which offers even more space (and looks impressive as well).
Consider Your Ergonomic Requirements
Once you have decided on the type of desk which is appropriate for your needs, the next aspect to consider is the ergonomics. Your comfort is crucial when selecting a desk, as you will likely be spending a lot of time at it during the day. For one, the office desk you choose should provide you with enough leg clearance. An additional tip: choose a desk with a height of 29 to 30 inches for ample leg clearance for people of average height. When you sit behind your desk, you should also have enough space to comfortably move around.
If you will be using a computer, the keyboard should be at a comfy height, neither too low nor too high. You should also make sure that any equipment on the desk’s surface is easy to reach and with enough space so that your desk’s surface will not be overloaded.
Consider the Desk’s Surface Material
Office desk surfaces today come in a wide range of materials, as you will see from premium new and used office furniture suppliers in the UK like officefurnituresolutions4u.co.uk: from laminate to wood and even steel or metal. Laminate is quite popular with a lot of offices nowadays, as it is not only affordable, but durable and quite aesthetically pleasing as well. You can choose to have a laminate surface desk with a wood grain pattern for a more traditional look, for instance. Choose a desk made with high-pressure laminate for a longer lifespan.
Steel or metal desks are also popular, especially with those who are looking for utmost durability. However, if you are looking for elegance and a classy look, a steel or metal desk may not be for you. These desks are entirely functional and are designed to withstand plenty of wear and tear.
Another option, of course, is wood, which has the advantage of looks. Keep in mind, however, that wooden desks tend to be more costly and delicate and require more care and maintenance as well.
