When choosing a computer desk, keep in mind that such desks are not a type of writing desk. There are no less differences between writing and computer desk than, for example, between kitchen and coffee table. Computer ones are designed in such a way as to accommodate all equipment as conveniently as possible and provide comfort to the user.
First, decide on the dimensions of the workplace: measure all computer equipment, the width of the doorway, and, if necessary, the length of the section of the room where the table will stand. This will help you understand which shape of the computer desk is best for your needs, and whether there is a need to order disassembled computer furniture.
The optimal position of the monitor on the table is at arm’s length from the eyes, and slightly below so that the gaze of the person working at the computer is directed to the ground. Any pedestals and shelves for the monitor negatively affect vision.
Light – preferably bright, but not direct sunlight – should fall from the left.
When sitting at a computer desk, your legs should not feel numb, hanging from the chair. Select the height of the seat so that your feet are firmly resting on the floor or on a special support.
The computer and the rest of the office equipment need a current source. The closer the outlet, the less hassle with extension cords and wires.
It is advisable to choose a computer desk with a pull-out shelf for the system unit. It should be easily accessible so that you can easily connect a flash drive or headphones, and it should be blown out with air to prevent the device from overheating. To find different and stylish computer desk’s designs you can go to homeydesignstore.com.
The Comfortability and durability of a computer desk are largely determined by the quality of fasteners, accessories, and movable structural elements – guides, rollers. It is better to give preference to tables with metal parts since plastic is less reliable and does not withstand long-term use.
If you feel uncomfortable sitting with your back to a door, hallway, or passage, consider another arrangement of your computer desk to avoid unpleasant emotions and annoying impressions. At first glance, this is nonsense, and if a person needs to work, then he will work at any table and in any room. However, even such details as an unsuccessfully set table, by which people constantly walk, can noticeably distract from work, irritate and tire if you spend many hours at it.
However, the main thing to focus on when choosing a computer desk is its size and configuration.
Which computer desk to choose: 3 questions before buying
Do you need a table for a computer or laptop?
If you only use a laptop, choosing a desk will be much easier for you than for computer owners. The laptop can be placed on any horizontal surface, including a sofa or an armchair, and does not need special stands, keyboard shelves, etc. Therefore, you can safely purchase any desk, even a small one.
How much time do you spend in front of your computer?
Anyone who uses a computer for more than two hours a day needs a complete workspace. If you work at a computer all the time, then you should choose a special computer desk, but if you need equipment only occasionally, a secretary desk is enough to “hide” the computer (fortunately, modern LCD monitors are very compact and provide such an opportunity).
What exactly do you usually do on the computer?
There is no need to equip a study at home if you are limited to viewing the weather and mail on a computer. You do not need a separate table for this, it is better to buy a small table or a stand for the armrest of a sofa or chair.
For those who work a lot on their home computer, not only with computer programs but also with paper documents, it is important to take care of creating a comfortable working environment: to allocate part of the room (or at least a niche) and purchase a spacious computer desk.
This also includes gamers (they should choose sturdy tables that can withstand hits from the keyboard) and fans of watching movies from a monitor (it is better if the table has a rotating stand: this will allow you to rotate the screen in any direction and enjoy the movie while lying on the couch).
How to choose a computer desk for home and office by type, size, and material
Computer tables can have the following designs:
Straight (linear) – the most traditional computer desk, in almost everything similar to a writing desk. Such tables can be placed in any part of the room – both near the walls and in the middle of the room. True, linear models cannot boast of an unusual design and always have sharp corners.
L-shaped (corner) – designed to be placed in the corner of the room. Due to the rational use of corner space, such models are roomy and at the same time compact, which makes L-shaped computer tables ideal for small rooms. Unfortunately, such a table cannot be placed anywhere, except in the corners, and in the corners, it can be a little dark.
U-shaped – has additional work surfaces on the sides, which makes it comfortable, suitable for long-term work at the PC, and as spacious as possible. If you have to place on the table not only a computer but also other office equipment, writing utensils, folders, etc., choose the U-shaped model: everything will fit! However, such a table will take up quite a lot of space.
Important: all types of computer tables can be made in both left-handed and right-handed versions to suit both right-handed and left-handed people.
The frame of a computer desk is usually made of wood, chipboard or steel, but tabletops are sometimes made of glass and other materials.
Wood is a classic material for office furniture. It features environmental friendliness, durability strength, and beauty. Wooden furniture is a pleasure to touch. However, it is quite expensive and often bulky and heavy.
Chipboard looks like wood but is much cheaper. Outside, this material, for the sake of protection from water and mechanical damage, is supplied with a protective polymer or melamine coating or is pasted over with a veneer. The high demand for products from chipboard panels is explained by their affordable price and a variety of colors of countertops.
However, a wet or damaged chipboard table quickly swells, deforms, and loses its image, and the coating can crack or swell. Chipboard is not durable, so it is highly undesirable to often assemble and disassemble tables made from it. Even more unpleasant is the toxicity property of chipboard – this wood substitute contains formaldehyde.
Important: when choosing a computer desk, be sure to ask what environmental class it belongs to. These classes are marked with the letters E1, E2 and E3, the most secure are E1 and E0. Make sure that the back edges of the table, made of chipboard, are also protected with a coating (some cheap models do not have it), and the thickness of the board reaches at least 17 mm.
MDF is stronger than chipboard and environmentally safer, but at the same time more expensive.
Glass as a material for a computer desk is a stylish and elegant solution that gives the interior a modern and airy look. The glass top is scratch-resistant, environmentally friendly, and easy to clean. The disadvantages of glass tables include their fragility (after all, glass breaks, unlike wood, so for apartments where there are small children, it is better to choose furniture from some other material), a cold surface, and quick dirtiness – fingerprints and even small specks of dust, specks, are visible on the glass, so you will have to constantly wipe such a computer desk.
Important: choose glass computer tables with a tabletop thickness of 10 mm or more.
Metal is even stronger than wood but unpleasant to the touch – its surface always remains cold. Therefore, it is better for only the table frame to be made from metal, and the tabletop can be made of other materials – glass, wood, etc. Usually, aluminum and stainless steel are used for computer tables.