Dimensions of a computer desk, how to choose the optimal one

Features and characteristics of computer desks

A computer desk differs from similar pieces of furniture in its functionality and ergonomics. Its design includes the following elements:

compartment for the system unit;
pull-out keyboard shelf;
closed boxes;
a system of small shelves in the form of a superstructure.

Each element has its place. This approach allows you to properly organize the space so that nothing distracts from the work process.

Optimal sizes

Before choosing a computer desk for your home or other room, you need to take a tape measure and measure the area of the room allocated for organizing the workplace. There should be enough free space to accommodate a table and chair. On the other hand, the area of the table top and additional shelves should be sufficient for a comfortable location of the monitor, system unit, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner and other devices used. The comfortable dimensions of the table also depend on the height of the user. It is believed that the tabletop should be at the level of the solar plexus of the person sitting at the table. In this case, your back should be straight, your arms should lie comfortably on the tabletop, and your legs, bent at a right angle, should stand confidently on the floor. The standard tabletop height is 75–80 cm, but it can be changed with adjustable supports. This opportunity is especially relevant for teenagers. An alternative option is to buy a chair with height adjustment.

Types of computer desk designs

The question of how to choose a suitable computer desk for your home is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. There are several types that differ in design. It is advisable to make a list of preferences in advance, and then consider what options are available.

Stationary models are the most popular. They have good stability, reliability, and versatility. They delight with the variety of shapes and additional equipment.
The transformable table takes up little space and is ideal for a child's room. After work, its individual parts can be compactly folded, freeing up space for other activities. Often the product has a height adjustment function to “grow” with the child
The hanging option is the standard of minimalism. The tabletop is mounted to the wall. Shelves, drawers, etc. are attached separately. The result is a full-fledged piece of furniture that allows you to visually increase the space.
A stand desk can also save usable space. The product consists of three tiers, is equipped with shelves, but is not suitable for long-term work due to the small size of the tabletop.
Modular designs are considered the most practical. They make it possible to create a composition from individual objects depending on the characteristics of the room and the user’s preferences.

Renzo-2

Computer desk made of laminated chipboard with one open shelf at the bottom and three drawers. It can accommodate the necessary office supplies and a monitor or laptop.

The bottom shelf is useful for small items, and all important documents can be stored in drawers. Table width - 120 cm, depth - 60 cm, height - 78 cm. “Renzo-2” can be assembled in a mirror if necessary.

Price: 7,999 rubles.

Buy

Shapes and sizes

The dimensions of a computer desk must meet a number of requirements.

The optimal tabletop width is 80 cm or more, then it will be possible to maintain the correct distance from the monitor screen to the eyes of a sitting person.
The distance between the top cover and the floor ranges from 70 to 80 cm. For children, it is worth choosing the option with height adjustment.
The table length of 120 cm will allow you to place all the necessary equipment and a lighting source. If you plan to use the product for working with papers, then you should pay attention to models with a large parameter (150 cm).

Depending on the design, there are linear and angular types of computer desks. The latter are made in the form of the letter L or have sides of the same length. The first type of design can be left- or right-handed. Their advantage is that they save space, since an empty corner is used for installation.

The corner model with a curved front edge is particularly comfortable. The central recess makes it as ergonomic as possible.

The choice of shape and size of the product largely depends on the future installation location.

Manufacturing materials and coatings Different types of materials are used to make computer desks. They are characterized by high quality, reliability, and the ability to withstand intense loads.

Wood is a durable, environmentally friendly, natural material. Products made from it have an attractive color, natural texture, and delight with strength characteristics. The surface is covered with a protective layer of varnish. The only drawback is the significant cost.
Metal structures are suitable for rooms decorated in a modern style. Chrome and polymer-based powder compositions are used as decorative coatings. The metal frame is combined with wood, impact-resistant glass, and plastic. The weak point of such a product is considered to be the connection points between the metal and other materials.
Glass models visually make the space freer and brighter. In addition to the usual transparent material, colored inserts and LED lighting are used. However, glass products are small in size and quite expensive.
Chipboard and MDF are considered a budget option. The surface of the structural elements is laminated, covered with veneer or colored plastic. Such products are sensitive to mechanical stress and lose their visual appeal due to peeling of the decorative coating as a result of careless handling.

Furniture edges are used to mask the edges of particle boards. There are several varieties of this finishing material.

The melamine type is made from paper. It pleases with a wide selection of shades and an affordable price, but has a low level of resistance to mechanical stress and becomes unusable from contact with liquid.
PVC edging will cost a little more. It reliably protects the end areas from damage and moisture, and is available in a large palette of colors. Its disadvantage is increased rigidity, which makes it difficult to process curved parts.
ABS finishes are considered the most durable. It is easy to work with due to its softness and elasticity. High quality corresponds to the declared price.

Computer desk shapes

Depending on the installation location and conditions of use, you can buy a straight, corner or U-shaped table in right-handed or left-handed design - for right-handed or left-handed people. The classic option is a straight table with a laconic design. It can be placed anywhere in the room, including against the wall. Corner models are designed for rational use of the corner area, which is especially important in small rooms. Tables in the shape of the letter U additionally have side working surfaces, so they are spacious and have good ergonomics. They are great for people who spend a long time at the computer, but they take up more space in the room than linear and corner models.

Tabletops

Tabletops of furniture intended for working at a computer are made from the following materials.

Solid wood. The surface has high aesthetic characteristics, is pleasant to the touch, and durable.
Chipboard with a protective coating does not overload the structure and can withstand significant loads.
Glass will add volume, is not afraid of scratches and moisture, but requires constant care.
High-quality plastic is quite suitable for making the top cover. The material helps reduce the overall weight of the product, is affordable, and pleases with a variety of designs and colors. However, the surface quickly deteriorates from contact with sharp objects, is sensitive to stress, and is designed for a short service life.

Material

Most often, the table frame (including legs) is made of wood, chipboard or metal. The tabletop can be made of other materials, such as glass.

Wood is an environmentally friendly and durable material that does not require special care. The wooden table is spectacular to look at and pleasant to the touch. Disadvantages: high price and massiveness.

Chipboard is reminiscent of wood, but its price is much lower, which has made these tables the most popular. Thanks to a special protective coating (polymer, melamine) or veneer, which increases resistance to moisture and mechanical stress, the countertops are distinguished by a variety of design solutions.

The disadvantages of chipboard include swelling of the material when damaged and wet, deformation of holes during frequent assembly and disassembly, as well as toxicity (release of formaldehyde). The quality of the coating is also not always satisfactory: often the protective surface swells and becomes covered with cracks, through which hazardous substances enter the air.

Important: pay attention to the environmental class labeling (E1; E2; E3). The lower the number, the safer the table. The best choice would be E1 class furniture; E0. In addition, you should make sure that there is a protective coating on the back edges of the table, since inexpensive models often do not have it.

The thickness of the chipboard board must be at least 17 mm.

MDF is a more durable and environmentally friendly material. The price of a table made of MDF is higher than a similar product made of chipboard.

Glass is an exclusive solution that refreshes the interior and visually expands the room. This table is environmentally friendly, easy to clean and practically scratch-resistant. The disadvantage of glass is its lower strength compared to other materials. This material collects fingerprints well, which means it requires constant care and is “cold” to the touch. You should not buy a glass table if there are children in the house.

Important: the thickness of the glass tabletop must be at least 10 mm.

Metal is the most durable, but “cold” material. Often the table frame is made of metal, and the tabletops are made of another material, such as glass. Stainless steel and aluminum are most often used to create computer desks.

Some computer desk parts are made from other materials. For example, shelves and legs can be made of plastic, and the edges of tables can be covered with PVC tape.

Tables made of chipboard and MDF are equally good for both home and office; tables with a metal frame and glass top are more appropriate in the office.

Additional equipment for computer desks

A computer desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture. Its design includes various elements.

Cabinet with drawers.
Pull-out shelf for mouse and keyboard.
Rotating monitor stand.
Footrest.
Ventilated compartment for the system unit.
A superstructure in the form of cabinets, shelves for placing office equipment and useful little things.
Holes in the back wall for wire exit.

The best corner computer desks

Corner tables are the most popular today; they differ from classic ones in their design. They allow you to rationally place your computer in the right place and always leave room for writing instruments and other items. This option will be optimal for a small or medium-sized room.

Sitting at a corner computer desk is always comfortable. Any thing lying on it is at arm's length.

We have selected the top five among corner structures. Although this list is not exhaustive, these are the products that captivated the majority of buyers, forcing them to attract attention at first sight.

corner MfMaster Trian-1

An interesting computer desk boasts compact dimensions but good capacity. The manufacturer added a compartment for the system unit, as well as a shelf below for storing papers, stationery, etc.

The inexpensive computer desk is equipped with a 1.6 cm thick tabletop. It perfectly supports not only a computer, but also a printer. The entire structure is made of laminated chipboard, which suits absolutely all consumers. You can buy a computer desk for 5 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

attractive appearance;
affordable price;
pleasant to the touch surface;
optimal for monitors of different sizes;
ease of assembly.

Flaws:

Not everyone is comfortable with the bottom shelf.

The additional shelf is located at a fairly large distance from the tabletop, making it difficult to reach. Of course, you can not install this part at all or put items there that you don’t use often.

corner SOKOL KST-109

The corner computer desk with a lot of positive reviews is liked by consumers for having four drawers and a couple of large compartments for storing important things. At the same time, the design takes up minimal space in the room.

A computer desk with drawers is perfect for schoolchildren, students, and working adults. The base and table top are made of laminated chipboard. The height of the model reaches 75 cm, and its total weight is 69 kg. The price of the product is 12 thousand rubles.

Pros:

wide tabletop;
thoughtful design;
interesting design;
Suitable for office and home.

Minuses:

no detected.

corner MfMaster Krust-2

An ergonomic and minimalist corner computer desk with excellent functionality. With it you can arrange any workplace, significantly saving space in the room. The structure weighs 56 kg and its dimensions are 750x1400x1200 mm. The product costs about 10 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

correspondence between price and quality;
reliable mechanism;
non-marking surface;
multifunctionality;
A chair is placed below.

Flaws:

not detected.

corner NAYA M-KS1

There are also positive reviews about this table. The model for any computer or laptop is equipped with an add-on, a separate shelf for the printer, and a drawer. This model weighs quite impressively – 86 kg. You can buy a corner computer desk for 12,750 rubles.

Advantages:

plenty of space for accessories;
good appearance;
optimal height;
stability on legs;
compactness.

corner SOKOL KST-14

The rating is completed by a good corner computer desk with internal drawers and a compartment for the system unit. The thickness of the tabletop here is 1.6 cm, and it is made of laminated chipboard. The drawers in this model are quite spacious – 456x346 mm. A large computer desk is for sale for 14 thousand rubles. average.

Advantages:

thoughtful design;
all holes are strictly in place;
compliance with manufacturer's statements;
ease of use.

How to sit at a computer desk correctly

His performance and well-being depend on how correctly a person sits at the computer.

The spine should be straight, with slight emphasis on the back of the chair.
The feet are completely pressed to the floor, and an angle of 90-100° is formed between the thigh and lower leg.
The light source is installed in such a way as to avoid glare on the monitor screen.
It is recommended to place the keyboard opposite you. While typing, your shoulders are relaxed and your wrists are supported. The mouse is located in close proximity to the keyboard.
The height of the monitor is adjusted so that its upper edge is 5-7 cm above eye level, and the distance from the eyes to the center of the screen is at least 50 cm. This will allow you to get a viewing angle of 30°.
The front cut of the table top with a beveled edge will make it possible to position your elbows more comfortably.
If the model is equipped with wheels, it is important to secure their position with a stopper to avoid unplanned movement.
The height of the table depends on the height of the user; for children it is better to choose a model with adjustment according to this parameter.
A tabletop that is too narrow will make it difficult to organize your workspace; the recommended depth is in the range from 50 to 80 cm.
The length of the table depends on the purpose. If you plan to use it not only for working at the computer, then you should choose a larger model.

No matter how comfortable your body position is, it is recommended to do a short warm-up every hour for 3-5 minutes. Walk around your home or office to rest your eyes, restore blood circulation, and restore mobility to your muscles and joints.

Which computer desk to choose

Before purchasing, the buyer should consider some points that will help determine the choice of model:

Laptop or desktop computer: what exactly will be installed on the surface. For example, if you will only use a laptop, you can purchase a simpler model. The laptop can be used on any horizontal surface, which significantly expands the choice.
Time spent at the computer. If a person uses this technique for more than two hours a day, then it is necessary to create appropriate conditions for its comfortable use. In this case, you will need to purchase a suitable table and chair.
For what purpose is the device used? It is necessary to equip a place for using a computer if you spend a long time at it, but to watch videos, posts and social networks, a regular table and chair is enough.

Fans of computer games should also take care of choosing high-quality furniture and creating comfortable conditions.

Photo of computer tables in the interior

First of all, a computer desk is designed for certain actions. However, it is important to ensure the correct position of the human body and comfortable working conditions. When purchasing, you should pay attention to color, design, material, so that this piece of furniture fits harmoniously into the overall design of the room.

DIY computer desk

It is not always possible to find a piece of furniture that meets all the buyer’s requirements in a store. In this case, you can make a small-sized computer desk yourself. The main stages of its creation:

When making a table with your own hands, its size and shape are limited only by the imagination and carpentry skills of the master, so you first need to decide on the configuration and dimensions of the future structure.
Create a drawing or sketch.
Select suitable materials, fittings and components.
Mark and cut the main large elements. In order not to confuse them, it is better to sign each detail on the reverse side.
Sand and paint if necessary.
After all parts have completely dried, you can begin assembly.
The final stage is attaching fittings and decorative elements.

Adviсe

when choosing a table, you need to sit down at it and evaluate the convenience of being at it;
the table should be installed in such a way as to avoid direct sunlight hitting the monitor, otherwise rapid eye fatigue cannot be avoided;
when choosing a seat, keep in mind that the worst body position at the table is to sit close to it;
it’s good if there is an outlet near the selected location (an extension cord is not the best option from a safety point of view);
It is desirable that the color of the computer desk be in harmony with the interior of the room. You should not buy tables in dark colors - they will create a sharp contrast with a bright screen, which can negatively affect your eyesight.

When choosing a computer desk, you should not save money: a high-quality and comfortable product will last for many years and preserve your health.