Desk: types of models / How to choose?

Schoolchildren, students and those who work from home need a desk. The product is designed to provide a comfortable and functional environment and take care of maintaining the correct body position of a sitting person. This is especially important for a growing organism.

Types of desk designs

Fortunately for buyers, there are a large number of varieties, which allows you to choose a desk that meets all requirements.

One of the classification parameters is the design features of the model. So, let's look at what the options are.

The classic product is a tabletop, which on one side rests on a cabinet, and on the other on legs or a solid sidewall.
According to modern trends, a desk is often complemented by a compartment for the system unit, a retractable panel for a keyboard and mouse. Its surface is deep enough to easily install the monitor. At the same time, it becomes possible not only to complete written tasks, but also to use a computer.
The transformer model has the function of adjusting the height and angle of the tabletop, which is ideal for children. The product is not purchased for one day, so its parameters can be changed as the child grows.
If there is not enough space, you should choose folding or built-in structures for work. The first ones are attached to the wall, lifting is carried out using hinges. The second type is combined with another piece of furniture. The surface can be a retractable shelf or a folding door.
The dual configuration will provide jobs for two people at once. Possible options: an elongated tabletop with a cabinet in the center or creating an individual space for everyone using a partition.

Assembling a wooden table

Homemade furniture items at home are quite popular. And making a simple wooden desk with legs with your own hands is not so difficult, the main thing is the availability of material and tools. A drawing of the work can be found online or from experienced craftsmen.

Instructions:

You can use old furniture panels as a basis. A long piece of wood will be used for the tabletop, and a small part from the sheet will be used for drawers. All that remains is to determine their number.
After this, the material must be processed either with a milling cutter or a plane. From the remaining material you need to make curly legs. The homemade version will be assembled using spikes, so they need to be given enough attention and time. If everything is done correctly, then the frame of the future table will have about 40 connections.
Next, an equally important point is the finishing of the insert tenons, which can be made from leftover wood.
After this, cutting out the panels. At this stage, accuracy is important to avoid chipping.
An equally important action is to process the parts using a grinding machine or sandpaper.
When everything is ready, you can proceed directly to assembly. Self-tapping screws or bolts will help here.

Corner structures are also considered an excellent option for small spaces, as they take up little space. Despite this, such furniture has great capacity. You can conveniently place your computer equipment on it, and there will still be plenty of space for writing and working. The corner table is equipped with various shelves.

Rectangular options are a classic in the interior.

They have a fairly massive tabletop. Almost always all possible shelves are missing. The maximum that can be is a vintage drawer. This stylish piece of solid wood furniture is perfect for an office. Desks are made from various materials. It is from this factor, like the material, that the operating time will depend. Made from chipboard is very popular. This is due to the cheapness of the material. Chipboard tables are not durable. They quickly become unusable. Also, such furniture is made from MDF. They cost a little more, but are an excellent replacement for natural wood.

Shapes and sizes

Depending on the shape, the following types of desks are distinguished.

The rectangular configuration is quite popular due to its good capacity and ability to combine with any interior style. However, its parameters cannot be called compact, so in a limited space the model looks bulky.
The corner option allows you to use a usually empty part of the room. There are products with symmetrical sides or in the shape of the letter L.
A round table is more suitable for group activities. The absence of corners makes it possible to comfortably seat several people at once, but it will require the central part of the room.
The semicircular design is safe; it can be moved with its straight side against the wall.
For the youngest schoolchildren, it is permissible to choose a model with an interesting design at first, but then you will still have to purchase a more serious design.

If you want to choose an unusual table for work, you should pay attention to products with complex configurations. Smooth outlines, rounded corners, and a recess in the central part will make the process more comfortable.

The size of a desk is a parameter that affects a person’s well-being and health. When purchasing, you will also have to take into account the dimensions of the room. There are special standards that will help you choose the right desk.

The height is calculated according to the user's height. To determine it, sit on a chair and measure the distance from the floor to the lower part of the sternum.
The minimum length is usually 1 m.
The depth should be at least 60 cm. If you plan to install a monitor, you will need to increase the width to 70-80 cm. This will ensure the optimal distance from the eyes to the screen.

Color and design

When choosing the color scheme of the countertops, the overall stylistic design of the room is taken into account. Traditionally, preference is given to very light or, conversely, dark wood tones. White products fit perfectly into most modern interiors.

Drawing of a dressing table for making it yourself, stages of work

When it comes to a table for a child, in addition to convenience and safety, it is important that the little owner likes the workplace, and therefore any pleasant colors of the tabletop are acceptable. The main thing is that they are dim, monochromatic, and do not tire the eyes. Additional decor, as a rule, is not used. However, some designer products can be made with a drawing or photo.

How to assemble a simple coordinate table with your own hands, tips for craftsmen

The design of the countertop depends entirely on the tastes and solvency of the owners:

The surface can be completely flat and smooth.
Attached shelves - open or with doors - allow you to make more practical use of free space. In modern models, their size is pre-calculated for the installation of office equipment.
Pre-treated holes are created to make it convenient to connect a variety of equipment without cluttering the surface with wires.

A variety of materials allows you to choose the optimal tabletop for your desk, suitable in terms of quality and cost. It can be made in any style, in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. It is important that this thing is comfortable, attractive, puts you in a working mood and contributes to productive activities.

Equipment

Additional equipment helps increase the functionality of the product.

The cabinet, which also serves as the base, will become a storage place. It may consist of shelves, a closed cabinet or drawers.
To work with a computer, it is worth purchasing a table with a retractable panel and a compartment for the system unit. Instead of the latter, it is better to choose a separate module with wheels to facilitate access to the device. It is more convenient to install office equipment in the superstructure part.
A rack or narrow cabinet will allow you to rationally organize the space and keep everything you need in the work area.
A table lamp or wall lamp will give you the opportunity to fully study in the dark.
Special stands for pens, pencils, rulers and other office supplies will come in handy.
A superstructure in the form of shelves, cabinets, and compartments of different sizes will help create an impromptu office. It can form a single structure with the table or be mounted separately on the wall.
In the lower part it is necessary to provide a footrest and space for a backpack or briefcase.

When deciding which table to choose, you should pay attention to the types of fittings. The operation of drawers depends on its characteristics.

There are two types of systems: roller and ball.

The first option is designed for a load of up to 25 kg. The thickness of metal elements must be at least 1.2 mm. Roller guides are inexpensive, but the drawer opens only 70%. When moving, the fittings make a lot of noise. Rubberized rollers will solve this problem.

The ball system does not have many disadvantages.

Guides can be installed in any plane.
The permissible weight of the box is 60 kg.
Adjustment in two directions is possible.
Content review 100%.
The mechanism operates almost silently and will last a long time.

Naturally, the price of the products is higher. They can be additionally equipped with a closer and a lock.

Manufacturing materials

When it comes to choosing the right table for work, the material used is of no small importance. Fortunately, there are plenty of options so that everyone can find the best one for themselves.

Wood is the best choice for a desk. It will give the product a solid margin of safety, pleasant sensations, durability, and attractiveness. However, such products look massive, have significant weight and price. In a small room, a wooden model will look too bulky. Natural wood requires regular treatment with special compounds, periodic renewal of the varnish coating, and maintaining optimal levels of humidity and temperature.
Thanks to lamination, chipboard can imitate the color and texture of natural materials, is inexpensive, and weighs little. The disadvantages are: high susceptibility to moisture, loose structure, risk of release of toxic substances. All this negatively affects service life.
MDF is distinguished by strength, resistance to high humidity, and more options in terms of shape. This type of wood board does not contain any harmful components to health. Exterior finishing with veneer allows you to get a product that is similar in properties to wood.
Glass is often used as a tabletop. The glass surface visually gives the table lightness and expands the boundaries of the room. Despite its apparent fragility, the material is quite durable and reliable, although it is designed to withstand lighter loads compared to wood. Disadvantages include: rapid surface contamination, unpleasant coldness and noise effect from contact with hard objects. Glass requires constant care and careful handling, as it is afraid of pinpoint impacts.
Plastic provides the tabletop with lightness, a wide variety of shapes and shades, but its durability and strength leave much to be desired. The material is afraid of mechanical and impact effects, ultraviolet radiation.
Metal is used to make supporting elements. The metal frame can withstand significant loads, looks light, and goes well with wood and glass. To protect against corrosion, it is chrome-plated or painted with a polymer-based powder composition.

When choosing, you should also take into account the style of the interior so as not to cause dissonance in the design of the room.

What materials are they made from?

If you have the task of choosing a desk, you need to pay attention to the material of manufacture. The following options are available.

Natural wood. The model made of this material is quite reliable and durable. The furniture looks very solid. But usually such a table is quite massive, which is not always good. Wood needs to be periodically treated with varnish, otherwise its service life will be reduced. Additionally, the disadvantages include the high cost of the material.
MDF. A good alternative to wood, practically not inferior to it in terms of characteristics. At the same time it costs less.
Strained glass. Used to make countertops. Due to transparency, it is possible to achieve the effect of visually increasing space. The material is quite durable. Disadvantages include coldness, loud sound when touching objects, the need for regular cleaning of dust and hand marks.

Plastic. This tabletop is light and bright. At the same time, the material does not last long, is poorly resistant to loads, is subject to mechanical damage, in particular, it is quickly scratched. Some types of plastic are susceptible to exposure to the sun.
Metal. Typically used to create frames and supports. Looks great with wood and glass. Chrome plated or coated with polymer dye to protect against corrosion.
Chipboard. One of the cheapest materials. It has poor resistance to loads and warps quickly. Sometimes it can release harmful substances, since synthetic glue is used in production.

When choosing a material, you need to take into account not only the technical characteristics, but also ensure that the furniture fits into the overall style of the interior.

Styles

The desk is the same piece of furniture, and it should not disturb the overall unity and harmony. Fortunately, there are models that meet different interior styles in their characteristics.

The classic product is characterized by elegant severity and simplicity in detail. Standard shades, familiar geometric shapes, practicality, versatility. The material used is usually wood. For decoration, carvings on the legs are allowed.
Provence implies light pastel shades (white, beige), artificial aging, but the wooden tabletop is left in its natural form. The supporting elements are complemented with carved figures. This table exudes an atmosphere of reliability and calm.
In the loft direction, different materials are combined in the manufacture of furniture. For example: glass and wood, wood and metal. The table has strict shapes, without any decoration, and is painted black, gray and brown.
For a high-tech style, a model made of plastic, metal, or glass with a laconic configuration is suitable. Metal elements are always chrome-plated; additions in the form of modern high-tech devices to increase functionality are welcome.
Restraint, contrasting colors (white, black), and the absence of unnecessary details distinguish a Scandinavian-style desk. Only natural materials are used for production.

Photos in the interior

Despite the general computerization, the desk still remains a popular piece of furniture.
A large selection of models will allow you to purchase the best option in accordance with the material, construction, configuration, design, color scheme. Online store of building materials.