9 common mistakes when choosing an office desk (and how to avoid them)

We spend more hours at our desk than almost anywhere else at home, yet most of us pick one in ten minutes based on a photo and a price tag. The result? Back pain, cables everywhere, or a desk that feels too small after three months. To help you avoid that, we've rounded up the mistakes we see most often when advising our customers, and how to steer clear of them.

1. Not measuring the space (or what goes on the desk)

Measuring the gap by the wall isn't enough. Think about everything that will sit on top: one or two monitors, a laptop, a lamp, a notebook… As a rule of thumb, a monitor needs around 60–70 cm of depth to be viewed at a comfortable distance, and two screens call for at least 140–160 cm of width. Also leave about 90 cm of free space behind you to move your chair.

2. Choosing a fixed height that doesn't fit you

Standard desk height is around 72–75 cm, designed for someone of average build. If you're 1.60 m or 1.90 m tall, that height probably won't suit you. The rule is simple: with your shoulders relaxed, your elbows should sit at roughly 90° with your forearms resting at desktop level. If several people work at home, or you're unsure, a height-adjustable desk solves the problem at the root.

3. Thinking that sitting all day "isn't a big deal"

Even with an excellent chair, spending eight hours in the same position takes its toll. Switching between sitting and standing every 30–60 minutes helps ease lower-back tension and keeps your energy up through the afternoon. That's why more and more people are choosing solid wood standing desks, which let you change position at the push of a button and save your favourite heights to memory.

4. Overlooking stability

A desk that wobbles while you type is uncomfortable and wears out faster. Check the frame (steel legs with a crossbar, or dual motors on height-adjustable models), the thickness of the desktop and the load capacity. A standing desk with a good frame should stay steady even at standing height.

5. Going for price alone

A desk is a purchase for many years. Particleboard or melamine tops are cheap, but they swell with moisture, chip at the edges and can't be repaired. Solid wood costs a little more up front, but it can be sanded and re-oiled, ages beautifully and lasts for decades. In the long run, it usually works out better value.

6. Forgetting about cables and power

Monitors, chargers, speakers, a power strip… Without a plan, you'll end up with a tangle of cables behind the desk. Leave room for a cable tray or an under-desk organiser, and make sure there are sockets nearby. On a standing desk, leave some slack in the cables so they don't pull when the desk rises.

7. Ignoring the lighting

Putting your screen with its back to a window causes glare; placing it directly in front of one strains your eyes because of the contrast. Ideally, natural light should come in from the side. Before you buy, decide where the desk will go, as that also determines the size you need.

8. Picking a style that clashes with your home

If you work from your living room or bedroom, your desk becomes part of the décor. A cold, corporate piece can look completely out of place. If you don't need adjustable height, a fixed natural wood desk like those in our Deco desk collection blends into any space and works just as well for work or study.

9. Buying the desk without thinking about your chair and monitor

The desk is just one part of your workstation. The top of your monitor should be at eye level or slightly below, and your chair should let you rest your feet flat on the floor. If the desk is high and the chair doesn't go low enough, or vice versa, neither will do its job. Think about the setup as a whole.

Quick checklist before you buy

• Have I measured the space and everything that will go on the desk?
• Does the height suit me (and anyone else who'll use it)?
• Is it stable and can it handle the weight of my equipment?
• Will the material last for years, and can it be repaired?
• Have I planned for cables, sockets and lighting?
• Does it work with my chair, my monitor and the style of the room?

Frequently asked questions

What desk size do I need for two monitors?

At least 140 cm wide and 70 cm deep. If you also use a laptop or work with paperwork, 160–180 cm of width will give you much more room.

Is a standing desk worth it if I already have a good chair?

Yes. A chair improves your posture while sitting, but it doesn't stop you from being sedentary. Being able to stand for part of the day complements your chair and helps you move more.

What is the correct desk height?

The one that puts your elbows at roughly 90° with your shoulders relaxed. For most adults that's between 68 and 78 cm when sitting, and between 95 and 120 cm when standing.

Is a solid wood desktop better than particleboard?

For intensive daily use, yes: it's tougher, handles knocks and moisture better, and can be restored by sanding and oiling instead of having to be replaced.

Not sure which model suits your space? Get in touch and we'll help you choose the right desk for you.