Desk Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Desk for Your Space and the Way You Work

Choosing a desk seems easy until it arrives and you realise your monitor doesn't quite fit, your chair hits the wall, or the desktop feels cramped the moment you add a second laptop. You'll spend hours a day at your desk for years, so it's worth taking ten minutes to think about the space you have and how you work before you buy. In this guide we walk through the criteria that really matter, step by step.

1. Measure your space (and the space around it)

The most common mistake is measuring only the spot where the desk will go. You also need room to move:

• Behind the desk: leave at least 80-100 cm clear so you can pull your chair out and stand up comfortably.
• On either side: make sure you can open drawers, wardrobe doors or windows without hitting the desktop.
• Power outlets: note where they are. A standing desk needs a nearby socket and a cable with enough slack to move up and down.

A handy trick: mark the outline of the desktop on the floor with masking tape and live with it for a couple of days. You'll quickly see whether it gets in the way.

2. Width and depth: the measurements you'll notice most

Width based on your setup

• 100-120 cm: enough for a laptop or one monitor plus some paperwork. Ideal for bedrooms or small corners.
• 140-160 cm: the most versatile size. Fits two monitors, or one large monitor with room to write by hand.
• 180 cm or more: for multi-screen setups, creative work with a drawing tablet, or if you share the desk.

Depth, the forgotten dimension

At 60 cm deep, your monitor sits too close to your eyes, especially from 27 inches upwards. We recommend 70-80 cm of depth if you use an external screen: it lets you place it at arm's length and rest your forearms while you type.

3. Fixed or standing? It depends on your hours

Ask yourself honestly: how many hours a day will you spend at this desk?

• Under 2-3 hours a day (admin, occasional study, a reading nook): a well-sized fixed desk is more than enough. Our fixed-height solid wood desks pair a natural wood top with a sturdy frame and a design that also fits in a living room or bedroom.
• Full-time work or remote working: this is where a height-adjustable desk makes the difference. Switching between sitting and standing eases the load on your back and helps you keep your energy up in the afternoon. Take a look at our solid wood standing desks.
• Shared desk: if people of different heights use it, a standing desk with height memory presets is close to essential.

4. Think about the kind of work you do

• Office work and video calls: prioritise depth and good cable management for a clean background on camera.
• Design, architecture or editing: look for width and a solid top that won't wobble when you need precise mouse control.
• Crafts or mixed tasks: solid wood can be sanded and refreshed if it gets marked, something chipboard simply can't do.

5. Stability and load capacity

Monitors, arms, speakers and books add up quickly. Check the frame's maximum load and, for standing desks, how stable it is at full height: a good desk shouldn't sway while you type standing up. A solid wood top adds mass and rigidity, which reduces vibration.

6. Make it fit your home

If your desk lives in the living room or bedroom, it's also a piece of furniture you see when you're not working. Choose a finish that matches the rest of the room and leave space for a drawer unit if you need to hide papers and chargers. A desk you enjoy looking at is a desk you'll want to keep tidy.

Quick checklist before you buy

1. Have I measured the space, including clearance behind the chair?
2. Is it deep enough to place the monitor at arm's length?
3. How many hours a day will I use it? (fixed or standing)
4. Is there a socket nearby and room to organise cables?
5. Can it carry the weight of my equipment with room to spare?

If you're looking for a well-balanced starting point, the Quality ash standing desk has a light, bright solid wood top that suits almost any room.

Frequently asked questions

What desk size is best for working from home?

For most people, 140-160 cm wide and 70-80 cm deep. That gives you room for a large monitor or two screens, keyboard, mouse and space to take notes.

Will a standing desk fit in a small room?

Yes. It takes up the same floor space as a fixed desk with the same top; you just need a nearby socket and to check that no shelves or windows get in the way when you raise it.

How high should a fixed desk be?

Standard height is around 72-75 cm, which suits people of average height. If you're particularly tall or short, a standing desk lets you set the exact height for your elbows.

Is a solid wood top worth it over chipboard?

If durability matters to you, yes: solid wood stays more stable under load, can be restored with a light sanding and oil, and ages with character instead of wearing out.