Desks

Most desks are 72–76 cm high, which suits people between about 160 and 185 cm tall. When seated, your forearms should rest level on the surface with elbows close to 90 degrees. If you are much taller or shorter, an adjustable desk, or an adjustable chair with a footrest, solves the difference.

For a laptop and notebook, allow at least 100–120 cm wide and 60 cm deep. With an external monitor, a depth of 70–80 cm keeps the screen at arm's length. Two monitors need 140–160 cm of width. Measure the space for the chair too, as you need room to push back and stand up.

A standing desk helps most if you alternate between sitting and standing through the day; standing all day is no better than sitting. Look for an electric frame with a height range of roughly 65–125 cm, memory presets and a stable crossbar. Check the top is deep enough for your monitor at standing height.

Solid wood and quality veneer feel warm and age well, laminate resists scratches from daily use, and glass looks light but shows fingerprints and feels cold at the wrist. If you plan to use a monitor arm, check the top is thick and strong enough to take a clamp without denting or cracking.

A writing desk is smaller and more decorative, ideal for a laptop and occasional use in a living room or bedroom. A computer desk is deeper, often with cable management, keyboard space and room for a monitor, and suits full-time work. If you work from home daily, depth matters more than looks.

Drawers keep stationery, chargers and paperwork out of sight, which helps a desk in a shared room look tidy at the end of the day. A desk without drawers gives more knee room and looks lighter. If you prefer the cleaner look, a separate set of drawers or a wall shelf can provide storage instead.