What to Look for in an Office Desk: A Complete Buying Guide

Creating a productive home office or work space starts with one thing: A desk. From crafting out a corner of your living room, to flipping the spare room into your new work space, choosing the right office desk can influence your comfort, productivity, focus, and style. 

This guide is here to help you find the right office desk for you, from size and material, to style and function. 

Start with the right size

It’s easy to fall in love at first sight with a desk for its design (we can’t resist a bit of mid-century modern), but before you rush into anything, it’s important to make sure it’s the right size for your space. Measure the area you plan to use and consider the following:

• How much surface area you need
• Clearance space for your office chair
• Room for essentials like storage ottomans or shelving

If space is tight, consider minimalist options like wall-mounted or corner desks and pair them with compact seating like Chair 01 in vine as a small-space hero that adds charm without the clutter.

Consider desk material and style

The material of your desk affects both style and durability. We believe office furniture should blend seamlessly with your interior style. Choose from:

• Wood desks for a warm, classic look
• Metal desks or glass desks for a modern, industrial vibe
• Colourful desks with painted finishes to make a statement

Pair warm, wood tones with deep hues like the Storage 03 storage ottoman in Kingfisher for a rustic feel, or contrast a modern metal or glass desk with plush textures like the Model 08 sofa bed in Vine for a luxurious finish. 

Storage and ergonomics

Your desk should work as hard as you do. Look for built-in storage like drawers and shelving to keep loose papers, important documents, chargers, and clutter, cable management to keep wires tidy, and ergonomic height to support hours of sitting. 

Tip: Combine functionality with flexibility by placing an armchair or occasional chair by your space for screen breaks and thinking space. 

Choose a comfortable office chair

Every desk needs its office chair. Look for a chair that offers ergonomic support and comfort.  From standard swivel chairs to fixed chairs and ergonomic chairs, finding the right office chair is important for your posture, productivity and comfort. It’s a decision worth taking your time with.

Think beyond the desk: Accessorise

Once you’ve chosen your desk, it’s time to make it yours with accessories:

• Rugs: Define and soften up your work space with a rug like our Hague rug in teal for a pop of colour and comfort
• Storage ottomans: Keep things tidy with a storage ottoman, perfect for keeping extra blankets or files out of sight
• Lighting: Invest in a good desk lamp to increase ambience and decrease eye strain

The perfect office desk is about more than just looks, it’s about creating a workspace that inspires productivity and fits seamlessly with your lifestyle. By choosing high-quality, well-designed pieces that work together, you can transform your home office into a space you’ll actually enjoy spending time in.

Start exploring our office furniture collection and build your dream home office set up.