From Gaming to Googling — Your Ultimate Desk Buying Guide

Whether it’s for creating your ideal WFH space or somewhere cosy to create in your downtime, finding the right desk for your individual needs can be a daunting task. There are several things to consider before investing in a desk — shape, size, ergonomics and aesthetics all come into play. We’ve assembled the ultimate guide to help you find the perfect desk that ticks all your boxes, whether it’s for work, play or both.

Eyes on the size

First things first — you need to make an assessment about what size your future desk will be. Getting a desk that’s too big for your space or too small for your needs is an all-around hassle, so it pays to be thorough in these initial planning stages. 

Your first step is to consider where your desk will be placed, taking into account things like existing furniture, access to power points, ideal lighting and the shape of the room. Next up is the measuring — get an accurate read of the height, width and depth of your desired desk space, adding room for things like your chair and storage (if desired). 

Taking shape

As well as being an important aesthetic consideration, the shape of your future desk should be informed by how much available space you have. Let’s break down the common shapes available and how they might best work for you. 

Rectangular desks: The holy grail of desks is the humble rectangular shape, as it is available in a wide variety of dimensions to suit your needs. You can pop them in a corner, up against a wall, keep them free-standing in the middle of a room or group several together to create a bank. 

Standing desks: If you’re a WFH warrior and spend a lot of time in front of the screen at home, a standing desk could quite literally save your bum (and your neck, back and body overall). Featuring mechanisms that allow your work surface to be easily elevated, standing desks give you the option to change up your posture, which is hugely beneficial for your overall health. 

Corner desks: Corner desks are ideal for those rocking a double-screen situation or a particularly involved set-up. They also make a great space for hobbies and crafting as they allow you to keep different surfaces easily separated from each other without compromising on accessibility.

Stack on the storage

If you’re short on space or just love furniture that does double duty, consider looking for a desk with storage features. A desk with drawers can be a space and organisational saviour, with compartmentalised storage to keep documents and stationery all in one spot. Even if you’re not so keen on the idea of a two-in-one desk and storage combo, there are plenty of stylish office storage options like filing cabinets, hutches, credenzas and bookcases that can take your office or hobby space to the next level (while keeping things neat and tidy). 

What you’re made of

Here comes the fun part — what colour or finish tickles your fancy? Desks come in a huge variety of colours and finishes to suit your personal taste and the existing decor of your home. Let’s break down some of the most popular ones below.

Wood or veneer: Keep it classy with a wooden or veneer-style desk that invokes images of charming old-world studies. While solid wood desks look amazing, they do tend to be heavier and more on the expensive side. They are ideal for lighter use as they can be prone to nicks. If you like the wooden look but are on a tighter budget, a veneer desk gives that oaky effect without the higher price tag. 

Laminate: Laminate desks are a classic choice for a home office set-up, providing a layer of protection to a wooden core. This process means you end up paying less for a product that still looks great, not to mention it’s more stain and scratch resistant — ideal for everyday use. Laminate also comes in many colours, so if you want something a little more bold, you can find a funky finish. 

Metal or steel: All at once classic and futuristic, metal and steel desks have come a long way from being a simple utility choice. They have the strength and versatility to act as either a standard desk for your WFH set-up or a workstation for your hobbies and projects. Their steel legs mean they are strong enough to support a decent heavy load, like your computer and all its accessories.

Glass: Going for a modern, sophisticated look? An office desk with tempered glass is just the ticket. A tempered glass top won’t scratch easily and is resistant to nicks and cracks, meaning you can achieve a chic look without compromising on durability.

Take a seat

Selecting the right seat for your desk is crucial for your comfort, health and wellbeing. Your chair is just as important as your desk, so it’s best not to overlook it. It’s crucial to invest in a chair that offers various functions like swivelling and height/back support adjustment capability. These features will allow you the freedom to alter your position as and when you choose, saving you from unnecessary back pain or strain. Luckily, oodles of chairs offer support and functionality without skimping on style, so you will be spoilt for choice.