Office Desk by Size – How to Choose Right

Why office desk size matters

The size of your office desk affects both productivity and comfort. A desk that is too small can quickly feel cramped, while one that is too large can make the office feel empty and difficult to use. With the right size, you have space for your computer, documents and work tools, while still leaving room for creativity.

If you often work with multiple screens, papers or other work materials, a larger office desk is often the best solution. It gives you the freedom to organise your workspace without it becoming cluttered.

How to choose the right office desk

To choose the right office desk, you of course need to measure the space where it will be placed, but you also need to think about how you work and how you want to organise your desk area. Below we go through four important aspects that will help you find the right size and type of office desk.

1. Measure your workspace

Before buying an office desk, it is important to measure the space where it will be placed. Make sure to leave enough room around the desk for a chair, movement and storage. A general recommendation is to have at least 90 to 100 cm of free space behind the chair and 50 to 60 cm from the edge of the desk to the nearest wall or piece of furniture.

Also remember to consider other furniture in the room, such as shelves, storage cabinets or sofas. A large desk does not only require space in length and width, it also needs room around it to function optimally. If the office is small, a corner desk can instead be considered to maximise the workspace without taking up too much floor space.

2. Office desk size

When choosing the size of a desk, there are three main dimensions to consider: depth, width and height.

Depth: If you plan to use the desk for work that requires a monitor, mouse and keyboard, the depth should be at least 60 cm. The larger the monitor, the more space you need, keep in mind that the distance between the screen and your eyes should be somewhere between 50 and 80 cm. For simpler work on a laptop or with papers, a depth of around 45 cm may be sufficient.

Width: Width is also important. For a single monitor, a desk of at least 120 cm is recommended, as this provides space for a keyboard, mouse, documents and other accessories. If you use two monitors or often need to spread out materials, a width of 130 to 140 cm is preferable.

Height: Finally, you should consider the height of the desk. Standard office desks are often around 73 cm high, which suits most people. However, if you want the option to work while standing, a height-adjustable desk may be a better alternative. Alternating between sitting and standing positions can reduce strain on the neck and back and make the working day more comfortable.

Shape: An office desk does not have to follow a standard shape. We offer rectangular desks for classic workstations, models with a cut-out for closer seating, oval and round tables for more open environments, as well as corner desks that maximise space in smaller rooms. The right shape can make a significant difference both for working comfort and for how efficiently you use the room.

3. Adapt the office desk to your work needs

When choosing the size of your office desk, you should consider how you use it. By thinking through your daily tasks, you can find the optimal workspace that suits both you and your office.

Individual work: If you mainly work with a laptop and a few documents, a smaller office desk is sufficient. Oberon and Serie P are good alternatives here, as they are also available in smaller sizes. Fields working booths are a good option if you want a more secluded workspace.

Multiskärm eller projektarbete: In this case, a larger office desk is preferable, allowing you to spread out materials and keep everything within reach. For example, choose Nexus or Oberon.

Samarbete: For shared projects or meetings at the desk, a larger surface can make it easier to share ideas and documents. The Nexus, Nano and Polaris desks can be connected to create a larger shared workspace.

4. Consider ergonomics and comfort

Size also affects ergonomics. A desk that is too narrow can make you sit too close to the screen or force you to keep your arms at uncomfortable angles. A larger office desk allows you to place your equipment at the right distance and maintain a more natural working posture, which reduces the risk of strain injuries.

Also consider the height of the desk. For optimal ergonomics, the height should be adapted to your body height and chair. A good approach is to combine a larger desk with an adjustable chair, and you may also want to consider a height-adjustable desk for the best possible ergonomics.

Not sure which size or model suits you best? Our interior planners and sales representatives are happy to help you plan a smart and ergonomic solution for your office.

Height-adjustable desks

A height-adjustable desk is a flexible option that works well in both large and smaller workspaces. Even a small or narrow desk can be equipped with this function, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing working positions without changing furniture. This flexibility makes the working day more ergonomic and can reduce strain on the back and neck.