Desk buying guide: How to choose the right desk for you
As you know, a desk can look different in many ways. So, how do you find a desk that not only appeals to you aesthetically but also fits well both in the premises and for your tasks? Here we present the advantages of different types of desks and help you find the one that is right for you.
Whether you work from home or at the office, it is important to have a desk that is right for you and your tasks. Good office furniture should both promote good ergonomics and fit in with the rest of the office interior. If you spend a lot of time at the computer, the most ergonomic desk is often a height-adjustable model that helps you vary your working position, which is good for health. When it comes to buying a desk, it’s worth taking the time to find one that fits your needs now and in the future.
Whether you work from home or at the office, it is important to have a desk that is right for you and your tasks. Good office furniture should both promote good ergonomics and fit in with the rest of the office interior. If you spend a lot of time at the computer, the most ergonomic desk is often a height-adjustable model that helps you vary your working position, which is good for health. When it comes to buying a desk, it’s worth taking the time to find one that fits your needs now and in the future.
1. How will you use your desk space?
How much time will you spend at your desk?
What size desk surface do you need?
Your choice of desk shape and size should reflect what you need to keep close at hand. If it's about many things, such as both a desktop and a laptop, as well as a couple of letter trays and some other desk accessories, you should, of course, choose a tabletop in a generous format. But if the desk is only going to accommodate a laptop and a single folder, you can advantageously reduce the size and instead have more space for other things in the room.
One of the first things to consider when choosing office equipment is how long you'll be sitting at your desk each day. If you're only using it for an hour or two, a compact and affordable computer desk may be all you need, just go with what suits your style and space.
However, if your desk is your main workstation, you'll want to be more selective. Think carefully about the desk’s design, size, and quality to ensure it supports your daily tasks comfortably. A well-designed desk is a long-term investment in both your wellbeing and productivity.
What size desk surface do you need?
Your choice of desk shape and size should reflect what you need to keep close at hand. If it's about many things, such as both a desktop and a laptop, as well as a couple of letter trays and some other desk accessories, you should, of course, choose a tabletop in a generous format. But if the desk is only going to accommodate a laptop and a single folder, you can advantageously reduce the size and instead have more space for other things in the room.
2. Choose the right desk shape
Classic Rectangular Desks
Classic Straight desks are space-efficient and often used in open-plan offices or in workplaces with limited floor space. The advantage of these straight desks is that they can be grouped together in shared workspaces and easily divided using desk screens or partitions.
Ergonomic Wave Desks
A desk with a cut out is ideal if you want your most important work tools close at hand. The tabletop design also means that you can get close to the table when working, providing you with an ergonomically correct working position with good support for your arms.
Corner Desks
Corner desks (also called L-shaped or curved desks) make excellent use of awkward or limited space. They are especially suitable if the area needs to accommodate multiple functions since the floor space in the middle of the room can be kept free. Choosing a side table allows you to receive visitors and hold meetings directly at your workplace.
Classic Straight desks are space-efficient and often used in open-plan offices or in workplaces with limited floor space. The advantage of these straight desks is that they can be grouped together in shared workspaces and easily divided using desk screens or partitions.
Ergonomic Wave Desks
A desk with a cut out is ideal if you want your most important work tools close at hand. The tabletop design also means that you can get close to the table when working, providing you with an ergonomically correct working position with good support for your arms.
Corner Desks
Corner desks (also called L-shaped or curved desks) make excellent use of awkward or limited space. They are especially suitable if the area needs to accommodate multiple functions since the floor space in the middle of the room can be kept free. Choosing a side table allows you to receive visitors and hold meetings directly at your workplace.
3. Fixed or height-adjustable: which desk is right for you?
When thinking about how to choose an office desk, one of the key decisions is whether to go for a fixed height or a height-adjustable model.
Fixed Desk
Height-adjustable desk
Sedentary work is one of the significant health risks of our time, and long days at the computer have become the norm. Fortunately, there are several ways to counteract this - including using a height-adjustable desk.
Switching between sitting and standing throughout the day helps to boost circulation, reduce fatigue, and support better posture. The height-adjustable function is available on desks in various colors, shapes, and sizes and is an investment in well-being for those who perform office work.
Are there more benefits to adjustable desks?
A fixed desk can work well, provided it’s set to the correct height for your body. As a rule of thumb, when seated, your forearms should rest comfortably on the desktop at roughly a 90-degree angle, and your feet should lie flat on the floor or a footrest. This is essential if you're aiming for the most ergonomic desk setup.
Need to know how high your office desk should be? The ideal height is usually around 85–100 cm, but this varies depending on your stature and chair.
Height-adjustable desk
Sedentary work is one of the significant health risks of our time, and long days at the computer have become the norm. Fortunately, there are several ways to counteract this - including using a height-adjustable desk.
Switching between sitting and standing throughout the day helps to boost circulation, reduce fatigue, and support better posture. The height-adjustable function is available on desks in various colors, shapes, and sizes and is an investment in well-being for those who perform office work.
Are there more benefits to adjustable desks?
4. Desk colour and finish: Match your space
Once you’ve settled on the size and shape, it’s time to think about style. One of the benefits of choosing office equipment carefully is being able to coordinate it with your existing décor. Whether you're after a minimalist look or something more traditional, you can find the best office desk design to suit your space.
Our desks come with a durable, easy-care laminate finish and are available in a variety of colours and wood-effect options, including birch, beech, oak, grey, clay-grey, black and white. Many models also let you customise the frame colour, so it’s easy to create a cohesive, professional feel in your home office or workplace.
Clever desk accessories to complete your setup
Once you’ve found the right desk, it’s time to fine-tune your workspace with accessories that enhance comfort, organisation, and productivity. If you're wondering how to set up your office desk for the best results, here are some clever add-ons to consider:
- A drawer unit is a practical piece of storage furniture for essential papers and other items you need to access easily.
- Ergonomic forearm support help to reduce strain on the wrists and arms during long periods of desk work.
- Monitor arms allow you to adjust the screen to the position that is most restful for your eyes and neck.
- Mount a cable trench under a desktop with a cable hold to hide cords and cables
- For a smaller desk, a desk drawer is a smart extra storage solution that doesn't steal legroom.
- A footrest helps you sit more comfortably.
- A standing mat relieves legs, knees, and back when you stand and work.
- Privacy screens can be mounted under the desk to make it easier to position your workstation anywhere in the room, ideal for open-plan offices.
There are more smart solutions for you to get the desk exactly as you want it: desk pads, document holders, and more. Feel free to browse through our wide range of accessories.
Do you want better organisation?
Do you want better organisation?
AJ Products recommends:
Looking for the best office desk for your needs? Here are a few of our top-rated options to help you choose the right setup:
- FLEXUS desk: A customer favourite, this spacious curved desk gives you all the room you need to work efficiently. With its height-adjustable function, you can easily switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. A great choice if you’re after the most ergonomic desk.
- NOMAD desk: Compact and affordable, NOMAD is ideal if space is limited. Despite its smaller size, it’s fully adjustable, making it perfect for anyone looking for the best desk for a home office or hybrid working.
- ATTUNE table: Minimalist and versatile, ATTUNE is a clever solution that doesn’t require electricity to adjust the height - no cables, no fuss. It’s equally suited to home offices or modern workplace setups.
- NOVUS corner desk: Designed to make the most of your space, NOVUS fits neatly into room corners or can be grouped to create collaborative work zones. A smart option if you’re buying a desk for a team environment.
- Office package FLEXUS + WATFORD: For an easy, coordinated setup, our complete bundle includes a height-adjustable desk, a multi-synchronised office chair and cable management, everything you need for a productive, ergonomic workspace.
Desk FLEXUS
£275.00
Desk NOVUS
£206.00
Need help choosing a desk?
We’re here to help you make the right choice. If you're unsure how to choose a desk or want advice on buying a desk that meets your specific needs, just get in touch – our team is happy to assist.
Let AJ Products be your best place to buy a desk and everything you need for a smarter, more comfortable working day.
Find the desk that's best for you
FAQ
Get the latest product launches and offers sent direct to your inbox
Do you want to receive exclusive offers, information about new products and inspiration on how you can improve your workplace? Sign up for our free newsletter and be the first to receive our best offers.Please wait...
*By clicking subscribe, I confirm that I have read the privacy policy.