Looking for a new desk can be a daunting process especially if you don’t know a lot about interior design and the standards when it comes to office furniture.
But, that’s why we’ve done the job for you and researched the different types of desks and their dimensions so we can give you the best advice and you can decide which one to purchase once you’re at the store.
We also need to mention that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding the perfect desk for you, so you should always do your own research on different products, consider their features, and compare the price of the products to your own budget.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about different desk types and sizes, you’ve come to the perfect place. Below, we’ll discuss the depth of standard desks, as well as writing desks, computer desks, children’s desks, and more, so read on to find out more and make it easier for yourself to decide which one to buy.
Dimensions of a Standard Desk
When we talk about the dimensions of the standard desk we take into consideration the length, depth (or width), and height of the desk. These dimensions can vary depending on the type of desk you have, but there are some general guidelines when it comes to the standard desk:
- Depth. Standard desks have a depth of around 30 inches, although the minimum depth of the desk is around 18 inches. The minimal desk depth will give you enough room to place a monitor of any size and have enough space to work.
- Height. The standard desk height is also 30 inches which is the same as the depth of the standard desk. This size is ideal for most people, but it can vary depending on the height of the person. Children, for example, will need a desk that’s lower compared to an adult one.
- Length. The length of a standard desk is a minimum of 20 inches which easily accommodates a monitor or a writing tablet. However, this is the dimension that varies the most and you can find desks that are 48, 60, and even 72 inches long.
Now that you know what the standard dimensions are when it comes to office desks, let’s discuss how the depth of the desk can vary depending on the type of desk you purchase.
Types Of Office Desks
The length of a desk can vary depending on its purpose, so we’ve included the sizes of the most popular work desks out there.
Writing Desk
Writing desks are meant to be used to write with a pen and paper or on a laptop and they generally take up minimal space. They often have a shelf on top and generally have enough room to comfortably fit a chair that’s pushed under them.
The depth of the desk is between 36 and 42 inches, while the width of the desk is between 28 and 30 inches. This desk has a number of smaller compartments that are intended for storing pens, paper, and other office supplies.
Computer/Gaming Desk
This type of desk is different from others as it can have a slot that is intended for the computer and different accessories and there is also the type that doesn’t have additional storage for computer parts.
When choosing this type of desk, it’s important to take into consideration that the computer needs to have enough room to ventilate freely, and you might want to have enough space to fit two or three monitors on the top, which means this desk is twice as long as the standard desk, about 50 inches while the depth of the desk is generally about 25 inches.
Executive Desk
Executive desks are large and heavy and have a lot of storage space for documents and office supplies. The desk can also contain drawers that are intended for storing file folders. These desks can be used in a standard office, but also for a home office.
Apart from the standard rectangular desk design, they can even be L-shaped or U-shaped for people who need extra storage space. Executive desks are sophisticated and are often located in the center of the room facing toward the person that’s entering through the door. The average depth of executive desks is 30 inches, while the average width is 60 inches.
Standing Desk
Nowadays, standing desks are becoming even more common as they offer versatility to people who use them. Most standing desks can even adjust in height and can be used both as regular desks and as stand-up desks.
These types of desks are preferred by people who want to work sitting down for one portion of their workday and want to work standing up for the other one which enables them to stretch their back and legs. Generally, the size of stand-up desks can vary depending on what the person uses the desk for. On average, the depth of the desk can range from 24 to 36 inches.
Child’s Desk
Children’s desks are designed taking into consideration the height of the child and what fits their individual needs best, however, there are some standards that need to be taken into consideration.
The average depth of a child-sized desk is 24 inches, the width is 36 inches, and the height is 30 inches. These desks are used for playing, drawing, and even used as classroom-style desks.
Roll-Top Desk
One of the most interesting types of desks is the roll-top desk which can be used for almost any everyday activity such as paying bills, writing, and even working on a laptop.
The desk has a roll-down top that hides what’s inside the desk and can also have shelves and slots for letters and bills, as well as drawers down the sides that are useful for storing office supplies. The standard dimension of these types of desks that are generally made of wood is depth – 36 inches, width – 72 inches, and height – 57 inches.
Final Thoughts
As you’ve probably concluded from this article, desks come in all shapes and sizes that vary depending on the measurements of the person who’s using them and the task they’re being used for.
Where you plan to place the desk in your office can also define the size of your desk, so you need to take all of these things into consideration as you’re looking at different desks.
In conclusion, there are some final things we need to mention that will make purchasing a desk easier:
- Keep in mind that you’ll need additional space around the desk in order to be able to move easily. The ideal space you’ll need is about 48 inches from the desk in order to make sure that the chair has enough room to be pushed out and taken back into place under the desk.
- You’ll need a longer desk if you plan on placing two or more computer monitors. Depending on the type of monitor and the number of monitors you want to place on your desk, the length of the desk that’s ideal for two monitors is 50 to 55 inches.
We wish you good luck as you’re trying to find the best desk for your office.
