Choosing a desk sounds simple until you realise there’s no such thing as a “normal” size that works for everyone. A desk can look perfect online and still feel too shallow, too deep, too tall, or just awkward in the space once it arrives.
If you want help choosing the right size, feel free to message us. We’re always happy to talk it through.
If you’d like to browse our handmade solid wood desks, you can view them here.
Start with depth (it matters more than people think)
Most people focus on desk width, but depth is usually the thing that decides whether a desk feels comfortable or cramped.
The right depth depends on what you actually do at your desk and how much you like having space in front of you.
Slim desks: 50 to 66 cm deep
A slimmer desk is a great choice when space is at a premium, especially in smaller rooms where you still want the area to feel open.
50 to 66 cm works well for:
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a laptop setup
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a single monitor setup
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workspaces in bedrooms, box rooms, or tighter home offices
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keeping the desk visually light and unobtrusive
People sometimes worry that a slim desk means less storage, but it doesn’t have to. Monitor stands and keyboard trays are both great add-ons, and they help free up the working area without needing a bigger footprint.
Deeper desks: 70 to 88 cm deep
If you like spreading out, or you have a lot going on at once, a deeper desk makes a noticeable difference.
70 to 88 cm works well for:
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dual monitors
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paperwork, notebooks, and writing space alongside a keyboard
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creative work where things pile up fast
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music setups with gear, controllers, and cables
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anyone who wants the desk to feel more “anchored” as a workspace
A deeper desk gives you breathing room. It stops the setup feeling like it’s balancing right on the edge.
A quick note on our desk depths (and why they’re in 22 cm steps)
Most of our desks are built using boards that are naturally around 22 cm deep, so our standard desk depths tend to be in multiples of 22 cm.
That said, if you need something in-between, we can absolutely make desks to measure. If your space calls for a depth that isn’t a neat standard size, just tell us what you’re working with and we’ll make it suit.
Width: decide how much “side space” you actually need
Once the depth is right, width is usually straightforward.
A good way to choose is to think in zones:
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one zone for your main setup (screen, keyboard, mouse)
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one zone for everything else (notes, drinks, sketches, papers, gear)
If you’re working with a monitor, most desks feel nicer when you’ve still got a bit of space either side, rather than everything being packed tight.
Don’t forget height (it’s not one-size-fits-all)
Desk height gets overlooked constantly, and it’s one of the quickest ways to end up uncomfortable, even if the desk looks perfect.
What matters most is how your arms and shoulders sit when you’re working. If the desk is too high, you’ll feel it fast. If it’s too low, you’ll hunch.
A few options worth thinking about:
If you want flexibility: height adjustable desks.
Height adjustable desks are great if you want to switch between sitting and standing, or if more than one person will use the desk. They’re also useful if you’re trying to dial in your setup gradually rather than committing to one fixed height.
If you want standing-only: standing desks.
A standing desk can be a brilliant workspace if you know you prefer standing, or if you’re designing a space around that from the start.
If you need something lower: kids desks or standard desks but with lower legs.
For kids, a standard adult desk height can be too high and uncomfortable. A lower height desk makes a huge difference for posture, especially if it’s being used for drawing, homework, or creative projects.
Studio desks (for when your “desk” isn’t just a desk)
If your setup goes beyond a laptop and notebook, it’s worth considering a studio-style desk.
Our studio desks are often two-tier designs, giving you space for screens and speakers up top, with a clear working area underneath. They’re great for work, writing, and general day-to-day use, but they really come into their own when you’re dealing with music equipment, controllers, interfaces, and 19" rack gear.
They’re one of those setups where, once you’ve had the extra structure and space, it’s hard to go back.
The simplest way to choose the right desk size
Forget guessing. Choose your size based on how you actually work.
Work out your ideal depth first, then choose the width that gives you enough space without swallowing the room. From there, make sure the height fits you, not the other way around.
If you want to sense check a size before ordering, just message us with your room measurements and your setup and we’ll help you choose something that makes sense.
If you’d like to explore our handmade desks, including height adjustable and studio options, you can view them here.
