How to Design a Home Desk

Look around the home and choose the best place for your desk. Is there an area with bright sunlight or a lovely view from the window? Maybe there is an area that is out of the main traffic flow and has less noise when working.

Measure the total area devoted to office space. Sketch that area onto the paper, adding the length and width measurements.

Decide what the desk will do for you. Are you just paying bills and writing letters? If so, then a smaller desk is OK. For those who plan on running a business or working from home, a larger desk that can hold a computer will be required. Beside the sketch of the area, list the things you plan to use the desk for and other equipment that will be there.

Lay the measuring tape flat on the floor to get a visual for the width of the desk. Keep the size within the total area you set aside for the office space.

Repeat the process to determine the length of the desk. Add both of these measurements to the sketch.

Select a chair to use at the desk. Find a comfortable position, if the height is adjustable, and measure from the floor to 10 inches above the seat of the chair to find the height of the desk top. When sitting, knees and hips should stay in line while keeping the back straight. Your back and legs should stay within a 90 to 120 degree angle. If planning to use a computer, the top of the desk should be at a height that your elbows stay between a 90 and 100 degree angle when typing. Add or subtract height from the desk top to fit your body, reduce fatigue and combat back and wrist pain.

Decide if you want to attach the desk to the wall in a corner to create a built-in piece or make a more traditional piece with legs.

Look around the area where the desk will be, and decide if you need open or closed storage. A high-traffic area in the family room may need a way to close up everything, like an armoire, so personal information is not out for anyone to see.

Draw a finished sketch of the desk with measurements.