How to Design an Office Desk

Think about your materials. Standard office desks are usually metal laminate, but if you want an executive-style office desk, then wood, ceramic top, leather inlays and glass are all options.

Consider the placement of the desk. If it is going to be facing a wall, then the front of the desk and the front edge of the desk to should be flat, and need not have any design features. A receptionist or executive’s desk will be accessible from the front, so paneling at the front should be considered. A corner desk, or U-shaped design, can have both a wall and front-accessible portion.

Assess your storage needs. If you need to have a lot of paper files on hand, then an built-in filing cabinet on one or both sides of the desk can maximize the under-desk space, while providing hidden storage. A desktop shelving unit can also keep files readily accessible--think about adding doors to the shelves to keep the desk feeling organized. Desk drawers are standard in most office desks, with three being the most practical number for easy access while remaining seated at the desk.

Decide on the size. Desks are generally between 28 and 30 inches high, but the width and length of the desk is determined by your practical needs. Most office desks will need space for a computer, as well as for paperwork, so a minimum of 24 by 36 inches should be considered. For an office involved in creative industries, where designs, plans and other large papers are routinely used, a desk of larger desktop proportions is essential.

Consider your computer needs. A keyboard tray is an essential addition to keep your keyboard at a comfortable height; you will also need an under-desk hutch for the CPU, as well as a cable hole or nook to safely run your cables behind the desk. Any printer kept on the desk will also need to be taken into consideration when designing the desktop size.