Office desk: how to choose the right one for your workplace

An office desk is the foundation of every workplace, so choose it based on the size of the room, the worktop material, the base and the load capacity. For most offices, a good fixed office desk has a worktop 120 to 160 cm wide and 70 to 80 cm deep, with tidy cable management and a stable metal base. Below we explain every criterion in turn, so you can choose a desk that will withstand years of daily use.

How to determine the right size and dimensions of an office desk

Choose the size of your office desk based on the available space and the nature of the work. A worktop around 120 cm wide is enough for a single screen; for two screens or extra documents, plan for 140 to 160 cm. A depth of 70 to 80 cm ensures a safe distance to the screen and room for your forearms.

• Smaller home office: width 110 to 120 cm, depth 60 to 70 cm.
• Standard office workstation: width 140 to 160 cm, depth 80 cm.
• Management or project workstation: width 180 cm and more, with a corner version if needed.

Also think about the walkways around the desk. For comfortable movement with a chair you need at least 90 to 100 cm of space behind the desk. With corner desks or a layout against a wall, check that drawers and cabinet doors have enough room to open. If you are furnishing an entire office, the guide how to furnish an office will help.

A tip from practice: before buying, mark the outline of the planned desk on the floor with masking tape. That way you will quickly see whether the ratio between the desk size and the room is right, even before you place an order. In open-plan offices, a uniform depth across all desks also matters, as rows of workstations then look orderly and make shared cable management easier.

Worktop materials and edges

The worktop material has the greatest influence on the look, durability and price of an office desk. Each material has its own advantages, so choose according to your budget and the load on the workstation.

An important but often overlooked detail is the worktop edge. A 2 mm thick ABS edge band withstands impacts and wear better than a thinner 0.4 mm band, so we recommend a thicker edge in high-traffic areas. Rounded edges are more comfortable for your forearms.

Bases: metal or wood, and which shape

The base determines the stability and character of an office desk. Most often you choose between a metal and a wooden base, while the shape of the legs affects legroom and the overall look.

• Metal base (C or T leg): robust, modern look, allows easy cable management.
• A-leg (angled): stable and visually light, popular in modern offices.
• Wooden base: warmer, natural look, suitable for premium and home spaces.
• Shared base (bench): for work islands where several desks share the same structure.

With metal bases, pay attention to adjustable glides that level the desk on uneven floors and prevent wobbling.

Load capacity and stability

Load capacity and stability are key for daily use, especially if you place several screens, a printer or heavier equipment on the desk. A quality fixed office desk easily carries the equipment of a typical workstation and does not wobble when you lean on it or type.

Stability is affected by the thickness of the worktop (we recommend at least 25 mm), the quality of the base and a good connection between the worktop and the legs. We assemble and check every desk before delivery, so the workstation is solid from day one.

With wider desks over 160 cm, pay attention to support in the middle, as the worktop may otherwise sag over time. A well-designed base with a crossbar or an additional leg prevents this. With work islands of several desks, the shared structure further increases the rigidity and load capacity of the whole assembly.

Cable management

Tidy cables are the difference between a professional and a cluttered workstation. When choosing an office desk, check what cable management options it offers, as fixing it later is often not possible.

• Heka SteelLine cable tray: a metal tray under the worktop where you stow power supplies and power strips.
• Cable port in the worktop: an opening through which cables run downwards.
• Vertical guide along the leg: routes cables from the worktop to the floor in a tidy, hidden way.

For work islands of several desks, we recommend a shared cable tray that centralises power for all workstations.

Ergonomic height: fixed or sit-stand desk

A standard fixed office desk has its worktop at a height of about 72 to 74 cm, which suits most adults with a correctly adjusted chair. However, if you want to switch between sitting and standing work, a sit-stand version makes sense.

A fixed desk is an excellent choice when budget matters and the desk serves a single user with a properly adjusted ergonomic chair. A sit-stand desk pays off for shared workstations and for those who spend many hours at the computer and want movement throughout the day. The correct height is the one at which your forearms are at a right angle and your shoulders are relaxed, so always pair a fixed desk with an adjustable chair.

Read more about switching to standing work in the guide how to choose a sit-stand desk, and find the full range in the sit-stand desks category.

Custom production for companies

For larger projects, custom production is often the best route, as we tailor the desks precisely to the space and the company brand. As a Slovenian manufacturer in Medvode with more than 40 years of experience, we make office desks to your dimensions, in the chosen decor and with the option of an embossed logo.

• Custom dimensions: non-standard widths, depths and corner versions.
• Colours and decors: matched to the overall look of the office.
• Company logo: discreet marking on the worktop or base.
• Own delivery and assembly: we deliver and assemble the furniture with our own team.

NLB, Triglav and Volvo have chosen our solutions. We provide a 3-year warranty on all products. You will find a detailed overview of the options in the guide custom office furniture.

Prices and popular models

The price of an office desk depends on the worktop material, the base and the dimensions. Basic fixed office desks with a melamine worktop are available from approx. 200 euros, while models with premium bases and larger dimensions reach higher prices.

A popular model is the CLASSIC desk, which combines a durable melamine worktop, a stable metal base and the option of a Heka SteelLine cable tray. View the full selection among office desks or in the wider office furniture category.

Frequently asked questions

What size should an office desk be?

For work with a single screen, a width of around 120 cm is enough; for two screens or more documents, we recommend 140 to 160 cm. The depth should be between 70 and 80 cm, so the distance to the screen is comfortable and safe for your eyes.

Which worktop material is the most durable?

The most durable is laminate (HPL), as it withstands wear, moisture and heat well. Melamine is practical and affordable with a rich choice of decors, while veneer offers a natural, premium look for representative spaces.

Is a fixed or a sit-stand office desk the better choice?

A fixed desk is excellent when budget matters and the desk is used by a single user with a good ergonomic chair. A sit-stand desk pays off for shared workstations and for everyone who wants to switch between sitting and standing work.

How much does a quality office desk cost?

Basic fixed office desks with a melamine worktop are available from approx. 200 euros. The price rises with larger dimensions, premium bases and materials such as laminate or veneer, as well as with custom production.

Do you make custom office desks for companies?

Yes, as a Slovenian manufacturer in Medvode we make office desks to your dimensions, in the chosen colours and with your company logo. We also handle our own delivery and assembly and provide a 3-year warranty.