Best Office Desk for Working From Home: How to Choose

For most people working from home, we recommend a sturdy desk with enough depth to place your screen at a comfortable viewing distance and enough surface space for the tasks you do every day. A simple rectangular desk is often the most versatile choice, while a compact writing desk can work well if you primarily use a laptop and need to preserve floor space.

Measure the available floor area, then leave room to pull out your chair and move around it without blocking a doorway or walkway. If your desk must share a bedroom or living room, our team suggests marking its proposed footprint on the floor with tape so you can see how it affects the space before buying.

Choose a desk height that lets you sit with relaxed shoulders and your forearms roughly level when typing; if the desk is too high, an adjustable chair and footrest may help you find a better position. If you want to alternate between sitting and standing, an adjustable-height desk can be worthwhile, but make sure it has room for your equipment at both heights.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating prioritize comfort over extra features.

Solid wood and sturdy metal-framed desks can be durable options, while laminate surfaces are often easy to wipe clean; whatever you choose, follow the maker’s care instructions and protect the top from spills and heat. Drawers may help if you handle papers or supplies daily, but open space beneath the desktop can be more valuable when you need legroom or flexibility for a chair.

We cover the desk as one part of a complete workspace in our home office setup guide. If you’re planning the whole room, our Your Ultimate Home Office Guide is a digital download focused on organizing a home office for productivity, focus, and style.