Working from home – the desk as the heart of the home office.
Anyone who works from home knows how annoying it is to have a workspace that is too small and to constantly have to share the work surface. Those who can retreat to their own study are to be envied. But you can also work productively at the dining table at home – provided the "hard facts" are right.
Read here what makes a good workplace at home and how to set it up even in a small apartment.
Why the desk is so important in the home office
Working from home is now commonplace. But for the home office not to become a burden, you need the right workplace. An ergonomic desk, together with the office chair, forms the foundation for productive and healthy work. Size, depth, height and material are crucial – but the appearance should not be underestimated either if you have the workplace in your home and see it constantly.
Work table in the home office: The optimal size and depth
To ensure you can work relaxed, a desk in the home office should be at least 120 cm wide and 80 cm deep. These dimensions allow for a healthy distance between your eyes and the monitor (approx. 60–70 cm). A desk that is too small quickly leads to lack of space and clutter, which hinders productivity.
Ergonomic working – the right height
An ergonomic workplace starts with the height of the table. An ideal height is at least 70 cm. Even better are height-adjustable desks that also allow you to work standing up. If you opt for a fixed model, you can use a footrest to relieve strain. Important for the work table: stable stand and sufficient legroom.
Order and storage space for more productivity
Order is a success factor - not only in the home office, but especially here, since usually there are no large cupboards available like in a "real office". Use rolling containers, drawers or sideboards to store work utensils within reach. This keeps the work surface free for the essentials.
Studies show that work performance and creativity are better at an 'empty table' than at an overloaded and possibly even 'cluttered' workplace. This means: More order also brings more efficiency. And a pleasant side effect is that you find needed things faster instead of having to rummage through all your files and documents for hours.
Prevent scratches on the parquet and snags on the carpet
Those who constantly work in one place put a lot of strain on the floor covering by rolling the office chair and 'scuffing' with their feet. Therefore, a floor protection mat under the desk and office chair is recommended for the floor. This protects the floor covering from wear and tear and the office chair also rolls more easily (on carpet) and more quietly (on hard floors).
Setting up a home office – with its own study
The ideal scenario for a home office is a separate study. Here, the desk can be optimally placed and adapted to personal needs. In addition to functionality, design should not be neglected: a stylish table, for example a live-edge table as a work table, increases motivation and inspires creative work.
Working at the dining table – the flexible, but mostly somewhat annoying solution
Not everyone has their own office. Many use the dining table as a desk. The height and surface are usually sufficient, but the issue of organization is particularly important here. With sideboards or shelves, laptops, documents, and office accessories can be quickly stowed away when it's time for the daily meal.
Nothing is more off-putting than having your laptop next to your plate... and perhaps even constantly looking at it while eating... an important email might come in. Caution: Your partner will certainly not find that amusing. For long working days, you should also use an ergonomic office chair at the dining table and not sit on a normal chair.
A live-edge table as a desk – functional and unique
A desk must be functional – but why not beautiful too? A live-edge table as a workplace combines natural aesthetics with stability. Each table is unique, as the table edge retains the natural growth shape of the wood.
The advantage: Your table has a unique look due to the live edges, which radiates individuality. Acacia wood is particularly popular as a material because it is hard and resistant. The frame must allow for legroom: Stable U-frames made of metal in an industrial look also ensure stability and a modern appearance.
Height-adjustable desk as an ergonomic highlight
If you want to work particularly ergonomically and thus efficiently, you can also consider a height-adjustable desk. This desk variant has already arrived in many offices. In the home office, however, mostly not yet for cost reasons.
A cost-effective solution is this: You get a height-adjustable frame and mount a tabletop on it. This can be an existing top or a tabletop that you can find here as a do-it-yourself option.
Conclusion: Choosing the right desk for the home office
Whether it's a study, living room or dining area – the desk is the heart of the home office. It should be large enough, ergonomically designed and visually appealing. Those who value naturalness and design will find an ideal combination of functionality and style in a live-edge desk.
