Your home office desk is arguably the most crucial part of your office. Whether you sit at your desk or use a standing setup, it can be a good idea to invest in a high-quality desk. A good desk usually has useful features, such as height adjustment and durable quality. That said, you don't need to buy an extremely expensive desk because you can use that money on other essential equipment. This article highlights some characteristics of a good home office desk. This way, you can make an informed decision on your desk based on your needs.
Characteristics of a Good Home Office Desk
There's no doubt that there are numerous choices for home office desks available online. Sometimes, that can make it challenging to narrow down specific desks to get for your home office. Well, below are some crucial characteristics of a good home office desk. So, when buying your desk, make sure that it has these features and qualities. We also link some high-quality options for you to consider to help you find a desk that fits your needs.
It Should Be Durable
A home office desk is a long-term investment, so it should last several years.
So, there are two things that you should consider when you're looking for a durable home office desk.
1. The first is the materials
2. The second is the manufacturer. Even if a product has good materials, it's up to the manufacturer to ensure that they maintain good build quality with the materials they use. So, look for a company that has a reputation for providing high-quality products that last. A reputable manufacturer will also ensure that the fit and finish are exceptional.
Flexipost is a reputable manufacturer that has a variety of high-quality and durable desks and other pieces of furniture. For example, the E1 Pro has a solid high-grade steel frame, and you can choose from various desktop materials. The most affordable option is a chipboard desktop. However, it is an E0-graded chipboard desktop, so it is constructed using effective lamination techniques and materials to ensure excellent durability. That said, you can also choose solid wood for even better durability at an excellent price.
This particular desk also comes with a high-quality motor for height adjustment. Therefore, the movements are smooth and are built to last a long time.
Tempered glass is another type of tabletop material with high durability. FlexiSpot also offers a desk with a tempered glass tabletop known as the Comhar. The glass can also offer a smooth surface to work on, and it won't get damaged if you spill water or coffee on your desk. This desk is a pricier option than the E2 Pro, but its unique features offer exceptional value to its users.
It Should Have Height Adjustment
A height-adjustable office desk is a useful piece of furniture for effective ergonomics. By ergonomics, we mean setting up your workspace in a way that maximizes comfort and efficiency. The way you sit (or stand) at your desk is crucial to maintaining effective ergonomics. Therefore, adjusting the height of your desk is crucial to ensuring that your wrists and elbows are in the correct position when you're sitting.
One crucial aspect of ergonomics related to desktop height adjustment is that your wrists should be at the same level or slightly lower than your elbows. Working in this position can ensure that your wrists are straight (i.e., there is no flexion upward or downward). As a result, it can help reduce strain on your wrists, which may lead to injuries or the development of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Another reason why height adjustment is crucial is that it allows you to switch your working position. Many professionals also work in a standing position because it can help them focus and burn calories. However, those who work 8 hours a day will need to alternate between standing and sitting positions. This is because working in a standing position all day can be unhealthy, as it may lead to fatigue and pain in the ankles and legs. Therefore, a height-adjustable office desk allows users to switch between these two positions with relative ease.
It Should Be Comfortable to Use
Your home office desk is one piece of furniture that you'll use for several hours every working day. Thus, you should invest in something that you find comfortable. The tabletop material and the ability to adjust the height contribute to the desk's comfort. That said, another essential comfort feature you should note is the design. In this case, a simple design can be the most comfortable. Here are some design features it should have.
A Flat Rectangular Tabletop with Ample Leg Space
A desk with a flat rectangular tabletop is great because it offers you exceptional space and keeps everything at one level. Your mouse and keyboard should be at the same level because you can ensure that both wrists are sitting straight when you're sitting. In addition to that, the desk should have ample space for your legs. Your leg placement is also critical for good ergonomics. So, your legs should be under your desk, with your feet flat on the floor and thighs parallel to the ground. If you have a bulky desk with minimal space for your legs, you won't be able to sit in this ergonomic position. All of the ergonomic office desks at FlexiSpot have extensive space for your legs.
Your home office desk should also not come with large drawers underneath the desk. While these drawers can be useful for storage, they can limit your thigh clearance. That said, you can always get a sleek under-desk drawer as an add-on, such as the S09-BB. This particular one won't take up much space and offers a great storage solution. At the same time, it's quick and easy to install, so you don't need to invest in a desk with a drawer or cabinet.
Rounded Corners and Edges
A key factor that you may overlook when buying a desk is the corners and edges. Consider buying a desk with rounded edges and corners. Sharp corners can lead to injury and bruises if you accidentally hit a part of your body against them. Rounded edges are not as important as the corners. However, if you typically rest your forearms or palms against the edges of your desk, rounded edges can be a more comfortable alternative than sharp edges. You should also note at this point that you should always rest your palms when typing or using your mouse instead of resting your wrists. Doing so can help eliminate the risk of developing wrist conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
It Should Look Professional
While this may not be one of the most crucial characteristics of a good home office desk, a desk that looks professional is a plus. A home office desk that looks professional and sleek may inspire more productivity. In addition, it can also leave a good impression if you have any clients visiting your home office to discuss project details.
Final Thoughts
While you don't need to overthink your decision to buy a high-quality home office desk, doing some research on any product is a good idea. That way, you can ensure that you get the best value from your investment.
