Choose the Best Office Desk for Your Small Business

What’s the best office desk for your business? That may seem like a daunting question, but it's one that you can answer by asking yourself the right questions and comparing your options. Here are four key questions to try to ask and important considerations to address when shopping for an office desk for a small business—whether based in a separate office or your home:

How much desk storage do you need?

Office desk size is a crucial deciding factor. And it will depend on considerations such as the amount of equipment and supplies you need to fit on top of and inside of it. So you can start by thinking about how you will realistically use your desk, how much work area you will need, and what it will store. Will you have a desktop computer, and thus need space for a big monitor and separate keyboard and mouse? Or will you be using a laptop? Will you need a desk with drawers for office supplies or files, or just a simple desk organizer or office supply storage container that sits on top?

How much space do you have for the desk?

Realistically, you may have space constraints in your business or home office. You can determine where you will put the desk and measure out the space, so you get the right desk dimensions. There is office furniture designed for small spaces, including a small office desk, a small office table or a small office couch—whatever you think you need to make your office comfortable and complete. (Learn more about small office space ideas here). Likewise, choosing the best home office desk can be a matter of measuring your space. If you need to fit a desk in a small room or, say, corner of your basement, you can find a small office desk and other small space furniture that fit the bill. If you have vertical space against the wall consider finding a desk with hutch for extra storage. If you have a larger office you can expand your workspace to include an L-shaped desk with matching file cabinet and book shelves.

Do you want it to be ergonomic?

If you’re sitting at your desk frequently, you’ll probably want one that ensures you sit properly as to not strain your back, neck and arms. (Likewise, you’ll probably want an ergonomic office chair.) You can buy a desk or chair with adjustable heights so you can optimize your set-up to your specific needs. You might also consider getting a stand up computer desk or an adjustable height desk that permits you to change your working position throughout the day. (Also consider pairing any standing desk with a ball chair that offers an ergonomic seating option when you need it.)

What can you afford?

A small, streamlined office desk may cost less than a large wooden desk with lots of space and storage, and if you’re on a shoestring budget, there are plenty of desks you can purchase for $1,000 or less. As you explore your options, you may need to balance your needs with your spending goals.

There is a wide range of office desk furniture available, so it is a good idea to put some consideration and planning into finding the best desk for your business.

Shop Desks on Sale

About the Author

Kelly Spors is a freelance writer and editor based in Minneapolis. She previously worked as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal, covering small business and entrepreneurship.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is” and neither the author nor Office Depot, Inc. warrant the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.