Computer Desk Buying Guide

With the rapid rise in computer and laptop usage throughout the world, it has become increasingly important to have a desk that provides both comfort and functionality when you are at work or play with your machine.

Using desks that were not designed for computers can lead to back, neck and eye strain. This not only makes working at your computer uncomfortable, but it can also reduce your overall level of productivity and possibly even cause you to suffer from muscular or skeletal disorders later in life.

So for anyone who does spend a lot of time in front of their computer, such as because their job requires it or because they use their PC for gaming or watching movies, taking the time to think about what you want in a workstation and then finding one that meets those needs and requirements is going to benefit you tremendously in the long run

Put quite simply, there is nothing like having a good desk that you can look forward to using because know you will be able to sit at it comfortably for long periods and get on with whatever it is that you want to do.

Of course, the reverse of this is also true.

If you just get any old table for your study or work room which isn’t very comfortable to use, then not only will you not enjoy using it for long periods, but you may even start to develop a negative mental association between your work and your desk. In psychology, this is known as classical conditioning and it could very easily affect the quality of work that you produce.

The good news is that there are loads of different styles and types of computer desks available to purchase, and you can get them from all over the place. For example, eBay, Amazon, furniture stores and office stores all sell computer desks to meet virtually all needs and requirements.

As a result, if you are looking for something in particular, then you should be able to find it rather than just having to put up with any old bog standard design.

There is one downside though to having all this choice, and that is if you don’t have a rough idea of what you want from a PC workstation then you won’t know what to look for and how to choose the most appropriate desk for your home.

So in this computer desk buying guide, we hope to help you with the buying process by making you aware of some of the most important things that you should be looking for and taking into consideration when buying a desk to use with your PC/Mac computer or laptop.

Finding the perfect workspace is likely to take some time, but trust us, it will be worth it in the end!

Choosing A Home Computer Desk

Although there are many different styles and designs of PC workstations to choose from, you may not necessarily be able to go out and just buy any desk that you see as most people have limiting factors which will restrict their available choice in one way or another.

For this reason, before you do go out to buy a computer desk, it is vitally important that you first ask yourself the three questions listed below.

Once you have the answers to these questions, you will then have a much better idea as to the type of desk furniture to look for, and most importantly, what you could potentially buy. The following section of this guide, which lists the different types of computer desks, will further help you to make that decision.

1 – What Do You Need A Desk For?

The first thing to think about when purchasing a worktable is what you want to use it for. For example, if all you need is a surface that you can use your PC or laptop on, then a small desk may be all that you need. And if you are only using a laptop, then you may not need a retractable keyboard tray or a monitor stand.

If on the other hand you are looking for a work space in which you can use your computer to assist you with office or school work, then you are likely to require a larger table so that you have plenty of room to read books and make notes.

In addition, you may also need storage space for your accessories such as pens, paper and a stapler. Having shelves for your books, printer and scanner will also be helpful if you wish to keep your desk clutter free.

Other intended uses for a desk can result in large amounts of additional equipment. Those doing video editing for example, will need space to accommodate a large monitor, or possibly two monitors, as well as external hard drives, speakers and any other equipment related to video editing.

So as a general rule, the more you intend to use your desk for the bigger a workspace you are likely to need and the more features that you will need.

2 – How Much Space Do You Have?

Even though you may want to use a worksurface for a multitude of different uses, ultimately, the amount of space that you have available in your room will largely determine the type and size of computer desk that you are able to buy.

If space is at a premium for example, then you will limited to smaller desks such as corner computer desks with vertical storage space to maximise your usable working area.

If you have a lot of free floor space, then you can be a bit more lavish with your desk by getting yourself a large worktable with modular attachments that allows you to extend and modify your desk to best meet your needs and requirements.

Finally, if you intend on using your workstation for multiple purposes, such as laptop usage and book related studying, then you may want to consider purchasing two desks if you have the space for them and keeping those desks in separate rooms.

Doing so will give you much greater working space for one particular type of task, and if you are a student, doing book related studying work away from your laptop is also likely to prove far less of a distraction!

3 – How Much Can You Spend?

The final factor to consider when purchasing a home computer desk is your budget. Generally speaking, the more functionality a desk has, and the larger it is, the more expensive it will be.

So after considering the first two factors, you must then decide what desks are available that fulfil your needs and are within your budget.

Of course, if you are not in a hurry to purchase a workstation, then you can always save up some money to buy a more expensive and feature rich desk.

This is actually something that is recommended to do anyway, as any worktable that you purchase you will likely be using for a long time and so it is better to get something that you will be happy with from day one and that is going to last.

As for how much computer desks costs, you can expect to pay anywhere from around £20 or $30 at the low end for a basic laptop table, to over £300 or $500 at the high end for a high quality multi-purpose large computer workstation.

Types Of Computer Desks

Over the past few years, computer desks have evolved tremendously. Improvements in the design, decor and functionality of home computer desks has forever changed the way that people work at their computer.

No longer are desks just limited to a single flat top surface with a sliding keyboard draw underneath.

Now, computer desks are ergonomically designed desks that can be specifically crafted to accommodate all your computing needs whilst at the same time providing you with a comfortable working environment.

As a result, not only are you able to store your computer, but you can also store all your computing related accessories such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, external hard drives, CD/DVDs, modem and speakers.

In addition, some workstations also serve a dual purpose by accommodating both the computers needs and your work related needs.

Some worktables for example, have holders for pens and paperclips, paper trays for documents and shelves for books and office accessories like telephones.

As computer technology continues to advance, so will computer desks. For you as the consumer, this means an ever increasing selection of computer desks to choose from which is certainly a good thing, although, with so many different options it can sometimes complicate the buying process.

To help simplify things for you, listed below you will find each of the main types of computer desks that are currently available on the market with a brief description and review of each.

If you can decide what type of desk would best suit your needs and requirements, when you do finally go shopping for a desk, you should then find it much easier and quicker to narrow down the desk that you want.

Corner Computer Desks

Corner computer desks, as the name suggests, are designed to be placed in the corner of a room and so are ideal for people who have limited floor space to work with.

If space is not a limiting factor, some home office corner computer desks can also be purchased with side extensions or vertical shelving storage space.

This provides the user with the functionality of a traditional rectangular desk, whilst also allowing for the optimal use of both horizontal and vertical space.

Features

Modern corner computer workstations come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the cheapest corner desks will be fairly basic in design, having a single flat working surface with an extendable keyboard tray underneath.

More expensive models may have side mounted desk attachments to increase the working surface area. This allows the desk to be placed into the corner of a room, whilst also providing the same amount of working space as a traditional desk would.

Other models are fitted with vertically mounted shelves that resemble a bookshelf. This is ideal in areas where floor space is limited, as by utilising vertical space the working environment can be drastically increased.

Vertically space however, is most useful for storage and it is not something that you will really benefit from if you need writing space for example.

A good corner computer desk will also have some form of cable management system to conceal computer and electrical wiring, whilst also being ergonomically designed to minimise back, neck and eye strain.

Advantages

Corner computer workstations are most advantageous in areas where horizontal space is limited and vertical space can be utilized.

For example, a small study room that has a display cabinet and bookshelf which leaves little horizontal floor space would be perfect for a corner desk.

The shape of the desk therefore makes it ideal for rooms in which a traditional desk would be too large, but the homeowner still wishes to create a home office in that room.

From a user’s perspective, corner computer desks provide a functional and cosy working environment in which the user is less likely to be distracted by their surroundings.

In fact, some people believe that they become more productive when working at a corner desk because they spend less time focusing on distractions, such as looking out a window or across the room, and thus more time focusing on their work.

Of course, this really comes down to personal preference, so if you don’t like working in a corner, then this probably isn’t the best design for you.

Disadvantages

Having a corner shaped design limits the location that such a desk can be used to room corners. So if you are unable to place a desk in a corner of your room, then you may be forced to consider another type of design.

However, it should be noted that although corner computer desks are designed to be used in corners, they can in fact be used against a flat wall if you add on some side extensions to form an “L” shaped computer desk. But if you have the space to do this, you would probably just buy a traditional rectangular shaped desk anyway.

Another factor to consider is the enclosed design which positions the user facing a wall. This area will naturally be darker than the rest of the room, and so may require additional lighting which could take up valuable desk space.

If you tend to feel claustrophobic in enclosed areas, then you may not like working in such an environment.

An additional potential disadvantage that you may experience when using a corner based computer workstation, is that there may not be any power sockets in the corner that you want to place your desk.

Although you can use an extension lead if there are no immediate power sockets nearby, this will add extra cable clutter to your room which could then make it look messy or even pose a safety hazard if you are likely to trip up on floor cables.

Summary

Overall, the corner computer desk is an excellent choice to go for when floor space is at a premium and you are unable to accommodate a larger traditional rectangular desk in your study or bedroom.

However, as corner computer desks can be expanded both horizontally and vertically, they are still an excellent workstation to own regardless of whether space is a concern or not.

Glass Computer Desks

Glass computer desks are a more recent addition to the ever expanding family of sleek and stylish looking home and office furniture.

They are primarily designed for those who want to break away from the traditional wood styled desk designs, and achieve a more modern look in their workplace that also complements their computer equipment.

Features

Glass computer desks are not only stylish, but they can also be as functional as a traditional wooden desk.

For example, they can be fitted with adjustable monitor attachments, shelves for speakers and accessories, a retractable keyboard compartment and space below the desk to house computer peripherals such as a printer and scanner.

Glass computer desks also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common are the fixed shaped worktable designs which offer a regular sized table top design or a smaller workstation design.

It is also possible to purchase glass corner computer desks that can be neatly placed in room corners when floor space is limited.

Furthermore, if you want the option to upgrade your desk at a later date to give more working space, there are modular desks available that will allow you to do this by adding on horizontal side extensions to create an L shaped glass desk or even vertical extensions to expand your vertical storage space.

Glass worktables are not limited to simple clear glass designs either. You can now buy a glass computer desk and select from a variety of tints, although the most common colors tend to be blue or black glass desk designs.

On most models, the glass will also be coated with a special anti-reflective surface. This is designed to minimise glare from light sources, such as desk lamps and computer monitors, which could otherwise be quite distracting when you are working.

Advantages

Perhaps the biggest advantage of having a glass computer desk is their appearance. Put quite simply, they look absolutely great, and can really add some class and style to a home or office environment.

A modular glass computer desk will also give you the option to expand your worksurface, thereby allowing you to “future-proof” your investment if you ever decide that you need more space to work with.

This is something that is definitely worth considering regardless of the type of desk that you buy, as it is usually a lot cheaper to upgrade than it is to buy a new desk outright.

Another advantage that comes from the design of a glass PC desk, is that it makes your room or office look larger.

Traditional wooden desks can be quite large and imposing objects, and really do consume the area of space in which they sit. With a glass desk however, because light is able to pass through the glass, the desk itself appears to blend in with the room and become an unobtrusive part of it.

So if you are trying to achieve a more spacious look to your working environment, or want to go for a minimalistic look, then glass desks can be an excellent way to help you achieve your aim.

Finally, glass computer tables can usually be purchased with either a metallic steel or wood frame. As a result, if you do have other furniture inside your home or office, such as filing cabinets, a bookshelf or drawers and pedestals, you should be able to find a glass desk that fits in well with the rest of the furniture that you have.

Disadvantages

Glass computer desks tend to be more expensive than traditional types of desks, and although modular glass computer desks can be expanded, the options are not quite as plentiful as those found with modular wooden computer desks.

Another disadvantage of having a glass table is finger marks! No matter what special coating the glass may have, glass will always be prone to finger marks.

Although more expensive models will have special coatings to minimize this, in general, all glass computer workstations will require more maintenance in the form of cleaning than other types of computer desks.

Scratching usually tends not to be a problem with glass desks, although it is possible for scratching to occur.

Before purchasing a glass computer desk, make sure that you are aware of what coatings the glass has. Ideally, you should be looking for something that has anti-reflective/glare, anti-smudge and anti-scratch properties.

You will usually find these coatings on the more expensive office models, so be wary of lower end home models as they may contain none of these features.

Finally, because you are dealing with see through glass, it very important that your computer workstation contains a good cable management system, as glass tables which lack a means of concealing wires and cables can detract from their overall appearance by making them look messy and cluttered.

Summary

Overall, the glass computer desk is an extremely attractive option for those who are looking for a modern, stylish and functional desk.

These desks also tend to complement computer equipment very well, which has made glass desks quite popular with computer enthusiasts and business professionals.

Glass worktables can be disadvantaged by the fact that they may suffer more from fingerprint marks and reflective light than other desk designs, but on the higher quality models this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Roll Top Computer Desks

Roll top computer desks are a relatively new development in computer desk design, although its origins date back to the old English candle lit writing desks.

Roll top computer desks have received a mixed reception from the public, and it seems that you either love them or you hate them!

Features

Roll top computer desks are unique from other types of computer workstations as they are designed to conceal the working area when not in use, hence the name “roll top” or “rolling top”.

These worktables are also designed to blend in with surrounding home furniture such as dining tables, cabinets and bookshelves. This makes them ideal for downstairs locations, such as a living room or dining room, where you would still like to maintain the traditional look of a room and not detract from its decor with a PC and all its wiring.

Because of this later role, roll top desks are almost exclusively made from wood such as oak, pine, teak, beech or mahogany, although some more modern and less traditional roll tops will have a metal rather than wood roll top enclosure.

Some models also have mounted wheels at the base of the unit which  allow you to easily move the desk to a new location if required. This can be very handy for elderly individuals who would otherwise not be able to move a large fixed position desk by themselves.

Like most computer desks, roll tops can be designed to accommodate various computer accessories and peripherals.

For example, draws for documents, cupboards for a printer and scanner, shelves for speakers and disc holders for CDs/DVDs.

Note: Older desks, such as those which were built before the 1970s, will generally be constructed from solid wood, such as solid oak.

Newer desks however, tend to be constructed of chipboard wood with a veneer wood surface. This style of construction was introduced to reduce the likelihood of a desk warping due to expansion of the wood caused by central home heating.

Advantages

One of the most attractive features of a roll top computer desk is it’s design. Typically made from solid oak, roll tops have a traditional writing desk feel to them and so are perfect for people who want something with a different type of feel to it than what most people tend to have.

There is also the added benefit that after you have finished working you can close the top and lock your desk.

This can be very advantageous, especially in a public area, as it offers you both security and privacy. In addition to this, your computer and electronic equipment will also be far less prone to collecting dust which subsequently reduces overall maintenance and the risk of damage due to overheating from clogged fan vents.

Not all roll top computer desks will be lockable though, so you will have to look out for lockable desks if this is a feature that you want to have.

Disadvantages

One of the major disadvantages of roll top computer desks is that they tend to be very limited in terms of expansion options.

Unlike modular computer desks which can be added to and upgraded at a later date, with roll top computer desks you are basically stuck with what you have. Unless of course, you are good at DIY and can expand the desk yourself!

Another disadvantage of the roll top is that the overall working surface area tends to be relatively small in comparison to other more traditional open top desks.

So if you need to use the desk for other purposes, such as doing work that involves writing in addition to doing computer work, then a roll top desk may not be the ideal choice for you.

Students for example, may find roll tops far too small in terms of the work space that they provide. Of course, larger models will provide you with more work space, but these will also be a lot more expensive and so students are unlikely to find them to be an affordable option.

Another important point to consider is that if your computer equipment is concealed in a cupboard, then the lack of external airflow may increase the risk of equipment failure due to overheating.

For most users this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but if you are looking for a computer desk to use with your overclocked PC, then a roll top is almost certainly not what you need!

Summary

Roll top computer desks are more suited for laptop use, rather than desktop computers. Unless you purchase a larger and more expensive model, the limited working space may cause issues for some people.

However, if you are looking for something with a traditional look and feel to it, and don’t require a large work surface, then a roll top desk may be ideal for you even if you are using a PC or Mac computer and not a laptop.

Child Computer Desks

The recent popularity of home computing has seen a rapid increase in the amount of children using computers and laptops.

As a result, computer desks are no longer exclusively designed for adult use, but are also being designed specifically for children.

Features

Kids computer desks have a lower height and are physically smaller than adult sized desks. They can also come in a variety of colorful and playful designs, which is something not usually found with adult designs.

For very young children, small multi-colored plastic computer desks are available. These allow the child to safely use their computer or laptop, whilst also providing additional space for homework. And because the desk is plastic, it will also be resistant to scratches and spills.

For older children, more “grown up” designs made of wood can be purchased. These will be both larger and more functional than the smaller plastic child computer desks.

Some designs even go so far as to incorporate a bed above the desk! Apart from the space optimization this design offers, it also provides the child with a working area in which they feel comfortable and relaxed.

Other types of children’s computer desks have additional space for another person to sit. This could be a friend or a parent that helps them with their homework.

When purchasing a desk for older children, they will likely need more functionality from their desk than younger children.

So shelves and draws would be beneficial, in addition to a cable management system for aesthetics and safety.

Wooden computer desks for older children are generally recommended, as harder materials such as glass or metal may pose a safety hazard if the child were to slip and bang their head for example. Most child computer desks are constructed from wood or plastic for this reason.

Modular Expansion Options

As you probably already know, children grow up very quickly. A desk which fitted them one year, may be outgrown in as little as 2 or 3 years.

Rather than purchasing new and larger computer desks throughout the child’s school years, it is a good idea to get an upgradeable modular desk.

This will allow you to raise the height of the desk as the child grows, whilst also giving you the option to expand it horizontally and vertically.

With modular computer desks you will also be able to add additional draws and shelves if needed to accommodate greater amounts of school books and stationary equipment.

Advantages

Choosing a desk specifically designed for children is extremely important, as adult sized desks are simply too large for a young child to use properly.

Using the wrong sized desk is likely to be uncomfortable for the child, and may even result in back, neck and eyestrain. Ultimately, this could affect not only their body, but potentially their grades.

So by providing your child with an ergonomically designed computer desk, they will be able to work in comfort just like an adult would on an ergonomically designed adult desk.

Another benefit of using kids computer desks is that because of the numerous styles available they can make learning fun and provide the child with their own personal working space.

If a child enjoys working at their desk, they will be more likely to enjoy doing their homework and perform better at school as a result.

So when choosing a children’s computer desk, it is best to purchase a desk that your child wants and is happy with as they are the ones who will be using it.

Disadvantages

Child desks are generally less expensive than adult sized desks. However, unless you purchase a modular computer desk which can be upgraded in the future, you will most likely have to buy several desks as the child grows up. This can make child computer desks very expensive in the long run.

If you try to sell your old computer desk to purchase a new one, you may find it difficult to sell as all children have their own preference for what a desk should look like and so may not like your child’s particular style of desk.

But if you advertise online, such as on eBay, then you shouldn’t have too much of a problem finding a buyer due to the large number of people that you will be advertising too.

For very young children, plastic computer desks are likely to provide only very basic functionality and so may not be able accommodate all your child’s needs. Plastic desks also tend not to be upgradable, so your child will have to work with what the desk can offer in terms of its usable working space.

Finally, due to the small size of children’s computer desks, especially those designed for very young kids, you may find that the distance from where your child sits to the monitor may be too close.

Sitting too close to a monitor is not recommended as it could negatively affect your child’s eyesight. At a minimum, your child should be seated at least a child arms distance away from the screen.

Summary

If you have a child that uses a computer, or requires an area in which to do their homework, purchasing a children’s computer desk is an excellent choice.

Larger adult computer desks are simply not designed to accommodate small children, and can result in body strain which can make learning uncomfortable and difficult if a child does try to use a desk that was designed for adults.

By purchasing a computer desk that is specifically designed for them, your child will feel more comfortable when working and as a result will be much more likely to produce better quality work and be able to work for longer periods.

Modular Computer Desks

Modular computer desks are desks that can be altered in some way from their original design.

Typically, these alterations occur as side or vertical extensions to the desk, thereby making it bigger and expanding the working environment.

Other alterations can increase the functionality of the desk, such as by adding additional shelves and storage compartments.

Features

A good modular computer desk will include a variety of additional fittings that are designed to accommodate various computer accessories.

These fittings may already be attached to the worktable, or can be attached at a later date should the need arise.

Some of these extra fittings could include fittings for document holders, a wrist rest, CD/DVD holders and stationary compartments.

In addition to this, it should also be possible to expand your desk should you so desire in the future.

Common desk expansions include side mounted desks, thereby expanding the horizontal area, and book shelves, which expand the vertical storage space.

However, you will usually find that the price increases as the number of features increases.

So unless you actually need all these additional fittings, it is best to purchase what you currently need, or can afford, and upgrade latter in the future if needed.

Another important feature of modular computer desks is a cable management system. Although this will vary between different workstation designs, the purpose remains the same.

A cable management system will conceal computer and electrical wiring so that your work surface is not cluttered unnecessarily. This also has an aesthetic purpose, by allowing your working environment to maintain a clean and tidy looking appearance.

Advantages

Modular computer desks are perhaps the most versatile and flexible form of computer desk, as they give the user the freedom to create a unique working environment that accommodates all their needs.

Due to this versatility, the modular computer desk can comfortably be used in areas where space is limited, or where space is abundant.

For example, if you are limited in your home office as to how much floor space you have available, you could purchase vertical modular fittings to increase your utilisation of vertical space thereby giving you more room to store documents, books or stationary accessories such as pens, a stapler or a holepunch.

If space is plentiful in your study room, then you may choose to add on horizontal side extensions to give you more usable space on the surface of your worktable. This can be very beneficial if you will be using your desk for writing and frequently have books open next to you.

But perhaps the best thing about having a modular computer desk is that if your functional requirements ever change in the future, such as because you need more desk space or decide to reduce the size of your desk, the modular design allows you to easily do this.

A good example of how a persons needs may change could include a child who uses a children’s computer desk. Rather than purchasing several desks throughout the child’s school years, a modular child computer desk could be adjusted and expanded to keep up with the needs of the growing child.

As a result, if your functional requirements are likely to ever change in the future, or you would just like to have this option available to you, then purchasing a modular computer workstation is probably your best option to go for as not only will it meet your needs both now and in the future, but it is likely to do so at a much reduced cost because you won’t have to buy a new desk as you can just upgrade your old one.

Disadvantages

Although modular computer workstations have many benefits, there are also some disadvantages that you may wish to take into consideration before buying one.

Modular computer desks generally tend to be more expensive than other more traditional types of computer desks. This is especially true for large and feature rich desks.

However, if you don’t need such a big desk straight away, a smaller modular computer desk can still be very affordable.

Another disadvantage of modular desks is that there may be some incompatibility between parts from different manufactures.

This means that should you wish to upgrade your desk in the future, you may only be able to do so with parts from the original manufacturer. If your manufacturer goes out of business, or parts are hard to obtain, you may then be unable to upgrade your desk.

In addition, some desk add-ons can also be very expensive. This is something that is worth checking out before you commit to a purchase, because some manufacturers will offer a low cost base unit, but will then charge a premium for the add-ons.

This is similar to what you will often find with printers. The printer itself is usually reasonably well priced, but the printer cartridges tend to be quite expensive because that’s where the manufacturer really makes their money.

So be sure to check out the history of the manufacturer to see how long they have been in business and the risk of them going out of business, the variety of add-ons they offer, the relative cost of those add-ons compared to other manufacturers and how easily those add-ons can be obtained for your particular model.

Finally, there is another downside that comes from having a modular desk design, boredom. Although you can change the shape and functionality of your workspace with modular desk extensions and add-ons, the basic style of your desk still remains the same.

So you can’t change from a wooden design to a glass design for example, which means that eventually you may get bored of having the same basic style for so many years.

However, you may be loathed to get rid of your desk if you have spent a lot of money upgrading it, which is something that is less likely to happen with non modular desks as they generally represent a smaller financial commitment over time.

Summary

Overall, the modular computer desk is an excellent choice for anyone looking to purchase a computer workstation.

The fact that it can be upgraded in the future and specifically tailored to meet your needs, makes the modular computer desk an excellent investment.

And with modular wood, glass and metallic desks, you are sure to find both the functionality you need and also the style that you want.

How To Buy Cheap Computer Desks

Due to the modern day society that we now live in most people will require a desk to do their work, and considering the fact that most people also have a computer in their home they will likely require a computer desk as opposed to a writing desk or general purpose table.

However, not everyone can afford to spend lots of money on buying a large and fully featured desk, and as a result, have to look for something cheaper than what is usually offered in their local furniture store or in an shop online so that they can stick within their budget.

Students for example, tend not to have much money, but because they are likely to need a desk to do their school, college or university work at home, they have to look for something that they can afford to buy that is within their current limited income.

New business owners who intend to work from home may also find themselves strapped for cash, and so in order to be able to create a home office for themselves, need to look for inexpensive office furniture to get them started.

But regardless of what your reasons are, if you want to buy a cheap computer desk then you really have two options: buy a cheap new desk, or a cheap used desk.

Lets explore each of these options in more detail so that you know what choices you have available when shopping for a workstation to use with your desktop computer or laptop.

Buying A Cheap New Desk

Cheap new computer desks generally tend to be of a very basic design with one vertical work surface and a retractable keyboard shelf underneath. There may also be an additional shelf below the main unit that may be used to house a printer or scanner.

This is perfectly fine if all you will use the desk for is working on your computer such as browsing the internet, writing up documents or occasionally watching movies.

However, if your work involves paper and books, then you will probably find that a cheap new computer desk will not give you very much space to work with. It is also worth bearing in mind that a cheap desk will most likely lack draws and other storage compartments.

Due to these limitations, basic workstations should only be considered if all you need is a place to keep your computer or laptop, and not for work that involves large amounts of additional equipment or computer accessories.

If you decide that this is what you need, cheap desks can be found quite easily as virtually anywhere that sells home furniture or office equipment will have them.

If possible, try out the desk first before purchasing or get a desk that can be adjusted to your height. Otherwise you may suffer from back, neck and eyestrain.

Buying A Cheap Used Desk

The other way to get a cheap computer desk is to purchase it second hand. There are excellent high quality computer desks that you can get very cheaply if you know where to look.

The advantage of getting a second hand computer desk is that they will often contain many more features and be larger than cheap new computer desks. You are also likely to pick one up for less cost than if you were buying new.

So where can you get them?

One of the best places to pick up a used desk is at a car boot sale or garage sale. Finding a desk in either of these places can be very advantageous, as you will have the opportunity to try out the desk, and best of all, haggle down the price!

Of course, your success in finding a used computer desk all depends on whether someone is selling one. So if you need to purchase a desk in a hurry, then this might not be a viable option for you.

Another good place to look for used computer desks is eBay. There you will find a large selection of desks, although unless you are doing a local pickup, you will have to pay extra for delivery.

You will also be unable to try out the desk before you buy it, which may result in you purchasing the wrong desk that is uncomfortable to work at.

This however, is a risk you face with any online purchase. If you are buying a new item, then you will normally have several days to return it under distance selling regulations if you don’t like it. But this regulation usually does not apply to second hand purchases that are sold “as is”.

Second hand stores are another possible place to find cheap used computer desks, and like car boot sales, you will probably find a higher end model for a very good price.

Looking in your local paper each week is another option that you may want to consider, as many furniture stores have seasonal sales or closing down sales in which you may be able to find a cheap quality new computer desk. Classified sections can also be a good place to look.

Finally, if your budget is very low then there is always the option of building a desk yourself. Providing you have the ability to do this, this could prove to be extremely advantageous as you can design the desk to match your height and meet your exact functional requirements.

In fact, when I was a young boy at school, my father constructed a large desk in my room that was excellent for working on as it provided me with so much space.

He also built a shelf unit above the desk with an underhanging light so that I could store my books, and some draws below the desk for storing small accessories such as pens, paper and a calculator. To this day, I still think that the desk my father built for me was one of the best desks that I have ever had!

You can make a simple desk quite easily from 2 vertical pieces of chipboard wood, a flat top piece and a supporting horizontal piece that covers half of the back of the desk. But if you are good at DIY, then there is no reason why you can’t make yourself the perfect desk that will be far better than anything you find in the stores.

If all else fails, then there is one last option that you may want to consider, and that is to try and get a computer desk for free.

A website called Freecycle allows people to advertise for free anything that they no longer want in their home. It also gives people the option to request things that they do want.

Basically, if you find someone advertising a computer desk on Freecycle and you contact them, then you can go around to their house and collect their desk for free!

Freecycle is great for those who are on a tight budget, and can be a very effective way of furnishing your home or office at absolutely no cost, bar the petrol money you spend on transportation.

Summary

Whatever desk you choose, it is important to ensure that it is a computer desk and not a just regular writing/office desk.

This is important because computer desks are ergonomically designed to minimise body strain. Most regular desks cannot be adjusted to suit your height, and so will be uncomfortable working on for long periods of time.

You should also take into consideration your functional needs. If you need a surface for writing, try to get the biggest work surface you can. However, if you have a laptop rather than a desktop computer, you may not need as large a desk.

Optimizing Your Working Environment

Once you have bought a computer desk it is a good idea if you spend some time optimizing your working environment to ensure that you are seated correctly and can see your computer monitor clearly.

Failure to do so may result in a uncomfortable working environment, which could then lead to back, neck and eyestrain when seated for long periods of time.

Below are some quick tips on how to sit at your desk correctly.

Positioning Your Monitor Screen

To avoid eye and neck strain, the top of your computer monitor should be positioned at eye level, at approximately one arms length.

At this position you should comfortably be able to see the entire monitor without having to tilt your head up or down, or move closer.

Note: if you have a very large monitor, such as something above 24 inches, then you may need to position your screen slightly further away than an arms length, as sitting too close to a large monitor may give you headaches and could even be detrimental to your eyesight.

It is also important to ensure that no light sources reflect off the monitor, such as a desk lamp or ceiling light, as this may cause eye strain.

If you have a glossy monitor screen, then you need to be extra careful of light that could cause reflections. So be aware of any surrounding light sources and position your monitor or lights in a way that eliminates of minimizes these reflections.

Adjusting Chair Height

When sitting on a chair your feet should be resting flat on the floor parallel to your knees. If your feet are raised slightly, or crunched up, this may cause stain in your ankles, knees and/or lower back.

Note: A footstool or footrest can be used to raise the height of your feet if you feel that you are seated incorrectly or are experiencing back pain.

Your back should be straight with your shoulders facing squarely forward. A twisted torso can cause back and shoulder strain.

Ergonomically designed office chairs will usually have a slight protrusion where the lower back is normally positioned. These chairs can be very useful to have if you are seated at your desk for long periods of the day.

Upper Body Position

When sitting at a desk your elbows should be comfortably bent at a right angle, with your hands and wrists straight. If your elbows are bent at a greater angle, this may cause shoulder and back strain.

When you have the correct angle your arms will be close to you, and not extended out and away from your body.

When typing, your wrists should “float” slightly above the keyboard to avoid wrist injuries.

Well, that’s the end of this computer desk buying guide, we hope you have found the tips in this guide useful in helping you to buy the perfect desk!