How to choose the right professional desk
The essential criteria for selecting a desk suited to your needs: size, type, materials and options.
Reading time: 8 minutes
- Minimum size: 120×70 cm for a standard workstation
- Intensive screen work: opt for 160×80 cm
- Mixed use (PC + documents): choose an L-shaped desk
- Recommended investment: €300-800 for a durable desk
1. Define your primary use
Before choosing dimensions or desk type, precisely identify your daily activities. This will determine all other criteria.
Screen work only
- 1 or 2 monitors maximum
- Few paper documents
- → Compact desk 120-140 cm
Mixed work (screen + paper)
- Need to spread out documents
- Frequent multitasking
- → 160 cm desk or L-shaped
Receiving visitors
- Regular meetings at desk
- Need for privacy
- → Executive desk with return
2. Choose the right dimensions
Desktop width
Width depends mainly on your computer equipment:
- 120 cm: minimum for 1 screen + keyboard/mouse
- 140 cm: comfortable for 1 screen + document space
- 160 cm: ideal for 2 screens or mixed work
- 180-200 cm: large surfaces, technical work
Desktop depth
Depth directly impacts visual comfort:
- 60 cm: absolute minimum (not recommended)
- 70 cm: standard for small screens
- 80 cm: recommended for 24"+ monitors
- 90-100 cm: optimal comfort, allows monitor arm
💡 Tip
With a monitor arm, you recover desktop space and can make do with 70 cm depth. The screen is ideally positioned at arm's length (50-70 cm from eyes).
Desktop height
- Fixed desk: 72-75 cm (standard)
- Height-adjustable desk: adjustable from 65 to 130 cm
For very tall or short people, a sit-stand desk allows perfect height adjustment. See our sit-stand desks page.
3. Choose the desk type
Straight desk
The classic. Simple, compact, easy to place. Ideal for constrained spaces or standardised workstations.
From €200
L-shaped desk (with return)
Large corner work surface. Perfect for mixed screen + document work or receiving visitors.
From €400
Compact / wave desk
Ergonomic desktop with cutout to get closer to the screen. Optimises space in open plan offices.
From €250
Sit-stand desk
Height-adjustable (electric or manual). Allows alternating positions for better health.
From €500
4. Materials and finishes
Desktops
- Melamine: economical, resistant, wide choice of finishes
- Laminate: more resistant to scratches and wear
- Wood veneer: premium look, more delicate care
- Glass: modern design, visible fingerprints
- Compact/HPL: very resistant, ideal for intensive use
Frames
- Painted metal: economical, many colours
- Chrome metal: premium look, sensitive to scratches
- Wood: warm, more fragile to impacts
ℹ️ Our recommendation
For daily professional use, melamine or laminate with a metal frame offers the best value for money and durability.
5. Useful options and accessories
- Cable grommet: clean cable routing
- Cable tray: hides cables under the desktop
- Modesty panel: hides cables, provides privacy
- Desk screen: acoustic and visual in open plan
- CPU holder: keeps the computer off the floor
- Under-desk drawer: discreet storage for small items
6. Budget and quality
Desk price depends on dimensions, materials and options:
| Range | Indicative price | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | €150-300 | Occasional use, tight budget |
| Mid-range | €300-600 | Standard daily use |
| High-end | €600-1,200 | Intensive use, maximum durability |
| Premium | €1,200+ | Executive, design, bespoke |
⚠️ Warning
A desk that's too cheap may have a fragile structure, a warping desktop or an unstable frame. For 8 hours of daily use, invest in quality: you'll keep it 10-15 years.