How Deep Should a Desk Be?

When you’re in the market for a new work desk, you might find yourself pondering the basics: What’s my budget? What type of desk do I want? How big is my workspace?

But here’s an important question that may not top your list: How deep should my desk be?

Selecting the right desk depth is more than just a detail; it’s a crucial factor that affects functionality, ergonomics, and the overall efficiency of your workspace. If you’re unsure how deep your desk should be, worry not. We’re here to help you navigate this essential decision and find the perfect desk for your needs.

5 Factors Influencing Desk Depth

In addition to the essential question, “Do I like this desk?” there are several key considerations that come into play when deciding how deep of a desk to purchase. But before we dive into those elements, let’s clarify what exactly “desk depth” means.

Desk depth refers to the distance from the front edge (where your chair sits) to the back edge. This is different from the desk’s width, which measures the length from the left side to the right. When considering how to choose a desk for home offices, standard desk height, desk width, and desk depth are all key elements to weigh before choosing the right office desk.

Now, let’s explore five variables that will help you figure out the ideal desk depth for you.

#1 Purpose of the Desk

Some desks are just for work. Others serve a variety of purposes. If you’re using your desk for work as well as gaming or a passion project, you might want additional depth to make space for all your materials.

Conversely, a desk that’s used mainly for reading and journaling doesn’t need to be very deep at all.

#2 Available Space

Another key consideration is the size of the room where you’ll be placing your new desk. Before you shortlist your favorite desk options, take a moment to accurately measure the room. Don’t forget to factor in existing furniture in the room, additional pieces you plan to add (like storage solutions or cozy seating) and the necessary space between that furniture and your new desk.

Below, we discuss which desk dimensions work best for different size spaces:

• Small spaces – Naturally, desks with a shallower depth, around 18–24 inches, are typically an excellent fit for smaller spaces, such as a den or a corner of a larger room turned into an office. For those cramped corner spaces, consider the benefits of L-shaped desks to optimize space.
• Medium spaces – While there's no exact formula for determining a medium-sized space, these generally measure about 100 square feet. For such rooms, a desk with a 24–30-inch depth provides plenty of room for your desk essentials without overwhelming the space.
• Large spaces – If you’re working with a more spacious area, you have the luxury of choosing a desk with a depth that suits your needs. While you can fit a desk of nearly any size in a large room, the proportions might look best if you choose a desk around 36 inches deep.

#3 Aesthetic Preferences

You can also select a desk depth based on your design preferences. If you prefer a minimalist yet inviting look, a shallower desk might perfectly suit your style. On the other hand, a deeper desk brings a certain level of elegance and sophistication to a room.

Keep in mind that it’s also easier to make a large desk look tidy because of how little space any clutter occupies. A shallow desk can look and feel cramped with even a small amount of mess.

#4 Storage Needs

While some individuals thrive with only the essentials at their desks, others need extra space to store items like files or arts and crafts supplies. If built-in drawers are a necessity for you, ensure that your desk dimensions can accommodate all your essentials.

#5 Chair and Ergonomics

Just as it’s important to have enough space to fit all your necessities comfortably, it’s equally crucial to consider the type of chair you plan to use at your desk. For instance, if your desk has a shallow depth and is positioned directly in front of a wall, it might not provide enough room to accommodate a larger chair when you push it in (or longer legs when you’re sitting).

When it comes to comfort and efficiency, ergonomics is your best friend. Choosing a desk with substantial depth ensures ample legroom, supports better posture, and helps you organize your workspace with all your must-have supplies, both on the desktop and in the drawers.

Standard Desk Depths

So, what are the typical depths of desks, and is there a general rule when choosing a size?

The answer depends on how you plan to use your desk. Below, we’ll break down our general, standard desk depth recommendations based on the activities you’ll be taking part in while you’re there.

Writing and Reading Desks

Perhaps you’re an avid journaler or an old-school writer who prefers to pen their prose by hand. Maybe you love curling up with a good book, and a writing desk creates the perfect cozy atmosphere for enjoying an afternoon cup of tea with a book in hand.

Whatever your reason, if reading and writing are the main uses for your new desk, you’re less likely to need a lot of surface space. For that, we recommend a smaller depth of 18–24 inches.

Work Desks

Perhaps the most obvious reason people invest in desks—to work. If you plan on setting up a work-from-home office space, complete with a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and any additional work accessories, consider a deeper desk of 24–30 inches.

Gaming Desks

Much like work desks, gaming desks are home to an array of technical gadgets—think multiple monitors, speakers, customizable lighting (to enhance your gaming experience, of course), and sometimes gaming consoles. And let's not overlook the importance of having your favorite snacks and beverages within arm's reach for those marathon gaming sessions.

For gaming desks, we also suggest a desk depth of 24–30 inches to ensure you have plenty of available space to comfortably host all of your necessities (and tasty indulgences).

Multipurpose Desks

Perfect for, well, a little bit of everything. One day, your desk is playing the dutiful role of workspace. The next, it’s your comfy reading nook (and possibly even an arts and crafts desk on those days you finally feel an inkling of inspiration).

Whatever the uses may be, a depth of 24–30 inches is usually adequate for a multipurpose desk. It creates the perfect balance between function and efficiency.

Practical Tips for Optimizing Desk Depth

Whether you’re in the market for a new desk or you’re looking for ways to make the most of your current desk space, we’ve collected some of our best tips to make sure your desk’s depth works with you, not against you.

Utilize Monitor Arms

If you work at your desk regularly, it’s not unusual for a pristine workspace to quickly become cluttered with unexpected items—from pen holders to a growing stack of manila folders. (Seriously, when did that pile get so tall?)

Enter the monitor arm: a sleek, space-saving solution that’s here to rescue your desk and your sanity. This nifty device clamps onto the back of your desk, elevating your monitor and instantly reclaiming valuable real estate on your desktop.¹

But it’s not just about tidiness. Monitor arms are also a boon for ergonomics, letting you adjust your screen to the perfect height and angle for extended use. This can help you avoid neck and shoulder strain, keeping you comfortable and focused for longer.

Incorporate Under-Desk Storage Solutions

Not all desks come with built-in storage space. But if your desk depth allows it, you can easily place movable drawers under your desk.

This lets you take advantage of any unused vertical space underneath your workspace while giving yourself the gift of extra storage. It’s a win-win for you and your supply needs.

Minimize the Clutter

Once a month (or week), take a few moments to declutter your workspace. Put away unused pens, organize that growing stack of manila folders, and toss out those granola bar wrappers.

Not only will this free up valuable desk space, but it can also refresh your mindset and give you a little extra mental clarity for the day ahead.

Choose the Right Desk Depth with James&James

Choosing the ideal desk depth might not be an exact science, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come prepared to purchase the desk of your dreams with a clear vision of what you want.

At James&James, we believe you should pursue exactly what you have in mind. With our extensive range of dining, bedroom, and living room furniture, we let you tailor each piece to your taste and needs, down to our custom finishing options, sizing, and additional under-desk accessories.

Investing in James&James furniture means choosing pieces built to last for generations, crafted in the U.S. from top-quality materials that stand the test of time.

Shop our writing desks and find furniture that exceeds all of your expectations.

Sources:

1. NY Times. The Best Monitor Arms. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitor-arms/
2. Diyversify. Your Home Office Size Guide for a Productive Work-From-Home Setup. https://diyversify.com/blogs/news/your-home-office-size-guide-for-a-productive-work-from-home-setup