In times of new technologies, the Internet, electronic document management and even full-fledged work in global knowledge networks, it is not often that a person spends more time on the computer than on sleep. And the quality of work, physical and moral well-being largely depends on the comfort with which a person is surrounded. In our rather “advanced” times, it is very simple to set up a work area or a play area even at home, namely choosing a table for a computer. It is enough to decide on the basic requirements, and the rest of the work will be done by professionals.
It is possible to choose not only the functional qualities of a computer desk, but also to bring its appearance as close as possible to the style in the design of the room where it will be located. Models of this part of the interior are replete with a choice from mini-versions of computer desks in the form of an ordinary single-tier shelf to a design for the entire depth of the room with transformer functionality.
Advantages and disadvantages of computer desks
Since this is special furniture, it has a number of undeniable advantages over a regular table designed for installing a computer.
Furniture specifically designed for computer work has certain advantages.
Pros:
- the design is designed taking into account the minimum distance from the monitor for the eyes, accordingly, the use of furniture reduces the risk of developing ophthalmological diseases;
- a comfortable position for working at the monitor has been taken into account - by choosing a suitable chair, you don’t have to worry about your posture;
- the table is equipped with drawers and modules for storing accessories, installing all units of equipment, the necessary elements can be reached at arm's length;
- Most tables have an ergonomic design, so the usable space of the room does not suffer.
One of the advantages is providing comfort for the user.
The disadvantages should be considered based on the design features of the individual model. But we can highlight general “disadvantages”:
- lack of ventilation in the compartment for the system unit - this negatively affects the performance and durability of the device;
- there is no adjustment to a person’s individual parameters, which is inconvenient when buying a table for a child with the prospect of “growing up.”
Such furniture also has disadvantages.
L-Shape Table
A table that is shaped like the letter L is called an L-shaped table. Sometimes a combination of 2 installed makes them pedestal desks in order to improve the efficient use of office space.
This type of desk is generally considered best for open concept work areas, making it an ideal fixture for active office workers.
An additional desktop surface increases the work area, and some models have emergency storage cabinets.
There are L-shaped desk models with one desktop surface without storage cabinets.
There are models where the shell extends upward, like a furniture divider.
U-Shape Table
U-shape tables consist of a center table and 2 side tables that are assembled in a U shape. Consider an L-shape table with an additional wing.
This is best for those who need ample desk space i.e. in home offices or offices with large floor areas, although it can also turn limited space into a work area.
As a pedestal desk designed to provide maximum storage, functional sections to contain computing devices, such a product is perfect.
Types of computer desk designs
Manufacturers offer different types of computer desks. Standard models are suitable for most apartments and offices, but if necessary, you can order furniture according to individual parameters with additional modules.
You can use standard furniture, or order it according to individual parameters.
Corner computer desk
Ergonomic model. Due to the location in the corner, useful space is not used. The tabletop is beveled and usually made with a semicircular recess for the comfort of the sitter. Often the table is complemented by a superstructure of cabinets or racks for storing accessories. Such tables are often placed in the rooms of children and teenagers.
Corner table is a comfortable and ergonomic model.
With drawers and shelves
Under the table top on the left or right side there is a row of drawers that are useful for storing components, accessories, work and student supplies. Comfortable and compact furniture.
The drawers are located under the tabletop and are convenient for storing various things.
Table with extension and cabinets
Shelving and closed compartments can be located above the tabletop. This design makes it easier to access necessary items and can be a complete replacement for free-standing shelves and wall cabinets. Excellent for the interior of children's rooms and offices. Often such tables are part of modular structures or built into wall cabinets.
Additional shelving or cabinets are built above the countertop.
For schoolchildren
The main difference between these models is their reduced dimensions. They are chosen taking into account the child's height. The most convenient and practical tables will be those with adjustable tabletop heights. The furniture will change according to the child's growth. Student computer desks are equipped with built-in or pull-out drawers and shelving.
Furniture for schoolchildren is characterized by reduced dimensions.
Advice. For a child’s room, a transforming table would be a great idea, the configuration of which will change depending on needs.
Regular computer desk for office
This is a basic model with a straight tabletop and a pull-out shelf for the keyboard. Some tables are complemented by a podium for a monitor. There are no drawers or their number is minimal. This is ergonomic furniture that is suitable not only for the office, but also for the home office.
In office models, drawers are absent or reduced to a minimum.
Gamer table
The main distinguishing feature is the unusually shaped tabletop with a recess for an armchair and a podium for a monitor. Due to the curvilinear cut, supports for the elbows are formed. Often such tables are made in a bright, futuristic design, complemented by lighting and drawers for gaming accessories. The stand for the system unit is durable and well ventilated on at least 3 sides.
Gaming tables have a special recess for a chair and a monitor stand.
Form and content
There are several types of computer desks, the choice of which depends on many factors: space in the room, the time you spend in front of the monitor and functionality.
High counter table
It has several levels of shelves and a pull-out compartment for the keyboard; it can easily accommodate a minimum set of office equipment - speakers, a printer and the book “Computer for Dummies”, that’s probably all. The advantage of such a table is that it takes up very little space, fits well into an interior with limited space and can be easily moved on wheels. It is not suitable for long hours of work, but it will help save space in the room.
The corner table is also quite compact, but despite this it has a large workspace, has additional bedside tables for books, drawers for stationery items and space for a pot of flowers, which we promised mom to water every day. You can fit everything you need for work or computer entertainment on it, but the downside of a corner table is that you can’t put it anywhere except in the corner.
Material selection
Computer tables are made from traditional furniture materials:
- Wood, plywood - environmentally friendly, durable material, durable and reliable. The only drawback is the high cost, but in the long run (if the table is purchased for a student or for an office) it will save money on repairing and updating furniture.
- Glass – durable tempered glass or triplex is used to make the tabletop. The furniture looks original and futuristic, reliable and environmentally friendly. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the high cost and tendency to form chips and scratches. Glass tables are not recommended for children's rooms.
- Pressed sheet materials (MDF/chipboard) - the most budget models are made from chipboard; they are not as durable as their counterparts from other materials, but are resistant to moisture and can be made in any design. The best combination of price and quality can be called tables made of MDF. This material is environmentally friendly (unlike chipboard), durable, and not susceptible to cracking or swelling from moisture.
Stylistics and materials of execution
Three different groups of materials are used in the manufacture of computer desks:
Tables are made from solid wood, but these will mainly be models for executive offices, with carved legs and a massive varnished tabletop. This is not exactly a computer desk in terms of design, but no one forbids placing a laptop or desktop computer on it.
or a more modern version
It is thanks to their low cost that tables made of laminated chipboard have become widespread. In the interior, such furniture does not look as majestic as solid wood tables, but it’s also quite good
Recently, computer desks made of glass and metal have become very popular. The furniture itself looks very impressive and unusual
That's all I wanted to tell you about computer desks and the features of their choice. Thank you everyone for reading the article to the end, I hope that the information was useful. Like, write comments, subscribe to my channel (who hasn't) and read my other articles.
What size should it be?
You can calculate the appropriate countertop height using the following formula:
- take the height of the future owner in cm;
- multiply by 80 (standard tabletop height);
- divide by 175 (for men) or 162 (for women).
The height of the table is calculated according to the height of its owner.
Also, the dimensions of the furniture need to be selected taking into account the size and features of the room.
Important! The minimum distance from the eyes to the monitor is 50 cm. This must be taken into account when calculating the choice of location for installing furniture. The person's legs under the table should be bent at an angle of 90 degrees, and the hands and elbows should be parallel to the surface.
The distance from the eyes to the monitor and other parameters should be taken into account.
Computer desk design
The most common option is computer tables in natural wood shades. They are not easily soiled, practical and fit into many interior styles. But you should not opt for too dark colors if the furniture is intended for a child. Dark beige or coffee colors are more suitable. It promotes concentration (the student will not be distracted by bright colors), but does not look too gloomy.
The most popular tables are made from light shades of natural wood.
A white computer desk looks stylish, but the tabletop will constantly get dirty from touching your hands, even if they are clean.
The white countertop looks impressive, but is not practical.
The shape of the tabletop can be standard straight, semicircular or with a recess for a chair.
The last option is the most convenient for people who spend a lot of time at the computer. Furniture with a semicircular convex tabletop is rather decorative and is not so convenient for regular use.
A convex tabletop is not very comfortable for people.
Models with bright designs and backlighting are more suitable for gamers or representatives of creative professions. But they can complement the interior of a teenager’s room, especially if he is phlegmatic and slow. A bright accent will stir up a person’s thought process.
The backlit model is more suitable for gamers.
Reception desk
Reception desks are designed to accommodate all requirements and are functional for receptionists to perform their duties in the work area.
At the same time, they make a favorable impression on customers with their design forms.
A notable feature of the front desk is its transaction counter, which is usually located above the desk.
Almost all office desks come with storage cabinets and functional sections, can accommodate a monitor, and have enough space for doing paperwork.
The typical reception desk is L-shaped, but circular types are also capturing the attention and imagination of office designers.
Office furniture buyers have a choice between modern, traditional and transitional styles for their decor.
How to choose the right one
To choose a suitable table, you need to consider:
- Installation location – for small rooms, models with built-in shelves and cabinets are suitable; they partially or completely replace other shelves; you should also pay attention to corner or modular tables. It is better to put a classic table in a study or office that will not block the space with additional extensions.
- Purpose – the more time you plan to spend at a computer desk, the more convenient it should be. The most comfortable models are gaming ones. If you supplement them with an orthopedic chair, it will be easier for the body to tolerate prolonged sitting.
- Interior style - the table should not stand out from the overall color scheme and design solution. There is no point in placing massive furniture if the rest of the space is occupied by miniature and weightless furniture.
- User characteristics – you need to be especially careful when choosing a student desk. Preference should be given to models with an adjustable tabletop, which are made of wood, plywood or MDF. These are the safest and most durable materials.
When choosing a computer desk, several factors should be taken into account.
Most tables are placed close to the wall or in a corner, so it is important to properly organize the lighting. If this is not possible, then it is better to place the furniture closer to the window and equip it with a table lamp.
It is very important that the workplace is properly lit.
Important! At night, the monitor backlight is not enough. Therefore, additional lighting is necessary to protect the user from visual impairment.
Table care
Caring for a computer desk is quite simple. The main rule for table care is wet cleaning and dust removal. However, it should be remembered that the materials from which the tables are made may require some care. Thus, tables made of natural wood require especially delicate care. Such tables need to be wiped with a suede cloth, although a slightly damp cloth can also be used. To avoid streaks or marks after wet cleaning, wipe the table with a dry cloth. For tables made of glass, there are special glass cleaning sprays. You need to wash or wipe the glass very carefully; choose a soft cloth that will not scratch the surface.
Examples of location in the interior in the photo
You can see ideas for the location of a computer desk in the photo. We offer layout options using furniture of different shapes, sizes and shades.