If you’re reading this, then you need a computer desk. Like, right now. Even if you are primarily a laptop user, having a computer desk provides you with a space dedicated to your activities, whether it is for work or for play.

Sure, with all the portable devices these days that emulate the functions of a desktop or laptop, you can pretty much do everything on a sofa or even sitting on your toilet bowl. But these are not as efficient, nor as practical as a computer station in your room. Or even better, a home office.

With the growing work from home lifestyle showing no signs of slowing down, setting up a computer desk to serve as your dedicated workstation is a must. But how should you select the best computer desk to fit your needs? Read on for the most comprehensive computer desk buying guide!

When choosing the right computer desk for your personal needs, have a checklist of main considerations. This helps you to choose confidently and efficiently. Avoiding the deer-in-the-headlights look on your face when you talk to the sales representative is worth it alone (assuming you’re buying from a face-to-face store). In any case, while your personal preferences can vary, the following points will work for most anyone’s computer desk selection process:

These points of consideration fits for all-encompassing decisions, though the weight of each will depend on your own lifestyles and tastes. On that note, this is for computer desks, specifically. Check out separate articles for a broader look at general purpose or antique desks.

Unless you’re buying a portable lap desk you can take anywhere, size of your computer desk is a main consideration.

But how much surface area should the desk take up? This would vary based on the size of the room. A good rule of thumb is it should not take up more than one fourth of the available surface area. This gives you ample room to move while also providing enough space to work comfortably and efficiently. Getting a larger computer desk than that, you will have to make compromises with movement and maneuverability.

The computer desk should have space for your device, whether it is a laptop or a desktop, including the peripherals. While most people work fine with just the laptop and its built-in keyboard and touch pad, the more involved your job is, the more peripherals you will need. A separate keyboard (whether wired or wireless), mouse and mouse pad, writing or graphic tablet, external drives, additional monitors, and so on will take up the space. Even if you do not have them now, make concessions for their use in the future when deciding what size your computer desk should be.

And then, of course, you have to consider what other non-computer peripherals you will be using. Space for your mobile phone or tablet and its charging dock (if any) would be nice. Room for pens, post-its, folders, notebooks, and ledgers for those who are not completely beholden to digital tools is also a matter of consideration. There should be enough space for all the things you will put within arm’s reach when choosing the computer desk to buy.

Depth and height are two adjacent size considerations as well. The computer desk for your workstation should be enough for your legs to have room to move while sitting without regularly hitting the wall. Furthermore, the desk’s main flat surface should have clearance room for your knees. This is especially true when you choose a computer desk with a drop down computer tray as a feature (more on that later).

If you want to guarantee the ideal size for your computer desk, take measurements the old fashioned way. This will eliminate the guesswork and uncertain estimates.

The old reliable rectangular or square computer desks are certainly the norm. However, they are also not the only option, if you have the space to work with.

Computer desk ergonomics is often misunderstood and pushed aside. But if you want to work comfortably and stay both physically and mentally healthy, always consider the ergonomics of your computer desk selection. After all, you will be spending hours upon hours sitting in front of your workstation. At the very least, you should not feel uncomfortable doing so.

For one thing, when you buy a computer desk, you would also likely be buying a computer chair with it. Is there enough space between the chair and the desk for you to push back a bit and get off without hitting something along the way? If the chair has a footrest, can you deploy it and not be in an awkward sitting angle? When you recline on your computer chair, do your knees get too high that it collides with the desk surface? These are questions you need to ask before committing to buy a computer desk.

One particular point about ergonomics for your computer desk is sufficient distance of your eyes away from the monitor. An arm’s length is the least distance you should aim for between your monitor and your eye. The height of the desk area should also place the top of the monitor parallel to your eye level. Trust me, this helps a lot with minimizing the stress on your vision.

The material composition of most computer desks these days are either manufactured wood composite, natural wood, glass, metal, and particle board.

If all you need a computer desk for is a surface for your laptop or desktop to be placed on, then really, any table would do, even a plastic one. A dedicated computer desk serves more than that function, however.

Let’s look at some of the most common functions you should take into account when choosing what computer desk to buy:

Style is less about function and more about aesthetics. If you are going to be using something for a long while, making it look good doesn’t hurt. With regard to the style you choose for your computer desk purchase, consider the rest of your room.

How does your room look before the addition of a computer desk? What colors would fit? If you have a bright room with white wallpaper, a solid black or metallic computer desk adds to the minimalist aesthetics. Perhaps your room is more traditional and rustic? A classic and robust wooden computer desk would certainly be a great complement to the ambiance.

Do you want your room or home office to look more corporate or more like a comfortable study? If it’s the former, then a modern contemporary or industrial desk is ideal; if it is the latter, then a rustic wooden table or a classic study desk would be a better choice. It really does boil down to your personal tastes when it comes to considering the style of your computer desk.

Moreover, there are some minor benefits to considering the style you would choose for your computer desk purchase. Related to ergonomics discussed earlier, the leg styles of the computer desk can contribute to it. For instance, a solid leg design uses up more space, but is far more stable. On the other hand, thinner leg styles use up less space and you are less likely to accidentally ram your toe on them (never a pleasant experience).

The final main consideration in choosing the right computer desk for your needs is how much it will cost. Do not buy something you can’t afford. A rough benchmark is this: if it is more expensive than your computer, you would be spending too much.

Do not fall for the photos you see online or through advertising of overly expensive computer desk setups relying on looking good. And high prices do not equate to high quality (and related to that, do not ride on the brand name bandwagon either).

For choosing a budget to get your computer desk, set an estimate of about $200 to $1000. Anything higher than that is just an indulgence. But with that said, if you can afford $2000 or more for it, get a custom computer desk built. Custom built desks will ensure you get the exact specifications that you want done. Nothing beats custom work done for your computer workstation, akin to a bespoke three-piece suit

More and more people are using computers, with the modern home having a computer setup as a fixture as commonly as a refrigerator or a TV set. A reliable and appropriate computer desk to serve as the main hub of your home office is therefore essential.

This comprehensive guide of all the considerations regarding space, shape, ergonomics, features, style, and cost should provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision with buying the right computer desk that’s perfect for your needs. Regardless of whether you are buying at a physical store or ordering online, make a sound judgment of your purchase based on these points.

Maximize your investment in purchasing a computer desk that fits the form, function, reliability, and versatility you are looking for. And while reviewing the product ratings is a good start, ultimately it should be based on your effective assessment in choosing the right computer desk to finally buy.