Shopping for a new desk can be pretty overwhelming. Even after you've figured out the style and layout of the desk you want (Psst... here's a great guide to help you choose a great shape), you still need to figure out your ideal desk height. We've got a trick that will instantly tell you if your desk is the right height for you—even if you've got your eye on a tricky standing desk.
Discovering your individual ideal desk height can be a tough task if you're shopping for something unconventional (like a standing desk) or building your own (maybe hanging a shelf-desk).
But we've got a trick that's never failed us: When you're seated or standing in the position you'd use the desk, rest your arms at your sides, keeping your elbow at a 90 degree angle and your upper arms in line with your torso. If the desk is the right height, your hands should rest comfortable on the desk.
If it's not just right, you're signing yourself up for a lifetime of back, neck and shoulder strain. Better to get the right desk now than regret it as you're cursing your sore shoulders later.
But if you're finding that your desk at home doesn't fit the bill, don't stress. If you can't change your desk, change your chair. Mess with your desk chair's adjustments or shop around for a new one that puts you at the right height for your office.
(Images: Flickr member Fernanda Mencini licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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Here's a really good website for correct desk height, standing or sitting.
http://www.ergotron.com/tabid/305/language/en-US/default.aspx
Thanks! That's awesome!
The real problem with standard desks is they are designed for men of an average height of 5'10". This is really bad for women as most are an average height of 5'4" to 5'6" and have shorter torsos. That is why women suffer more shoulder and neck pain, and carpel tunnel injuries on the job.
This ignores keyboard trays, which sit below the desk and, when properly positioned, point DOWN by about 6 degrees.
The problem with standard desks is that they are too high to type on, period. Those of us who remember typing stands and secretarial "returns" on desks know that they were several inches lower than desktop height.
Taureg - those really low 'returns' were for positioning an old fashioned typewriter, for something as low profile as a modern keyboard, that would be too low for most of us.
At my work, we went through ergonomic checks, and my desk was too low. The solution was some little plastic pucks under the supports. Chintzy, but effective.
can anyone tell me the name of the chair against the wall in the bottom pic, please?
niall - the chair against the wall is called a Shell Chair. http://www.dwr.com/product/living/chairs-recliners/chairs/shell-chair-walnut-leather-thor.do?sortby=ourPicks