I never thought choosing a computer desk for my home would be much hassle, but realised how mistaken I was once I walked into the shops! There’s so much variety, so many shapes and sizes, and such a plethora of features that you actually need to do some proper research beforehand.
To avoid the hassle I experienced, including a time consuming sale & return fiasco, here’s what I learnt from my brief foray into computer desk-land:
· Your #1 consideration should be convenience and space. Modern homes and flats generally don’t have too much space to spare. You therefore need the right desk that will fit in with your other furniture, be apt for the location you have in mind, and have some extra bells and whistles. I’ll come to those shortly.
· Secondly, decide on a budget. Computer desks don’t cost a fortune, so this part is probably the easiest. Best budget buys? IKEA but PC World isn’t bad either and the products are more durable i.e. they don’t fall to bits three weeks later! Yes, we all love IKEA but I’m beginning to wonder how trees in Scandinavia stand those harsh winters. After all, their wood hardly lasts a year in my flat and that’s a nice & toasty 19 degrees C. Hmmm.
· Check the measurements of the place where you want to keep your desk. This will help to narrow down your search considerably, eliminating the ones that won’t fit in. This will save you a lot of time and ensure you don’t have to knock down a supporting wall to accommodate your computer. Call it basic economics.
· Measure the big stuff that you’ll be keeping on the desk, especially the monitor, cabinet, scanner and printer. Unless you plan beforehand, you may have to make a few unpleasant compromises later and find your printer perched precariously on the cat litter tray.
· Don’t forget the size of your chair; it should fit tidily under the computer desk.
· Computer desks come with a number of useful high-tech features nowadays, like built-in power strips, USB hubs, and flat-panel monitor mounts. Not only do they add some convenience, but they also make your desk look snazzy and hi-tech. Well worth the investment, especially when visitors marvel at the flashing LED lights. Techno heaven.
· If possible, opt for a cabinet stand with wheels, for all those times you’ll need to reach to the back and adjust the wires. If you can drag the stand out, your task becomes much easier. Believe me, this is important and a gem of a tip. You’ll be thanking me later.
· Finally, it’s best if you test out an assembled unit first, instead of ordering directly from a catalogue. Measurements aren’t everything, and unless you get the feel before you purchase, you might end up disappointed.
I guess that covers it all. But, one word of advice I received from a colleague – why not avoid all the above and just get a laptop?
