Desks: How To Make Sure You Get Exactly What You Need

So, before you dash out to the shops, take some time to work out exactly what you need in the way of a new desk. What are you going to use it for? What size will it need to be? Where are you going to put it? What should it be made of? What about storage in the desk? What about its height?

How big does the desk need to be? Work out the best size for work you will be doing at the desk; even if you need to compromise on this later, it's best to know what the ideal size is. What room will it be in? Where in the room do you want it to go? Look at different positions within the room and consider out of the ordinary locations like corners or behind a sofa. Will you need to move the existing furniture around?

You know what the desk will be used for by now, whether it is for hobbies, computer work, after-hours business or household paperwork. Does the desk need to be any particular shape to make the job easier? How can accommodate this shape into the room?

How can you match the new desk to the décor of the room? Do you need to seek out an antique design to match with period furniture? Maybe you might need to find a desk that you can paint to match with the fittings in the room. Perhaps you need a very serviceable desk that will go in the garage.

What should the new desk be made from? Desks can be timber, metal or plastic, so think about the best materials for your desk to suit the room it will be in and the main use for it. Does it need to be a particular height to make working at the desk easier for you? What type of chair will you need to suit that height?

What about storage? No matter what purpose you will be using the desk for, it makes more sense to have all your materials and supplies close at hand so you don't have to keep interrupting your work. Are shelves the best option? Would drawers hold your supplies better? Do you need a combination of both?

Once you have all your specifications worked out and written down, you can start to shop. You might need to make some compromises on your list of ideals, but you have a better chance of getting what you really need, if you know what that is. Go to furniture markets and stores, second-hand shops might have something you can decorate to match the room and there are many online sites that sell desks as well. If your ideal desk isn't available, ask a carpenter or cabinetmaker to give you a quote, based on your ideal specifications.