How Deep Should a Desk Be?

When shopping for a new office desk, most people focus on width or height —but desk depth is just as important. The depth of your desk can make a big difference to how comfortable and productive you feel, especially if you're using a monitor, writing regularly, or working with limited space.

Whether you're setting up a home office, kitting out a commercial workspace, or upgrading your current desk, understanding how deep your desk should be can help you make a more informed decision. In this guide, we’ll explain what desk depth is, explore standard measurements, and help you choose the right size for your needs.

What Is Desk Depth?

When you're choosing a desk, you’ll often see two key measurements: width and depth. Width refers to how long the desk is from left to right, while depth refers to how far the desk extends from front to back.

Desk Depth vs Width – What’s the Difference?

Many people mistakenly assume depth and width are interchangeable—but they serve different purposes. Width determines how much horizontal space you have for placing items across the desk, like your monitor, printer, or desk lamp. Depth affects how close or far away you sit from those items and how much room you have for your arms, keyboard, and general movement.

Standard Desk Depth Measurements

In the UK, the most common desk depths range between 600mm and 800mm:

• 600mm deep desks are popular in compact home offices or where space is limited. They’re suitable for basic tasks like writing, laptop use, or occasional work.
  
• 800mm deep desks are standard in most commercial office environments. They provide ample room for larger monitors, dual screens, or a more spacious working setup.

Some specialised desks, like executive or corner desks, can go beyond 800mm for even more surface area and flexibility.

What Desk Depth Do You Need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to desk depth. The ideal depth for your desk depends on how you plan to use it and the space you have available.

Based on Usage

Your working habits should guide your choice:

• For writing or light use
  A depth of 600mm is often enough if you’re mainly using the desk for paperwork, note-taking, or occasional laptop use.
• For laptop users
  Most laptop users will find 600–700mm sufficient. It allows enough space for the laptop, a mouse, and a few desk essentials without feeling cramped.
• For desktop computers or dual monitors
  A depth of 800mm or more is recommended. This gives you enough space for a monitor stand, keyboard, and comfortable viewing distance to reduce eye strain.
• For creative or specialist work
  Designers, architects, or anyone using large drawing pads or multiple screens may benefit from a deeper desk, sometimes up to 1000mm, to give them ample working area.

Based on Space Availability

The size of your room also plays a key role:

• Small rooms or home offices
  A 600mm deep desk is ideal where space is tight. Look for desks with space-saving features like cable management or under-desk storage.
• Larger offices or open-plan spaces
  With more room to work with, an 800mm or deeper desk can improve comfort and productivity without making the room feel cramped.

Ergonomics and Desk Depth

Choosing the right desk depth isn’t just about space—it’s also about supporting good posture and long-term comfort. A poorly sized desk can lead to awkward seating positions, eye strain, or shoulder and wrist discomfort.

How Depth Affects Posture and Comfort

A deeper desk allows you to place your monitor at an optimal viewing distance—usually around an arm’s length away. This helps reduce eye strain and encourages better posture. It also gives you enough room to comfortably position your keyboard and mouse without overreaching.

If a desk is too shallow, you may find yourself hunched over or constantly adjusting your position, especially if using a monitor or multiple screens.

Deeper desks also tend to provide more space for note-taking, spreading out documents, or working with additional peripherals like graphic tablets or document holders.

Pairing Desk Depth with Office Chairs

Your office chair and desk need to work together. For example:

• Armrests should slide under the desk or sit comfortably beside it without bumping into drawers or supports.
• You should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor, elbows at a 90-degree angle, and wrists aligned with your keyboard.
• A deeper desk gives you flexibility to adjust your monitor or chair position to suit your preferred working posture.

When combined with a supportive ergonomic office chair, the right desk depth can drastically improve comfort and reduce fatigue during long hours at your workstation.

Different Types of Desks and Their Typical Depths

Not all desks are built the same. Different styles come with varying depths to suit different needs, environments, and tasks. Here’s a breakdown of common desk types and the typical depth you can expect.

Straight Desks

Straight desks are the most common type and usually come in depths of 600mm, 700mm, or 800mm.

• 600mm is best for compact spaces or light laptop use.
• 800mm is more suitable for monitor use, dual screens, and everyday office tasks.

Corner and Wave Desks

Corner desks and wave desks often have variable depth, usually ranging from 600mm to 1000mm, depending on the section:

• The centre or corner section may be deeper (e.g. 1000mm) for monitor placement.
• The wings or return sides may be shallower (e.g. 600–800mm) for writing or light use.

These styles maximise surface area without taking up excessive floor space, making them ideal for multitaskers and those needing a dual-purpose setup.

Height Adjustable Desks

Most standing desks follow the same depth conventions: 600mm to 800mm. However, their stability and lifting capacity are better when the depth is on the deeper side, especially when supporting heavy equipment like monitors or desktop PCs.

• 700mm–800mm is ideal for balancing function and stability.

Compact Desks for Small Spaces

Designed with space-saving in mind, these desks typically come with a depth of 500mm to 600mm.

• Perfect for bedrooms, under-stair setups, or narrow alcoves.
• Best suited for laptop work or occasional use.

FAQs About Desk Depth

When choosing the right desk, it’s natural to have questions—especially when it comes to depth. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from customers.

What’s the minimum depth for a computer desk?

The absolute minimum depth for a computer desk is around 600mm, but this is only suitable for a laptop or a compact monitor. If you’re using a full-sized keyboard and a monitor, 700mm to 800mm is usually more comfortable to maintain proper viewing distance and arm positioning.

Can I use a 600mm deep desk for dual monitors?

It’s possible, but not ideal. With dual monitors, you'll likely need a desk depth of at least 700mm–800mm to avoid eye strain and ensure there's enough room for your keyboard and other essentials. Shallow desks can result in your screens being too close, especially if they’re mounted on stands rather than arms.

Is deeper always better?

Not necessarily. A deeper desk gives you more space and flexibility, but it might overwhelm smaller rooms or restrict movement. The key is to match the depth of your desk to your working needs and the space you’re working with. There’s no benefit in having an extra-deep desk if you’re only using a laptop and have limited room.

What’s the standard desk depth in the UK?

In most UK offices, 800mm is considered the standard depth for a full-sized office desk. Home office desks, however, often come in 600mm depths to help save space.

Final Thoughts

Desk depth might not be the first thing you think about when buying a new desk—but it plays a crucial role in your comfort, productivity, and how well the desk fits into your workspace.

For light laptop use or smaller rooms, 600mm deep desks offer a practical and space-saving solution. For more demanding setups—like dual monitors or creative work—a depth of 800mm or more provides the space you need to work comfortably.

At ChairOffice, we stock a wide range of desks in various depths and styles to suit every environment, from home offices to full-scale commercial workspaces. Whether you're short on space or need something spacious and professional, we’ve got you covered.

Explore our full collection of office desks today or get in touch with our team for expert advice by calling 01234 834693.