What is the ideal height for a standard office desk?

The standard height of an office desk is not left to individual choice but is set according to a specific regulation, the en 527 i standard of 2011. This is because the desk, like the office chair, is considered a work tool and the office desk layout regulation is designed so that the worktops are as comfortable as possible and do not create long-term damage to workers' health.

And the height of the desk has a great impact on this: in fact, a desk that is too high risks being uncomfortable, while a desk that is too low risks creating problems, forcing us to work in an unnatural position that is harmful to the spinal column.

As far as the size of the office desk is concerned, the regulations require a fixed desk, which is the most common one, to be 74 centimetres high when seated (with a minimum tolerance): obviously this is an average size, which has been determined on the basis of anthropometric data from the majority of the European population, but which obviously cannot be suitable for everyone.

The right height for reading and studying: the most comfortable solutions

We must always keep in mind how important it is, every time we use a desk, whether for reading, studying or working, that the position we assume (and often maintain for a long time) must be as comfortable as possible: this means that we should not be forced to keep our neck or back excessively bent or tense, because it would lead to muscular problems that over time could even become serious.

Obviously it is not only the right desk that is decisive in this case: we can also choose a desk at the right height, but if the chair we use is not suitable for our body we risk not solving the problem, but creating more.

Therefore, we always consider carefully the choice of these two elements, bearing in mind what are the angles given by our position at the desk: in particular the angle of the arms in relation to the body, when they are leaning against the worktop, should be between 90 and 100 degrees. If we are working on a monitor, we should adjust the inclination of the monitor to be greater than 20 degrees and the distance from the eyes should be between 40 and 70 centimetres.

We consider that practicality is one of the most important features that a desk should have: therefore it should not only be "aesthetically" beautiful and design, but it should help us to organize and manage our work in the best possible way.

As with a model like the Hamilton glass desk, perfect for offices and professional studios with its two tempered glass shelves, or the Ottawa model with two shelves, suitable for those who need even more space on the worktop.

Is it better to have a fixed or mobile desk? The choice between the different models

Considering the fact that fixed desks are "built" with measurements considered suitable for a "standard" physique, it is also possible that this type of desk is not the most suitable for us.

In fact, considering the differences in height and build, we may find ourselves working on a surface that is too low or too high for us.

So, if we have specific needs dictated by our height, or if we find ourselves sharing the same workstation with different people who have different heights. Precisely in this particular case the choice of a mobile and therefore height adjustable desk may prove to be the most appropriate.

With this type of desk it is in fact possible to arrange the worktop at different heights, meeting the needs of people with different physical needs. Obviously, a suitable office chair must always be combined with the desk, possibly ergonomic and with options for adjusting the height of the seats, the inclination of the backrest, the height of the armrests and any headrest.

In any case, even when choosing a fixed type desk, we always remember to focus on a quality product that complies with the indications prescribed by workplace safety regulations.