Typical Desk Height: When Your Room Needs a Desk, Have a Plan

Our bodies come in all different sizes, so it’s no wonder there is no “one size fits all” typical desk height. The measurement from the floor to the tabletop is probably the most important for your overall comfort, and usually, this measurement ranges from 29” to 30”. Bassett Furniture’s Storeroom Modular Desk and BenchMade Crossbuck desk are examples of 30” desk height, which is often the perfect height for working at a laptop.

The easiest way to see if the desk height is right for you is to sit as you would when working at the desk. Place your elbows at a ninety-degree angle. In this position, your hands should rest comfortably on the desktop of your prospective desk. For a writing desk, many people prefer a slightly higher surface, such as Bassett Furniture’s 31” high Bella Writing Desk.

What’s more important than navigating average desk height? An ergonomic design. Choosing the desk that’s right for your comfort and your space. Many consider the standard ergonomic design for a desk to be between 28" and 30". You will also want to think about the items you want to keep on your desk, as well as where you will be using them, and what you want to store. If you have an office with multiple computer monitors, standard desk height might work for you, but the average desktop area might not. Also, consider what you'd like to have at your disposal. You may want storage space for a printer or a bookcase for frequently used books and supplies. The best way to choose a desk is to first think about how you will use it, and then actually sit down to it.