Type and Size of Office Table

The furniture that we use in our office is very important for the productivity of the team. A comfortable office environment can help team members feel energized and productive.

Among the office furniture, the table could be the most important. And you may be asking what type of office table or what is the right size for my type of work?

If your job mostly involves using the computer

Then you should be looking for a desk or office table that has enough space for your computer monitor. Some work even requires two desktop monitors sitting on top of the tables.

Those involved in design works, for example, have 2 large monitors, usually the 24″ type. For this situation, you should buy the 140 cm or the 150 cm wide tables. The 120 cm width, which is the norm here in the Philippines would be too cramped for you.

Think about peripherals that go along with the computer. The keyboard, the mouse, the cables. How about your personal stuff? Your two phones, your Starbucks coffee mug, your aqua flask, 3Ms and pen, and some other tiny dodits for the ladies.

The depth could be 60-70cm. This should be enough for your keyboard, mouse. And some sheets of paper.

Look for tables that have built-in holes for the wires. These are called grommet holes. These grommets measure about 5 cm in diameter and have small covers. What you’ll see are just the wires jutting out from under your table.

The grommets are there for the electrical and data cables of your computer. Some people require two of these holes in their desks. One on the right-most corner and the other on the opposite side.

If your job mostly involves paperwork

Choose a desk that will have the roomiest surface possible so you can accommodate those spreadsheets, bulky books, or piles of important papers. You may also want to consider a desk with shelving or overhead cabinet space.

Accountants and Lawyers have a large volume of papers and files to deal with. Your desktop or laptop is not the main event. There are file boxes and file folders that are on top ready for use. There’s also the document tray for the incoming and outgoing documents.

Get the 150 cm wide tables. The depth should be 70 cm. For most, this should be enough. If not, then a side table is needed. Side tables are the smaller version of your office table. Say 100 cm wide and 45cm depth. Table thickness varies from 2.5 cm to 3 cm. Look for the 3 cm thick. Most of the readily available desks are of Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF).

Then there’s this option of installing an overhead cabinet. This hanging cabinet attaches to one or two panels of the cubicle. This cabinet houses your extra files and documents.

You may also have a mobile pedestal for your personal files. This mobile cabinet could be placed underneath your table. The wheels of this pedestal allow it to be moved where it suits you. Under your desk, on your side, or to a wall next to your table.

If your job mostly involves a combination of computer work, paperwork, and meetings

Consider an “L”-shaped desk setup to allow for both work and meeting space. If finances or space allow, a “U”-shaped model will provide even more space and makes an impressive presentation for clients or guests.

The “L”-shaped desk for you could be 60 cm x 150 cm for the main table and 40 cm x 100 cm side table. There’s enough space for your papers and computer. A center drawer is an option for your desk. Then there are office table models that have built-in side drawers.

Your mobile pedestal may be placed underneath the side table to accommodate more legroom for you. You may need a visitor’s chair if now and then you have meetings.