Understanding the dimension of your seating space is essential when looking for a small desk that suits your needs. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure seating space for small desks accurately.
Step 1: Understanding Your Space’s Boundaries
Before you embark on the measurement journey, have a clear picture of the space boundaries where you want to set up your desk. Note features like the location of windows, doors, outlets, vents, etc., which influence the position and size of the desk you’ll purchase. Ensure your chair will have enough room to turn and swivel without obstruction, you’ll want to maintain clear paths to exits.
Step 2: Measure the Space
Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of the intended space for the desk. Repeat the procedure to ascertain the measurements’ accuracy. Write down these numbers as they will provide the outer dimensions your new desk should not exceed.
Step 3: Consider the Seating Space
The space you need for a chair and legroom is essential when selecting a small desk. Standard desk height from the floor to the underside is approximately 29–30 inches to allow sufficient legroom. Account for a minimum of 3.5 feet of space for the chair. This measurement can increase based on your chair’s size, the need for swivel space, and how much you will need to move around.
Step 4: Select the Right Chair
The right office chair plays a significant role in determining the space you’ll need for sitting. Choose a chair considering its width, depth, height, and the presence of armrests.
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Chair Width: Measure the chair’s width from armrest to armrest. A standard office chair measures approximately 20-24 inches in width.
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Chair Depth: Measure the chair’s depth from the backrest to the edge of the seat. Remember, when you sit, there should be about a 2-3 inches gap between the seat edge and the back of your knees for comfort.
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Chair Height: For optimal comfort and ergonomics, there should be a 16-21 inches gap from the floor to the top of your chair’s seat to enable your feet to rest flat on the floor or a footrest.
Step 5: Account for Movement and Comfort
Even in a small desk setting, your comfort is paramount. Consider your movement patterns like if you intend to swivel or roll your chair. You might need, on average, an additional two feet of space for free movement. Ensure you consider this space as you measure seating space for your small desk.
Step 6: Disk Dimension
Now that you have taken into account chair dimensions and movement, estimate your desk dimension. A small desk is typically less than 40 inches wide. However, there is no standard depth. Think about your work habits, if you need space for a laptop, or if you require extra workspace for books, papers, or a desktop.
Step 7: Additional Storage
Some desks come with built-in storage like drawers or shelves. These can be great space savers in small areas, but also bear in mind that they might require extra space. For example, a drawer needs room to extend outwards.
Step 8: Simulate and Test
Once you’ve determined all the vital measurements, simulate if possible. Use pieces of chalk or masking tape to mark the desk and chair area. Test the viability of the space with a temporary setup. Spend time there and ascertain if it allows for comfortable movement and task execution.
Remember, the purpose of these measures is to ensure that even if you’re working with a small space, your comfort and productivity aren’t compromised. It’s about striking a balance between fitting a workstation in a limited area and maintaining a comfortable and efficient working environment.
