How to Design a Computer Desk for a Home Office

Your home office needs to be functional for your needs yet also aesthetically pleasing, otherwise you'll never want to go in. This is especially relevant if your computer desk will reside in a family room. Designing the perfect computer desk for your home office shouldn't be a daunting task, but a fun way to ensure that you get exactly what you want and need.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape Paper Pen or pencil Imagination

Instructions

1. Whether you have a dedicated room for your home office or just a space carved out of an existing room, measure the area where your new desk would go. Make sure you measure for width, not just length, so you get an idea of the overall dimensions that would work in your space.

2. Determine your needs. Use paper and pen to make a list of all the necessary components your desk needs in order to best function for you. For example, you may need a built-in filing cabinet for bill storage, open storage for books or magazines, or a combination of open and closed storage. Decide if you work on the desktop or just use your computer on it.

3. Think about style. If your computer desk will be in a family room, for example, you might consider a computer armoire to hide clutter. If your space is ultra-modern, you might search for a computer desk that incorporates clean lines instead of decorative molding and curves. Consider if you want a desk made of wood, metal, acrylic or a combination of materials.

4. Compile a final list of your wants, color and material selections, and measurements. Then, start shopping for that perfect computer desk that will fit perfectly into your space and meet all your needs---both stylishly and practically.

Tips & Warnings

• Measuring for the entire desk is vital---if you get the length right but the width wrong, you're liable to end up with a desk that dwarfs your space.