How to Buy a Desk

If you are setting up a home office, need a study area for your children, or want a dedicated place at which to pay bills and organize your life, a desk is an important piece of furniture that can pull everything together. Ranging in price from garage sale cheap to thousands of dollars, there are several things you need to consider when looking for a new desk. Here are some ways to help you buy a desk that will work for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape Measure Paper and pencil Camera Printer

Choosing a New Desk

1. Decide what purpose the new desk will serve. Knowing how the desk will be used can help you determine how many drawers and organizational features you'll need, as well as how much desktop space will be available and whether ergonomics should be considered for anyone who may spend much of the workday at the desk.

2. Determine how much money you have to spend on a new desk. If you are limited, consider purchasing a used desk, or one that is less aesthetically pleasing but that can be camouflaged or set into a nook so that flaws are less visible.

3. Consider the style of desk that you want or need. Use your favorite search engine to look up images of desks, so you can get some style ideas. Whether you want traditional, modern, or functional, choosing a style (and a price range) beforehand will save you time and help you stay on budget.

4. Measure the area where the desk will be placed. You may want to measure several areas within the room or office, so that you can purchase a desk that will fit in a number of locations.

5. Measure the entry door, doorways and hallways to make sure that the desk can be safely moved into your home or office without causing damage. If you have limited wiggle room, you'll want to consider desks that need to be assembled, or ones with parts that can be removed during transit.

6. Take a picture of the room where the desk will be located. Print this out, so that you can carry it with you while shopping for desks. This will help give you an idea of how a certain design will fit into the existing decor.

7. Check local newspapers for sales on office furniture, and search the Classifieds for used items from individuals or companies that may be going out of business, and even estate auctions. You can also consult local buy/sell/trade publications for used items within your area.

8. Visit local furniture and office stores, using the picture of your room as a reference. Bring your measurements with you, and even a small tape measure to check that a preferred piece will fit.

9. Determine whether the store can deliver the item and set it up, and how much it will cost. If they won't deliver, you'll have to arrange for transportation, especially if the desk is already assembled.

Tips & Warnings

• Sit at the desk, in the display room, to make sure that there is ample leg room and space for movement.
• If the desk is going to sit on carpet, make sure to purchase a protective floor mat to prevent wear and damage beneath the chair. Buying furniture online can come with hefty shipping and handling charges.

References

• Height-Adjustable and Ergonomic Desks
• Setting Up a Home Office
• Green Office Furniture