Home office setup: desk, monitor, light and space
The quick answer
Use a desk 28–30 in (71–76 cm) high, position the top of your monitor at or slightly below eye level about an arm's length away (20–30 in (50–75 cm)), and leave 36 in (90 cm) behind the desk for your chair. Place the desk so daylight comes from the side.
Desk and chair
- Desk height: 28–30 in (71–76 cm), or an adjustable desk.
- Chair: adjust so your feet are flat and your elbows are about level with the desk.
- Desk depth: at least 24 in (60 cm); 30 in (75 cm) gives room for a monitor and notebook.
- Space behind the desk: 36 in (90 cm) so you can push your chair back.
Monitor position
Set the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away. Put the screen at a right angle to windows to reduce glare.
Where to put the desk
Light from the side is ideal. Facing a window can be bright and distracting; having a window behind you causes glare on the screen. If you take video calls, check what's behind you: a tidy shelf or artwork looks better than a bed or a door.
Lighting
Use a desk lamp for task light, plus soft room light so you're not working in a pool of brightness. Neutral white (about 3500–4000 K) works well for focus; keep the rest of the home warmer.
Small spaces
A desk can fit in a bedroom corner, under stairs or in a closet ("cloffice"). A wall-mounted shelf desk or a fold-down desk keeps the room usable when work is done.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a desk be?
28–30 in (71–76 cm) for most adults, or adjustable.
Where should a monitor be placed?
With the top at or slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away, at a right angle to windows.
Should a desk face a window?
Side light is best. Facing a window can cause eye strain, and a window behind you causes screen glare.
How much space do you need behind a desk chair?
About 36 in (90 cm).