Working from home is now common in the UK. Many use dining tables, dressing tables, or boxes as makeshift desks. This flexibility is functional, but it often harms our bodies. Do you lean into your screen, get a stiff neck, or feel sore shoulders? The problem may not be your chair but your desk's depth.
Desk depth means the distance from the front edge to the back. It's not just about looks; it's about health. The depth affects how far your eyes are from the screen, the position of your arms, and your overall posture. If it's wrong, it can lead to problems like back pain, shoulder strain, or wrist issues. In 2023/24, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said over half a million UK workers had musculoskeletal disorders. That's a lot of pain caused by poor setups.
This guide follows UK health rules like the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992. These rules apply to people working from home as much as in offices. We'll cover why desk depth matters, what sizes are standard in the UK, and what works best for different setups like laptops, gaming, or creative work. Think of it as an investment in your comfort and productivity.
At a Glance: Quick Guide
- Writing / Laptop Only: 50–60 cm — Good for small spaces.
- Single Monitor WFH: 70–75 cm — Best balance. 60 cm is the lowest you should go.
- Dual Monitors / Gaming: 75–85 cm — Gives you enough distance and space for gear.
- Creative / Design Work: 80–90 cm+ — Needed for large tools and layouts.
Why Desk Depth Matters
Choosing the right desk is key to a healthy workspace. If it's too shallow, your whole setup suffers.
The Ergonomic Triangle
Your body works best when your eyes, hands, and posture align. Desk depth controls this. The HSE says your screen should be 50–70 cm away from your eyes—about an arm's length. This reduces eye strain and helps prevent "tech neck." But if your desk is too shallow, you can't achieve this.
Your arms need space, too. The rules say 10–15 cm must be in front of your keyboard so your wrists can rest. Without it, you risk strain injuries. A shallow desk forces you to rest your arms but sit too close to the screen, or keep the proper distance but lose wrist support. Neither is good.
The Hidden Cost of a Shallow Desk
At first, a shallow desk may feel uncomfortable. Over time, it can cause severe pain. Neck strain, shoulder tension, and even long-term back issues can develop. The DSE rules exist: to stop injuries before they start.
Desk depth also affects your mind. A deeper desk feels more spacious and organised, while a cramped desk feels stressful and messy. That extra 10–20 cm of space can significantly affect your focus and mood.
Standard Desk Depth in the UK
There are two main "standards" to know: professional and retail.
The Professional Gold Standard: 80 cm
In UK offices, the gold standard is 80 cm deep. This size was chosen to give enough legroom for tall people and to support healthy posture. It also made sense back when bulky monitors were standard. Today, it's still the best choice if you have the space.
The Retail Market: 50–75 cm
High-street shops often sell shallower desks. This helps them fit into smaller homes.
- 50–60 cm desks: Fine for writing or short laptop use. Not suitable for monitor work.
- 60–75 cm desks: The most common size for home offices. 60 cm is the minimum, but 70–75 cm is far more comfortable.
- 80–90 cm desks: These match the professional standard. They're ideal for serious home setups or creative work.
The main difference? Professional desks fit your body, while retail desks fit your room. Choose health over saving floor space.
Visualising the Difference
60 cm Desk: It is too close for monitors, there is little room for your arms, and it quickly feels cluttered.
80 cm Desk: Comfortable distance, space for wrists, suitable for dual monitors, room for extras.
Ideal Desk Depth by Use
- Writing & Admin: 50–60 cm. Great for books and papers, not for monitors.
- Laptop WFH: 60–70 cm. Enough for a laptop stand and keyboard.
- Single Monitor: 60–75 cm. 70+ cm is much better than the minimum.
- Dual Monitors / Ultrawide: 75–85 cm. Needed for screen space and comfort.
- Gaming: 75–85 cm. Gives space for large monitors and wide mouse movements.
- Creative Work: 80–90 cm+. Essential for tablets, multiple devices, and spreading out.
How to Measure the Right Depth
- Measure your room correctly. Don't just check if the desk fits—leave 80–100 cm of chair clearance behind you.
- Do the arm's length test. Sit in your ergonomic chair, stretch your arm, and see if your fingertips touch the screen. That's the proper distance.
- Mark it on the floor. Use tape to outline the desk size and test how your items fit.
Common Mistakes
- Going too shallow (<60 cm): Saves space but ruins ergonomics.
- Going too deep (>90 cm): Items are too far to reach.
- Forgetting chair clearance: You'll feel trapped without being 80–100 cm behind.
FAQs
Is 60 cm deep enough for dual monitors?
No. At least 75–80 cm is needed.
What's the UK standard desk depth?
Offices use 80 cm. Shops often sell 60 cm. Aim for 70–80 cm at home if you can.
How much clearance do I need behind my chair?
At least 80 cm, ideally 100 cm.
Is 50 cm OK for home working?
Only for writing or brief laptop use. Not for monitors.
What's better for gaming: 70 cm or 80 cm?
80 cm. More space for screens and movement.
Conclusion
Choosing desk depth is not just about buying furniture. It's about choosing comfort, health, and productivity. No single "best" size is best, and it depends on your tasks, equipment, and space.
Follow the HSE advice: your desk should support good posture and proper screen distance. A little extra depth now can save you from years of pain later. Whether you pick 70 cm, 80 cm, or more, make the choice that puts your health first.
