Compact Desks (Space-Saving)
Best when your room is tight or multi-use. Pair with a monitor arm and vertical organisation to keep the surface usable.
Watch for: Not enough depth if you rely on large monitor stands instead of arms.
Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Office Desk
Your desk is the foundation of your workstation. The right choice depends on how you work, how much space you have, and whether you want the flexibility to sit and stand during the day. This guide covers every desk type — from compact space-savers to full sit-stand desks — and gives you a practical checklist so you buy with confidence.
Desk types: what to choose and why
There is no single "best" desk — the right choice depends on your space, your tasks, and whether you want sit-stand flexibility. Here are the five main types.
Traditional Fixed-Height Desks
Best for classic setups and consistent seated work.
Watch for: You'll need to get chair height and screen height right, because the desk won't adjust.
Sit-Stand Desks (Electric or Pneumatic)
Best for alternating posture through the day.
Watch for: Stability at full height, usable height range, and whether controls (and memory presets) make switching effortless.
Foldable / Temporary Workstations
Best for occasional work or rooms that need to switch use quickly.
Watch for: Setup time, storage thickness, and stability.
Desk Converters
Best when you want sit-stand flexibility without replacing your desk.
Watch for: Whether you have enough depth for the converter plus keyboard/mouse, and whether it supports your screen setup.
Frequently asked questions: office desks
Your desk should be large enough for your screen setup, keyboard, mouse, and a clear working area. If space is limited, a compact desk can still work well when paired with a monitor arm or laptop stand. Leave enough clearance in front so you can sit down and move comfortably.
Yes — the key is to make the most of the space by raising the screen, keeping cables under control, and leaving clear surface for everyday tasks. A smaller desk can feel highly functional when well organised.
Your seated desk height should allow relaxed shoulders, comfortable elbows, and easy keyboard use without reaching upward. If fixed-height, adjust your chair and add a footrest.
High enough for relaxed shoulders and comfortably bent elbows, without hunching forward. Set the keyboard so your arms feel natural and your screen so your head stays upright.
Aim for regular posture changes rather than standing for hours. Many people find it easiest to stand for calls, quick tasks, or short focus sprints — then return to sitting.
Memory settings let you save favourite height positions so you can switch with one touch. Reducing friction makes it more likely you'll change position.
Anti-collision stops the desk if it meets resistance while moving — a useful safety feature in compact rooms and shared workspaces.
A child lock prevents the desk from being adjusted accidentally — useful at home (children/pets) and in workplaces.
Office Chairs & Active Seating
Task chairs, ergonomic chairs, active stools and sitting balls — how to mix seating for comfort and movement.
Monitor Arms, Laptop Stands & Accessories
Simple upgrades that improve screen position, free up desk space, and support everyday comfort.
Office Setup by Workspace Type
Home offices, open-plan, executive offices, hot desking and meeting rooms — setup advice for every scenario.
Find your desk
Browse the full range of Leitz desks — from compact space-savers to full electric sit-stand desks.