Nathaniel Fried
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What to look for when buying a desk for a student?
Whether you’re a caring parent or student looking to buy a desk for your first term at college, you should be able to find something suitable here.
We reached out to three experts, a Cambridge educated private tutor, a furniture design expert and an interior design expert to get their take on what to look for when buying a desk for a student.
A private tutor gives his take.
Private Tutor: William Wadsworth, a Cambridge educated, full time study tips blogger at Exam Study Expert, shares his insight on what to look for when buying a desk for a student.
Room to think: Enough surface area to spread out textbooks.
Sitting comfortably: Set chair height first so the student’s knees are at 90 degrees, then choose a desk height that allows their elbows to be at 90 degrees too, when they are sitting at the desk
Take a stand? Don’t bother with a standing desk, they’ll never use it.
Stay on track: If the desk has an exposed side, try using blackboard and / or magnetic paint to create a flexible space to keep priorities on display
A furniture expert gives her take.
Furniture expert: Nicole Groshek, of National Business Furniture shares information on how to pick the perfect desk for a student.
Go with a compact size: Students often have little space to work with in their dorm or apartment, so a compact desk is ideal.
Choose a desk with storage: A desk with a pencil drawer will allow students to keep important office supplies nearby for quick access.
Go with laminate: Wood veneer and solid wood desks may look nice, but they are unlikely to withstand the heavy use required of student furniture. Laminate is durable and easier to clean.
An interior designer gives her take. (For younger students)
Interior designer: Emilie Baltorinic for Living spaces. This is from their article Kids Desk Buying Guide. Here is the link to the full article if you want to check it out.
Designing a fun and functional workspace for kids gives them their own space to concentrate on learning and creating. Age and activity are important factors to consider when selecting a desk; you will want to select a finish that is easy to clean, and a size and style that are comfortable enough to use at the moment, but also grow with over time.
Best (Non Standing) Desks For Students
Best Value: Convenience Concepts 131436LO Student Desk
This company creates desks that don’t need any tools to be assembled. It comes with a variety of shelves to extend your writing surface. It’s lightweight while also being extremely sturdy. It comes in eleven different colours so you can choose a colour to fit your space as well as your personality.
Read more reviews, or buy this student desk here.
Best Storage: Sauder Beginnings Computer Desk
This desk is very compact and won’t take up much space in the room. It is ideal for desktop computers because it has a specific sport for a vertical computer tower. It has a slide-out shelf for your keyboard and mouse and an elevated monitor shelf. There is also hidden storage at the bottom to keep books, disks, or other supplies. The best part is that it’s environmentally-friendly since it was made from leftover wood.
Read more reviews, or buy this student desk here.
Best Sitting or Standing Desks For Students
Our Top Pick: Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk
I got this desk back when I was a student and it still works like a charm now that I do a lot of work from home.
This desk comes in a bunch of configurations, but I got mine with alloy legs and a 48 x 30 rectangular top. Most people know by now that living a sedentary lifestyle can take its toll on your health.
I got this desk mostly because of its ability to move into a sitting or standing position so that I can stretch my legs while I work. I don’t always have it in a standing position, but I probably switch back and forth between sitting and standing every hour or so.
One thing I was very pleased with once I had it together is how solid and durable it feels. I have no doubt it’ll last many years. The only downside was putting it together.
There were quite a few steps and either my desk came without screws for the tabletop or I accidentally threw them out, so I had to go to a hardware store to find some that fit.
Most Dynamic: AnthroDesk Sit to Stand Electric Adjustable Height Standing Desk
With a sit-stand/standing student desk you can:
- Reduce back and neck pain
- Reduce risk of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (supported by several scientific studies including the American Cancer Society)
- Increase your energy and productivity
- Improve circulation and oxygen flow
- Increase neurotransmitter levels
- Burn more calories.
Read more reviews, or buy this student desk here.
If you have any suggestions of new products/updates to the article, drop me an email on [email protected].
With a big thanks to all those who suggested products:
- Robin dela Cruz from anthrodesk.ca
- Brandon Ballweg from Click Website
- Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
