A simple mathematical calculation shows: 22 working days in a month multiplied by 12 equals 264 days in a year. Taking into account the fact that a person works from 23 to 65 years old, it turns out that we spend 30 years of our life in the office. That's why the design of your workplace should not only match your company's style, but also meet your individual preferences: be comfortable, practical and attractive. And you need to select accessories for this with an eye on the recommendations of professionals.
A bright workplace that sets a good mood Source freegameinfo.ru
Proper organization of the workplace Source onlinework.pro
What are computer desks made of?
Today there is a very huge range of computer desks. There is also a wide selection of materials. What are the most common types of computer desks made of?
Wooden computer desk. Its price is not small, but its appearance is appropriate.
Chipboard. The cost of a table made of this material is much lower. Even though it looks like a tree. When choosing such a table, you also need to pay attention to the thickness of the tabletop; it should be 17 mm or more.
IMPORTANT!!! When choosing a table made of chipboard, it is worth considering the labeling of the material. Ecological class is E1; E2; E3; Accordingly, the higher the number, the more dangerous the material; the best choice is E0; E1.
Glass computer desk. This table looks stylish, refreshes the interior and gives it airiness. This material is practical and difficult to scratch, but it is not durable enough.
If you have chosen a glass table, then pay attention to the tabletop; its thickness should be at least 10 mm.
If you have children in your home, then this material is not recommended, as it is easily susceptible to finger slips and will need to be monitored more carefully.
Metal computer desk. The frame of these tables is made of stainless steel or aluminum, the tabletops are most often made of glass. Plastic can also be used in their production.
Product relevance
A computer desk made with an add-on made by oneself owes its popularity to the fact that some personal adjustments can be made to it during the work process. All elements can have the most convenient location for the owner, who will spend more than one hour doing fruitful work or viewing information.
The ability to combine colors and adjust the appearance to perfect harmony with the rest of the furniture should also not be relegated to the background; with imagination and a creative mind, you can create a unique coloring.
How to choose the right computer desk
In order for the use of a computer desk to bring joy to your child and not cause health problems, his choice must be taken very responsibly. The first thing we pay attention to:
Height. The height of a computer desk is from 70 to 80 cm. If you are choosing a desk for a beginning student, you can opt for a model with height adjustment.
There is a special formula for calculating the correct height of a computer desk: Your height * standard desk height (usually 75 cm) / average height of a man (175) or woman (162)
Table length. Accordingly, the longer the working surface of the table, the more practical it is. Your child will be able to place more necessary things on it.
Depth. When sitting at a computer desk, your feet should not rest against the wall. Therefore, when choosing a model, keep in mind that the beginning student will still be growing and may not be comfortable working at the selected computer desk.
Various models
The configuration of furniture can differ dramatically from each other; this moment is thought out no less carefully than the size and shape of the future item. The basic requirements in each model are, of course, taken into account, but other nuances can be adjusted to your personal discretion.
It is customary to distinguish configuration into three types, although there are many varieties. They will differ from each other in additional elements and special settings.
Computer desk equipment
As mentioned earlier, a computer desk differs from a writing desk precisely in that it has additional equipment:
Keyboard shelf. As a rule, the shelf can be retractable to use the keyboard. Thus, it saves space and easily turns a computer desk into a writing desk.
Stand for computer system unit. If your table is close to the wall, then a sliding stand will be convenient. It will be able to provide access to the rear wall of the system unit.
Shelves for office equipment. A table with this kind of add-on will be very convenient, since the working surface is not occupied by unnecessary tools, but it is always at hand.
Lockers. A computer desk with cabinets is very convenient for schoolchildren. You can put not only textbooks there, but also various documents.
Today, there are many photos of computer desks on the Internet. Having chosen a model on the Internet, be sure to check its convenience in the store by simulating the work process; if within five minutes you do not experience any inconvenience, then your choice has fallen on the right computer desk.
When choosing it, you should not save, because it will serve you and your child for many years.
Accommodation in the room
The position in space depends to a lesser extent on the interior style of the room with a computer desk. Here are the most successful locations that will suit any interior:
Along one of the walls. Long console tables and narrow rectangular tables placed along the wall will save space while creating a spacious work area.
Near the window. This can be a table that continues the window sill, or a free-standing piece of furniture. Natural light and a good view from the window are the best things you can think of for productive work.
In the corner. These tables seem small, but they hold a lot. An additionally purchased storage system for corner furniture will turn such a table into a full-fledged alternative to a work office.
Next to the bed. It is convenient to place a small console pull-out table in this area. The console can be adjusted, rotated and retracted when not needed.
In a recess or niche. A great place to create a mini-office. A bureau, as well as any type of transformable tables installed in a niche, saves free space in the room.
Photos of computer desks
Corner type
This manufacturing option is no less popular and will be of interest to owners of homes with limited space; the configuration allows you to use the farthest areas of the room and position it in the corner.
The desk frame has many shelves and accessories built into it, which is a great help for people who work on a computer most of the day. Keeping such furniture in order is quite simple, and the availability of everything you need brings pleasure from the process of operation.
Combined model
The complex design attracts attention at first glance with its practicality and thoughtful execution style. Here everything is placed in the right places, and the degree of comfort is at a high level; the only drawback of such furniture will be the decent size of the structure.
A massive frame will take up most of the space in the room, and for this reason, some owners may refuse to install it. There is plenty of space to store accessories, documents or paper, and working at such a table is a pleasure.
Do I need a second monitor?
Here, too, it all depends on what exactly you are doing. Most often, having two monitors is convenient for those who work a lot with data - for example, bringing together data from several sources.
For example, an accountant might use two monitors like this:
- on one, open the source database in the accounting system, on the second - analytical and verification tables in Excel;
- primary on one monitor, accounting system, for example an OS card with all tabs, on the second;
- accounting program - on one, mail, news, internal CRM, chat for communicating with the client - on the second.
Even if your manager now refuses to buy you a second monitor, insist and convince: water wears away stones.
Body position
The picture below was shown to many people as children. Consider this a spoiler. Everything that will be discussed further is indicated here.
The purpose of arranging a workplace is to ensure a body position that:
- convenient in itself;
- you can easily change (if you don’t change your position for a long time, everything becomes numb);
- you can easily leave (it is recommended to stretch at least once an hour, and if it is difficult to get up, you simply will not force yourself to do it).
Chair
The main task of a chair is to allow you to move close enough to the table (even at school it was recommended to leave no more than 8-10 cm between the body and the table), but not to allow you to relax in the wrong position. Basic parameters of the chair:
- Comfortable, with back and lumbar support. Important: different postures require different lumbar support, so you should really choose a chair that suits you.
- The angle of the backrest relative to the seat is about 110 degrees in the working position.
- The edge of the chair should not put pressure on the thigh and squeeze the blood vessels.
- Not too high: The angle between the hip and knee at the back should be 95 degrees or more.
- Armrests should provide support for the elbows in a relaxed state. This point can be replaced by a competent table cutout, however, in order not to pinch the blood vessels on the hands, the surface on which the elbows rest should be soft.
In our company, many people sit on Samurai chairs, which can be found on the market under two brands - “DEFO” and “Metta”. Apparently they are one and the same. These chairs are not ideal, but in terms of price-quality ratio they are quite suitable. Among the disadvantages, those who exploit them note:
- a design designed for tall people (for some, the chair is a little high, this can be circumvented by using a footrest);
- the lumbar support, which is made on one ribbon, quickly wears out and breaks;
- no adjustment of lumbar support height or greater reach;
- no backrest tilt adjustment;
- Armrests are not comfortable for everyone.
Another popular choice is Flexa.
There are only a couple of complaints about this chair - it is narrow, and over time the mesh back wears out. Here are a few additional reviews about the chairs from “experienced” people:
Dmitry Masterov: “If you don’t think about money, it’s better to take Ergohuman chairs. You sit on it and keep your back straight. You simply won’t want to sit down any other way. But I'm happy with Samurai - a good compromise solution, especially considering that in the last office I sat on something more like a stool. The consequences for the back were clearly visible in the gym: the back was constantly “clogged.” When you sit on the Samurai, there is no such thing, the muscles are more relaxed.”
Evgeniy Vetzel: “Before I moved, I had a Herman Miller Aeron. This is not to say that this is a dream chair, but it is very different from cheap options, primarily in reliability. I used it for a year and a half, and this did not affect its functionality in any way. Plus it's a chair that forces you to sit up straight - it prevents you from sliding forward. You can bend left and right so that nothing gets stuck. The convenience lies in the fact that you can constantly move.”
There are many articles on Habré about exotic chairs, non-standard seating, or clever modifications to factory wooden chairs. In the Maxilect team, no one sits on such chairs all the time. But footrests are often used when the height of the chair does not correspond to height. This prevents pinching of blood vessels in the legs - less fatigue at the end of the day.
Table
The desktop should be of sufficient area and at a comfortable height, which depends on the height and height of the chair. Some people prefer a straight edge of the table, others prefer curly cutouts, like, for example, Ikea’s “FREDDE”. There are no clear recommendations here. The settings are to ensure that there is no strong bending in the wrist joint. Plus, you shouldn’t squeeze the vessels in your hands with the edges of the table - any support for your elbows, as indicated above, is best done soft. If a table is used as a stand, you can place some pillows or towels on it. There are also special supports for the arm that works with the mouse.
Working while standing
Year after year, interest in standing work is growing in the IT community.
Our employees also have this experience. Evgeny Vetzel: “Fatigue from stool actually arises from the fact that everything is numb. I tried a lot of things - working while lying on the sofa, and on chairs of different price categories, and even on a fitball (by the way, it was comfortable to sit on, but it was completely impossible to roll it under me). As a result, to prevent fatigue from accumulating, I work standing 20-30% of the day. My table is adjustable in height - in a few seconds it can be moved to a standing position. There is a treadmill nearby. But, by the way, this is not the most convenient option. It is much better to stand on a soft mat or wearing sneakers on a flat floor. You can dance like that if you work to music. I just make sure the height of the table is so that the angle of the elbow lying on the table is about 90 degrees. In general, your back will be grateful for regular breaks and the absence of “sedentary binges,” especially before a deadline. Many fitness bracelets warn that you have been working while sitting for more than an hour and should go and warm up. Sedentary binges cause irreparable harm, even if you then go in for sports. Human joints and the circulatory system require you to move and sweat at least once a day. If you, like me, preach “Pomodorro,” then you won’t have such sedentary binges. Working with a timer set for 25 or 52 minutes is a great solution.”
When experimenting in this way, it is important to remember that standing continuously for 8 hours a day is also unhelpful, especially considering the universal flat feet of our generation, which means problems with the spine in the future.
Equipment
The position of the body in the workplace is influenced not only by furniture, but also by the equipment used, or more precisely, by the relative position of input devices (mouse, keyboard) and output devices (monitor).
Two fundamentally different situations can be distinguished:
- work from a desktop computer;
- working from a laptop.
Desktop computer
Having all the components separately, you can position the keyboard relative to the monitor in accordance with all recommendations.
The monitor must be:
- At eye level. True, not everything is clear here. Neurologists advise that the center of the monitor be at eye level, and orthopedists - that the top edge of the monitor be there. However, the head should definitely not be tilted down. This incorrect position puts too much stress on the spine, which can manifest itself as discomfort in the neck or apparent headaches (it seems like the head hurts, but in fact it’s the neck).
- Not in the light - so that the sun or artificial lighting does not glare on the monitor screen.
- At a comfortable distance from the eyes (depending on the diagonal and other parameters).
It is recommended to place two monitors side by side (at the same height), installing the second one on the side of the dominant eye.
At the same time, when choosing a diagonal for two monitors, it is worth considering how much you will have to turn your head to capture the entire image. The placement of the keyboard and mouse relative to the monitor often determines the height of the desk. Here you need to pay attention to the angles in the joints on your hands - the elbow should be about 90 degrees. By the way, despite all the banality of such a device as a mouse, you should approach its choice responsibly. If there is excessive bending in the wrist joint, with full-time work it is quite possible to earn yourself the so-called tunnel syndrome. You need to choose:
- or an ergonomic mouse on which your hand does not get tired;
- or trackball;
- or trackpad.
True, it’s impossible to give clear recommendations here - a lot depends on personal preferences.
The situation is similar with the choice of keyboard. The force of pressing the buttons should not be too high, so as not to injure the joints in the fingers. Some people prefer mechanical keyboards, but they are quite loud, so the ability to use them depends on the loyalty of the household.
Laptop
According to doctors, it is possible to comfortably use a laptop for long periods of time only with an additional keyboard and/or monitor. So, you can either place the laptop screen at the recommended height, using an additional keyboard to enter text, or place the monitor at eye level, using the laptop keyboard. The combination of these two situations - a docking station to which you can connect both an external monitor and a keyboard, in fact, from an ergonomic point of view, reduces the task to the previous one - to a stationary workstation.
Lighting
Lighting in the workplace should help equalize the contrast of the image on the monitor and the surrounding space.
When working at the monitor, there should be no bright light sources in your field of vision - the sun or lamps. If a table lamp is used, it should have a shade that protects the eyes. At night, it is worth turning on the backlight behind the monitor or the general light so that the monitor itself does not become this bright source of light. Although this does not directly relate to lighting, you need to remember about eye exercises - take breaks every 1-1.5 hours. During such breaks, you need to refocus your gaze from close to far distances.
Indoor climate
Finally, let me remind you that you also need to take care of the indoor climate: temperature and humidity.
Parents of small children often think about this, but in a cold region in winter during the heating season, a humidifier can significantly increase comfort in the office. True, it is worth choosing it taking into account the volume of the room. It is necessary to ensure normal ventilation of the room where the workplace is located. Those who love automation can choose a sensor or install a so-called alpine window, which will provide ventilation when the windows are closed. Here, however, you need to think about both the inflow and outflow of air, but this is a topic for a separate discussion.
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Color palette
Common color scheme.
White
It is a universal shade that suits any interior design, goes well with various colors and gives the environment a clean and fresh look.
Wenge
It attracts attention and at the same time is quite loyal to many style decisions.
Black
Emphasizes the status of the interior and its refined taste, creating a truly presentable and luxurious atmosphere.
Grey
A discreet and elegant gray shade allows you to create a thoughtful compositional design.
Blue
Gives the environment a richer and richer look, emphasizes the bold design and places bright accents in it.
Brown
It is distinguished by sophistication, prestige and practicality, while maintaining warmth and coziness in the interior.
Red
It represents a non-standard, stylish decorative solution and a bright dominant accent.
Beige
Cozy and versatile beige creates a warm, comfortable and measured design.
Green
This color scheme gives the environment a calm and harmonious appearance.
Selecting a location
If the issue with the model and dimensions has been resolved, then it is worth thinking about the arrangement of the furniture in the room; this point is no less important than observing the dimensions during assembly. Operational issues will be directly related to the location of outlets and sufficient space for free passage of other family members.
By placing the table near the window, you can use natural light during the day and significantly save on electricity. During everyday work, such moments are especially important, and if the window is equipped with an opening sash, then the flow of fresh air will contribute to fruitful work throughout the shift.
Illustrative examples and diagrams
In order to create your first furniture, you need not only to prepare the tool and purchase the material with all the components, you need to find a suitable document that will indicate the dimensions and algorithm of actions.
Most of these instructions explain in clear language the entire scope of work and the necessary steps on the path to success; any beginner, knowing how to use the tool, can easily repeat all the listed steps and achieve success.
If necessary, you can download a video version of the master class and understand in detail all the unclear points or ask questions in the chat.
