How Big Should a Home Office Be?

Tammy Rutherford
3 years ago
Categories: interior remodeling
Tags: home improvement, home office, remodeling company

If you are building a designated office at home and want it to be a comfortable and productive space, it is important to design it right — from adding basic furniture such as a desk, a chair and cabinets for organized filing to hanging decorative elements on the walls. It is also essential to learn about the ideal dimensions of these pieces of furniture in order to create a successful, well-planned layout. A siding and interior remodeler shares a few notes:

Desks. In general, the minimum width of a freestanding desk falls between 48 and 72 inches, the depth ranges between 24 and 36 inches and the height is around 30 inches. To make sure that one can easily move around and access file cabinets and storage, the minimum clearance between the desk and the back wall or bookshelf should be between 33 and 36 inches.
Computer. As a rule of thumb, there should be a 2-inch gap between the thigh and the keyboard tray when you are in a sitting position. A minimum clearance of six inches on both sides of the printer is crucial so that the table will not end up feeling cramped, according to an office and kitchen remodeling expert.
Chairs. Select a chair that allows seamless movement and is easy to maneuver around. You can simply adjust the height of the chair depending on your height and comfort level.
Cabinets. For file cabinets or credenza, the recommended height is 30 inches. A double-door file cabinet, in particular, should be 30 to 36 inches wide and 15 to 16 inches deep. Incorporating built-in shelves made of glass or plywood will help maximize the wall space and give a clean, finished look to the home office.

Creating the ideal home office is less about the total floor space but more about making sure there is enough room to conduct key work activities. It is also OK to customize or alter general clearances or dimensions according to your tastes or priorities.

JLR Home Renovation is a premier source of home improvement solutions, including interior remodeling and replacement windows installation. Our goal is to provide the comfort and efficiency you need in your living space through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us today at (717) 452-4962 or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation estimate. We work with clients in Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, Palmyra, PA and other surrounding areas.