Getting a dedicated computer desk for your office work can be a lot more comfortable and convenient than making do with a makeshift setup. We’ve all, at some point, used kitchen counters and ironing stands as impromptu workstations, but it is not very healthy for the body to remain in an unsettled or strained posture for a long time.
The shoulders start getting sore, the lower back starts to pain, and it ultimately becomes impossible to carry on with the job.
But this type of trouble doesn’t come with tables and desks that are particularly made for doing office work. The height of the tabletop is usually perfectly measured to give the user a painless experience. Most of them also come with a special keyboard space underneath the main surface, which allows the user to keep their hands at a lower position.
So, point made. Computer desks are awesome, and you should probably get one if you already don’t. Even if you feel like you aren’t being affected by the awkward PC placements and screen-viewing angles, take the advice and get one before the repercussions start to surface.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best cheap computer desks in 2023!
What is a Computer Desk?
A computer desk is a table or (let’s go a bit fancy) escritoire that is specially created to act as a workstation and to hold PC components like CPUs, printers, keyboards, and mice. Some desks come with special compartments and spaces that are purpose-made for storing specific computer parts, while others come with a relatively simple and straightforward design consisting of just a tabletop and a footrest.
Computer desks usually have a wide surface which allows easy placement and comfortable distancing of the monitor and other devices like the keyboard and mouse. As an average standard, computer desks measure 50 x 25 inches (width x depth).
What are the Advantages of a Computer Desk?
Using a computer desk is essentially better for your health. There are other benefits as well, which relate to ease and accessibility.
With an ordinary table, you are going to face quite a few issues, some of which may include:
Eye-strain
If the table or surface you are using is at a less-than-normal height, your constant posture will be somewhat hunched and bent. You will have to look downwards to see the display rather than straight on.
Or (this can be a bit unusual, albeit possible) you may have set up your peripherals in such a way that the monitor is above your eye level. That would mean that you would have to constantly look upwards throughout the course of your work.
This will eventually create strain on your eyes and make it uncomfortable for you to keep your gaze fixed for long periods of time.
The solution to this problem is to get a desk that has a dedicated, raised platform for supporting monitors. By using the raised surface, you will be able to bring the display at eye level and save yourself from the trouble of keeping your neck perpetually bent downwards.
Back problems
Back problems are a necessary corollary to that hunched posture we discussed just now. By using a desk at an improper height, you will not be able to keep your spine straight and rested against the chair. The effort of staying bent forwards will take its toll on your back. It could not be instant, but you could start feeling it hours later when lying down in your bed, trying to go to sleep.
Once again, this problem can be avoided and mitigated by using a computer desk. With the right height and elevation, you will be able to adjust yourself in a position that has no harm on your body in both the long and short term.
There are many other adverse effects and conditions that you can experience if you continue to use an improper desk for your office work, but if we carry on mentioning all those, this article will start looking like an excerpt from a medical journal.
What are the Usual Dimensions of a Computer Desk?
The dimensions of a computer desk are what makes it different from other tables. If the dimensions are not right, the thing won’t remain a computer desk anymore.
For example, if you cut the height of a computer desk in half, it will start to resemble a park bench. If you cut the width in half, it will become something like a standard classroom desk. If you cut the depth in half, it will start to look like a narrow hallway table (you know, where they keep those frilly knick-knacks).
The point is, the dimensions of a computer desk are its identity. That said, the average size of the same is 50 x 30 x 25 (width x height x depth).
1. Mr. Ironstone L-Shaped Corner Desk – Best Overall
There are plenty of reasons why the Mr. Ironstone L-Shaped Corner Desk makes the top of our list. One thing’s for sure; this table will end your neck and back pain woes. Thanks to the raised monitor platform, you can avoid squinting and peering at your display and instead enjoy a comfortable viewing experience at eye level.
The design is large and spacious, with plenty of room to place your laptop, keyboard, mouse, phones, monitors, and other useful effects and accessories. The dimensions described on the product page are 50.08 x 50.8 x 29.5 (W x D x H), which makes the overall area quite ample.
As far as durability goes, the steel frame and P2 MDF boards speak for themselves. It helps to know that the Mr. Ironstone L-Shaped Desk is also covered by a 3-year warranty from the company.
Why is the Mr. Ironstone L-Shaped Corner Desk the best computer desk in 2023?
Office workers usually need to work with their PCs along with other physical files and folders. Keeping all the items organized and separated is well nigh impossible on a small and narrow surface.
This L-Shaped desk works well to solve that problem. The two segregated sections can be a great help for office workers who have trouble keeping their paraphernalia neat and sorted.
What makes the Mr. Ironstone Corner Desk great for people with space issues?
With desks, large-framed people can often have trouble adjusting due to the lack of proper legroom. It can get worse if the height of the table is lower than average.
The Mr. Ironstone Corner Desk has a baring and minimalist design as far as the support beams and rods are concerned. There is ample room to move around underneath, and the height is also well above the normal level.
2. Amazon Basics Computer Desk – Runner Up
The Amazon Basics Computer Desk comes with a whole galore of pre-made slots and spaces for PC peripherals. This table is great for people who want to stick to a specific and organized layout without moving the items around a lot. Since all the spaces are pre-provided, there is little elbow room for users to make adjustments on their own.
Although you can leave off putting all the attachments for keeping the tabletop pure and pristine, you cannot go for a customized setup since all the holes for the application are pre-drilled.
This computer desk has a no-frills design with a minimalist frame structure. One appealing feature in the Amazon Basics Computer Desk is the charging cradle attachment. Even if you want to leave the rest of the contraptions off, the charging cradle/station can be highly useful for when you want to plug in your mobile device while keeping it in view as you work.
3. Tribesigns Computer Desk – Budget Pick
While attachments and accessories are great, sometimes you just need a bit of minimalism in your lifestyle. The Tribesigns Computer Desk is an excellent computer desk thanks to its no-frills, plain design, and aesthetic appearance.
The depth of the Tribesigns Desk is a little less than what you would usually find on a computer table, but it can be ample for users who don’t want to use a lot of peripherals with their PC. Although the depth falls short of the average, the width makes up for it. Instead of 50″ (which is usual), this table has a width of 63″. The Tribesigns Desk has a narrow and longitudinal form factor that makes it ideal for smaller rooms with limited furniture space.
One of the best perks of this thing is the range of available colors. If you take a look at the product page on Amazon, you will find the options in little boxes in the description area. You can pick the color of the frame and top separately and come up with a combination that is tailored for your taste and preference.
4. Coavas Computer Desk
While we are discussing plain and minimalist tables, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to leave out the Coavas Computer Desk.
First off, although this desk doesn’t look like much, it is worth buying. It is lightweight and durably made, which makes it easier to carry around and use in different places rather than keeping it fixed at one spot in the room.
The melamine tabletop topped with the wood-grain finish, besides boosting the aesthetics, gives the Coavas desk its durability and longevity. Even if you happen to spill a glassful of water over the top, you can just wipe it off and get back working. The waterproof finish essentially makes it easier to clean and maintain. To top it all up, the supporting structure underneath is made of steel for adding strength and toughness.
5. Furinno Simplistic A Frame Computer Desk
We’ve come quite far down our list, so it’s about time we introduced the Furinno Computer Desk.
Up till now, we have looked at a couple of reasonably priced, affordable products that are great for people who aren’t looking to spend a lot of money. But, with regards to affordability, none of them beats the Furinno Simplistic A Frame Desk.
With a price tag of just $41.62, this table is an absolute steal of a deal. Think about it. Any kid could save up their pocket money and buy this thing instead of their next load of candy. It’s that cheap.
As for the design itself, it isn’t half as bad either. You get a generous tabletop along with a set of shelf attachments. You can utilize the surface above the hutch to place your monitor, while the lower surface can act as the keyboard space. There are different ideas you can try with this one.
The Furinno Desk also comes with a footrest, which is something that isn’t seen in products much costlier than it.
6. OneSpace Stanton
The OneSpace Stanton is yet another affordable choice that you can try if you are trying to find something on a low budget. The price tag of $52 .48, although a bit higher than the Furinno Simplistic, is still a lot less than the other products on this list.
The Furinno Simplistic featured a set of shelves right on the main tabletop, which meant that the actual space had to decrease significantly if you wanted to install them. With the Stanton Desk, however, you get a better deal. Instead of a shelf attachment on top, you get a slim keyboard compartment underneath.
Another feature with regards to which the Stanton is better than the Furinno is the construction and the manufacturing materials. While the latter is made with particleboard, the Stanton features steel, MDF boards, and PVC.
7. Tangakula Folding Computer Desk
Let’s end things up with something quirky.
The Tangakula Folding Computer Desk is unlike the others mentioned on this list. The main awesome feature that it offers is…well, being foldable. Foldable, in the context of tables, typically brings to mind something else, but this product by Tangakula pretty much collapses on itself horizontally. It can be changed from a computer desk to a simple locker with drawers.
This table is good for office work and using PCs due to the fairly large width and depth of the top. A 20” and 41.5” depth and width (respectively) can be quite enough for people who work directly from their laptops without using a lot of peripherals.
The drawers on the side can be very helpful for storing odd belongings and work-related paraphernalia. If you still work with paper files, drawers are a good way to keep ’em organized.
How to Choose the Best Computer Desk for Office Work in 2023?
Well, that’s as far as discussing some products goes, but if you are a little confused as to what to be mindful of when making your purchase, don’t worry. Check out this comprehensive guide to get an idea of what to check and keep in mind when buying a computer desk.
Dimensions
First things first, and that’s the measurements/dimensions. You could have a stylish desk with a lot of storage spaces, but it’s no use if the height and width are not comfortable for your use.
When checking the measurements, you should determine and decide the use for which you want the desk. If you usually use your laptop for your work instead of a monitor and KB/mouse setup, then there is no need for you to focus a lot on the width and depth of the tabletop. Staying compact is a good idea, and it can help your room look less crowded.
On the other hand, if you use two or three monitors at once, along with multiple keyboards and mice, then you should go for something wide and spacious…kind of like the first product on our list.
Storage Options
Having a simple tabletop without any cubby holes, drawers or shelves can be the preferred desk design for most people, but having some storage space at hand can be…handy.
If you are looking at two products that are more or less the same in all aspects except for the storage options, go for the one that comes with them, not without. Even if you have to pay a little extra, storage compartments remain a feature worth investing in.
Material
When choosing a desk, be sure to pick one that is made using tough and durable materials. Some good materials that you can look for include wood, MDF boards, and coated steel. Some that you should avoid, on the other hand, are particle boards/chipboards.
A coated and protected tabletop will be able to live through rough usage. Water spills can happen quite frequently on desks, and they can be a bit problematic if the surface is not waterproof.
Assembly
You should decide this part depending on your particular situation. If you are living somewhere where you can get a few helping hands, and you have a sufficient amount of know-how about putting furniture together, then it is better to go for a desk that is ‘ready-to-assemble.’
Products that don’t come assembled have a much lesser chance of getting damaged since they are neatly and securely packed. Assembled desks, however, will just be wrapped in their original shape, which depending on the size, could be conducive to considerable transport damage.
On the other hand, if you are a solitary resident and you are not confident in putting the desk together all by yourself, you should go for an assembled product instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Computer Desks
Do I need to buy an L-shaped desk?
A. L-shaped desks are expensive. It’s an investment that should be made by a person who knows that all the space and utility will definitely be put to good use. If you are in the habit of using multiple computers or monitors, then you should go for an L-Shaped desk by all means. However, if you normally work on just your laptop, then there is no need to make that big of a purchase. Stick to something smaller.
What is a good width for keeping multiple monitors?
A. For multiple monitors, the width of the desk should be at least 40 inches. That is if the monitors have a standard 21-inch or 28-inch screen size. If they are something more than that, then you should go bigger, i.e., 50 inches.
Should I buy a desk made with chipboard/particle board?
A. It is not advisable. Chipboard/particleboard is one of the cheapest materials that are used in furniture manufacturing. It can be adversely affected by water and get spoilt if proper care is not taken for its maintenance. If you buy a chipboard desk, you may have to look for a replacement sooner than you like. It’s better to spend more money and get something made with MDF or steel.
Final Thoughts
Computers desks are important. Office workers usually spend 7-8 hours sitting in front of their workstations. An improper posture for that long of a time can be seriously harmful to your health.
It’s essential to find and maintain a comfortable position so that you can spend your day without accumulating a bout of pain and soreness for when you have to sleep.
In this post, we looked at some affordable desks that you can buy online in 2023. Try and not be stingy when it comes to spending money on a good workstation.
You can also check out our list of the best Ikea gaming desks.
