Having two monitors is a great way to increase your productivity and help you be more efficient at work. If you’re thinking about getting a new desk, there’s something important that you need to consider: space. You don’t want the monitors sitting too far apart or too close together because it’ll make it difficult for you to work comfortably. To ensure this doesn’t happen, here are some tips on how to choose the right sized desk for 2 monitors!
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Measure the length and width of each monitor using a measuring tape
Take the larger number for either measurement and add 4 inches to each dimension. This is the minimum desk size that you should consider for those two dimensions. It’s better to have too much desk space than not enough!
If your desk is placed against a wall, measure from the edge of the desk you’re using to where your head will be when sitting at it. Add 3 feet to this length for some extra room on both sides of you so there’s enough space between monitors without feeling cramped!
When measuring the height of a desk, sit down at its current height and use a measuring tape to determine how tall it’ll need to be with both monitors on top. You’ll want to add a few inches to this measurement so you can have some extra space between the monitors and your eyes.
Tips on choosing the right size desk for 2 monitors
Consider the surface area of your desk
Make sure that it’s big enough to accommodate your two screens without them bumping into one another.
If you want the monitors sitting far apart, make sure there is at least 24 inches of space between them . On the other hand, if they’re meant to sit close together (i.e., for enhanced productivity), then ensure that the two monitor are no more than 18 inches away from each other.
Consider other items you want to keep on the desk.
Pay attention to ergonomics.
If you sit in a chair, make sure your eyes are level with or higher than one of the monitors and that they’re both at least arm’s length away from where you’re sitting.
Check that there is at least one foot in front or behind your computer screen for cord management purposes
Measure the length and width of each monitor.
Ensure that the screen will fit on your desk.
Your desk should have enough space to accommodate everything you need without cramping your style. If there isn’t, then it might be time for a new desk. What size desk would be best for you? If you do not have much space, it is important to limit yourself to two monitors. What size desk for 2 monitors ?
Choose a height that is comfortable for both sitting and standing
Keep in mind that everyone’s sitting and standing needs are different. Keeping this in mind, check out these guidelines from ergonomic specialist Alan Hedge:
- For a seated position, the top of your monitor should be at or below your eye level . The keyboard should also be at elbow level so you don’t have to bend down to reach it.
- When standing , your eyes should be level with the top of the screen. Your elbows should be slightly bent and shoulders relaxed – this will help prevent neck pain caused by hunching over.
The right sized desk for 2 monitors can make a huge difference when it comes to your work habits! Don’t scrimp on quality – study those needs first before buying any desks!
Determine if you want storage space below the desk and what you need to store
This will help you out later on when you’re choosing a desk. If you don’t want or need any storage space then go ahead and disregard this part of the article. If you do want or need storage space then keep on reading.
What kind of storage space do you want?
What is important to you when it comes to storing things under the desk?
What kinds of things will be stored under the desk and how much of it will there be?
Remember: If you want more than just a little bit of storage space, don’t get a L-shaped desk! Get two separate desks instead. This way they’ll both have equal amounts of leg room and won’t cause any problems.
If you want ample room for storage, your best bet is a corner desk – it’ll give you almost twice as much space.
Determine what you need to store
Your desk should have enough space to accommodate everything you need without cramping your style. If there isn’t, then it might be time for a new desk.
If don’t care about having a ton of storage and just need something that works well with two screens (i.e., very little or no extra space), opt for an L-shaped desk instead of one that’s squared off like a corner desk is. This will offer you similar space without taking up as much actual floor area in the room.
Conversely, if don’t care about having a ton of storage and just need something that works well with two screens (i.e., very little or no extra space), opt for an L-shaped desk instead of one that’s squared off like a corner desk is. This will offer you similar space without taking up as much actual floor area in the room.
Check that there is at least one foot in front or behind your computer screen for cord management purposes
Cord management is especially important if you’re working with a home office desk. You don’t want the cords getting tangled up and knotted, which will make it difficult for you to use your equipment properly. What you’ll want to do is run the cords through a hole in the desk if possible so that there’s a nice, clean look on top of it.
Find the best height for your desk
Since you’ll be using two monitors, it’s important that the desk is at a comfortable height for you to work comfortably. You don’t want the monitors sitting too far apart or too close together. It might be difficult to find exactly where your optimal height is and it might take some trial and error; however, here are some tips for choosing the right height:
- Make sure that when sitting down in front of your desk that your eyes aren’t straining up towards the top of your monitor displays
- Position the desks such that they’re not high enough to make you uncomfortable (if you can rest your arms easily on the desk without having to raise them up) but also not low enough where they cause neck strain (if you need to tilt your head down or extend it forward to use the keyboard/mouse)
- Make sure that when typing at your desk, your wrists are in line with your forearms (this can be done by checking that the height of the top of the monitor display is just below where you place your hands on the keyboard) – The right height should feel comfortable for your arms and hands
Determine what type of work you’ll be doing on a regular basis
What are your needs? What are your goals? What are some of the challenges you face on a day to day basis, and what would help improve that situation? What type of work will be done on this desk? What is typically found or done at desks like this (such as writing, drawing, designing, programming, etc)? How much space do you want for each monitor (how far apart and how tall)?
What type of tasks will be performed at the desk/monitor setup? What kind of environment does this setup require (i.e. quiet office setting with no distractions vs cubicle farm sharing an area with others vs standing desk set up in a busy retail store where people bump into your stuff all day long)
How much space is available on each side of the desk? What type of chair will you be using with this desk (height, armrests, swivel, leans back)? What are the dimensions of the available space? What is your preferred monitor size and shape?
Ideally, when choosing a desk for two monitors, you want to find one that is at least as wide as the two monitors combined. If there isn’t an appropriate desk in your budget or space is tight, you can purchase an adjustable monitor arm to place your monitors on. This will give you more flexibility with where you place your monitors. You also want to make sure the height of the desk is appropriate for your seated working position.
Position the monitors in a comfortable way
It’s important that when placing your monitor displays, that they’re not too far apart or too close together. The optimal distance between two monitor screens is approximately an arm’s length apart with the center of one screen being at arm’s length away from the center of the other screen. If this doesn’t work for you, try finding what works best for you by trial and error until it feels most comfortable for both eyes. Also note that if your chair swivels, don’t have it face directly towards either monitor display so you can keep varying your focus on each one.
Maintain good ergonomic posture
When working with two monitors, also make sure that you maintain proper ergonomic posture. In particular, avoid slouching over either monitor. It’s important that you try to keep a straight back while sitting upright throughout your workday. If you find yourself slouching over, take a break and do some stretching. There are many free tutorials online that you can watch to stretch out your back!
Check that there is at least one foot in front or behind your computer screen for cord management purposes
Cord management is especially important if you’re working with a home office desk. You don’t want the cords getting tangled up and knotted, which will make it difficult for you to use your equipment properly. What you’ll want to do is run the cords through a hole in the desk if possible so that there’s a nice, clean look on top of it.
Conclusion
Choosing the right-sized desk for two monitors can be a daunting task, but if you keep these things in mind, it’ll be a lot easier! Just remember to find the best height and maintain good posture, and place the monitors in a comfortable way. With these guidelines, you’re sure to find the perfect desk for your needs!
If you’re still having trouble finding the right size desk for your needs, don’t worry! There are many different types of desks available on the market that come in different shapes and sizes. Do some research online or go to your local furniture store to find the best one for you. Desk manufacturers usually have sizing charts on their so you can get an idea of what type of desk will work best for you.
With these tips in mind, the next time you’re looking for a new desk to help you increase your productivity and be more efficient at work, make sure that it’s the right size! Good luck!
