How to Measure Your Space for a custom wooden desks That Fits Perfectly

When it comes to buying a desk, especially a custom wooden desk, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Whether you’re designing your home office, updating a workspace, or adding a beautiful new piece of furniture to your room, you want a desk that not only looks stunning but also fits seamlessly into your space. That’s where custom desks come in. They’re tailored to your exact specifications, ensuring both style and functionality.

Before diving into the process of ordering a handcrafted desk, it’s essential to take proper measurements. It can be frustrating to receive a beautiful, custom-built desk, only to discover it doesn’t quite fit in your space. To prevent that, this guide will walk you through the steps to measure your space accurately so that your desk fits perfectly.

Why Choose a Custom Wooden Desk?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of measuring, let’s quickly touch on why opting for a custom wooden desk is such a great choice. The main reason is flexibility—you get to decide on every detail. From the type of wood to the shape, style, and even the type of legs, a custom-built desk allows you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that complements your room’s design and fits perfectly into the space you have.

Additionally, a handcrafted desk made by experienced artisans ensures durability and quality, unlike mass-produced alternatives. Whether you prefer sleek, modern lines or a more rustic, natural look, a custom desk can be tailored to your tastes.

Steps to Measure Your Space for a Custom Wooden Desk

Now that you’re excited about your upcoming custom desk let’s ensure it fits your room perfectly by following these simple measurement tips.

1. Measure the Available Floor Space

The first thing you want to do is measure the floor space where the desk will go. Use a tape measure to determine the width (left to right), depth (front to back), and the height available in the room.

• Width: This is the distance from one wall to the other or from one piece of furniture to another. It will tell you how wide your custom desk can be.
• Depth: This is the space from the wall or back of the room to the front. This measurement is crucial for determining how deep your desk can be, ensuring you can sit comfortably without crowding the rest of the room.
• Height: While this might not always be necessary for the desk’s dimensions, if there’s a window sill, shelf, or other furniture above where the desk will go, you’ll want to ensure the desk doesn’t interfere with these elements.

Take note of the room’s shape, including alcoves or corners, which might allow you to fit a larger or differently shaped desk.

2. Account for Chair and Legroom

While the desk is a centerpiece, don’t forget about the space for your chair and legs. You’ll need enough room to comfortably slide a chair under the desk and sit without your knees bumping into anything.

A general rule of thumb is to allow at least 3 feet of clearance behind the desk for a chair to slide in and out easily. When considering the height of the desk, most desks are 29-30 inches tall, which allows for ample legroom, but if you’re tall or prefer extra space, you may want to adjust this.

3. Consider Electrical Outlets and Cords

Many modern custom-built desks need to accommodate electronics like computers, monitors, or lamps. When choosing the desk’s placement, make sure it’s close to power outlets.

Measure how far the outlets are from where the desk will go, and think about how the cords will be managed. You may also want to design your handcrafted desk to include cord management features like grommets or hidden compartments.

4. Assess the Room’s Traffic Flow

Think about how people move around your space. You don’t want a desk that’s too large, making it difficult to walk around or access other parts of the room. Measure the available space between the desk and other furniture, like chairs, shelves, or doors. You should have enough space to move freely around the room without bumping into the desk.

Leave at least 3 feet between the edge of the desk and other furniture or walls to ensure a comfortable walkway.

5. Decide on the Shape of Your Desk

Once you have the basic measurements, you can start thinking about the shape of your custom desk. Here are a few popular options and tips on how to measure for each:

• Rectangular Desk: A classic shape, ideal for most rooms. Simply ensure the width and depth align with your available space.
• L-shaped Desk: Perfect for corners or for those needing extra surface area. Be sure to measure both legs of the “L” to ensure they fit within the room’s dimensions.
• Corner Desk: Ideal for making use of an awkward corner. Measure from the corner outwards in both directions to see how much space you have.

6. Plan for Storage and Add-ons

One of the best things about a custom-built desk is that you can add features like drawers, shelves, or filing cabinets. Make sure to account for these additions when measuring.

If you’re planning to add drawers underneath the desk, ensure there’s enough legroom. If you’re adding overhead storage or shelving, check that there’s enough height between the desk and any obstructions above it.

7. Double Check Your Measurements

Finally, it’s always a good idea to double-check all your measurements. Re-measure the width, depth, and height to ensure accuracy before placing an order for your custom wooden desk. It’s also a good idea to use painter’s tape to outline the dimensions of the desk on your floor. This way, you can visualize how much space it will take up.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a handcrafted desk is a fantastic way to personalize your workspace, ensuring it fits your needs and your space perfectly. By following the steps above, you’ll have all the necessary measurements to create a custom-built desk that’s functional, beautiful, and a perfect fit for your room.

Remember, working with experienced craftsmen allows you to fine-tune every detail, from size and shape to materials and finishes. Whether you’re looking for a rustic live-edge wood piece or a sleek, modern design, your custom wooden desk will be a stunning and practical addition to your home.

Call Dumond’s Custom Furniture now to get started!