What size desk do I need for two monitors?
Published
Short answer: For two monitors the desk needs to be wider than both screens side by side, including their stands, with space left for a mouse and speakers. Measure your monitors, add the extras, and compare with the desktop width on the product page.
Two-screen setups are popular for gaming with a chat or guide window open. The desk has to carry both screens comfortably without pushing your keyboard aside.
Working out the desk size you need
Desk width is driven by your screens and peripherals. Measure the width of each monitor including its stand, add space for speakers or a microphone arm, and allow room for a mouse to move freely. Depth matters too: a deeper desktop keeps a large monitor at a comfortable distance and leaves space for a keyboard in front of it. Always compare these with the desktop width and depth on the product page rather than the overall footprint, which can include shelves or legs.
Set the desk up for comfortable play
The UK Health and Safety Executive's guidance for display screen work is a useful starting point for gamers too. Sit so your forearms are roughly level with the desk and your shoulders are relaxed, keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, and position the screen about an arm's length away with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. A raised monitor shelf can help with screen height, and a desk that is deep enough lets you keep the keyboard and mouse in front of you rather than reaching.
Keeping cables and kit tidy
A gaming corner quickly fills with power leads, chargers and controllers. Plan where the nearest sockets are before you place the desk or bed, use a surge-protected extension lead rather than chaining adaptors, and run cables along the back of the desk or frame so they are not across the floor or ladder. Desks with drawers, cupboards or shelves give consoles, headsets and games a home, and storage under a bed is handy for things that are not used every day.
Products to look at
These are in stock in the Bed Kingdom range at the time of writing; see each product page for the live price, full specifications and delivery time.
- Alphason Oblivian Gaming Desk – Dimensions: H90cm x W146cm x D66cm; Material: Metal (size guide)
- Alphason San Diego Computer Workstation – Material: Multiple Density Particleboard (size guide)
- Parisot SetUp Midi Gaming Desk – Dimensions: 92cm x 154cm x 67cm (size guide)
- Parisot SetUp Walter Gaming Desk in Black – Dimensions: H 89cm x W 120cm x D 63cm (size guide)
- Parisot Setup Gaming Desk with Drawers & LED Lights – Dimensions: 92cm x 180cm x 67cm; Storage: Drawer, cupboard and open shelving units (size guide)
Browse more: Gaming desks, Gaming furniture, Gaming furniture sale.
Frequently asked questions
What size desk do I need for two monitors?
For two monitors the desk needs to be wider than both screens side by side, including their stands, with space left for a mouse and speakers. Measure your monitors, add the extras, and compare with the desktop width on the product page.
How do I work out what width of desk I need?
Add up the width of your monitors and stands, then allow space for speakers, a microphone and free mouse movement, and compare with the desktop width on the product page.
What is the right screen position at a gaming desk?
About an arm's length away with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, following HSE display screen guidance.
How do I keep gaming cables safe?
Use a surge-protected extension lead, avoid chaining adaptors and route cables along the back of the desk or frame so they are not across the floor or ladder.
Who can I ask for help choosing gaming furniture?
Bed Kingdom customer service on 01924 950108 or support@bedkingdom.co.uk.