How tall should a gaming desk be?
Published
Short answer: The right height lets you sit with relaxed shoulders and forearms roughly level with the desktop while your feet rest flat on the floor. Match the desk height on the product page with a chair whose seat height adjusts to suit the user.
Desk height is fixed on most gaming desks, so the chair does the fine-tuning. That makes it worth checking both measurements together before you buy, especially for children and teenagers who are still growing.
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.
Making a gaming chair fit the person
A chair is only comfortable if it fits the person using it. Check the seat height range on the product page against the desk height so the user can sit with forearms level with the desk and feet flat on the floor. Look at the stated weight capacity, whether the armrests and backrest adjust, and the seat width. Younger or shorter users may need a footrest. Try to sit back into the backrest rather than perching forward, and get up and move between sessions.
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.
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
How tall should a gaming desk be?
The right height lets you sit with relaxed shoulders and forearms roughly level with the desktop while your feet rest flat on the floor. Match the desk height on the product page with a chair whose seat height adjusts to suit the user.
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 should a gaming chair be adjusted?
So feet rest flat, forearms are level with the desk and the user sits back into the backrest. Check the seat height range 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.
Who can I ask for help choosing gaming furniture?
Bed Kingdom customer service on 01924 950108 or support@bedkingdom.co.uk.