The desk is the centerpiece of any home office. Choosing it well makes the difference between a workspace that truly works and a desk where you never feel comfortable. In this article, we explain how to choose the right size, what material to consider, and which Gato Preto desk best fits your space and work style.
When setting up a home office, the tendency is to start with decoration, wall color, lamp, shelves. But the piece with the most impact on daily life is the most functional: the desk. It is where most work time is spent, it defines the space, and everything else is organized around it.
Choosing poorly—a desk that is too small, too deep, made of the wrong material, or with an unsuitable height—creates accumulated discomfort that affects focus and productivity. Choosing well is an investment you feel every day.
In this article you will find
What is the right size for your desk
The desk size should answer two questions: how much space is available in the room and what type of work is done there.
| Width | Recommended for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 110 cm | Small spaces, mostly laptop work, occasional use | Ideal for corners or rooms with limited space |
| 120 cm | Daily use with laptop or single monitor, space for notepad and work materials | The minimum comfortable size for full-time regular work |
| 140 cm | External monitor, working with documents and computer simultaneously | A good option for those who need generous workspace |
| 150 cm | Two monitors, creative or administrative work with lots of physical materials | The roomier option requires a room with enough space |
Regarding depth, the minimum recommended for screen work is 50 cm, below that, the monitor is too close to the eyes. A depth of 60 cm offers even more comfort and space to rest the arms.
Height and ergonomics: details that make a difference
The standard desk height ranges from 75 to 85 cm, designed for use with an adjustable chair. What matters is not so much the absolute desk height, but the position the body takes when sitting to work.
The correct position:
- Feet fully supported on the floor (or on a footrest).
- Knees at 90 degrees, thighs parallel to the floor.
- Elbows at desk surface height, without raising or lowering the shoulders.
- Screen at eye level or slightly below, 50 to 70 cm away.
If the desk is fixed and the chair doesn't arrive, a footrest solves the height issue. If the elbows are too high, the chair needs to be higher or the desk lower.
Which material to choose: wood, sheesham, or rattan
The desk material affects durability, visual appearance, and how it integrates into the room’s decor. Each has its own characteristics:
Natural wood
Warm finish, visible texture, each piece slightly different. Natural wood ages well, is resistant to daily use, and fits styles ranging from Nordic to contemporary rustic. Requires occasional maintenance with a specific wood product.
Sheesham (Indian rosewood)
One of the densest and most durable woods used in furniture. Dark golden tone with very pronounced natural grains. Extremely durable, withstands intensive use well. Ideal for those looking for a sturdy piece with strong visual character.
MDF with lacquered or tricolor finish
Lighter and more affordable. Smooth surface, easy to clean, good for modern or minimalist spaces. Less resistant to scratches and moisture than solid wood, but perfectly suitable for daily use in a home office.
Rattan
Natural material with a light wood frame and straw details. Brings visual lightness and artisanal texture to the space. Works especially well in natural, boho, or Scandinavian styles with tropical influences. Not the most robust option for intensive work with lots of physical materials on the surface.
Desk with or without storage?
A desk with drawers or side shelves solves part of the home office organization problem, especially when there’s no space for additional furniture. But there is a balance to consider:
- With integrated storage: more self-sufficient, ideal for small spaces where there’s no room for a bookcase or sideboard. Drawers keep secrets: documents, cables, office supplies out of sight.
- Without integrated storage: cleaner, more minimalist look. Requires complementary storage solutions (shelves, boxes, bookcases). More flexible in terms of space configuration.
If the workspace is shared with another area of the home—living room or bedroom—a desk with integrated storage is usually the most practical choice because it keeps all work-related items in a single piece of furniture that can be easily "closed off" mentally at the end of the day.
Style and integration in home decor
A desk in a bedroom or living room is part of the room’s decor, so style matters as much as functionality. The general rule is simple: the desk should follow the visual language of the space where it is placed.
- Space with light wood furniture and neutral tones: natural wood or rattan blend effortlessly.
- Modern and minimalist space: lacquered MDF with clean lines, no ornamentation.
- Space with rich materials and contrasts: sheesham with its dark golden veins adds character without dominating.
- Eclectic space or with natural influences: rattan from the CARTAGO collection brings handcrafted texture and visual lightness.
A desk well integrated into the decor also helps mentally separate the workspace from the rest area, especially important when the office is in the bedroom or living room.
Gato Preto desks: which one is right for you?
The four available desks belong to the OFFICE and CARTAGO collections, all designed for home office with natural materials and designs that blend into the home.
*Check the product page to confirm the current price, it may be on promotion.
In summary, which to choose:
🪵 Sheesham 140 cm: for those who want maximum robustness, generous surface, and a characterful look. Intensive work with monitor and documents.
🌿 Natural Wood 150 cm: the most spacious. Ideal for those who work with a lot of physical material or two monitors. Warm and natural tone.
🎨 Tricolor 120 cm: the most affordable and versatile option. MDF with a good finish, perfect for regular use in medium-sized spaces.
🌾 Rattan CARTAGO 110 cm: for small spaces and decoration with natural materials. The choice for those who value handcrafted design and visual lightness over maximum work surface.
All desks from the OFFICE and CARTAGO collections - delivered within 6 to 10 business days to Mainland Portugal.
View all desks →Want to create a complete home office? Our guide covers everything from the desk to the chair, lighting, organization, and decoration.
How to create a functional, comfortable, and inspiring home office →
