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# Where to put your desk
- URL: https://haven.ghostcms.templates.codememory.com/where-to-put-your-desk/
- Published: 2026-07-10T09:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-10T09:00:00.000Z
- Description: Light from the side, the screen at eye level and something far away to look at.
- Author: Jun Park
- Tags: Home offices, #Import 2026-10-02 16:14

Where you put your desk changes how you feel at the end of the day. Too far from a window and you work in a cave. Facing the window directly and your screen fights the glare. Here is how to find the best spot in your home, and set it up for comfort.

![Side light from a window: the best light for working at a screen.](https://haven.ghostcms.templates.codememory.com/content/images/2026/10/desk-light.jpg)

Side light from a window: the best light for working at a screen.

## Light from the side

The best position for a desk is usually at right angles to a window, so daylight falls from the side. You get natural light on your work and a view when you look up, without the bright window behind your screen or reflected in it.

- **Facing the window:** lovely view, but the bright window behind the screen strains your eyes.
- **Back to the window:** the window reflects in your screen, and you sit in your own shadow.
- **Side to the window:** soft light, no glare, a view when you turn your head. Best.

## Height and posture

A good desk setup fits your body, not the other way round.

1. **Chair first.** Adjust it so your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees are about level with your hips.
2. **Desk height.** With your shoulders relaxed, your elbows should be at about the height of the desk, bent at roughly 90 degrees.
3. **Screen.** The top of the screen at or just below eye level, about an arm's length away. A laptop on its own is too low; raise it and use a separate keyboard.

> A beautiful desk that hurts your back is not a beautiful desk.  
>  
> **Jun Tanaka**

![A chair that adjusts in height matters more than a chair that looks nice.](https://haven.ghostcms.templates.codememory.com/content/images/2026/10/desk-chair.jpg)

A chair that adjusts in height matters more than a chair that looks nice.

## Lamps for the evening

When the daylight goes, you need two kinds of light: general light for the room and a task lamp for the desk. Place the lamp on the opposite side to your writing hand, so your hand does not cast a shadow. Choose a warm white bulb for evenings; very cold light late in the day can make it harder to switch off.

## A view

If you can, put something to look at in your line of sight when you lift your eyes from the screen: a window, a plant, a picture. Eyes need to change focus regularly, and a distant view helps them rest.

## Small rooms

In a small room, a narrow wall-mounted desk by the window can work better than a big desk in the middle. Even 40 centimetres of depth holds a laptop on a stand and a keyboard.

💡

Every hour, look at something at least six metres away for twenty seconds. Your eyes will thank you.

#### What is the right desk depth?

At least 60 centimetres for a monitor and keyboard; 50 for a laptop with a stand.

#### Is a standing desk worth it?

Many people like alternating. Standing all day is no better than sitting all day.