Sure, keeping up with the latest devices is crucial for your productivity, but so is the desk that brings all the tech in your programming setup together.
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As programmers, we need to focus on complicated technical tasks rather than keeping up with the hassles of shabby and uncomfortable desks. The wrong desk can cause long-term health problems due to the compounding effects of the countless hours programmers spend sat in suboptimal positions.
That’s why I believe…
The FEZIBO Height Adjustable Desk is the best choice of desk for programmers. The desk height is adjustable from 32.87″ to 52.56″ allowing you to seamlessly switch between sitting and standing to help reduce some of the risks associated with long hours of sitting such as obesity, diabetes and premature death.
To help narrow down your options of desks for coding, here are the practical desks that are both spacious and comfortable to cater to any programmer’s needs.
How to Choose the Best Programming Desk
Size
You saw this coming, didn’t you? So before you decide to go on to buy the first desk you see on Amazon, make sure you have measured the amount of space you have specifically devoted to your desk.
However, when creating a space for your computer, you also need to keep in mind your chair and enough space to help you stretch after a long day. Here, desk chairs can take up 5 Sq ft of space.
Other than that, the height of the desk is more important than you think. Unless you decide to purchase an adjustable desk, make sure the height meets up with the ergonomic settings of the ideal desk for complete comfort.
Shape
When it comes to buying desks online, you will be exposed to a wide variety of shapes that come with their own set of perks and cons.
Here, the L-shaped desks (as mentioned above) have a more professional look, are spacious, and are a space-efficient way to set up a corner of your room for programming.
Corner desks can also be an excellent choice if you lack the right floor space to add chunky desks (& desk chairs) to your office space. Lastly, rectangular ones are the standard desks that offer utmost flexibility but aren’t as spacious as others.
Therefore, depending on your preference and space, you can narrow down the options and start comparing the best ones.
Storage
Dependent on your specific needs as a coder, you may want to look for storage within the desk to conveniently have documents and peripherals nearby. Some of the picks on this list also come with features like storage hooks, which are the perfect size for headphones.
You might also want cable grommets built into the desk to store away cables so you have more room for what you want.
Height
I will go on to discuss using a sitting or standing desk for programming later, however, this is definitely something to keep in mind. The height of your desk is even more important given the amount of time you will be spending at your desk. Here are some standard ergonomic dimensions.
Best Sitting Desk for Programming
Bestier L-Shaped Desk
Want a huge desk? This monster of an L-Shaped desk is the perfect sitting option for any programmer.
This desk can easily fit 3 monitors, or a dual monitor setup on one side and any other peripherals you want on the other. You could even choose to set up this desk as one ultra-long 94.5″ desk, one half for work and the other for play.
Included with the desks are some very convenient shelves, a headphone hook, and a monitor stand. The shelves are adjustable in height so can be used not only as bookshelves but also to elevate your PC off the ground to an ergonomic height for your coding.
This particular desk comes in a wide array of colors, so you can find the one perfect for your programming setup. You can check the latest price on the Bestier L Shaped Desk on Amazon by clicking here.
Can Standing Desks Help Programmers?
Why Sitting for Prolonged Periods Is Bad
Although sitting is common for everyone, there is evidence correlating sitting for longer uninterrupted periods of time and postural backache. This was the case despite average total sitting times being similar for those with and without backache. So it is easy to conclude breaks are really important to help prevent the problems associated with the hours of sitting required of programmers.
The NHS recommends these strategies to help combat the observational link between sitting and ill health spotted by experts. However, some studies suggest swapping for standing desks has the potential break up sitting time.
How Can A Standing Desk Help Programmers
A standing desk is the easiest way to break up prolonged sitting and has actually been shown to increase user productivity.
The video below by 2 experienced physical therapists gives a great overview of the benefits of using a standing desk, including evidence from more studies and their personal experiences.
Here is the study the physical therapists referred to on increase risk of cancers from sitting.
Types of Standing Desk
There are a few types of standing desks available, these include desktop attachments, adjustable desks, and fixed standing desks. The type used in the video above is a desktop attachment, this is the cheapest and most flexible option.
A desktop attachment used to convert a desk into a standing desk is a great way to start experimenting with a standing desk, as you can easily convert your current setup. However, if you are programming with more than just a laptop you will find the space available to be limited.
That said there are a limited few standing desk converters that could be big enough for your setup, like the VIVO 36-inch Convertor.
Before going for this option I would recommend you both check your current desk dimensions and look at the standing desks below as they will offer substantially more space. The desks below will give you more room for everything needed for coding, as well as other features perfect for a programmer.
Best Standing Desks For Programming
FEZIBO Height Adjustable Desk
This beautiful height adjustable desk offers the option of both standing and sitting, so you can reap the benefits of both. Having an adjustable desk gives you the flexibility to take intermittent breaks from sitting as recommended by doctors.
Never had a standing desk before? This desk gives you the ability to try it without any risk, as you know you also have the sitting alternative. You can check the latest price here on Amazon.
With the long hours programmers spend at a desk, you really have to give standing a try. I certainly prefer it, and so does my body, it’s also surprisingly easy to get used to.
You conveniently get 3 preset buttons to customize your height from 32.87″ to 52.56″ so you can get comfy with ease and speed. Meaning you can get your programming monitor to the perfect ergonomic height for you. Spacious sizing options of either 63” or 55″ lengths give you plenty of space, with the pull-out keyboard tray leaving even more room on the desk for you to have the things that really matter.
Also, you get the added bonuses of 2 desk hooks for headphones, jackets, or bags and a handy cable management tray. The cable management tray, along with the vast space on the desk, makes this desk perfect for multiple monitors, with leftover room for extra peripherals as well.
The beautiful design and functional features make this desk the perfect fit for any programmer desiring a new desk. You can see this desk here on Amazon.
SHW Standing Desk
This simple standing desk comes with a full motorized lift giving you height options from 28 to 45 inches, all with just the push of a button. Despite the motor, it’s very easy to assemble and is very sturdy on a hard floor due to the solid steel legs and leveling glides.
The top of the desk is made up of two pieces, so one downside of this desk is there is a small seam but it shouldn’t cause any trouble unless you are writing across it, or don’t have a mouse mat. Along with the desk, you also get some wire management features, including a grommet and under-table cable management basket.
This option is probably the best budget height adjustable desk you are going to find. You can check the latest price on Amazon here.
FEZIBO Height Adjustable L-Shaped Desk
Offering the benefits of an L-Shaped desk, with the ability to adjust the height you work at, this electric desk gives you huge amounts of flexibility in every department. The lift system is contained within an industrial-grade steel frame that supports up to 155 lbs, meaning the desk is durable and adjusts height fairly rapidly.
The panel that sticks out to give the L-shape is reversible, so can go on either side, allowing for comfortable use for both right and left-handed users. The large tabletop provides more than enough room for multiple monitors.
You can customize up to 3 presets for quick, easy, and consistent height adjustment with the press of a single button. Personally, I like alternating between standing and sitting at my desk, so the presets this desk offers are a great way to allow for this.
A couple of bonuses included with this desk are 2 desk hooks for bags, headphones, jackets, or anything else and of course a cable management tray (crucial when you have more than one monitor). You can find the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
The Best Budget Desk for Coding
Coleshome Corner Desk
This budget L-shaped design is excellent for keeping the essentials on the desk and placing your documents without cluttering up space with the mess. In addition, this deal can be disassembled into 2 writing desks to help add flexibility to your chives.
On top of this, it is incredibly easy to assemble and is fairly sturdy, fitting up to 3 monitors without wobbling.
This desk probably isn’t the best option for programmers that want a desk that will stand the test of time, however, it offers, plenty of space and a great price. So while it doesn’t offer lots of special features and can’t promise to be a premium product, it is great value for money and will more than do the job for any coding or web development. You can find it on Amazon here.
In Summary
Any programming or web development related job requires a sturdy desk that won’t hold back your setup. Some of the picks on this shortlist might even add to your setup!
All the selections within the list above will do you well, allowing for two or more monitors, easy cable management & leftover room for more of anything you like.
Here’s a neat video taking you through a great desk setup for programming by 2 Programmers.
