Offices

Open Workstations Desk and Screen Position for Offices

Position the workstation around screen view, daylight, power and the user's dominant hand.

Explore the ideas
Bedroom desk with a floating work surface and wall-mounted screen
Workspace inspiration: a work surface integrated into a bedroom.

Plan in this order

  1. Mark screen view direction and window reflections from the seated position.
  2. Place writing and input surfaces to suit the user's handedness and equipment.
  3. Route power and data without crossing the chair movement area.
Worked example

Imagine a left-handed analyst whose monitor faces a bright window and whose writing hand is shadowed by a desk lamp.

Turn the screen away from direct reflection and place task light on the opposite side of the writing hand. Test reach to keyboard and notes from the actual chair.

How to test it

Work through a typical session and check glare, reach and cable movement.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Arrange desk rows with a distinct aisle and keep high-traffic routes behind, rather than between, seated workers.
Detail
Use modest-height screens and task lights so people can tune their own work area without darkening the room.
Trade-off
More desk density reduces spare space for informal collaboration.
  • Mock up chair pullback and aisle width
  • Check screen glare at seated eye level
Compact study desk with a blue wall panel, overhead cabinets and a task chair
Workspace inspiration: a compact desk with nearby closed storage.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Study corner with a wall-mounted desk, open shelves and a nearby window
Workspace inspiration: use daylight while keeping the desk surface clear.
Interior design studio with shared worktables and pendant lighting
Workplace inspiration: shared tables and layered overhead lighting.

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