Setting Up a Shared Work Table at Home
When two or more people work from home, one good table can beat several small desks. Here is how to choose it and keep it working.
One table, several people
A long table gives each person room to spread out and keeps cables, chargers and coffee in one place. It also doubles as a dining or craft table when the workday is over.
Size and height
Allow about 24 to 30 inches of table length per person, and at least 24 inches of depth so a laptop and a notebook fit side by side. Standard table height, 28 to 30 inches, works for most people with an adjustable chair.
Choosing the top
- Solid wood can be sanded and refinished when it shows wear, which is why it suits a table that gets used all day.
- Oiled finishes feel natural but need a fresh coat every so often; lacquered finishes resist rings and spills better.
- Wipe up liquids promptly and use coasters under mugs, whatever the finish.
Chairs and cables
Pair the table with chairs that adjust in height and have some lumbar support: a dining chair is fine for an hour, not for a day. A power strip clipped under the table and a small tray for cables keep the top clear.
Keep the light right
Place the table so daylight comes from the side rather than behind the screens, and add a lamp for each end of the table for darker afternoons.
