Choosing the right desk for your space

Most Americans would rather trade in their dishwasher than live without their personal computer. But, while the computer has proved its importance as a household necessity, most computers and high-tech peripherals still have no place to call their own on the homefront.

In fact, once inside the door, the technology is routinely treated like an unexpected guest, relegated to makeshift quarters. The result? A disorganized workspace, decreased productivity and possible back or wrist pain. However, there's no longer any need to put up with computer furniture that doesn't provide for peak performance.

"Today there is a piece of furniture designed for every item of high-tech equipment and for every room in the home", says Mike Short, design director for Sauder Woodworking. "Whether the hold-up has been space, styling or budget concerns, it's easy to find a unit, or combination of units, that solves the problem."

And even if you're among the nearly 75 percent of computer owners who, according to findings by Equifax, don't operate out of a designated home office, the right furniture can help set up a highly efficient satellite workstation. With today's homes commonly equipped with more than one personal computer, every room has the potential to be wired into a hardworking, convenient satellite workstation. Sauder offers these suggestions for designing successful satellite workstations:

Lively and crowded at night and empty during the day, the family room is a perfect candidate for a workstation. A nifty computer desk with hutch provides the necessary storage space to organize everything from file folders to CDs, while also providing access for multiple users. These unobtrusive units also enable computer users to effortlessly interact with others in the family room or with other media such as the television. Handsome glass-doored bookshelves and vertical file cabinets add extra storage as well as plenty of display space for personal accessories and photographs.

Outfitting a bedroom with a computer armoire creates an ideal set-up for a private work oasis, perhaps on evenings when the television is blaring in another room. These cleverly designed units allow the user to bring the computer in and out of sight at will and offer a place for everything, including printer and CPU shelves, mouse pad and keyboard trays. Built with special wing-style doors, these units can help create a cubicle effect that encloses computer users in privacy and helps shelter them from external distractions. When it's time to emerge, users can simply close the doors so that work is out-of-sight, out-of-mind.

Short on space, but overwhelmed with computer clutter? With about two feet of wall area and less than one hundred dollars, a powerful workstation can be set up anywhere using a computer cart. Sauder offers a clever version with smart Euro-inspired styling in its Parisian Collection. Compact and budget-friendly, these mobile designs hold a complete computer set-up, including shelves for storage and peripherals, and can easily be rolled in and out of closets and alcoves.

Finding the right place for the computer doesn't have to be a challenge. In fact, the right computer furniture can help make technology feel right at home.

from Sauder.com