Should You Use Dining Table as Work Desk?

Working from home sounded like a great idea until I realized I do not have a desk or enough floor space to add one.

All I had was a dining table with ample surface to create a transitional work desk.

And guess what? It worked wonders.

The premium table space offers dual duty, from dining to working, but lacks the functional benefits of a work desk.

Read on to determine whether you can convert a plain dining table into a functional work desk.

Difference Between Dining Table and Work Desk

Before discussing whether you should use your dining table as a work desk, let us explain how a dining table differs from a regular work desk.

Let us quickly overview the difference between a dining table and a desk.

Parameters	Desk	Table
Size	Height: 28 to 30 inches Width and length can be smaller than tables	Height: 28 to 30 inches Width and length is usually larger than desk
Storage Space	Comes with storage space like drawers, cabinets etc. Consumes lesser space	Doesn't have storage option Consumes more space
Budget	Desk can be pricey	Tables are usually cheaper than desks
Sturdy Built	Desks are usually sturdy built with quality wooden material to withstand heavy weights	Tables are lightly built with light wood, glass. May not withstand heavy weights
Purpose	Mainly for work purpose	Can be used for multiple purposes like work, entertainment, eating dinner and so on
Efficiency	Especially for single person use	Can be used by multiple people
Personalization	Offers personalization option since it is used by single person	Doesn't offer much personalization options
Ergonomic Features	Offers ergonomic features such as height adjustable, allows sitting or standing option	Doesn't offer ergonomic features
Designs	Offers various designs	Offers limited designs

Although you can tell the difference by simply looking at them, let us delve into a few defining factors between the two.

1. Usage or Functionality

As the name suggests, the work desk is intended for work.

It is spacious enough to write and assess documents, work on laptops or computers, and carry out other paperwork.

On the other hand, a dining table is designed for dining and is usually intended for multiple users.

A dining table is usually big enough to keep multiple items ranging from utensils to food.

A work desk may be limited in its use, but a dining table could be used for activities other than eating.

2. Size or Surface Dimension

A standard work desk is about 122cm wide, 55 to 61cm deep, and 75 to 80cm tall, which would be enough for one person.

On the other hand, a dining table would usually start from 76 x 107cm (depth x width) for two people, 91 x 183cm for 6 to 8 people, and 137 x 305cm for 10 to 12 people.

Moreover, a work desk may come in different sizes and styles, which is rare for a dining table to imitate.

3. Availability of Storage

A work desk may have built-in storage, such as shelves and drawers. However, a dining table may not include any storage units because it is rarely designed to store items.

You may find a dining table with drawers or shelves, but it would not be appropriate for storing office items.

The most you could store are cutleries, sharp tools, hand towels, and condiments. A dining table with spacious built-in storage will be rare to find.

Read on to learn more about the differences between a desk and a table.

Should You Use Dining Table as a Work Desk?

You should completely use your dining table as a work desk.

A dining table would make an excellent transitional desk when you do not have enough space to install a work desk at home.

A large-sized dining table can easily accommodate from one to multiple users.

Except for dining or preparing meals, a dining table is often the least used furniture at home. Hence, you can turn it into a workspace.

However, enabling it to become a functional work desk depends on your dining table size, load capacity, and whether you can make adjustments.

At least, using your dining table as a work desk would rid you of reclining on the couch or bed with a laptop.

Depending on the dining table size, you can convert the entire surface into a workspace or use only a portion.

Also read: Can You Use Dining Chair as an Ofice Chair?

Advantages of Using Dining Table as a Work Desk

Turning your dining table into a work desk comes with many benefits.

Take a look at some of the advantages if you wish to convert your dining table into a functional work desk.

1. Large Work Surface

Dining tables usually have large surface areas that can be used in various ways.

Even the smallest dining table will easily accommodate a laptop, multiple desktops, and a storage unit.

A small dining table measuring 76 x 107 cm (2′ 6″ x 3′ 6″) would fit two users with each of their laptops.

The bigger the surface area, the more ample workspace you will get.

Most dining tables are available in rectangular sizes, offering more horizontal space to add multiple monitor setups.

Read our article about the Ideal Desk Size for Three-Monitor Setup.

2. They are Cost-Effective

When you need not shop for a work desk, you save a lot of money that you can use for other purposes.

A single work desk would cost anywhere from $99 to $1200, depending on the material, size, functionality, and finish.

Some traditional work desks could go up to $7,200 for their hardwood material and artistic finish.

Using your dining table as a work desk would save at least $100 that you can spend on buying a new peripheral or office tools.

Moreover, it is ideal for homes needing a workplace and dining.

Read on to find out how much built in desk would cost in 2024.

3. Convenient Desk Height

Most dining tables measure similar height to traditional desks, making them equally convenient for a work desk.

The average height for a standard dining desk is 28 to 30 inches (70 to 79 cm), perfect for a traditional sitting posture, such as while working on a computer.

On the other hand, the work desk also offers an average height of 28 to 30 inches, ideal for average workers.

Therefore, you need not adjust the dining table height when using it as a work desk.

Consider getting an adjustable work chair if the table’s height seems taller or shorter than the standard desk height.

A desk height of 30 inches may feel slightly high, especially to a person with short stature. Buying an adjustable chair will help.

Read on to discover the right sized desk for your home office.

4. Convenient for Multiple Users

A large dining table can have multiple people working simultaneously, creating a great team workspace.

Most offices choose a single desk layout, one at the center so that everyone can work together.

If you contemplate starting a home office with your friends or colleagues, using a dining table as a workspace could prove a lifesaver.

The larger surface area will easily take multiple computers, desktops, and storage units.

Moreover, you would save much money otherwise spent on individual work desks.

Read More: How to create a common home office for three people?

5. Heavy and Sturdy Built

A dining table is sturdy and strong-built to withstand heavy use and significant wear and tear for a prolonged time.

Therefore, you need not worry about accidentally breaking your dining table.

A well-built dining table would easily hold a weight of 330-440 lbs. (150-200 kg).

However, it may depend on the material and quality of the table.

The wooden table made from hardwood (solid wood) will easily withstand excess weight, but MDF furniture may not take a lot of weight.

Otherwise, choose dining tables made from either hardwood or metal for sturdiness.

Read more to learn about different desk and table materials.

Disadvantages of Using a Dining Table as a Work Desk

Using a dining table as a work desk is not free of drawbacks.

Therefore, consider these before converting your dining table into a work desk.

• The kitchen is busy with a lot of traffic, including the dining area.
• It can become a noisy and crowded area when others are dining.
• Because dining tables are heavier and more prominent, they are harder to move around for space adjustments.
• It lacks grommets, outlets, shelves, and cabinets standard with most work desks.
• Wiring up the devices will spread cables over the desk and floor, making the workspace look messy.
• Trying to refurnish a dining table may ruin its decor.
• Spilling water and food items over the workspace is easy when the table is closer to the cooking station.
• Dining tables made from flimsy wood material will break down under intense weight.
• Dining tables made with glass material or crystal countertops are prone to damage from regular, heavy usage.
• Avoid leaving scratch marks on the surface, especially on costly hardwood tables like rosewood.

How to Convert Dining Table Into a Work Desk?

Converting a dining table into a work desk is relatively easy, and often it does not need making any changes.

You can use the existing layout and table surface to arrange your laptop, monitor, and other office items.

Here are some tips for converting a dining table into a functional work desk.

1. Organize the Desk

• Start with organizing your dining table to convert it into a work desk.
• Remove the chairs from a side of the table where you would be sitting to free up the floor space.
• Remove dining table arrangements such as condiments, water jars, ornamental plants, and utensils as far as possible from the workstation.
• Add a tablecloth or runner to protect the surface from scratches and weight. It also comes in handy to hide old or washed-out textures.
• To prevent scratches, add a cushioned cloth on the glass surface before laying out the office items.
• Move the dining table closer to the natural light source or ambient light to illuminate the work surface.

Alternatively, you can move the dining table outside the kitchen area to avoid the crowd and kitchen-related accidents.

2. Add Storage Units

A dining table is less likely to have built-in storage; hence, consider adding external storage units.

A storage unit protects your files, folders, and office supplies from external elements, making it a vital aspect of a work desk.

There are a variety of storage units available for a work desk, so be decisive about your need.

Desk organizers are usually remote storage unit that holds office supplies and files. It comes in handy in removing clutters from the desk surface.

Choose a large desk organizer with shelves or open drawers if you need more extensive storage.

Here are a few recommendations for you.

3. Organize the Cables

Computer, monitor, and device cables lying around the floor often create clutter that is not only a nuisance but dangerous.

A person could trip on the wires and fall, causing severe injuries.

Therefore, consider organizing the cables by minimizing them or tucking them away securely.

• One way to reduce cable clutter is to clip them together using cable clips.
• Shorten lengthy cables by wrapping and tucking them in a coil and use a cable clip to keep them attached.
• Switch to remote peripherals like Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. (Use a Bluetooth adapter for a device with no Bluetooth capability)
• Attach hanging cables under the desk using Velcro heavy-duty tape, so they stay in one place.
• Alternatively, attach the extension cord under the dining table using glue or Velcro so that all the cable connection remains out of sight and in danger.

Continue reading to learn how to utilize electrical tape for cable management.

4. Carry Out Minor Reconstructions

Changing the entire layout of the dining table to a work desk may seem implausible, mainly when you use it for dining.

Instead of making a significant layout change, choose a minor reconstruction to add a few essential items to the dining table.

If you need a storage unit attached to the table, consider adding custom shelves or drawers underneath the table. Most dining tables would support pull-out shelves that are not too heavy.

Similarly, you can add additional legs, a wooden countertop, or a laminated cover over the table to turn it into a sturdy and functional work desk.

5. Add Furniture Power Center

Add a grommet to the center of the dining table by drilling a small hole (1.5-2 inches) to send all the cables underneath the table and help reduce the desk clutter.

Otherwise, install a central power unit on the desk to power the devices.

Centralizing the power cables will automatically reduce cables from the desk and floors, preventing the risk of minor accidents.

Use DIY methods to furnish custom grommets, or consider hiring a carpenter if you are scared about ruining your dining table.

Watch the video to learn more about installing power center,

6. Add Task Lighting

Illuminate your new work desk using the appropriate task lighting.

Task lighting may also come in handy when the dining table is far from the natural light source or the ambient lighting is insufficient in illuminating the workspace.

LED-Based task lamps or desk lamps work great for work desks. Alternatively, you can add overhead task lights just over the table to illuminate the workspace.

Install energy-efficient LED bulbs with a soft-white temperature (5500-5700K) at 450 lumens that perfectly mimic daylight.

Choosing daylight is best for working on a computer because it mimics natural sunlight.

Colors	Measurement
Soft white	2700K - 3000K
Bright white/Cool white	3500K - 4100K
Daylight	5000K - 6500K

Moreover, keep the light source approximately 15 inches above or beside your computer to avoid screen glares.

Here are a few desk lighting recommendations.

7. Add an Adjustable Office Chair

Using a correct office chair elevates the overall work experience; do not compromise on the sitting.

An adjustable chair will be more appropriate for dining tables because they have a standard desk height.

Related article: How to Make Wooden Chair Comfortable for Working?

Therefore, you can adjust the chair height as per your need.

You may find many options for a home office chair. The best chair type would be the one that offers maximum comfort, adjustability, and support.

Final Verdict

Turning your dining table into a work desk may initially sound like a big decision.

Rest assured, turning your dining table into a work desk is fabulous, especially when your home office is too tiny to fit a desk.

Follow the above guide to instantly turn it into a transitional or functional work desk so you can start working immediately.