The best desk is the one that fits your space, work style and budget. In today’s hybrid work environment, this means you’re likely looking for a 120–140cm desk with smart storage, sit-stand functionality or a compact option for homes where space is at a premium. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the best desk, along with curated picks for your home office, study nook set-up, casual gaming gear and more.

Key Takeaways

The most common desk heights are 72cm–75cm or 65cm–125cm for stand-up desks
A desk surface of 100cm x 50cm suits laptop work while 120 x 60cm can better accommodate monitors and accessories

Mocka Original Locker Desk - Steele - Mocka New Zealand

What To Consider When Choosing A Desk

Choosing the best desk can certainly feel overwhelming at first! There are so many different styles, sizes and features out there. The good news is that most can narrow their options down pretty quickly by considering a few simple factors before they start shopping.

1. How Will You Use Your Desk?

Start by thinking about the main purpose of your desk, as this will help to determine the ideal size and scale. For example, a laptop-only setup requires far less space than a workstation with dual monitors, a kids' study space with textbooks or a general hybrid work-to-gaming setup.

2. How Much Space Do You Have?

After understanding how you plan to use your desk daily, next consider how much space you have to work with. It’s a good idea to measure both the width and depth of your room, while also leaving 90cm for your chair to pull out easily.

Still stuck on size? Here’s a brief breakdown of the most common desk sizes and uses in New Zealand:

Use Case	Recommended Size	Storage	Style
Home Office	120 cm–140cm	Drawers	Scandi/Modern
Student Study	100cm–120cm	Drawer or Shelf	Contemporary
Small Spaces	80cm–110cm	Vertical Storage	Minimalist
Gaming & Work Hybrid	120cm–140cm	Optional	Modern/Industrial

3. Do You Want to Sit, Stand or Both?

While traditional desks remain the most common option, the benefits that sit-stand desks provide mean their popularity is increasing. The best stand-up desks allow you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.

4. What Desk Storage Do You Need?

Storage requirements can vary significantly depending on the purpose of your desk. For example, the best desks for a home office should offer ample storage, while a standard desk may simply offer a single drawer. Storage solutions like shelving, hutches and cable management can also improve day-to-day organisation, which is key for at-home offices.

Grover Desk with Hooks - Pink/Natural - Mocka New Zealand

5. Which Desk Materials Suit Your Lifestyle?

The material your desk is made from can impact both appearance and durability. There are plenty of options to choose from, including solid wood, veneer, MDF, tempered glass and metal frames. But at the end of the day, your choice will come down to your budget, style and how often the desk will be used.

6. What Desk Style Works With Your Home?

Your desk should feel like a natural part of your space, so it should match your existing home aesthetic. Common styles found across New Zealand homes include Scandi desks, Hamptons desks and modern desks. At Mocka, we have desk designs to suit all of these interior styles and beyond, so you can find the perfect piece to complete your home office set-up.

7. What’s Your Budget?

Desk prices in New Zealand typically fall into one of three categories:

Under $250 - Compact study desks and simple workstations.
$250-$600 - Most home-office desks with storage.
$600+ - Sit-stand desks and larger executive designs.

How to Choose the Best Desk For Your Needs

Don’t know where to start when it comes to narrowing down your desk decision? Browse our top picks for desks based on your needs, lifestyle and interior style to pick the perfect fit for your home.

Best Home Office Desks

In New Zealand, the most popular home office desk is a 120cm–140cm desk crafted from durable melamine or wood veneer with at least one drawer for added storage solutions. At Mocka, we’ve curated our top desk designs to complement your home office set-up:

Best Overall Home Office Desk - Osaka Desk (Natural)

76cm high x 55cm deep x 120cm wide

The best desk for a home office is our Osaka desk. Offering compact features and a Scandinavian-inspired design, this desk boasts two unique sliding drawers to keep your workspace tidy.

Cove Desk - White - Mocka New Zealand

Best Home Office Desk With Storage - Hastings Desk (White/ Natural)

77cm high x 60cm deep x 120cm wide

The Hastings desk offers a classic light timber and white look. It’s our top pick for a home office desk with storage as it includes three drawers down the left-hand side of the desk, along with a long, thin drawer located under the chair cavity.

Best Large Home Office Desk - Aspen Desk (White/Natural)

6cm high x 58cm deep x 120cm wide

With a bigger surface area to work with, the Aspen desk takes the title of our best home office desk pick for larger workspaces. The design offers two large drawers and one shelf, helping keep your space stylish and well-organised.

Best Stylish Home Office Desk - Ellis Desk

75cm high x 60cm deep x 105cm wide

The Ellis desk brings warmth and style to any setup, making it one of the most stylish home office desks in our collection. Featuring a wood-look top with curved sides and sleek black metal legs, this desk blends vintage mid-century with a modern urban look.

Maeve Desk - Natural - Mocka New Zealand

Best Desks for Small Spaces

When working with a smaller room, every centimetre matters! So, a small desk with shelving or storage can help to eliminate the need for additional furniture. The best desks for small spaces are between 80cm–110cm with a compact design, vertical storage or wall-mounted floating styles that free up floor area.

For those working with a compact floor plan, here are our expert layout tips to help you make the most of your space:

Choose a desk depth of at least 45-50cm
Use a monitor arm to free up desk surface space
Position desks near natural light
Look for cable-management solutions to reduce clutter
Floating desks can help save floor space
Make use of corners with a corner-style desk

Our Top Pick For A Small Desk - Urban Desk (White)

The Mocka Urban desk is a compact option that fits a variety of spaces. With both a drawer and top ladder shelf for extra storage, this stylish yet small desk is perfect for students and busy professionals alike.

The Best Computer Desks

The best computer desks typically have a minimum depth of 60cm and enough capacity to support monitors and other accessories. Unlike laptop users, desktop set-ups need additional room for monitors, towers, speakers, cables and more. So, look for a desk with enough depth to support your technology and accessories comfortably.

Our Top Pick For A Computer Desk- Aspen Desk (White/ Natural)

Boasting dimensions of 76cm high x 58cm deep x 120cm wide, our Aspen desk offers ample surface area for your entire home office set-up. From monitors to tech, alongside two spacious drawers and a shelf, the Aspen desk brings together style, smart storage and the surface space you need to boost productivity and style in your home office.

Osaka Desk - Natural - Mocka New Zealand

Best Study Desks (Teens & Students)

The best study desks for teens are typically 100–120cm wide with enough space to accommodate textbooks, laptops, stationary and general school supplies. When comparing the best study desks, make sure to prioritise comfort, storage and a design that will suit your child’s changing needs over time.

Our Top Pick For A Study Desk- Aspen Desk (White/ Natural)

With multiple storage solutions, our Aspen desk provides plenty of room for study while still maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic that can work across many different stages of their life.

Our Top Pick For A Small Study Desk - Maisie Scalloped Desk

A stylish study desk option for design-conscious teens, the Maisie Scalloped Desk is perfect for those who want an aesthetic study space paired with storage space and smart features.

Our Top Pick For A Multi-Purpose Study Desk - Grover Desk

For a study desk that can evolve from a high-school set-up to their first home-office desk, look no further than the Grover Desk.

Grover Desk with Hooks - Khaki/Natural - Mocka New Zealand

Best Kids Desks

The best kids desks are designed specifically for young children aged 4 to 10 years old. Sitting at around 50cm to 60cm tall, they can easily accommodate little ones and help to support their creativity, learning and independence while remaining safe and durable for everyday use. Many kids desk designs feature a simple drawer or cubby for stationery and other supplies, with ample surface space to let their creativity shine. Along with size and storage space, safety is another key factor when determining the best kids desk for your little one.

The top safety considerations to look for when choosing the desk:

Rounded edges
Stable construction
Durable and BPA-free finishes
Age-appropriate sizing

Our Top Pick for Kids Desks - Ice Cream Desk (Yellow)

Featuring a unique dripped-edge design with a soft buttery yellow, our Ice Cream Desk adds a touch of playfulness to any kid’s room. The yellow easily pairs with neutral tones, offering flexibility to create a calm and welcoming space.

Our Top Pick For Kids Desks With Storage - Aspen Desk (White/Natural)

The Aspen desk is a timeless design paired with a cubby and drawer storage space ideal for older children transitioning into high school or university study. Made to grow with them, the Aspen desk comes in a classic colourway and finish to complement your child’s style...and evolve with it!

Best Desks for Gaming (Casual & Hybrid Setups)

For casual and hybrid gamers, using a large home office desk to fit your laptop or a single monitor usually does the trick. The best gaming desks in New Zealand don’t always need flashy features, either. For many, a spacious and sturdy desk is everything they need.

For a casual gamer, what you typically need from a desk includes:

A desk 120cm wide and 60cm deep
Stable frame
Room for keyboard and mouse
Space for accessories and drinks

Our Top Pick for Casual Gaming – Grover Desk (Khaki/Natural)

With dimensions of 60cm x 130cm when assembled, our Grover desk offers ample room for your gaming and home office equipment. There’s plenty of space for storage and a durable drawer design to easily hold monitors, laptops and more. Plus, with hanging hooks on the side of the desk, it’s the perfect place to store headphones, cords and controls!

How To Set Up Your Desk for Comfort & Productivity

Choosing a great desk is only one piece of the puzzle! The way you set it up can also have a major impact on your overall comfort and productivity. Here are some of our expert tips to help you get the most out of your desk setup:

Position your monitor roughly an arm’s length away
Keep your elbow at approximately 90° when typing
Keep your feet flat on the floor (or supported by a footrest)
Avoid placing lighting directly behind your monitor
Use under-desk cable trays, velcro, and mounted power boards to keep cables organised
Pair your desk with a supportive office chair

Find The Best Desk For Your Home Office At Mocka

The right desk for you comes down to three factors: your space, how you plan to use it and your budget. Once you’ve figured out those aspects, finding a desk that supports your routine becomes a lot easier! Explore Mocka’s full desk collection to find a design that suits your home, or browse through our kids’ furniture range to find study-ready solutions they’ll love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the standard height of a desk in New Zealand?

Most desks are between 72 and 75cm high, which suits the majority of adults, especially when paired with a quality office chair.

How wide should a home office desk be?

The best office desks should be about 120cm wide. This ensures there’s enough room for a monitor and other necessary accessories.

What's the best desk for a small bedroom?

The best desks for small spaces are usually between 80 and 100cm wide. At Mocka, you’ll find options that maximise functionality while still keeping a small footprint.

What's the best desk for kids?

Our Ice Cream Desk (Yellow) is a great option for younger kids, while larger desks, like our Aspen design, tend to suit older children and teenagers, offering more storage.

Can I use an office desk for gaming?

Yes! Many of the best gaming desks for casual players share similar dimensions to standard home-office desks. For multi-monitor setups or serious gamers, you may wish to consider a specialised gaming desk.

How long do Mocka desks take to deliver in New Zealand?

Mocka NZ orders are dispatched from our Auckland warehouse typically within three business days. After items are dispatched, delivery times vary depending on your location, generally two to five business days for North Island addresses and three to seven business days for South Island addresses.

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