What is the ideal office height in France?

We don't always think about it, but the height of a desk makes all the difference. Everyday comfort, posture, fatigue at the end of the day... a few centimeters are enough to make the difference between a pleasant workspace and a desk that ends up causing discomfort or even pain. The right height allows you to position your arms better, keep your feet firmly on the ground, and adapt your workstation to your real needs.

In general, the ideal average height for a desk is between 65 and 74 cm, depending on the person's height:

• 60 to 65 cm for people up to 1m65 tall,
• 65 to 74 cm for those between 1m65 and 1m75 tall,
• and 75 to 90 cm for people between 1m75 and 2m tall.

These guidelines correspond to standard dimensions, but they are not always enough to guarantee a truly ergonomic workstation. Body type, type of work, foot position, chair height, space organization, and use of an adjustable desk are all factors that influence everyday comfort.

At Deskeo, we see it every day in our offices: the right height is not just a matter of numbers, but of balance between the body and the working environment. In this article, we explain how to choose the ideal desk height and (above all) the one best suited to your situation.

Why is desk height important?

Far from being a minor detail, desk height plays a central role in workplace ergonomics. It directly influences working posture and how the body is positioned throughout the day. More and more companies are realizing this and calling on office design specialists to work on these adjustments, because their impact on health is very real.

A desk that is too high or too low forces you to adopt an unsuitable posture, often without realizing it. The result: muscle and joint problems and pain that set in over time. This can result in neck, back, or lower back pain, tension in the shoulders, arms, or wrists, and even eye strain when the screen is not positioned correctly. Poor sitting posture can also impair blood circulation and increase discomfort at the end of the day.

Choosing the right desk height, on the other hand, allows you to maintain a correct, more natural posture and avoid pain associated with repeated poor positioning. The goal is to find a posture that promotes comfort and endurance:

• back straight, without stiffness,
• shoulders relaxed,
• elbows bent at 90°.

It is these simple balances that allow you to work more calmly, day after day.

What role does posture play in the office?

The height of your desk directly influences your everyday posture. When it is adjusted correctly, your body naturally finds a comfortable position: your back remains straight without being rigid, your shoulders do not rise, and your arms rest easily on the work surface.

Conversely, an unsuitable height forces you to constantly compensate. You lean forward slightly, tense your shoulders, and bend your wrists without even realizing it. Over the course of a whole day, these small imbalances end up taking their toll.

Posture also affects fatigue. A well-adjusted workstation allows you to work for longer periods of time, with less tension and more comfort, even after several hours in front of the screen.

What are the different desk heights that exist?

As you may have understood, finding a desk that fits you is essential to adopt a good working position. That's why not all desk heights will necessarily suit you.

Fortunately, there are many options to find a desk at the right height, whether through standardized dimensions or solutions that allow you to customize the height of the furniture according to your specific needs and work habits.

What are the standard desk heights?

Standard desk heights generally range from 60 to 90 cm. More precisely, heights range from:

• 60 cm to 65 cm: for shorter people, measuring up to about 1m65. This range is suitable for the majority of children and adolescents.
• 65 cm to 74 cm: for average-height people, between 1m65 and 1m75. This is the most common standard height and suitable for most adults.
• 75 cm to 90 cm: for taller people, between 1m75 and 2m. These taller desks are suitable for individuals with long legs.

But, as you know, we are not all the same, and sometimes the standards are not at all adapted to our morphology. If this is your case, don't panic, there are solutions to adapt the height of a desk to the size of its user.

Customizing desk height according to individual size

Although standard measurements are useful guidelines, everyone's unique morphology often requires more precise adjustments. Below is a table with recommended heights based on different sizes:

Mistakes to avoid when adjusting desk height

The first mistake is to only consider standard dimensions. These provide a good basis, but do not take into account differences in body type or individual working habits.

Another common problem is adjusting the desk without adjusting the chair, or vice versa. The height of the desktop, the height of the seat, and the position of the screen all work together. If one of the three is incorrectly adjusted, overall comfort is immediately affected.

Many people also end up getting used to an imperfect height, telling themselves that “it'll do.” In reality, the body compensates. And it is often these repeated compensations that cause pain and discomfort in the long term.

Finally, a desk that is too rigid can quickly become a hindrance, especially when usage patterns change: more frequent teleworking, longer days, alternating between sitting and standing work.

How to adjust desk height?

There are various ways to precisely adjust the height of your desk according to your needs. Adjustable electric desks are very practical, but it is also possible to use ingenious devices to adapt the height of a standard desk without making significant expenses.

The adjustable electric desk solution

The electric height-adjustable desk is ideal for easily and quickly changing positions.

Often equipped with buttons or a remote control, it allows you to vary the height of the desktop effortlessly using an electric jack system. This type of desk is therefore particularly recommended for easily alternating between sitting and standing positions throughout the workday and easily changing posture.

Devices to adjust the height of a standard desk

Several economical options allow you to modify the height of a fixed standard desk:

• use of adjustable feet,
• replacement with feet of different lengths,
• addition of extensions or stable blocks under the existing feet,
• purchase of an adjustable ergonomic chair and addition of a footrest to raise your legs.

These accessible solutions offer a height adjustment of a few centimeters to adjust your furniture at a lower cost. However, they do not offer the same flexibility as a motorized desk.

As you can see, when it comes to desk heights, there is a wide choice. So, how do you choose the right one? Let's see.

Choosing your desk according to your size: some tips

Choosing the desk that fits your size is not very complicated. You just need to consider several elements:

• Desk height: it should allow you to keep your arms horizontal, elbows bent at 90° when typing on the keyboard, and knees at 90° as well when your feet are on the ground.
• Desktop depth: between 60 and 80 cm to have enough space in front of you.
• Desktop length: minimum 120 cm to comfortably accommodate a screen, keyboard, and other accessories.
• Legroom: make sure you have enough space to stretch your legs under the desk.
• Height adjustment: check if the desk has height adjustment solutions if you need great versatility (for example, if you often change posture or if the desk is intended for a growing child).

And to be really sure that your choice will be the right one, you will also need to make a few small checks and adjustments:

• Measure your height to determine the approximate necessary height.
• Try the desk in-store to verify that the posture is comfortable.
• Make sure your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are at 90°.
• Ensure that your elbows can rest on the desk with a 90° angle.
• Ensure that the screen is at eye level.
• Choose an adjustable desk chair.
• Don't hesitate to add a footrest if needed for more comfort.

By following these few tips and considering your measurements, you will then have all the necessary elements to find the ideal desk for you!

How can you improve your posture at work? In summary

Improving your posture often starts with a few very practical adjustments. When the height is right, your elbows rest naturally on the desk, your shoulders remain relaxed, and your feet are firmly planted on the floor. An ergonomic office chair helps you find the correct posture by allowing you to adjust the seat height effortlessly. These initial height adjustments immediately change how you feel at work.

The position of the screen also makes all the difference. If it is too low, it forces you to lean your head forward; if it is too high, it creates tension in the neck. The idea is simple: keep your eyes at screen height, without thinking about it, so you can work longer without discomfort.

Staying in the same position all day is never ideal. Alternating postures, getting up between tasks, and switching from sitting to standing at your desk helps release tension and stay more comfortable over time.

This is exactly where the height-adjustable desk comes in. It offers more freedom on a daily basis, allowing you to change positions and adjust the height of the desktop throughout the day, adapting to your actual rhythms rather than a single posture.

Ultimately, what would be the right height for a desk? Our recommendations

In summary, the ideal height of a desk is generally between 65 and 74 cm. However, these measurements are not always true and may vary somewhat depending on each individual.

The ideal height of your desk depends on several factors:

• your height,
• your body proportions,
• the type of work performed.

The goal is to adopt an ergonomic posture with a straight back, relaxed shoulders, elbows bent at 90°, and wrists in a neutral position.

For the majority of adults, the standard height between 72 and 75 cm is suitable. But don't hesitate to adjust it more precisely for better ergonomics.

If you are unsure about the necessary desk height or if you have variable work habits, it is best to opt for an adjustable electric desk. This type of furniture is ideal for easily adjusting the height according to your needs throughout the day.