Discussion on desk height.

Packard

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Nov 6, 2020
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Hudson Valley, NY
I have a very nice replica of a Eames shell rocker (see image). It is light weight, very sturdy, and extremely comfortable.  (Far more comfortable than its hard shell seat would suggest).

W-PD_2197712_850_SHELL_white_BASE_black_RUNNER_natural_maple-jpg_5000x.jpg


I want to use it in conjunction with a “writing desk”, which will be used primarily with my tablet and for paying bills. 

A normal desk height is 29” and a seat height of 18”.  But the rocker has an under-thigh height of 16” and the butt sits 2 - 3 inches lower.  Plus, obviously it can change its angle. 

I would not be actively rocking while using this, but I would have the ability to change the angle as I wish. 

Any idea on how to calculate the desk height?  I am thinking the only real way to do this is to make a mock up and try various heights.

Suggestions?
 
Make the desk height configurable.

First try it with another table - to find a suitable/comfortable height for the tasks you plan.

Then make a table with adjustable feet with (2-3 cm of play) in such a way they are at their "lowest" where you estimated your "optimal" height to be.

Then tune with the adjustable height as applicable and/or cut the legs a bit shorter as/if needed.

In my experience there is no "optimal" height even for a person of a certain size. Every one prefers different. AND every task tends to prefer different as well.

The distance between the sitting and the table top is usually tuned by the chair as that is easier. Here your only tunable is the table, so not much choices.

My 2 cents.
 
I just remembered that I still have my portrait posing table (an adjustable height mini table used for resting arms or elbows on when getting your photo taken). 

I should be able to test on that.
pt100u02_400x.jpg
 
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