Perhaps there is no area of human life left that has not yet felt the influence of modern high technologies. Today, the computer goes hand in hand with a person, in his professional and even personal life. In the process of school and university studies, at work and when planning vacations, we turn to it, trying to facilitate and optimize our work and time.
Considering the role of computer technologies in medicine, we can confidently speak about their contribution to real improvement in the quality and length of life.
Considering the role of computer technologies in medicine, we can confidently speak about their contribution to real improvement in the quality and length of life. Virtual modeling of the course of diseases is widely used; special programs calculate optimal formulas for new drugs, etc.
Subscription fees for utilities, banking transactions, online entertainment and dating, weather and the latest news…. System administrators joke: “Sooner or later everything turns into an application.”
The health of a person working at a computer is influenced by many factors, one of which is the height of the table.
The chest protrudes forward, and the shoulders, on the contrary, are slightly lowered and set back.
Principles for optimal placement of a computer desk in a room
It is difficult to imagine that a modern average home or office space can do without a comfortable and properly equipped place to work at a computer.
Incorrectly calculated height of the product can cause spinal diseases, as well as visual impairment.
At the same time, in the process of choosing a place for a table, engineers advise adhering to the following basic rules.
- Provide in advance for easy access to the electrical network. It is advisable to completely exclude power carriers and all kinds of extension cords. If possible, sockets should be equipped with grounding.
- Try to provide the working surface of the table with natural sunlight that would fall from the left side.
- During the cold season, do not place heating devices close to the table. Thus, the operating temperature conditions of the equipment are not disturbed.
- The floor surface on which the computer desk will be placed must be correct in level, with no unevenness or relief.
In general, it is a hassle to have a table that is not the right height. Therefore, I propose to look into this issue in detail.
The standard height from the floor to the table top is 75 cm.
Working and studying at a table established according to these rules will be comfortable and pleasant. However, the requirements observed in relation to technology will not be worth anything if, while sitting at the table, you do not follow certain rules of healthy posture.
In addition, a person who feels discomfort when working at a computer desk spends much more energy and, therefore, quickly gets tired.
Correct posture at the computer desk
The concept of posture refers to one or another independent position of the human body in space. It can be right and wrong.
Why does table height affect human health?
But humanity still believes that the intelligent use of a computer can bring undeniable benefits.
With correct posture, a person can easily and naturally stand, walk or sit. There is no active tension, the body and head are held straight. The chest protrudes forward, and the shoulders, on the contrary, are slightly lowered and set back. Tight, not protruding belly.
A table that is too low will cause the user to slouch and lean forward, while a table that is too high will cause the user to lift their head up and feel discomfort.
The opposite characteristics: stooping and drooping head and shoulders, walking on bent legs, etc. give out the owners of incorrect, unhealthy posture. And it negatively affects, among other things, the functioning of internal organs.
The optimal position for a person sitting at a “proper” computer desk is a straight back, forearms resting freely on the tabletop, without raising the shoulder girdle.
However, not only heredity determines the ability to hold the body correctly, but also objective external factors. Posture begins to form in early childhood, and this is precisely the period that allows for active intervention for the sake of further correct development.
As a rule, the tabletop is located at the level of the solar plexus.
The vast majority of computer desk models are universal and can be used as desks. So, let's imagine that the keyboard shelf is retracted, and we sit down at the tabletop to simply write in a notebook or study a book. How to position yourself correctly?
- Between the chest and the edge of the table, a distance approximately equal to the palm of your hand is maintained.
- Both when writing, and especially when reading, do not allow your chest to rest on the edge of the tabletop.
- The standard height of a computer desk is designed to provide an optimal (30-35 cm) distance from the eyes to the surface of the tabletop for vision and posture.
- It is best to write with your elbow lowered 5 cm below the edge of the table.
- The entire feet are on the floor, the thigh and shin should form a straight or slightly obtuse (100 - 105°) angle with each other.
By the way, it should be noted that when sitting on a chair, your legs should be on the floor and bent at an angle of 90 degrees.
Height depending on purpose
Tables can be coffee tables, massage tables, writing tables, kitchen tables, dining tables, and computer tables. Some are designed for a sitting position, while others are designed for standing. The dining table is selected depending on the height of the person and the height of the chairs. For a working kitchen table, a height of 87-97 cm will be comfortable for people with a height of 155-200 cm. This is the best option if you take into account the difference in height characteristics, however, if we take into account the average figure, a table with a height of 84-85 cm will suit the widest category of people . A coffee table is ideally a few centimeters higher than the seats of sofas and armchairs. Written ones are made mostly tilted. They are more convenient to write on if we are talking about several hours of continuous work. Children of primary school age (7-11 years old) are recommended to buy just such tables.
Kitchen table
The key parameter for choosing the ideal work surface height is height. If this figure is below one and a half meters, then the height of the tabletop is selected within 75-80 cm. Tables are 5 cm higher, 80-85 cm from the ground, suitable for people with a height of 150-160 cm. Most people are between 160 and 180 cm tall. Most manufacturers focus specifically on such anthropometric indicators and produce kitchen tables with a height of 85 to 92 cm. It will be convenient for both men and women to work on such a surface. For those who are taller than 180 but shorter than 195 cm, furniture with a tabletop at 95-100 cm is suitable. For tall people from 195-200 cm and above, the best solution would be to place a special order. Since family members have different heights, you need to calculate the average and buy a table that fits these parameters, but with an advantage in favor of the one who spends more time in the kitchen.
When choosing a work table for cooking, you may get the false impression that its height is ideal, so be sure to find out the exact height.
Dinner table
It can be placed:
- in the kitchen;
- in the living room;
- on the summer terrace.
The height of this piece of furniture can be comfortable for everyone, since the difference in height when sitting is not so noticeable. In a sitting position, it is important that your knees are comfortable, your body rests, and your legs can be stretched at least a little. It is recommended to choose among tables with a height of about 70-75 cm. This figure is ideal for average height. There is a simple formula for determining the preferred size of a dining table: your own height in centimeters is multiplied by the standard height of the products (75), after which the result is divided by the height that manufacturers are guided by (165). For a person of average height (170), the final result will be 77.3 cm. In the process of selecting a dining table, priority is given to the smaller indicator for convenient use by people of shorter stature. Special seats are selected for small children.
Desk
There are separate parameters for children and adults. Furniture for an adult should be combined with his height and physique. For a child, it is better to purchase a table with adjustable height. The surface of these products is made inclined. First of all, this applies to children's tables. In the 20th century, experts developed standards, compliance with which is necessary to maintain the health of the spine. With a height of 175-183 cm, the ideal table height is 70-80 cm. A low table (up to 600 mm) is recommended for short people (150-160 cm). For tall people (190-200 cm), furniture with a height of 850 to 900 mm is suitable. The executive's desk should have drawers and maintain sufficient space underfoot. In addition, a sliding keyboard surface may be required. The standard height takes into account all these factors and is 75 cm. However, if a person’s height is higher than 190-195 centimeters, a special order will be required.
Computer desk
Modern people spend a lot of time on it. If the table is too low, you will have to bend over, and if it is too high, you will overload your neck. It is recommended to select furniture based on the basic rules of maintaining healthy posture. Your back should be kept straight with a slight bend forward, and your shoulders should be straightened. The elbows must be left in the air, and the rest of the forearm, accordingly, on the surface. The ideal height for the tabletop is 5-7 cm below the solar plexus. Keep your feet correctly on the floor, in a level position, without lifting. The knees must be bent at an angle of 90°. You need to look at the screen from top to bottom. A properly configured computer desk ensures that all of these criteria are met. This prevents diseases of the musculoskeletal system and increases work comfort and efficiency. The standard height will suit the vast majority of people, and only very short or tall people will need to make a special order.
Coffee table
To choose the ideal option, you need to measure the height of the seats next to which this piece of furniture will be located. There are no clear rules regarding the ideal parameters of a coffee table. It is recommended to buy a table slightly higher than the seats, but some modern designers disagree with this and insist that it can only match their height or be lower. There are state standards with completely different criteria. According to them, the manufacturer is obliged to make the height such that the product can withstand the expected load. The famous architect Le Corbusier paid attention to such a factor as ease of use in a sitting position. Another technical rule recommends maintaining a relationship between the height and size of the tabletop: a large surface area corresponds to a low support and vice versa.
Recently, transforming coffee tables have become popular, the adjustable height of which leaves the buyer with several options for using them.
A massage table
To conduct a massage session, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for the employee. The height of the table affects the force of impact and, accordingly, the quality of the service. The standard height indicator is in the range from 70 to 80 cm. It is designed for a massage therapist of average height - 170-180 cm. When choosing a table, you need to start from the average figure regarding physique and height, but if there are tall workers (from 185 cm), then it is recommended purchase models with adjustable height. Massage tables are relatively low - from 55 to 90 cm. The larger the adjustable range, the better. Variable height tables are based on an electrical or hydraulic system. The master will be able to adjust the parameters independently: the table should not be higher than the bottom point of the fist of the lowered hand, but also not lower than the fingertips of the palm.
Table for preschool children
This category includes children aged 3 to 7 years:
- children of primary preschool age (3-4 years);
- middle group (4-5 years);
- children of senior preschool age (5-7 years).
They usually play on the floor, but a small table will help prepare them for the learning environment in schools. Since children grow quickly, it is necessary to buy copies with an adjustable tabletop height. The table should have a slope and a small stand so that the child can draw and play with the tablet. The height of all children's tables is approximately between 37 and 60 centimeters. This “corridor” corresponds to a height of 80–140 cm. In most cases, parents buy tables for children of older preschool age, that is, 5–7 years old. The optimal location of the tabletop will be 48 cm from the floor, and the chair - 28 cm. It is important that the child develops correctly, otherwise the table will only cause harm. You need to try everything on yourself, because there are no special models for sale for preschoolers, but only for certain age limits.
Table for schoolchildren
Tables with tabletops at a level of 53-75 cm from the floor are suitable for schoolchildren. There are two types of tables: desks and more versatile furniture with additional sections. The first type has an inclined tabletop. This type of furniture is intended for elementary grades. It has an adjustable height. For some modifications, the inclination of the tabletop also changes. Universal ones are bought for children over 10-11 years old, but you can also find low models for 7 years of age. Some of them can also increase in height. There are many tables on sale with add-ons: sections, shelves and drawers. Transforming models with the function of “transforming” from a desk into a work table, as well as special orthopedic models, are sold. For teenagers between 13 and 15 years old, a table for an adult may be suitable. You should use a height-adjustable chair with it. However, your feet must touch the floor entirely.
Choosing a table and chair according to the child’s height
If your height is less than 80 centimeters, then you need to purchase products with table tops at 34 cm and seats at 17 cm from the floor. For children above 80 and below 90 cm, tables and chairs with a height of 38 and 20 cm, respectively, are selected. If the height is more than 90 cm, but less than a meter, then the ideal indicators would be 43 cm for a table and 24 cm for a chair. If the child is taller than a meter and shorter than 115 cm, then a 28 cm chair and a 48 cm table will suit him. If a child is 115–119 centimeters tall, he needs a tabletop at a level of 52–54 cm from the floor and a seat higher than 30 and lower than 32 cm. If he is 120–129 cm tall, he needs to purchase tables 52–54 cm high and chairs with seats at a level 32-35 cm from the floor. If the height is between 130 and 139 cm, you need a table and chair with a height of 60-62 and 36-38 cm, respectively. Boys over 14 years old should buy a table with adult parameters - for a height of 165-177 cm.
How to maintain correct posture while working at the keyboard?
- The height of the chair should ensure a right angle between the thigh and lower leg; The seat should not be too soft.
- The surface area of the chair is occupied by at least 2/3.
- Let the back of the chair be the measuring stick for your back. While working, try to cuddle up to her.
- Ideally, the shoulder blades are retracted, the abdominal muscles are relaxed, one shoulder is neither higher nor lower than the other.
- Don't cross your legs. If this position of the legs is prolonged, the blood supply is significantly impaired.
- Aim your posture to distribute weight only on your hips; computer monitor, maybe at eye level or slightly higher.
But how to achieve such a position?
The feeling of comfort from being in such a correct position does not come immediately, but a little effort and perseverance will eventually do its good work.
Look, if your height is 182 cm, then the estimated table height should be: 78 cm.
Main types of designs and main parameters of computer desks
- Classic, straight.
When the user is positioned perpendicular to the length of the table and, accordingly, to the monitor. Such models are convenient to place along the wall or room partitions.
- Angular.
The design of the table is conveniently built into the corner of the room. In this case, the user sits either diagonally on the table and perpendicular to the monitor, or facing the main length of the table and half-turn to the screen.
Therefore, the user's acceptable height range is 168 cm to 182 cm.
The choice of a specific design, of course, depends on the spaciousness of the room and the furniture “neighborhood”. But the main parameters and dimensions of computer desks - depth, length, and height - should be guided by the tasks that a particular user sets for himself, and also take into account his physiology.
And it is this height that office furniture manufacturers make tables - since it is universal for the majority of residents of our country.
How to choose the right table
Selecting a computer desk is based primarily on the requests of family members. In this case, you should consider how they will use additional equipment:
- Smartphones
- Printer
- Set-top boxes
- Laptop
- Video cameras
- Scanners
Also, do not forget that schoolchildren can also use notebooks, books, and drawings. The width of the computer desk also depends on the location of all these items.
The standard width of such a product should be at least 60 cm. However, it can be larger, as it requires combination with a desk. In addition, the wider the product, the less clutter there will be. Since with a convenient width and length, it will be possible to place the necessary items of all family members here.
Computer desk dimensions
One of the most important requirements for the design of a computer desk, the observance of which ensures healthy and fruitful work, is its correct height. The standard height from the floor to the table top is 75 cm.
You can achieve a comfortable position by changing the height of the chair.
But still, the height of most people does not correspond to what is considered to be the “golden mean”. And even for such a non-standard situation there is an excellent and simple calculation formula: the product of height by 75/175 cm.
Make a table of the proper height to order.
There is no active tension, the body and head are held straight.
For example, if the user is 183 cm tall, the calculation of the optimal table height will be as follows: 183*75/175 = 78.43 cm.
Make a table with an adjustable tabletop height.
With correct posture, a person can easily and naturally stand, walk or sit.
Internet addiction and the replacement of real life with virtual life are well-known problems of Hi-tech technologies. But humanity still believes that the intelligent use of a computer can bring undeniable benefits.
The child grows, and his desk “grows” with him - this is the correct and thoughtful approach.
Actually, we can use it when designing a computer desk, at which a short mother-in-law, 155 cm tall, and her beloved son-in-law, 192 cm tall, will work.
The concept of posture refers to one or another independent position of the human body in space.
How tall should a desk be?
The average apartment is inhabited by a family consisting of men, women and children of different ages. Each of them needs an arena for its inherent type of activity. This is a table where you can write, work on the computer, cook, have lunch, leaf through magazines, engage in your favorite hobby or create.
What height standard should be for an adult according to GOST?
It is difficult to adapt the adult world to a child’s world, so there are two ways out of this situation: purchase a table with the proper parameters for a child or try to adapt adult furniture to it.
