For many home-based workers, so much energy goes into planning and operating a business that it's easy to neglect the surface where the work will be done. But creating an environment that's comfortable and professional is necessary for home-based workers to be productive--and it all starts with selecting the best desk for your work style and space constraints.

What You Need Depends On You
The first thing to keep in mind when selecting a desk is what work will actually be done on it. If your work generates Everest-like piles of paper, you need a work surface that accommodates the piles without sparking an avalanche. If, on the other hand, your home office is a place to check e-mail or return phone calls, a small desk will probably do the trick.

It's also important to consider your work habits. Do you tend to be organized and put away files, books and CDs promptly after using them? Or, do things tend to stack up until a project is complete? If that's you, the added surface space of a larger desk will surely come in handy.

What else will be on the desk? Do you use a laptop or a desktop PC? If it is a desktop system, make sure the desk offers a compartment to hold the CPU underneath. If using a laptop, think about the surface area that the device takes up.

Once you take stock of everything else that resides on your desk -- telephone, Rolodex, answering machine, pen caddy, photos, stapler, coffee mug -- real estate can get scarce in a hurry, and you may need to rethink your work habits as well as your desk size. You might come to the conclusion that a desk is not adequate, and a credenza, file cabinets, L-shaped desk and return, bookcase or a hutch top, are also required to contain your materials and free up your desk for work.

Get The Right Fit
It is also important to match your work needs with your available office space. For planning purposes, interior designers recommend that we need 3 1/3-to-4 feet behind a desk and 3 1/2-to-4 feet between a desk and a credenza. Three feet of space should be available in front of a desk for a guest chair if you plan to entertain clients or allow your spouse to visit.

Once the desk size has been determined, it is time to think about different desk options. Most desks today have a laminate surface available in a variety of finishes. These surfaces are extremely durable and are resistant to ink, coffee, printer toner, peanut butter and any other home office supply. Options such as wood edge trim and veneer surfaces are affordable ways to spruce up a laminate desk.

You've probably noticed that between the CPU, keyboard, monitor, cell phone recharger, answering machine and the like, you have a slew of wires snaking across your desk. It is important to choose a desk with a built-in wire management system to organize your electrical connections. These flip-top devices are mounted flush on the desktop and provide a safe way to organize and route power cords and to keep them out of your way.

Drawers are another often-overlooked desk item.  Most commercial desk drawers are wooden with a laminate covering. Make sure that drawers move easily and suspensions are smooth and balanced to prevent an accidental opening or tip-over.

A desk is the centerpiece of your office. By taking the time to factor in your work style, habits and overall shape and space of the office you can select the right desk that will help increase productivity and make your office a more comfortable place.