Home office trivia question (average, amount, between, furniture)

[HIF]

I figure there will be home-based business owners on this forum, but mods, feel free to relocate my thread if there is a more appropriate forum.

I am converting a small dining room into a home office and have an obscure question. How much space should I allow inbetween the desk and shelving behind the desk?

Back wall will have three bookshelves, desk to be in front of them, facing out. I will sit at the desk with the shelves to my back. I keep moving things around, as the workspace just doesn't feel right. I figure that there must be some average amount of space that is used when setting up an office. But what is it?

[ESFP]

You could research Feng Shui decorating for your personal office or, if you plan on having customers visit you may try studying Non-Verbal Communication, which includes furniture placement depending on what type of atmosphere you're trying to create.

[HIF]

Great idea, ESFP- Done!

I found a couple of sites on Feng Shui for the home office and just spent the last hour planning and moving things around. Now I have to organize the things on the shelves. Lots of places for bad energy to nest. But it already feels more workable. I brought in a rice paper shoji screen to hide the computer/printer cords and battery backup, a plant and floor lamp.

Thank you- HIF

[pghquest]

My desk is U shaped and its 42 inches from one side to the other and is a decent space. If you are going to have some nick nacks etc on the bookshelf I probably would allow a few extra inches just to be safe they dont fall if you bump it.

Primarily though, a lot of the spacing would decide on the type of chair you are using. A bigger cushion chair would require more space.