An office desk is one of the most important pieces of furniture in a working environment. Studies have found that in a typical work day, we spend an average of 5 hours and 41 minutes sitting at our desks. It stands to reason that that time should be made as comfortable as possible, considering ergonomics and other factors which in turn can also support greater productivity.
Humans aren’t all the same, so the type of desk that’s best for you isn’t necessarily the kind of desk that’s best for someone else. Consider all the benefits and features of various styles to choose the right office desk for home or any space you plan to work.
Straight Desk
The traditional type of desk that usually comes to mind, a straight desk is rectangular in shape which makes it fit easily into any layout and office space. These desks are versatile, with the ability to be placed against a wall or in the center of the room, and due to their right angles and simplicity, they can also make achieving a more ergonomic work environment easier. If you prefer a desk that provides clear delineation, splitting up writing and computer spaces, however, you might want to consider a different desk style.
U-Shaped Desk
One of the most important aspects of an efficient workspace is to ensure the desk is capable of holding everything you need while also being comfortable to work at. For those who are short on space, a U-shaped desk is a great choice as it offers more space without occupying too much of the room. Many office desks come equipped with various storage possibilities, including drawers that can help you stay more organized as well as providing a design that allows you to work on a laptop, traditional desktop computer or tablet.
Often these desks can be assembled so that the dimensions coordinate perfectly with the layout of the room, creating a configuration that best suits your needs. However, that also brings a downside – a U-shaped desk designed for one room probably won’t work in another.
L-Shaped Desk
An L-shaped desk can maximize office space by fitting into corners, making use of what was once unusable space. Unlike U-shaped desks, L-shaped configurations have a “handedness,” e.g. they are configured for either left-handed or right-handed individuals. They can be flipped with minimal effort but may be less desirable for hot-desking environments. They’re incredibly versatile as they can be placed with the desk portion to the left or right. They can even form a cubicle where there aren’t any existing walls. The primary concern with L-shaped desks is that there is some unusable “dead” space, whereas, for example, all the space on a straight desk is accessible.
For something that’s long lasting, be sure to check the quality of the desk which is most often evident in drawer construction. Features like steel ball-bearing drawer slides and metal connections offer better durability.
Standing Desk
Standing desks have become all the rage in recent years as sitting for long hours not only puts a strain on one’s back but also has been linked in studies to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and premature death as well as weight gain and obesity.
A standing desk, or sit-stand desk, allows you to stand up comfortably while you’re working. As standing for six hours or longer every day can lead to back pain, stiff joints and bad posture, many versions available today are adjustable. An adjustable sit-stand desk allows one to easily alternate between standing and sitting. You’ll eliminate the downsides of a standing desk by changing the height of your work surface while keeping everything you need, like your laptop and reference materials, all in the same place. They come in a variety of styles, colors and desktop configurations.
Wall-Mounted Desk
A wall-mounted desk, sometimes called a floating desk, is a good option for someone with very limited space. They save all that valuable floorspace by being mounted directly onto a wall and often include shelving to take advantage of the vertical frame. The main concern with wall-mounted desks is that they are smaller in size than the average desk and may not provide all the space you need.
Double Bar-Desk
These large desks may be ideal for those who can spare lots of dedicated floor space. They’re technically two desks, a credenza that sits against the wall, and a double-pedestal desk that’s typically placed at the center of a room. They provide a ton of desktop space with two separate surfaces, look great and come with plenty of storage.
The right choice of material in a desk is really a matter of taste in creating the look and feel you want in addition to budgetary concerns.
With so many options, it can get a bit overwhelming, which means your best bet is to consult with the office furniture expert at Everett Office Furniture to be sure you purchase the desk that will work best for your needs.