Buying a desk should be a simple process and yet there are so many different types, desperate for your attention.
We take the headache of having to search for all of the different names associated with desks and have compiled an easy list for you to look over and make your decision.
Already have an idea on the design of the desk that you’d like?
Read through Rooms Solutions’ guide to the best desk for your home office and effortlessly buy the one that suits you the most.
If you’re still unsure, let’s begin…
Types of Desk
Here’s the breakdown.
There are some common questions at the end of the list that will help you decide which type of desk to buy for your home.
Make sure you read them before you leave.
Writing Desk
Writing desks are simple designs, modest in their function.
They don’t have all the frills that something like a computer desk may have but, for most people, they have everything you need.
If you just want a work surface to set your head down and write then a writing desk is for you.
One of the worst things you can do for your productivity is sit in front of the television and tell yourself you’re working as hard as possible.
Do yourself, and your career, a favor and buy a writing desk that you can position away from all the distractions of the modern world.
The effortless designs of the writing desk mean most will be sure to fit into your home without any styling issues.
Computer Desk
If you work from home and you’re in a dedicated office, you’re likely to purchase a computer desk.
They’re a lot larger than their writing desk cousins, with dedicated compartments for computer hardware and other equipment as well as files to store paperwork.
Store your monitor, harddrive, computer accessories and hide the wires away through specially-designed outlets and grommets so you don’t trip over as you’re reaching for your printer.
If you’re like us, you love a proper keyboard, there’s nothing like them.
Computer desks often come with a keyboard tray that extends on rollers so that you can achieve an ergonomic posture as you type.
It’s not only working either.
Are you into computer gaming?
To take it to the next level, a computer desk will help you win more because of an improved focus.
Executive Desk
We hear you want to feel like the president of the United States…
An executive desk will make you feel more powerful than Superman after a 10.5 hour sleep.
If drawer storage is your thing then the executive desk is equipped with a lot.
The executive desk is built from typically solid, dark wood for a rich aesthetic and it’s common to see a modest bevel that lines the perimeter of the desk.
L-Shape Desk
What’s great about L-shape desks is the extra work surface you get.
Think of them as two simple, straight desks joined together to create a right angle in the shape of an ‘L’ – which some find can be tricky to position to get the best out of the room’s atmosphere but there are some feng shui tips you can implement for L-shape desks.
If you need extra monitors, excellent for graphic design work or gaming, then L-shape desks are great because you’ll still have enough space for writing.
Credenza Desk
Credenza desks are similar to computer desks but have a more decorative appeal.
If you don’t know what a credenza is, it’s essentially a sideboard that sits in the living room, dining room or even the hallway.
A credenza desk has the middle part of the credenza carved out so that you can sit within it and do your work on its surface.
You’ll see that many credenza desks have a tall shelving unit either side of the work surface, enough that books, files and photographs of your loved ones can have pride of place.
Credenza desks are large pieces of furniture and plenty of room is needed for it to not look out of place but, when in the right setting, these beasts can look glorious.
Corner Desk
Don’t have much space?
No need to worry.
Corner desks have an uncanny ability to save more space than any other type of desk and are loved by city slickers who have small apartments.
They make use of two walls which gives you more work surface and leg room without compromising the rest of the room’s decor and proportions.
Desk with a Hutch
A hutch describes a set of shelves or cabinets that sit above a piece of furniture.
In this case, it’s a desk.
The hutch can be used for storage, a significantly greater area for keeping files than the flat desk which you want to keep as much space available for work.
Secretary Desk
Less popular now but making a comeback, secretary desks are antique pieces of furniture with a hinged roll-top and multiple drawers.
Some even have a bookcase that sits on top of the desk with doors that close over it.
The ornamentation and intricate designs mean that they’re coming back into fashion and joining the home offices of people with many different design styles.
Floating Desk
Find yourself banging your toes on the legs of your desk?
There’s one way to solve that…
Buy a desk that doesn’t have legs and attaches directly to the wall.
As with the corner desk, floating desks are great for homes with limited space as their frames are slender and make use of the vertical real estate of the wall.
Try adding a floating desk to your bedroom.
Standing Desk
Back pain is a real concern for many people, especially as you get older.
Sitting at traditional desks is a common cause with little regard for proper ergonomics which is getting even worse as working from home increases.
Stand-up desks have been gaining popularity recently, they let you align your spine either all day or part of the day if you purchase one that moves position.
They actually help you burn more calories too, if that’s your thing and there’s even been reports of lowering of blood sugar spikes throughout the day when working standing up…
How do I Choose a Desk?
So, you know you need a new desk and you’re looking around your room but you’re not quite sure what you should be looking at to inform you of the type of desk you need to buy.
There are a few things to look out for.
- The shape and size of both your room and the desk
- Do you want legs and what type?
- What type of work will you be doing and how much storage do you need?
Shape and Size
Everyone has a slightly different house with unique decor that takes up space within it.
Have a look around and see where you’d like to place your desk and what sort of size and shape dictates the type of desk you’ll buy.
Small apartments will prefer corner desks or floating desks.
Larger homes, however, may suit computer desks or credenza desks.
Are you lucky enough to have an office?
If not, consider placing your desk away from the main distraction in your home… the television.
Legs
The purpose of the desk means one may have a specific type of leg compared to another.
Floating desks go against the grain by having no legs at all.
You’ll often see round, square or rectangular cantilever legs on metal desks – they’re solid legs that’ll withstand any sorts of bashes or scrapes you try to inflict on them.
Standing desks will likely have adjustable legs that enable you to lift the desk higher or lower depending how you want to work.
Storage
What sort of work are you producing?
Does it need a lot of paperwork, filing and computer accessories such as a printer?
If you do then you want to think about a computer desk, credenza desk or an executive desk to add to your home.
However, if you’re someone who only occasionally writes or only does so on a small computer like a laptop with no printing then a writing desk, secretary desk or a corner desk may be more suited to your lifestyle.
Should I get a standing desk?
Overall, yes, standing desks are going to help your posture.
But, here’s the thing.
Can we really say that we’re meant to sit or stand for a long time?
Humans developed to move over long distances, something that should be remembered in our now sedentary lives.
If you buy a standing desk, make sure it’s one with adjustable legs so that you can alternate between standing up and sitting down.
Are Corner Desks Good?
Corner desks are great.
One of the most important features of a corner desk is the work surface placement.
What does this mean?
You’ll have better arm placement whilst typing with a corner desk which will lead to less fatigue and an improved ability to work.
Turn your body to the left and right slightly and you have more area to write down notes on an important Zoom call.
What is the Best Material for a Desk?
There are a few different materials that you could use for a desk.
The primary one, of course being wood.
We wrote an article on the best wood for desks that’ll help you decide which wood species will not only excel your work but look amazing in your home.
However, if you have an idea of the color and grain that you expect then you should read the following:
- The Best Solid Oak and Oak-Finished Desks
- The Best In Classic Cherry Desks For Gaming And Work
- Best Walnut Desks For Your Home Office
Of course, it’s not only wood that makes up a desk, metal also works wonderfully for this piece of furniture.
If you have an industrial-styled home then metal looks exceptional against some exposed brickwork in the office or living room.
People always forget glass.
Never forget glass…
If you have a minimalist home then glass is the way forward and will fit right into a contemporary house or apartment too.
To Conclude
There are many different desks out there.
They all serve a different aspect of work, some suit those who need to store lots of files and equipment and others are simple pieces which fit someone who’s working from home life is more casual.
Leave a Reply