Office Desks

An office desk in the modern workforce represents productivity and efficiency. Office desks reflect the organization and preferences of a professional environment. They have been used for centuries as surfaces for work, study, and even creative pursuits such as writing and reading, in offices, home offices, and libraries. ^[1]

There are various types of desks and each desk has unique features which serve a different purpose. This article will focus on the features types and styles of office desks.

The Origin of Office Desks

Office desks go back centuries and even millennia as countless individuals throughout time have always utilized tables as surfaces for reading, writing, and study.

In ancient Egypt, they were engraved with decorative elements and used by scribed papyrus scrolls and writing tools.

In the Middle Ages, drawers and storage were added, and by the 1600s distinctive workplaces known as offices became more commonplace and the desk took on a new role. Today they continue to serve the needs of workers and can easily integrate newer technologies like laptops so that while the forms of use have changed, is basic design and principles and remained timeless.

Types of Office Desks

Pedestal Office Desks

A pedestal desk, known as a double pedestal, is a free-standing desk found often in corporate environments. A pedestal desk consists of a flat desktop surface supported by two column-like structures on the side. These column-like structures have either drawers or cabinets for storage where, documents, supplies, or personal items can be organized.

The pedestal office desk is known for its storage space and practicality.

Writing Office Desks

Writing desks true to their name are known for writing and area compact desk options. They consist of a work surface, providing ample space for writing-related activities, reading, and drawing.

Usually, the only add-ons writing desks offer are keyboard trays or pencil drawers. Writing desks have minimal storage, prioritizing a clean and uncluttered workspace.

Writing desks are often made with a blend of wood and metal however, traditional desks are mostly wood.

L-Shaped Office Desks

An L-shaped desk has two connected surfaces meeting at a right angle. Similar to the letter, the desk features a main desk and a smaller desk, with the main side being longer than the other one.

This design is popular among professional office environments because it maximizes corner space. It is particularly beneficial for office rooms to have less space, making use of space efficiently. Furthermore, L-shaped desks provide ample room for multiple computers.

Distinguishing features of L-shaped office desks:

L-shaped desks are flexible, allowing for a reverse design. In this way, the sides are set long or short, depending on the room layout.
Dual sides of the L-shaped desks segregate multiple desks, for instance, one side can be used for all computer work and the other for meeting clients.
Some L-shaped desks include built-in storage including shelves, drawers, keyboard trays, or cabinets.

Floating Office Desks

Wall-mounted office desk, or a floating desk is an innovation to the office environment giving it the appearance of floating in the air, without the need for legs or (visible) supports.

A floating office desk is attached, with the help of cleats, brackets, and a mounting system to the wall. Although it is perfect for small or home offices, it has little to no storage capacity.

Credenza Office Desks

A credenza office desk combines the features of credenza (storage) and workspace elements. The table is placed against a wall and features a flat surface with built-in cabinets and drawers.

Some credenza office desks have open or closed shelves for placing books, awards, office accessories, or office supplies. Many credenza desks are blended with L or U-shaped tables to provide ample storage and high functionality.

Moreover, these desks come with customizable height adjustments and pull-out trays for computer purposes. Credenza desks combine functionality and integrated storage, giving a productive and spacious work environment.

Executive Office Desks

Typically, executive desks are larger and more ornate. These are commonly used in large offices, for instance, those of high-level executives. The work surface provides more than ample space for a single user.

Popular configurations in executive office desks include incorporating U or L-shaped designs. Moreover, traditional executive desks feature pedestals on either side of the table. These columns offer file drawers for document storage or cabinets for supplies.

Their design exudes balance, symmetry, and harmony within the office. Usually, executive desks are made of wood topped with a layer of glass to give them a classic appearance. However, in the contemporary era, these desks are designed using metal or laminated wood for a modern appearance.

Standing Office Desks

A standing desk, also known as a sit-stand desk, has adjustable features, enabling the users to switch between sitting and standing postures.

Recently, due to health concerns, people are adopting standing desks. Sitting for too long can strain the back, decreasing productivity and adding detrimental effects to health.

Standing desks come in two types. The first type is a manual adjustment desk which requires manual adjustment through crank or level. The second type is equipped with electrical motors, allowing easy movement with few buttons.

Although electrical adjustment systems offer convenience, they can be expensive. Customized options like the size and height of the table can be purchased according to the office layout.

U-shaped Office Desks

The U-shaped office desk features three connected sections. There is a primary desk, a bridge, and a credenza. When connected, these sections form the shape of the letter U. The distinguishing characteristic of this desk is that it surrounds the user on three sides.

It is appropriate for offices that have larger spaces as U-shaped office desks offer multiple surfaces for various tasks. The three sections segregate the working environment, providing enough space for computer work, writing, storage, and more.

Materials Used in Office Desks

Wood:

Wood is the most common material used for making office desks. Wooden office desks give a traditional and classic appearance. Wooden desks are durable, have longevity, and withstand extremely harsh conditions. Here are the types of wood involved in making office desks.

Solid wood has the finest quality. However, it is expensive, and usually, other forms of wood are used that are engineered or veneered.

Engineered wood office desks are made from manufactured wood products. This wood is less expensive and a budget-friendly option. Plywood has multiple layers of veneer wood. These layers are glued together to make a strong foundation

Veneer office desks involve applying a thin layer of real wood on engineered wood. It gives an appearance of solid wood in a budget-friendly manner. Veneer wood is lightweight and easy to move. However, veneer wood can chip off after some time and has a limited ability to refinish.

Metal:

Metal desks are durable and known for their strength. Metal office desks are made from steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

Steel is the most common type of metal. It is used in office furniture to provide support to heavy equipment. Steel office desks are resistant to damage and have various finishes.
Aluminum office desks are lighter in weight. It is resistant to corrosion and is often used in frames.
Stainless office desks are high-end desks known for their corrosion resistance. They offer a highly polished look.

While full metal desks may be less common, metal elements are often used for brackets, legs, and other supportive features of office desks of all material types.

Laminate:

Office desks made from laminate are an affordable option that comes in a variety of designs. There are two main types of laminate: high-pressure laminate and low-pressure laminate. Laminate can mimic wood.

This enables users to have wooden aesthetics in their workspaces. Moreover, laminate comes in solid hues. Solid colors range from neutral to vibrant colors. Additionally, laminate office desks have various patterns and textures mimicking metallic and wooden textures.

Glass:

Glass office desks are a popular addition to the furniture industry. Glass desks give off a modern and sleek appearance. Here is how glass is incorporated into office furniture.

Temperedglass is strong and is safer than standard glass. Tempered glass is heat-treated to make glass blunt.
Frosted glassis another type that gives off a matte finish. Frosted glass has a less reflective surface, and is known for its strength.
Tinted glassis an aesthetic addition to furniture. It comes in various colors, adding a unique sense.

Glass Desk Designs:

Glass tops with metal frames are the most common combination, providing stability and a modern look
Glass top with wood frame utilizes wood as foundation with a sleek look of glass sitting on the top
All glass office desks have thick panels of glass joined through special joints. However, it is not common in offices.

Conclusion

Choosing the best office desk is vital for comfort and work productivity. This article serves as a guide to understanding the myriad of office desks, materials, and design styles. Consider certain features like functionality, practicality, and material to create the ideal workspace. Understanding and investing in the right desk reflects personal style, and promotes efficiency.

Also See: Office Desk

References

Uberant [ Finding the Right Office Furniture ] October 15, 2024

Contributors

Madison Liquidators

Date Revised: October 15, 2024