Office Desk Buying Guide

From traditional executive designs to sleek standing models, there’s no shortage of office desks to choose from. The sheer number of options available can make it difficult to know which to purchase for your workspace. So, if you’re searching for the ideal models, it pays to know your stuff. To help you, we’ve put together the following office desk buying guide.

Choosing the right office desk for you

Before you start perusing the selection of models on the market, it’s useful to stop and ask yourself some basic questions that will help you to narrow down exactly what it is you’re looking for from your office desk furniture. For example… Do you need extra storage? In many workspaces, the shift towards computers and digital technology has significantly reduced the need for office storage. However, becoming completely paperless is still a pipedream for many organisations. When you’re deciding which desks to go for, you’ll need to consider how much storage you need. If you have a lot of paperwork and supplies to keep organised, it’s wise to opt for desks that come with integrated drawers. Do you plan to expand your workforce? If you intend to grow your workforce over the coming months or years, it’s important to have flexible office furnishings that can accommodate more people as and when they start. One option is to go for modular desk systems that make it easy to provide additional workspace for new members of staff whenever they start. How much space do you have? From large office desks to petite, space-saving models, you can take your pick from a host of different sizes. This means you’ll need to think carefully about how much square footage you have to accommodate these items of furniture. If you have a big working environment and space isn’t an issue, you might want to go for large desks that enable you and your employees to really spread out while you’re getting on with your tasks. However, if space is in short supply, you’ll need to find more compact models. What will you use your desks for? On a related point, it’s important to ask yourself what your desks will predominantly be used for. If you need them for occasional computer use, then small, simple designs might be perfect. However, if you’re looking for surfaces to suit people with admin and paper-heavy jobs, you’ll probably need units with a larger surface area. What image are you trying to portray? When it comes to selecting desks for your workspace, looks matter. The right style of office furniture can help you to create an attractive environment that appeals to your employees and impresses any visitors. You can take your pick from an array of different types of desk, from uber-modern designs to reassuringly traditional executive office desks. So, think carefully about the image you’re trying to portray before you make a purchase. How much can you afford to spend? You’ll no doubt want to keep a keen eye on costs and make sure that your purchases come in on budget. With this in mind, it pays to set a clear spending limit before you start shopping and make sure you seek out bargains. However, as well as paying attention to the initial price of products, it’s vital that you take value for money into account too. For example, high-quality, robust desks will last longer than inferior models, potentially making them much better value for money in the long term. In addition, comfortable, practical designs can be more effective when it comes to promoting employee productivity, which is good news for your business’ bottom line.  

A selection of styles

With such an array of desks to choose from, it’s a good idea to get to grips with the different styles available. Here, we take a look at a variety of popular models, focusing on their most significant features. Rectangular
  • Characterised by clean, straight lines
  • Their simple, traditional look can work well in virtually any office
  • Available with a range of frame styles, including H-leg designs and cantilever models
Corner
  • Shaped to fit neatly into corner areas
  • Help you take full advantage of the square footage on offer in your office
  • Available in curved and straight-edged designs
Wave
  • Feature a contemporary, flowing shape that can complement modern offices
  • Available in single wave (where one side is wider than the other) and double wave designs
  • Can provide a spacious surface for people to work on
Bench
  • Rectangular in shape and designed to be configured in rows
  • Their modular design gives you a flexible solution that can grow as your workforce expands
  • Often smaller than traditional rectangular desks
Narrow
  • Ideal if you’re looking for a compact solution for your workspace
  • Take your pick from traditional four-legged models, contemporary cantilever designs and versions with solid panel end legs
  • Also available in back-to-back designs that mean you can create larger workstations to accommodate more users
Cluster
  • Modular systems that slot quickly and easily together
  • By joining three 120° shaped desks, you can create a comfortable, collaborative workstation for multiple users
  • When used individually, the desks can serve as corner units
Home
  • Often smaller than models designed for commercial environments
  • Available in an array of styles to accommodate all tastes (from traditional wooden models to tempered clear glass designs)
  • For an ultra-compact design, you can choose a narrow bench desk
 

Useful features

Once you’ve decided on the shape, size and style of desk you want, it’s time to think about the additional features you’re looking for. For example, you might want: Integrated storage For many workers, integrated desk storage is a must. Having drawers built into their workstations means they have quick and easy access to paperwork, stationery and a range of other office essentials. You can take your pick from desks with single or multiple drawers, and if you want to keep your documents and other items safe, you have the option of choosing designs with lockable storage. Height adjustment The health risks associated with being sedentary for long periods of time are now well known. If you’re looking for ways to protect your wellbeing and that of your workers, you may want to opt for height-adjustable models. Featuring easy to use height controls, these innovative modern office desks give people the choice of standing or sitting as they work. Cable management With so much technology now in use in workspaces, it’s never been more important to have effective cable management solutions in place. To help keep your office tidy and safe, you might want to opt for desks that feature integrated cable management systems, such as concealed wire management and access ports. Modesty panels To give your personnel added privacy when they’re at their workstations, you could choose units that come complete with modesty panels. This simple but effective design feature can make people feel more relaxed as they work. Height levelling feet Unless you can be sure that your floors are completely level, there’s a risk that your desks will wobble once you put them in place. This is where height levelling feet come in handy. By choosing desks with this feature, you can rest assured that even if your floors are uneven, you’ll be able to provide your workers with a flat, steady surface.  

Your pick of materials and finishes

You won’t be stuck for choice when it comes to materials and finishes. Here are some of the most popular options. MFC Many desks now feature melamine faced chipboard (MFC). This durable and practical material is made from woodchips, which are formed into particle board and then bonded to a strip of melamine resin-impregnated material. As well as being economical and practical, MFC looks the part. It can be given various finishes to achieve an impressive range of visual effects. Metal Metals including steel and chrome are commonly used in office desks, typically to make the legs. They can give furnishings a contemporary look and feel, and they’re durable and sturdy too. Solid wood Solid woods such as oak have long been used to create desks. Although often more costly than alternatives such as MFC, they can look impressive. These materials are sometimes favoured for luxurious executive desks. Colours Colour is key to achieving the look you want. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from, including classic hues such as black and white. For a more traditional look, you can opt for wood finishes including rich oak, striking walnut or soothing beech or maple.  

Get in touch

At Furniture At Work, we’re experts when it comes to these products. If you’re searching for excellent quality, stylish and cheap office desks, you’ve come to the right place. For further information and advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team. You reach us by phone on 0844 415 9700 or complete our online contact form and we’ll get back to you.