If you’re searching for an office desk, you’ll be surprised by the variety of materials and shapes available. All types of desks have specific uses and features, making it tricky to determine which suits your needs. Whether you’re considering an executive desk, a writing desk, or a computer desk, choose one that complements your workspace and enhances both comfort and productivity.
Meet&Co offers a diverse range of office desks and workstations in all popular shapes and styles. Which collection is ideal for your workspace? Check out our guide to find the best option.
Table of Contents
- Common Types of Desks
- Shapes of Desks
- Styles of Desks
- Materials of Desks
- What Types of Desks Do You Need?
- Considerations Before Buying an Office Desk
- How to Enhance Your Workplace?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Common Types of Desks
Reception Desk
A reception desk is a designated area in a building where visitors, clients, or guests are welcomed and assisted. It’s typically located at the entrance or near the main lobby of an organization, such as a hotel, office, or medical facility. The reception desk is vital for making a great first impression and facilitating efficient operations by handling the flow of visitors and information entering and leaving the organization.
Standing Desk
A standing desk is designed to allow users to work while standing up rather than sitting. This type can be highly beneficial for reducing the health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Many standing desks are adjustable, allowing you to raise or lower them to switch between sitting and standing positions. This can be done manually with a hand crank or electronically with a motorized system.
When used correctly and thoughtfully, standing desks can be a valuable tool for enhancing workspace ergonomics and promoting a healthier work lifestyle.
Conference Desk
A conference desk is a central piece of furniture designed for meetings, discussions, and collaborative work. It’s a big, sturdy table often found in conference rooms or boardrooms. This desk is usually larger than your typical office desk, providing ample space for a group of people to sit comfortably.
A conference desk is typically equipped with features to support a productive meeting environment. You might find built-in power outlets, USB ports, and cable management systems to keep everything neat. Some desks even come with integrated microphones and speakers to facilitate virtual meetings.
The design can vary depending on the organization’s style and needs. You might see sleek, modern designs with clean lines or more traditional wooden styles that give a classic, professional look. Most importantly, a conference desk fosters a collaborative environment where ideas can be exchanged freely, and everyone has the space to participate.
So, if you’re setting up a space for team discussions or client presentations, a suitable conference desk is essential to ensure everyone’s on the same page and that your meetings run smoothly.
Executive Desk
An executive desk is high-quality, often impressive office furniture designed for senior executives or managers. It’s not just about function—it also makes a statement. Executive desks are typically larger than standard desks and are built with premium materials like solid wood, high-grade metal, or luxurious veneers.
What sets an executive desk apart is its design and features. It often includes ample workspace with a spacious surface for paperwork, a computer, and other office essentials. Typically, these desks include built-in storage features like drawers and cabinets to keep important documents and supplies organized and easily accessible. Some executive desks have features like integrated technology ports, cable management systems, and elegant finishing touches.
The aesthetic of an executive desk is crafted to convey professionalism and authority. It often has a classic, sophisticated look, with details like rich wood finishes, polished hardware, and refined lines. The desk is designed to be functional and enhance the office environment, creating a workspace that reflects leadership and success.
Overall, an executive desk combines practicality with luxury, making it a focal point of any high-level office and an essential piece of furniture for those in top positions.
Workstation Desk
A workstation desk is the ultimate tool for boosting productivity and organization in any workspace. Designed for efficiency, it often features built-in storage like drawers and shelves, plus cable management to keep your area tidy.
Available in various sizes and styles, from compact designs to expansive surfaces for multiple monitors, workstation desks cater to different needs. Many also include ergonomic features for comfort during long hours.
Whether working from home or in a busy office, a well-designed workstation desk transforms your workspace into a hub of efficiency and comfort.
Gaming Desk
A gaming desk is the perfect choice for gamers who want to integrate their workspace with their gaming setup.
A gaming desk typically boasts specialized features designed to enhance comfort and performance. These often include adjustable height settings for ergonomic positioning, ample surface area to accommodate multiple monitors and gaming peripherals, built-in cable management systems to keep wires organized, and customizable options like LED lighting to create an immersive gaming environment. Many gaming desks also come with additional conveniences, such as dedicated spaces for gaming controllers, headset hooks, and even integrated USB ports for easy access to power and connectivity. They’re ideal for blending your work and play areas into one sleek, functional space.
Writing Desk
A writing desk is convenient and comfortable for home offices and traditional workspaces. Its popularity stems from its simple yet effective design tailored for writing tasks. It features a smooth, flat surface and is ideal for corporate professionals and students. Many writing desks also come with drawer storage, providing a convenient place to keep writing pads, pens, paper, and other office supplies neatly organized.
Computer Desk
A computer desk is a versatile piece of furniture designed to accommodate all your computing needs. It typically features a sturdy surface that supports a computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, and additional space for other tech accessories. Many computer desks have built-in storage solutions, such as drawers or shelves, to keep your office supplies, documents, and peripherals organized. Ergonomic design elements, like adjustable heights and cable management systems, help enhance comfort and reduce clutter.
Whether working from home or in an office, a computer desk provides a functional and organized workspace for productivity and leisure.
Credenza Desk
A credenza desk is a sleek and functional piece of office furniture that merges desk and storage capabilities. It features a spacious work surface that accommodates a computer, paperwork, and other essentials, making it ideal for home and professional settings. The design typically includes built-in storage options such as drawers, cabinets, or shelves, allowing you to keep your workspace organized and clutter-free.
Not only is a credenza desk practical, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your office. Its long, low-profile design and high-quality materials provide a sophisticated look while offering versatility. Whether used as a standalone desk or as part of a coordinated office setup, a credenza desk ensures functionality and style.
Carrel Desk
Carrel desks are crafted to provide privacy and enhance focus, making them perfect for libraries, study areas, and academic environments. They usually feature high-side panels and a back panel that create a semi-enclosed workspace, helping to reduce distractions. Carrel desks offer a secluded and efficient working environment, ideal for individual study or tasks requiring concentration.
Trestle Desk
A trestle desk combines a modern aesthetic with traditional design elements. It features a simple structure with two supporting legs and is designed for easy disassembly and portability. This type of desk is particularly well-suited for architects, designers, and creative professionals, offering an open workspace that facilitates collaboration and allows multiple people to work together on projects.
Lap Desk
A lap desk is a portable and compact desk designed to provide a stable and comfortable work surface while sitting on the couch, bed, or other relaxed settings. It typically features a flat, cushioned base that rests on your lap, supporting a work surface for tasks like writing, using a laptop, or drawing. With its lightweight and ergonomic design, a lap desk offers convenience and flexibility for working or studying from virtually anywhere in your home.
Treadmill Desk
A treadmill desk is ideal for those looking to stay active and fit while working. This innovative desk combines a traditional treadmill with a functional workstation, allowing you to walk and work simultaneously. Equipped with operational controls, it lets you burn calories and stay productive at the same time.
Hallway Desk
A hallway desk is a impressive furniture designed for narrow spaces like hallways. It provides:
- A functional workspace or storage area.
- Often featuring a long floating desk.
- Entryway tables with sliding barn doors or drawers.
- Minimalist metal base writing desks.
These versatile pieces adapt to specific needs and styles, making them ideal for maximizing hallway space.
Corner Desk
A corner desk is designed to fit into the corner of a room, making efficient use of otherwise unused space. It typically features a triangular or L-shaped design that provides ample workspace while keeping the desk compact. Corner desks are ideal for making the most of small or awkward spaces and often include built-in storage options, helping to keep your office organized and efficient. They are great for creating a dedicated work area in tight quarters.
Pedestal Desk
A pedestal desk is a classic piece of furniture often found in offices or home workspaces. It features a large flat surface for writing, working, or organizing materials. The desk typically has drawers or cabinets on either side, known as pedestals, which provide storage space for documents, stationery, or personal items. The design allows users to sit comfortably and efficiently access their work tools. Whether in a traditional wood finish or a modern style, pedestal desks combine functionality with timeless aesthetics.
Floating Desk
A floating desk is a wall-mounted desk that lacks traditional legs. It is typically secured with hinges so it can be folded up when not in use. This design makes it an excellent choice for saving space and transforming a room into a versatile area.
Telephone Desk
A telephone desk is a compact, stylish furniture designed to manage phone calls and related tasks. It typically features a small surface for a phone and notes, along with storage options like drawers or shelves for organizing accessories. Its design is meant to fit in smaller spaces while providing a dedicated area for phone use.
Lectern Desk
The lectern desk is a familiar sight at events, hosting speeches and felicitations and anchoring real-world occasions. It stands tall, ideal for delivering lectures in universities. Its slanted surface allows speakers to read notes comfortably without straining their necks or needing to hold materials in their hands.
Ladder Desk
A ladder desk merges the practicality of a desk with the stylish design of a ladder shelf. It’s a chic, space-efficient solution that offers plenty of storage. The ladder rungs function as shelves for books, decor, or office supplies. Ideal for bedrooms, offices, or living rooms, these desks are often made from solid mahogany wood with metal legs and a rich brown finish accentuating the wood’s natural grain.
Murphy Desk
A Murphy desk is a space-saving solution that folds into the wall, similar to a Murphy bed. It’s ideal for small apartments or homes where space is limited. When folded, it resembles a cabinet or shelving unit. This type of desk is perfect for remote workers, as it attaches to the wall via hinges and can be conveniently folded away when not in use.
Shapes of Desks
L-Shaped Desks
If you want to place a desk in a corner, an L-shaped desk is ideal. This design allows you to use one section as a computer workstation and the other as a writing area. The advantage of an L-shaped desk is that it provides two distinct work areas, helping you manage different tasks effectively throughout the day.
An L-shaped desk consists of a primary desk with a smaller secondary return attached at a right angle, forming an “L” shape. This setup offers a spacious, versatile workstation, making it a popular choice for executive offices and collaborative workspaces.
L-shaped desks are favored because they allow one side to be used as a dedicated computer area and the other for meetings or teamwork. They’re instrumental in offices where regular collaboration or meetings are required.
Many L-shaped desks feature adjustable height settings on both sides, allowing users to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday.
U-Shaped Desks
Were you looking for ample space for paperwork and peripherals? A U-shaped desk might be the perfect solution. This type of desk offers generous room for documents and personal items, keeping everything easily accessible from your workstation.
Often referred to as bullpen desks, U-shaped desks can accommodate multiple people in a compact area, making them ideal for teams working closely on projects or tasks. They provide some of the largest surface areas available, which is great if you frequently manage much paperwork.
However, there may be better options than a U-shaped desk if you’re trying to save space, as it requires more room than most other desk types. But if you have the space to spare, a U-shaped desk is an excellent choice.
Circular Desk
A circular desk is highly effective for fostering collaboration and enhancing communication. It promotes a social work environment by allowing team members to sit in a circular arrangement with ample workspace, making it easy for everyone to engage and discuss projects.
Rectangular Desk
The classic rectangular desk remains a top choice and comes in various styles. Executive desks are often double-pedestal desks with a rectangular shape, but there are other styles within this category as well.
A rectangular desk is a solid option if you prefer a straightforward desk and don’t need any specialized features. These desks are typically budget-friendly and low-maintenance, so they remain the most popular choice, even as other styles gain traction.
Peninsula Desk
A peninsula desk features an attached return with drawers extending from the center of a shelving unit. If you need extra storage or are having trouble fitting a desk and a shelving unit in your office, a peninsula desk could be the perfect solution.
Dual-sided Desk
A dual-sided desk is designed to accommodate two users simultaneously, each with their workspace and access to shared resources. It features work surfaces on either side, which are ideal for collaborative environments or shared office spaces. Dual-sided desks often come with built-in storage and can be configured in various shapes, such as rectangular or L-shaped, to fit different office layouts. They are perfect for teamwork and maximizing productivity in shared workspaces.
Wave Desk
A wave desk features a desktop with a curved front, making one end deeper than the other. This design allows users to comfortably position themselves, creating a more ergonomic and modern workspace. The curvature provides better support for the dominant hand and enhances overall comfort when using a desktop computer.
Styles of Desks
Each style caters to different tastes and functional needs, so make sure you choose the one that fits your space perfectly:
- Classic: This type features traditional elements such as intricate woodwork, rich finishes, and elegant detailing. It is often made from solid wood with ornate carvings and polished surfaces. Classic desks convey a sense of timeless sophistication and are commonly used in formal settings.
- Modern: Characterized by clean lines, minimalist design, and a focus on functionality. Modern desks often use glass, metal, and sleek wood finishes. They emphasize simplicity and frequently incorporate elements like floating surfaces or geometric shapes.
- Industrial: Inspired by urban lofts and factories, this style uses raw materials like exposed metal, reclaimed wood, and distressed finishes. Industrial desks often have a rugged, utilitarian look with visible hardware and an emphasis on functionality.
- Contemporary: A blend of various styles with a focus on current trends. Contemporary desks might incorporate elements from modern design but can also include unique shapes, colors, and materials. They’re versatile and often feature innovative designs.
- Mid-Century Modern: Known for its retro aesthetic, this style combines clean lines with organic shapes. Mid-century modern desks often use materials like teak or walnut and feature tapered legs and simple, functional forms.
- Farmhouse: Evokes a cozy, rustic charm with distressed finishes and natural materials. Farmhouse desks often have a sturdy, practical design focusing on comfort and simplicity.
- Scandinavian: Emphasizes light, airy designs with natural wood finishes and a minimalist approach. Scandinavian desks are often functional and stylish, featuring clean lines and a simple color palette.
Materials of Desks
Choosing the suitable material for your desk is as crucial as picking the style. The material impacts how easy the desk is to clean and sanitize, its resistance to scratches and stains, and its overall durability. Here are some of the most common materials used in office furniture:
Wood Desk
Here’s a brief introduction to some common types of wood used for desks:
- Laminate desks: Laminate is an engineered material designed to handle significant impact and regular use. It is available in various grades, with high-performance laminate being particularly well-suited for corporate office environments due to its exceptional durability.
- Solid wood desks: Made from a single piece of natural wood or a combination of solid wood pieces, this type of desk is highly durable and often considered a premium choice. Solid wood desks can be made from a range of woods like oak, cherry, walnut, or maple, each providing unique colors and grain patterns. They are valued for their strength, longevity, and the unique character that develops with age.
- Plywood: Made from layers of wood veneer glued together, plywood is a versatile and cost-effective option. It offers good strength and stability and can be finished with a veneer for a wood-like appearance. Plywood desks are generally lighter than solid wood desks and can be less expensive while providing a decent look and durability.
- Wood veneer desks: Wood veneer desks are made by applying a thin layer of natural wood to a composite base, such as a particle board. This design provides the appearance of solid wood at a lower cost. While the core construction is similar to laminate furniture, the authentic wood veneer on top is the crucial difference. Although veneer desks may require more care and cleaning than laminate, they offer a sophisticated finish that appeals to many design-conscious buyers.
Metal Desk
Metal is an excellent choice for desks due to its lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and durability. It is frequently combined with other materials to create a contemporary look. You’ll often see metal used for desk legs or drawer handles. In industrial and medical environments, metal is precious as a primary material because it’s easy to clean and sterilize.
Glass Desk
Glass desks are typically made from thick tempered glass, specially treated to enhance durability and minimize the risk of breaking. These desks often feature a metal frame for support. While glass is straightforward to clean, it tends to show fingerprints and smudges readily, necessitating frequent maintenance.
What Types of Desks Do You Need?
If you are confused about which type of desk you should buy, ask yourself four questions to decide:
1. Where Should I Place the Desk
When choosing a desk, consider where to place it to ensure it fits comfortably in your space and allows easy movement around it.
The desk will go in the living room? A corner of the bedroom? Or the study? Measure the available space and compare it with the desk’s dimensions to ensure it will fit properly.
2. How Will I Use the Desk
Consider how you plan to use the desk—whether for general office work, gaming, or creative projects—since this will influence the features you need, such as space for multiple monitors or specialized compartments.
3. How High is My Chair
Most chairs can be adjusted in height, but if yours can’t, you must ensure it fits well with the desk’s height. Measure from the floor to the top of your chair’s seat and compare it to the distance from the floor to the bottom of the tabletop. This will help you gauge if there’s enough space to sit comfortably at the desk.
4. How Big Storage Would I Need
Finally, assess your storage needs to determine if you need a desk with built-in drawers and shelving or if you’ll use separate storage solutions.
Considerations Before Buying an Office Desk
If you already have a target type in mind but aren’t sure how to assess the strengths and weaknesses, you can consider the following five aspects to evaluate it:
Common Features
When choosing an office desk, consider these key features to ensure it meets your needs:
- Storage: Choose a desk that offers plenty of storage solutions, like drawers, shelves, or built-in cabinets. This will help keep your workspace tidy and provide designated spots for documents, office supplies, and personal belongings.
- Cable Management: Opt for a desk with cable management features like built-in grommets, cable trays, or holes. These features will help you manage cords and cables neatly, keeping them out of view and reducing clutter, which enhances the overall look of your workspace.
- Chair Space: Ensure the desk provides enough clearance for your chair. Measure the desk’s height and depth to ensure it accommodates your chair comfortably, allowing you to work ergonomically without any restrictions.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is crucial in selecting an office desk because it impacts your comfort and health. An ergonomic desk setup promotes correct posture and minimizes strain on your back, neck, and wrists, helping to prevent discomfort and issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain. Maintaining an ideal working position can minimize physical stress and enhance your overall well-being.
Additionally, an ergonomic desk can boost productivity by allowing for a customizable and comfortable workspace. Features like height adjustment and customizable angles help tailor the desk to your specific needs, making it easier to stay focused and work efficiently. Investing in ergonomic furniture improves your immediate comfort and contributes to long-term health benefits and a more productive work environment.
Style and Design
Your office desk should both enhance your interior style and support your work needs and comfort.
Additionally, consider the desk’s color. Do you want a vibrant, cheerful hue that lifts your spirits each time you see it? Or would you instead opt for a neutral shade that seamlessly blends with any room decor? With a variety of styles available, choose one that will make your workspace enjoyable and suited to your taste.
Budget
When choosing an office desk, consider setting a budget to find one that meets your needs without overspending. Additionally, evaluate the features and build quality about the cost to ensure you get good value for your investment.
Warranty
Review the store’s return policy to ensure you know the terms if the desk fails to meet your expectations. Second, consider opting for a desk with a warranty. Having a warranty provides peace of mind regarding the desk’s durability and quality.
How to Enhance Your Workplace?
A highly productive office isn’t just about the office desk itself but also the accessories that enhance your workspace. Here are some essential desk accessories to consider:
- Ergonomic Chair: A comfortable, supportive chair is crucial, especially if sitting for long periods. A chair like the Meet&Co Ergonomic Office Chair helps maintain good posture and prevents back pain.
- Monitor Arms & Stands: Elevate your monitor to eye level to reduce neck strain and free up desk space for other items.
- Keyboard & Mouse Pads: These provide wrist support to prevent strain and add a touch of style to your desk.
- Cable Management Tools: To manage wires, keep your desk tidy and organized with cable clips, sleeves, or under-desk trays.
- Desk Organizers & Storage Solutions: Use these to keep your stationery and documents neatly arranged and easily accessible.
- Task Lighting: A good desk lamp with adjustable brightness helps reduce eye strain and keeps your workspace well-lit.
- Greenery: Adding plants like succulents or air-purifying spider plants can enhance the look of your desk and improve air quality.
- Acoustic Panels: These can help reduce noise and improve concentration in busy environments.
These accessories can transform your desk setup into a more functional and enjoyable workspace, boosting productivity and comfort.
FAQs
What are the most minor types of desks?
The most minor options include telephone desks, lectern desks, lap desks, and floating desks. Choosing one of these types can be ideal if you’re working with limited space and need a compact solution.
What are the most significant types of desks?
The most oversized desks include bench-system desks, executive desks, reception desks, and credenza desks. These desks are not ideal if you’re trying to conserve space. However, choosing a grand desk can enhance your workspace, especially if you want to make a strong impression as a high-powered executive.
What is the most expensive type of desk?
Executive desks are usually the priciest option, crafted from high-quality materials such as solid wood, leather, or metal. They often showcase elaborate details and luxurious finishes to convey a sense of power and prestige. Top executives commonly choose these desks or anyone looking to make a bold statement in their office.
What are the differences between office desks and gaming desks?
Office desks focus on ergonomics and functionality for work, featuring adjustable heights, built-in storage, and professional designs. Gaming desks, on the other hand, emphasize comfort and customization for gaming, often including features like RGB lighting, large surfaces for multiple monitors, and accessories such as headphone hooks and drink holders. While office desks are generally more neutral in design, gaming desks are often more vibrant and tailored for extended play sessions.
What is the best choice for a small office?
In smaller offices, corner desks are a popular option because they fit neatly into corners, optimizing floor space while offering plenty of work area. Floating desks attach directly to the wall and are another excellent choice for saving floor space and achieving a sleek, minimalist appearance. Additionally, a compact writing desk or a secretary desk with integrated storage can be a practical solution for tight spaces.
What is the best way to measure a desk?
To measure a desk, check its width by measuring from left to right, depth from front to back, and height from floor to surface. Also, the under-desk space for legroom and any drawers should be measured to determine their dimensions. Using a tape measure and recording these dimensions will help ensure the desk fits your space and meets your needs.
What are sit to stand or height adjustable desks?
Research into the impact of prolonged sitting during the workday has revealed that excessive sitting can adversely affect your health. To counteract these negative effects, height-adjustable desks have been developed, allowing individuals to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. These desks can be adjusted to various heights either electronically, pneumatically, or manually with a hand crank.
What should the proper height of an office desk be?
Selecting the perfect desk height is not a one-size-fits-all situation. For individuals between 5’8” and 5’10”, a desk height of 28 to 30 inches is generally ideal. However, those outside this range might find it challenging to work comfortably at such a desk. Since offices have employees of various heights, a height-adjustable desk is often the best solution. These desks can be adjusted from as low as 22 inches to as high as 49 inches, accommodating most users comfortably.
What size to buy?
The size of the desk you choose should match your work and fit within your office space. Start by measuring your office area to determine how big a desk will work. Leave at least 2 feet of space around the desk for easy movement. Also, measure doorways and stairwells to ensure the desk can be brought into the room. If you have narrow passages or tight turns, you might want a smaller desk or one that comes in pieces for easier assembly.
Conclusion
Now that you have a clear overview of all types of office desks from our blog, you can see that your choices are virtually limitless, from standing desks to compact computer desks. Some desks offer generous storage, while others are designed to save space. The suitable desk for you depends on your needs, current decor, and budget.
If you’re ready to furnish your home office or workspace, explore the range of desks available at Meet&Co Office Furniture. Our experts help you find the ideal desk for your space!
