Choosing an office desk might seem straightforward, but with so many sizes, shapes and styles available, finding the right one can make a big difference to how your workspace functions.
The best office desk isn't necessarily the biggest or most expensive. It's the one that provides enough working space, fits comfortably within the room and suits the way you work. Whether you're furnishing a home office, individual workspace or an entire commercial office, here are some important things to consider before buying.
Start With Your Available Space
Before choosing a desk, measure the area where it will be positioned.Remember to allow enough room for the desk itself as well as:
- Your office chair
- Walking space
- Drawers and storage
- Doors and cupboards
- Other employees and workstations
A desk that looks perfect online can quickly overwhelm a room if the available space hasn't been considered.
Choose the Right Desk Size
Think about what actually needs to sit on your desk. Someone working from a laptop may require significantly less space than an employee using dual monitors, paperwork, a phone and other equipment. Larger desks provide more working room, but bigger isn't always better. The goal is to create enough usable space without wasting valuable floor area.
Straight Desks or Corner Workstations?
Straight desks are versatile and work particularly well in smaller offices, home offices and open-plan workstation layouts. Corner workstations provide additional surface area and can be ideal for employees who work across multiple screens or need additional space for paperwork and equipment. Consider how the employee works before deciding which configuration is best.
Consider a Height Adjustable Desk
If comfort and flexibility are priorities, a height adjustable desk is worth considering. Sit-stand desks allow users to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the working day and can be adjusted to suit different employees. They're particularly useful in shared workspaces where multiple people may use the same workstation.
Don't Forget Cable Management
Computers, monitors, chargers and phones can quickly create a mess of cables around a desk. Choosing office desks with suitable cable access and pairing them with cable trays or other cable management accessories can create a cleaner and more professional workspace. It also makes cleaning and maintaining the workstation easier.
Think About Storage
Not everyone needs large amounts of personal storage. For employees who regularly use paperwork or office supplies, a mobile pedestal can provide convenient storage directly underneath or beside the desk. For increasingly paperless offices, centralised cupboards and storage units may be a better use of space.
Consider the Rest of Your Office
Your desk shouldn't be chosen in isolation. Consider how the desk finish, frame colour, storage and seating will work together throughout the office. Using consistent finishes can help create a professional workplace and make it easier to add additional furniture as your business grows.
Final Thoughts
The right office desk should fit your space, support the way you work and provide enough flexibility for the future. Taking a little extra time to consider desk size, configuration, storage and cable management before purchasing can help you create a more comfortable and functional workspace. At Hunter Office Furniture, you'll find office desks, workstations, sit-stand desks and storage solutions designed for Australian workplaces.