Desk buying guide: how to find the right one for you
18.11.2019
Translation: Eva Francis
Which desk is suitable for which purpose? The answer to this question depends on your needs – an architect surely has other preferences than a schoolchild or someone who works from home. Here’s a quick guide to finding the right desk.
I have fond memories of my very first desk, which I was allowed to choose myself when I was in primary school. It was simple, had silver legs and a heavy glass plate. «Like an adult’s desk,» I thought to myself. I didn't care that the one I chose didn't have any drawers when we were in the shop. It was only when we got home that I began to have second thoughts about my impulse decision. There I was with plenty of office material, but no storage. Of course, chaos was inevitable. To make sure you don’t make the same mistake I did, here’s a quick guide on what to look out for when you’re buying a desk.
Height-adjustable desks
Image: Bureau
Looking for a desk that grows with you or your child? If so, a height-adjustable desk is what you need. If you’re working from home, models that are converted into standing desks are ideal. Alternate between sitting and standing to reduce back pain and prevent neck tension.
See all height-adjustable desks // models for children
Secretary desks
Being narrow yet offering plenty of storage space for paperwork, this type of desk is often found in small homes. Secretary desks were originally roll-top models topped by a bookcase, usually closed with doors or drawers. Although today’s versions usually can’t be closed and locked, secretary desks are available in many variations: as leaning desks, four-legged, two-legged, with drawers, or without storage. With a small surface to work on, this type of desk is only suitable for infrequent office work.
Desks with drawer(s)
Image: Temahome
Storage space is often an essential requirement when buying a desk. But less may be more – we both know that drawers easily turn into a collection of random bits and bobs. Keep your office essentials, office supplies, documents and the such, in your desk drawer. Lip balm and sunglasses belong somewhere else.
Space-saving desks
If you don't have a spare room to make into your office or if you don't often use your desk, space-saving wall desks are a great option. Some even hide completely: the wall secretary «Flatmate» can be folded up, making it invisible if you're not using it. Wall desks blend into your home particularly well if you go for a white model and place it in front of a white wall.
Tilt-top desks
Image: Wohnling
Tilted worktops are not only popular with architects, they're also suitable for children, as they keep the little ones from hunching over a horizontal table surface. If you want to avoid having a chaotic desk surface, this might be ideal for you: the tilted surface means you can’t place anything on it – except a drawing pad or writing paper.
Go to all tilt-top desks // models for children
L-shaped desks
Placed in a corner, an L-shaped desk offers plenty of surface area without taking up much space. This solution is ideal if you're working on several things at the same time and offers space for several monitors. There are corner desks that come as one unit and L-shaped desks made up by several elements.
Simple worktops
Nice and simple – these models don't have to hide away in your office, but can be placed in your living room and converted into an elegant eye catcher. If you do not use this desk as such, you can convert it into a chest of drawers with the right decoration.
Desks with cable management
Image: Temahome
Who likes cable clutter? A desk with a cable hole is the right choice if you don’t want any cables to be visible on your desk. Route the cable of your keyboard, monitor and mouse through this hole and your desk will look nice and tidy.
Check out our full range of desks
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Header image: The modern desk «Rayburn» combines wood with metal. Picture: Woodman
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.
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