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Office Desk Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Office Desk

When selecting an office desk, the most important consideration is ensuring the desk meets your specific needs so you can perform your job to the best of your ability. Before perusing office desk options, make a prioritized checklist of what you require to work effectively. This should include how you work and what you need to work. Once you determine these important factors, you will have a better idea of what to look for in an office desk. Then, you can move on to other considerations, such as the office space available to you, your budget, and the image you are trying to portray or aesthetics you desire in a desk.

Office Desk Buyering Guide

Create a Priority Checklist

How you Work: Do you spend a lot of time doing paperwork, drafting or drawing plans, or typing on a computer? Do you often hold meetings in your office or have frequent visitors?

Your Work Needs: Do you use a printer, more than one computer monitor or require extra storage for files or supplies? Do colleagues present ideas or review materials with you at your desk?

Understanding the Basics

When assessing an office desk, focus on the following:

Personal work needs
Size of office space
Available budget
Desired image and aesthetics

Consider these scenarios:

For those who travel or spend ample time out of the office, a unit with built-in, lockable drawers and file cabinets will deliver added security and privacy.

If paperwork fills your day, a keyboard tray could be a helpful space-saver, and an L-Shaped or U-Shaped desk with a bow- or table-front would offer additional surface space.

If you operate with more than one computer monitor and a printer on your desk, make more space by placing your printer on a credenza or other piece of office furniture, such as a bookshelf, or add a small table to the front of your desk.

If you hold meetings and collaborate with others in your office, or frequently shuffle papers for revisiting later, a modular desk paired with similar office furniture, might be a good choice, as would an L-Shaped or U-Shaped desk.

Many people seek surface and storage space in an office desk. If you are struggling to achieve both, take advantage of vertical space by adding an overhead storage hutch, and try to maximize your entire office space.

"Maximizing your total office space can provide more desk surface space and storage."

Before buying a desk, measure the size of your work area. Allow 3.5-to-4-feet of space behind the desk so you have room to move, and between the desk and credenza, if using one. Allow 3 feet for door swings and 3 feet to at least one side of your desk, allowing you to walk to your desk chair comfortably. When using guest chairs, allow for 3 feet from the front of the desk to the back of the chairs.

If you have limited space, a smaller desk such as a computer desk can come equipped with pull out work surfaces, drawers, hutches or shelves. A corner desk is another option for small spaces, as well as home offices as many times spare bedrooms containing multiple doors or windows are converted to offices. Make sure windows and doors are unobstructed when positioning your desk and keep in mind that window blinds can help with unwanted natural light.

"Pairing your office desk with the space available offers a more efficient, productive work environment."

An established budget will often determine what kind of office desk you can purchase. If your budget doesn't allow you to get everything you want upfront, consider buying in phases – and don't forget to budget for an office chair.

Additionally, your desk should portray the image and aesthetics you desire. Is your office environment contemporary, modern or traditional? Do you need to have an executive presence? Do you prefer a wood or laminate?

Other Details to Consider

Office chair. Consider budgeting for an office chair when purchasing an office desk. Seek a chair that provides comfort and support to encourage proper posture, reduce fatigue, aid in appropriate blood flow, and minimize the risk of repetitive stress syndrome.

Furniture series. Consider viewing the entire furniture series of the office desk you are purchasing. Many desks are part of a series, and may include other beneficial items for your office such as lateral files and bookcases.

Finish and durability. Consider finishing and durability options. Laminate surfaces offer higher durability, feature a variety of finishes and styles. Wood veneer surfaces sport catalyzed lacquer finishes, which are much more durable than desks made in the past. These finishes also provide an elegant appearance.

Office setting. Consider how the desk will function within your office setting. For a home office that doubles as another room or social space, a computer desk on castors can give you the freedom to roll the desk out of the way if needed. In a corporate office, if your organization is growing or employee roles are often changing, you might want a modular desk, which can adapt to a variety of settings.

Questions to Ask

Before selecting "buy" – ask yourself these final questions.

Does this desk meet my personal work needs?
Will this desk fit comfortably in my office per the size of my work area?
Can I purchase this desk with the budget I have allotted?
Did I budget appropriately for an office chair?
Will this desk capture the aesthetic style and portray the image I desire?

Key Points to Remember

When selecting an office desk, the most important consideration is ensuring it meets your specific needs so you can perform your job to the best of your ability.

Make a prioritized checklist of what you require to work effectively, including how you work and what you need to work.

Also look at the office space available to you, your budget, and the image you are trying to portray or aesthetics you desire in a desk.

Furniture Wholesalers offers office desks for a variety of uses and purposes, and all are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. Our office desk selection includes the following:

Please refer to individual product pages for specific details and additional information.

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