Office Furniture Online’s Helpful Buying Guide: Office Desks
Whether you need to upgrade the comfort of your home office or improve productivity in a commercial office setting, having the right office desk can do wonders for your work experience. This Office Furniture Online Buying Guide has been created by experts at OFO and is designed to help you understand how to buy the perfect office desk for your workspace. Within this guide, we will highlight the different types, laying out their pros and cons, teaching you why an ergonomic office desk is important and providing advice on selecting the right one!
What are the different types of office desks?
Rectangular Office Desks
Rectangular desks are the classic choice for many office settings. They are available in various sizes, materials, and colours, so you will always find one that suits your home office or corporate office. They provide a reliable surface to carry out all daily office tasks.
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Ergonomic Office Desks
These desks are specifically designed to provide the best ergonomic comfort to the user. Featuring adjustable components such as keyboard trays and monitor stands to help reduce back, wrist, and eye strain, these are great for individuals who spend long hours at workstations. By investing in ergonomic equipment that offers better support, you can significantly improve your overall well-being.
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Standing Office Desks (Height Adjustable)
Standing office desks, also known as height-adjustable desks, offer flexibility and allow you to pick between sitting and standing positions. By allowing yourself to incorporate standing into your daily routine while working, you can experience several health benefits. From reducing the risk of back and neck pain to increasing energy levels throughout your workday, using standing office desks helps promote healthy posture and circulation while keeping your body feeling good.
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Bench Office Desks
Bench desks are known for their resemblance to a bench. They are great for collaborative work environments and open-plan offices. They allow users to work and discuss without dividers, creating a space with a healthy flow of communication and teamwork.
L-Shaped Office Desks
L-shaped office desks are designed to fit into corners while making the most of available space. They are great for small offices that need to maximise their use of space. Designate each end of the desk for different tasks and stay organised while working.
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What are good desk dimensions?
The ideal desk dimensions depend on user height, workspace needed, and available office space. Things to consider include surface/desktop area, legroom, and height adjustability. With the standard height of a desk being 30 inches, the average depth being between 24-32 inches, and the width typically ranging from 48-70 inches, some individual needs will vary based on personal preferences and may need desks with different dimensions.
Surface Area
The surface area is important as this is where your work equipment, such as monitors, keyboards, documents, and other necessary items, will be placed, ensuring that you have enough room to work comfortably and efficiently. You will need plenty of space for all of this equipment to remain organised. So there is no perfect width and depth that suits everyone – fortunately, at OFO, we stock office desks of varying sizes for you to choose from! Measure up, figure out your needs, then shop around our easy-to-navigate site. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Legroom
Leg space is another important factor to consider. You need adequate room for your legs to move freely without feeling cramped and uncomfortable. By ensuring you have plenty of leg space, you can maintain comfort while helping promote proper posture and circulation. If your office space can manage it, choosing a desk with a deeper depth can give you enough space to stretch your legs, keeping you feeling fresh throughout the day.
Height Adjustability
As there is no perfect height for everyone, it can be difficult to know which size desk to buy. Although an office chair will allow users to make adjustments to get into a comfortable position, investing in a height-adjustable desk will provide even greater flexibility. Allow individuals to customise the height to their needs, allowing them to work comfortably – promoting better posture, reducing strain, and improving overall comfort.
With so many factors influencing what makes ideal desk dimensions, you will notice not one size fits all! It will depend on your space and situation and what you need to achieve. Contact us if you need help finding a desk with suitable dimensions!
How deep should an office desk be?
A typical office desk has a depth of 24-32 inches. With this in mind, an office desk should be deep enough to offer plenty of legroom while also ensuring ample desktop space to carry out daily tasks. Your desk should also have space for placing office equipment such as keyboards, monitors, and other essential work items. For taller individuals, opting for a desk with a deeper depth can help you remain comfortable while working with extra legroom.
What is the best height for a work desk?
The standard height for an office desk is around 30 inches. This suits most people, but individual needs can vary from factors such as user height, chair height, and personal ergonomic preferences. The ideal, ergonomic work height position is where your elbows are at approximately a 90-degree angle when typing, with your wrists straight and resting comfortably on the desk or keyboard tray. With your feet flat on the floor or a footrest, and thighs parallel to the floor, these are the positions you should aim for as they encourage proper ergonomics. A standard-height desk can sometimes be a challenge for some people to get comfortable. With an adjustable office desk, you can make small adjustments throughout the day to always remain in an ergonomic position.
Are standing desks better for my health?
Yes, standing desks offer significant health benefits. These range from reducing back pain by letting you engage different muscles while standing, to improving posture and alleviating strain on the spine. They also help encourage movement throughout the day and can boost blood circulation. Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting has been shown to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and other metabolic issues. By investing in a standing desk into your workday, you can benefit from healthier physical well-being while experiencing boosts in productivity from increased alertness and energy levels.
What materials are best for office desks?
Office desks have many desktop materials such as wood, glass, plastic/melamine, and more. Wood is the most popular material due to its affordability and timeless style. Melamine surface desks bring a modern aesthetic to an office while being very easy to clean and maintain. Glass desks offer a sleek, contemporary look but require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. The best material for a desk depends on your aesthetic preferences, need for durability, and budget considerations.
Can I customise my office desk?
Yes, from storage solutions such as built-in drawers and cabinets or drawer pedestals to choosing between various colours and sizes to match your office environment, there are plenty of ways to customise your desk to your needs – and at OFO, we have made this easy. With configurable options with certain office desks to allow you to mix and match different options such as size, colour, and storage, we are here to help you build the office space of your dreams. You can also customise your desk with cable ports for easy cable management, or upgrade the ergonomics and practicality of your desk space with monitor mounts for an even more productive workspace!
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Choosing the right office desk is crucial for a productive and comfortable workspace. Whether you are upgrading your home office or commercial office space, OFO will always be here to help. Prioritise your health and productivity and invest in a reliable office desk today. Contact us for any assistance when taking your workspace to the next level.
