What You Need to Know When Buying a Desk

With many now working at home, having the right desk is imperative to ensure you are as efficient, productive, and inspired to work each day. So here are some things to consider.

• Make sure you have plenty of workspace. I encourage my clients to purchase the largest desk they can. You don’t want to feel boxed in, but you also don’t need the same amount of traffic flow space as you do in the rest of your house.
• Do you like to have different desks for different functions? I have two desks, one for my computer and one for my paperwork.
• Do you need to have any client files or paperwork at arms reach multiple times of the day? I placed a bookcase next to my computer desk to easily reach down and grab a client binder. It’s also where I have my daytimer; yes, I still use a paper one.
• Where do you want your printer? Do you mind getting up to grab what you printed? I want to reach over, so I attached a return to my computer desk.  Under it, I place a 48” lateral file where I keep the different papers I use.
• Do you need an area to layout projects? If you have space, a separate worktable is great. But if you have a smaller office, a desk return might be the answer for you.

These are just a few of the many things you should think about before purchasing a desk.  I have my clients write out a list of everything they work on daily, what is not working for them, and what they would love to have in their office.

Here are a few desk styles to consider.

Modular System – Modular systems let you customize your office for your specific needs.  Not all of us use lateral files or desktop organizers.  Plus, you can add pieces as your needs change.

Peninsula -If you’re sharing space and don’t have room for two desks, consider a peninsula.  This style does depend on what each of you do, how much workspace and private space you need.  With two people working at a peninsula, look for the widest desk that will fit your room.

Compact – If you don’t have a separate room to set up your office, this compact layout can be perfect for you.  It’s essential to have a designated place to work instead of your dining table. No one wants to pick up their work every day.  This layout also works if you have a small space in another room.

Standing Desk – This has become an exceedingly popular style, especially for those now working at home.  Being that we’re not around co-workers, we sit more.  We’re not getting up to ask someone a question or a break to socialize.  That’s what Zoom is now for, hence more sitting.

Project Table– This is a perfect piece to layout projects.  If you don’t have the room for something this big, you can find smaller high-top tables.  I have a stainless-steel restaurant table.  I like it as I’m not concerned with damaging the top when I’m working with tile and finish samples. It also gives me extra storage with the bottom shelf.

Executive U-shaped desk – If you like to have everything within arm’s reach and looking for additional workspace, this is a style to consider.

So, when you’re ready for a new desk, take the extra time to determine everything you need and want and look to see which style works best for you.