Office desks are typically the main piece of furniture inside a home office. They are the primary focus of the room and thus deserve special attention and consideration when you go about choosing one.
The right office desk will help you be more productive and better organized at home.
Choosing a Home Office Desk
The first thing to consider is what the purpose of your desk will be. Is it for writing, using a laptop, using a computer monitor, organizing files, or other purposes? Do you work from home full-time or will the desk only be used occasionally?
The purpose of your home office working space will determine the size and storage needs of your desk.
Next up, you need to decide where your desk will be located. Do you have a dedicated home office? Do you plan to put a desk in your bedroom? What about in the kitchen? There are many different places you can put an office desk, so be sure to measure the space available before purchasing your desk so you know what you have to work with.
Home Office Desk Types
Here are the main types of office desks you will find online.
Executive Desks
The executive desk is the biggest desk available with ample storage options. It’s large enough for working on complicated tasks where you need to store lots of tools and paperwork. It’s the perfect everyday home office desk you can rely on. Executive desks often have a large rectangular working surface. Underneath, there is plenty of room to sit and on either side, you’ll find several drawers and cabinets for storage.
Check out this list of the best extra large home office desks if you’re designing a particularly large home office space.
Writing Desks
Writing desks are the most common standard home office desk. They tend to be on the smaller side. They are meant for light use, hence the name “writing.” They are typically made of a thin rectangular writing surface and four legs, with open space beneath. Sometimes a small drawer is found beneath the writing surface for storing pens and notepads.
Shell Desks
Shell desks are simple, three-sided desks with little to no storage underneath. They are typically rectangular shaped and offer plenty of open space beneath the surface.
Secretary Desks
Secretary desks are a vintage piece of furniture, that has since been redesigned and developed for modern appeal. Secretary desks have an upper board that folds down to form a writing surface. It typically hides little cubbies and drawers where small objects can be stored. When the surface is no longer needed, it folds back up for storage.
Leaning/Ladder Desks
Leaning desks, or ladder desks, are vertically oriented desks that offer multiple levels of storage. They resemble a ladder leaning against the wall, hence their name.
Corner/L-Shaped
Corner desks, or L-shaped desks, are great for large offices or just somewhere you want to have extra work space. This a heavy-duty work desk that is meant for professionals. Of course, you can also find small corner desks that are shaped like triangles and meant for small workspaces.
Foldable Desks
Foldable desks are great for temporary desk needs or desks that need to be moved around often. Foldable desks have a surface that can easily fold down into a thin piece. They can be stored more easily inside a closet.
Floating Desks
Floating desks are installed directly onto the wall. They have no legs, so it is not wise to store heavy objects on them. Some of them fold down, while others are permanently mounted so they stick out all the time. They are space-saving options for minimalist or very small rooms and apartments.
Height Adjustable
Height adjustable desks are becoming more popular as people realize that they are too tall for their desk or they prefer to work standing up! Height adjustable desks mean you can raise or lower a desktop to suit your needs. The best thing is that they can be used while sitting down or standing up.
Standing
Standing desks are all the rage for people who work from home. Sitting isn’t the healthiest thing to do all day, so standing desks provide a way for you to work while standing. They are great for at-home workers or people who want to stay healthy while working at a desk.
Home Office Desk Storage
Depending on your needs, you may wish to consider the following office desk storage options for your setup:
- Drawers: Drawers can be found on office desks either beneath or to the sides.
- Hutch: Some desks feature upper storage above the main surface level of the desk.
- Slide-out Keyboard Drawer: Desks specifically made for computer use may feature a lower slide-out drawer to hold a keyboard.
Of course, many other separate products are available to purchase if you need more storage for your desk.
Home Office Desks by Style
You can find a variety of office desks in almost any decorating style online. Check out a few of our home decor furniture guides to shop for an office desk that fits your home decorating style!
I was thinking about buying a desk for my small home office. This blog has actually been a blessing in disguise for me. Thank you for creating such an amazing piece of content.
You’re welcome!