Desk Designs: How to Choose a Type of Desk
Set the tone for a productive day.
Whether you're refreshing your home office or starting from scratch, the right desk can improve the way you work. A fresh workspace can boost your focus and inspire your next big project. There are a few things to consider when browsing through different types of desks, including design, size, and style. To streamline the process, we've put together a guide with useful tips to help you find desk designs that you'll love.
Use our table of contents to jump to the section you want to read:
Desk Designs
Desk Features
Desk Sizes
Desk Styles
Desk Designs
With a variety of desk designs, there are a few key things to keep in mind while shopping for a desk. Continue reading below for simple tips to help you learn how to choose a desk.
Desk Shapes
Rectangular: The most popular shape available, rectangular desks are a great fit for any room. Rectangular desks come in a variety of sizes to accommodate computers and other devices.
L-Shaped: While rectangular desks are the most common types of desks, L-shaped desks are an excellent choice for larger home offices or for work that requires more space. This type of desk fits neatly in a corner and provides ample elbow room to tackle projects.
Desk Features
From cable management systems to drawer storage, here are a few desk features that can upgrade your home office.
Cable Management: For home offices with multiple devices, consider choosing a desk with cable management features that can corral cords and keep them organized.
Keyboard Tray: Optimize your desk space with a keyboard tray. The keyboard tray pulls out from beneath the writing surface and positions the keyboard ergonomically for a comfortable workspace.
Assembled: If you don't have the time or the tools to assemble a desk, look for desks that arrive at your home pre-assembled.
If you’re hoping to house office supplies and other workspace essentials, it's important to choose a desk with enough storage to suit your needs. Desks typically offer drawers or shelves (or both!) for storage.
Drawers: Desk designs with drawers are best for home offices that require more organization. Choose a writing desk with one slim drawer to keep writing utensils within reach, or pick an executive desk with two rows of drawers to stash important files and organize office extra supplies.
Shelves: Desks with shelves provide plenty of open space for storing supplies or stacks of books. This type of storage is easy to customize. Use baskets to store small items, such as writing utensils or tech accessories, and keep them well-organized.
Before settling on the right desk, we recommend measuring the space to ensure that you can choose one that fits.
Width
To choose a comfortable width, it's best to consider what type of activities you'll use the desk for and any items you’d like to store on top of the desk, such as task lamps or decor. If you're only planning on using the desk for reading or writing, a small or standard desk is a great option. Standard desks measure between 40" and 60" wide with plenty of surface space and versatility. Long desks are best for larger spaces or accommodating multiple devices.
Depth
Depth is another key measurement when shopping for a new desk. Standard desks typically have a depth between 20" and 30". If you have more than one monitor or prefer more space to spread out reading materials, opt for a desk with a deeper depth. For compact spaces, narrow desks are a low-profile option that offers the same functionality as a standard-sized desk.
Desk Styles
Whether you prefer breezy coastal styles or traditional aesthetics, we've gathered a few ideas to help you find desk designs that suit your space.
Farmhouse-Style Desks
For farmhouse spaces, pick a desk with a simple silhouette and practical details like drawer storage. Go for desk designs with weathered wood finishes or distressed paint to match the relaxed feel of farmhouse style. Choose hardware with classic finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel, to complete the look. Top the desk with an antiqued brass task lamp to illuminate the workspace, or add a ceramic vase filled with fresh flowers from the garden to give the desk a fresh touch.
The slim silhouette of a coastal-style writing desk works well for tackling any project and provides plenty of surface space for productivity. Pick a desk with a light-toned wood for a laidback coastal feel, or opt for a bright white desk to match the airy seaside color palette. Pair the desk with a comfortable wicker chair to add a bit of natural texture.
Bring a bit of nostalgic style to your home office with a spacious traditional desk. Executive desks have ample storage and enough surface space to spread out, making them a great option for traditional-style home offices. Look for desk designs with classic detailing, such as carved drawer fronts or antiqued hardware. Choose a white desk to brighten up the space, or go with a deep mahogany desk to capture the feel of a timeless study. Finish the home office with a hand-tufted Persian-style rug to anchor the space and provide a soft landing underfoot.
Warm up a rustic home office with a distressed wood desk. To match the organic feel of rustic style, go with a desk that highlights the unique features of the natural wood grain. Look for additional rustic elements like industrial-inspired drawer pulls or reclaimed wood. Add an upholstered chair with nailhead trim for long-lasting comfort.
Pro Tip:
Looking for home office inspiration? Read our guide Timeless Home Office Designs for decorating ideas for every style.
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