Office Desks

Give your workplace a facelift and improve employee productivity by equipping it with practical and elegant office desks. These essential pieces of office furniture are important for tasks like writing and filing, and serve as work spaces for computers, telephones, and office accessories. When choosing them, consider factors like available space, office layout, and user work space preferences. Browse the wide selection of practical and ergonomic office furniture at Staples to find different sizes and configurations of desks.

Choose from different types of office desks
One way to classify this furniture is by function. Home and business offices commonly use writing, computer, executive, credenza, and standing desks. A writing table is a compact, narrow unit that’s wide enough to fit a laptop. Computer desks are bigger, and can accommodate larger workstation computers and equipment. These workstations may also feature storage units, pullout keyboard trays, and cable management fixtures. Executive desks are even bigger units, many with double pedestal construction. Choose one of these for a large office.

Credenza tables have multiple built-in storage units, including drawers and shelves, while standing desks have their worktops at standing height. Consider an adjustable height model that can move between sitting and standing heights. Office desks also come in shapes to maximize work flow. U and L desks are highly functional for professional environments, and offer space-saving benefits. By providing two or more separate workspaces, they’re ideal for multitasking. Offices can also use them as shared desks to accommodate two or more employees.

Consider size and material when shopping for office desks
When selecting a size, consider the overall layout of the office. Find a unit that’s big enough to hold a computer, writing supplies, and other essential office equipment when space is tight. However, it should not be so big as to leave the workspace cramped. Materials used to build desks also contribute to their durability and aesthetics. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials. Both are solid options, but metal, especially aluminum, is lighter. Shoppers can also find models that combine both materials.

Pick a wooden table for a traditional office fixture, and to complement other wood furnishings in the workspace. Metal units are suitable for modern decors, especially when fitted with glass tops. Glass and laminates are usually reserved for desktops. Glass is visually striking, and its transparency makes a workspace appear bigger. Laminate is a practical choice that resists staining and warping.

What is the standard size of an office desk?
There are no standard measurements for this piece of furniture. However, the typical office desk has a height between 28 and 30 inches, a width between 30 and 60 inches, and a depth of 20 to 36 inches.

What is the difference between L-shaped and corner office desks?
Both models are suitable for room corners. However, an L unit has two arms joined at a right angle, while a corner unit has a curved elbow. The user sits in the curved center section of a corner desk, but can only work at either of the two sides of an L-shaped desk.

What are RTA office desks?
RTA units, or ready to assemble, come in flat-packed packages, and require users to assemble them. Compared to pre-assembled pieces of furniture, these are usually lighter, and enjoy lower shipping costs. Desks with fragile parts, such as glass worktops, usually ship ready to assemble to lower the risk of breakage during transportation.