You’ve got the business going. Things are looking up. Now, you feel like it’s time to upgrade the office furniture to fit the exact look you want. Executive office desks can be a great place to start.
There are so many options out there for you to explore, but when you know what you want, the choice is suddenly easier. This guide will introduce you to tips you can put into practice to find the best fit for your business.
Incorporate Style and Brand Identity
If you’re in a traditional industry like law or finance, a classic wooden executive desk that comes with detailed craftsmanship might be the perfect fit. It reflects professionalism and stability. Meanwhile, if you’re in tech or a creative field, your desk might lean toward sleek, modern designs.
Color matters, too. A dark mahogany desk can create a sense of authority and gravitas, while a lighter oak desk feels more approachable. There are also glass desks, giving off a contemporary and minimalist look.
With a wide array of options, it’ll not be hard to find the perfect fit. You can research the range of premium executive workspaces or any other options that appeal to you and settle for the perfect piece to complement your style and brand.
Consider Ergonomics
About 73% of workers do some or all of their work in the office. So, if you also spend just as much time in, you’d do good to go for executive office desks with proper ergonomics to make you as comfortable as possible. (1)
Start with desk height. Can you sit comfortably with your arms at a 90-degree angle when typing? If the desk is too high, you’ll strain your shoulders. Too low, and your wrists could end up sore. An adjustable-height desk could make all the difference and keep you and your staff healthy.
Next, check for legroom. If you’re relatively tall, choosing a desk with plenty of under-desk space can go a long way. Also, some desks come with built-in ergonomic features like sliding keyboard trays or elevated monitor stands.
The right office furniture can be a game-changer. By investing in ergonomic designs, you could help prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)— a condition affecting about 26.9 of 10,000 full-time workers. (2) (3)
Evaluate Space and Layout
How much room do you have, and where do you want the desk to go? If you’re working in a smaller space, an L-shaped desk could maximize your area while leaving room for movement.
Here’s another thing to consider: how will you use the desk? If you’re someone who juggles paperwork, computer monitors, and maybe a cup of coffee, you’ll need enough surface area to accommodate it all. On the flip side, if your work mostly involves a laptop and a notebook, a minimalist desk might be better.
Think about traffic flow, too. You don’t want a desk so large that it blocks your ability to walk around the room or access storage.
Prioritize Material and Durability
Solid wood desks, like oak or walnut, are incredibly durable and can give your office a timeless, professional feel. However, they’re heavy and can be pricey. So, if you’re looking for something budget-friendly, consider a desk with a wood veneer. It looks high-end but costs less. Just keep in mind that veneers can chip or peel over time if not handled carefully.
On the other hand, metal desks come sleek, modern, and built to last. They’re great for a minimalist aesthetic or a high-traffic office where durability is key. The downside? They can feel cold, literally and stylistically, so you might want to balance them with warm décor or a wooden accent.
Glass desks are another option if you’re going for a contemporary vibe. They’re visually light and make smaller spaces feel larger. However, they demand frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance and generally offer less stability than solid wood or metal alternatives.
Focus on Functionality
Do you deal with a lot of paperwork? If so, a desk with built-in drawers or filing cabinets can help keep everything organized. On the other hand, if you’re a digital-first worker, you might prefer a minimalist desk without bulky storage.
Think about cable management, too. Between your computer, phone charger, and any other gadgets, cables can quickly become a tangled mess. Many desks come with built-in solutions, like grommet holes or cable trays, to keep cords neat and out of sight.
Adjustability is another feature to consider. Standing desks, for example, let you switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This is good for your body and also helps with focus and energy levels.
Closing Thoughts
The right executive desks aren’t just about looks. They are also about serving the right purpose and keeping you productive. The tips above can be your guide in your search. Make sure you select a desk that’s the best fit within your budget and delivers the functionality you require.
Sources
- “AMERICAN TIME USE SURVEY — 2023 RESULTS”, Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/atus.pdf
- “Celebrating National Ergonomics Month”, Source: https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2022/10/31/ergonomics-month-2022/
- “Ergonomic Workspace Design to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders”, Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378871259_Ergonomic_Workspace_Design_to_Reduce_the_Risk_of_Musculoskeletal_Disorders
