Guide to choosing the right office desk for your workspace

An office desk is something most of us use every day without much thought. That is, until something goes wrong. Maybe you start noticing aches and pains after hours of typing, your desk gets damaged, or your old one no longer fits your workspace.

When that day comes, don’t rush into buying a replacement. An office desk isn’t just another piece of furniture. It’s your daily command centre, your workspace, and – let’s be honest – where you’ll spend a huge chunk of your working life.

This guide will help you choose the right desk for your needs, whether you work from home or run a business.

Common office desk types

Since office work exploded in the 1960s, the office desk has become a symbol of productivity. Desks are a mainstay in workplaces worldwide, from multinational corporations to small local businesses. But the style of desk you need depends on the type of work you do. Here are some common kinds of desks you’ll find in office spaces across the UK:

Compact desk

As the name suggests, compact desks are small and space-saving. They’re ideal as a home office desk and often come as fold-out designs or with built-in storage. Compact desks are also a popular choice for study rooms in schools and universities or for temporary workstations.

Executive desks

Executive desks are the pinnacle of craftsmanship and timeless design. Often found in CEOs’ offices, these desks convey leadership, with large surface areas and plenty of storage. They’re as much about making a statement as they are about ergonomic design.

L-shaped desk

Also known as corner desks, L-shaped desks can maximise space and support multitasking. While not as popular as they once were, their 90-degree angle design makes them a great option for larger workstations.

Bench desk

A staple in spacious offices, bench desks are usually arranged in rows to accommodate multiple workers. They’re highly customisable, with options for different materials and colours.

Standing desks

Standing desks are everywhere these days. They’re adjustable, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing while you work.

Treadmill desks

Treadmill desks have become a social media sensation. While still niche, they have the potential to transform the way we work. Incorporating physical activity into work may relieve stress and boost creativity and focus. If you’re health conscious, this type of desk may be worth trying. Or you can combine a walking pad with a sit-stand desk.

10 critical features to consider in your office desk

Before you start shopping, let’s talk about what really matters in a desk. Whether you’re building a home office or overseeing a whole office refurb, consider these things to get your perfect desk.

1. Sizing

It’s not just about the desk’s surface area. Think about your room’s dimensions and how much space you actually have. A massive executive desk might look impressive, but it’s pointless if it makes your office feel cramped.

If you’re furnishing an office building, ask yourself: How many desks do you need? How many square feet of space do you have per room? How much surface area do your employees need for work?

2. Storage solutions

Storage is often an afterthought, but it’s worth planning ahead. Do you need drawers? How many? Some people work entirely digitally and need minimal storage, while others need space for files, stationery, and the occasional snack stash.

3. Cable management

It might sound boring, but you’ll thank yourself later. Choose a desk with built-in cable ports or some way to keep wires under control.

4. The shape of your desk

The shape of your desk can make or break your workspace. Think about how you’ll move around your office and the overall office design you want.

5. Adjustability

Adjustability isn’t just a fancy extra. Even if you’re not opting for a standing desk, being able to tweak the height slightly can make a big difference to your comfort – if not ensure you get the perfect height for your body shape.

If you do opt for a standing desk, you’ll want the adjustment to be quick and easy.

Flexibility may also be important to you. Do you want a desk that’s easy to move or can be used in multiple ways? If so, consider modular office furniture.

6. Weight capacity and durability

This might not be your first thought, but it’s essential. If you’re planning to load your desk with multiple monitors, a printer, and other equipment, you need something sturdy.

7. Assembly requirements

This matters more than you might think. Are you handy with tools, or does the thought of flat-pack furniture give you nightmares? Some desks come fully assembled, while others require significant DIY skills. At Millar West, we reassemble office furniture for all our customers, saving you time and hassle.

8. Surface finish

It affects both aesthetics and functionality. A glossy finish might look lovely in photos, but it could create annoying glare from overhead lights. Others may stain or scratch easily. Be sure to consult the manufacturer or supplier on this.

9. Ergonomic features

Ergonomics can make all the difference to an office desk. Things like rounded edges and keyboard trays may seem like small details, but they make long working sessions more comfortable.

10. Aesthetics and style

We all want our offices to look good. It makes them that much nicer to be in. That’s why you should think about how it’ll match the overall design of your space.

What’s the ideal desk height?

Office desks aren’t one-size-fits-all, but many companies treat them as if they are. The standard desk height of 73cm might not be right for you or your employees.

Here’s a simple test: when you sit at your desk, your forearms should be parallel to the ground when typing. At the same time, your thighs should also be parallel to the ground while your feet rest flat on the floor.

If you want proper posture while you sit at your desk, ensure both your desk and office chair are the right size for you.

Best desk surface materials

Let’s talk tabletop materials – because they matter more than you might think.

Solid wood is the classic choice. It’s durable, looks fantastic, and can last decades if you treat it well. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s also an investment that tends to age beautifully.

Metal desks are incredibly sturdy and often more affordable than solid wood. They’re perfect if you need something that can handle heavy equipment.

Glass desks look modern and sleek, but be prepared for constant cleaning – every fingerprint shows up like a beacon.

MDF and laminate options are budget-friendly and can look surprisingly good. Modern manufacturing techniques mean they’re more durable than ever, though they won’t last as long as solid wood.

Are standing desks worth the hype?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: standing desks. The global market for standing desks is projected to reach £9.7bn by 2032, so there’s clearly a lot of hype.

But are they worth it?

The short answer: it depends on you and how you like to work.

If you want to be more active during your workday and break up the monotony of sitting at your monitor, they can be brilliant. If you’re unsure, start with a standing desk converter that sits on your existing desk. It’s a cheaper way to test if standing while working suits you.

What does science say about sitting vs standing?

Research suggests that sitting for prolonged periods is bad for your musculoskeletal system and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, prolonged standing also carries risks.

The ideal approach seems to be a balance between sitting and standing. Spending at least some time standing while working may improve wellbeing, reduce back pain, and boost productivity.

Many physiotherapists recommend taking regular stretching breaks to reduce fatigue and improve circulation. If your job allows it, incorporating movement into your day can make a big difference, especially if you do not have a height-adjustable computer desk.

We can help you choose the right desk

Choosing the right office desk isn’t just about picking something that looks nice (though that matters too). It’s about finding a piece of furniture that will support your work style, keep you comfortable, and last for years.

But finding a piece that’s perfect for you can be time-consuming. At Millar West, we make the process simple and easy.

We can guide you through the process of finding a desk type that fits your space, meets your needs and is priced fairly. We’re partnered with dozens of manufacturers that offer desks in various sizes, styles and finishes. Whether you’re looking for the best home office desk or an electric standing desk, we’re your personal desk buying guide.