The different types of office desks

Choosing the right office desk is more important than you might think, especially with the average working day in the UK being 8 hours. It’s not just about aesthetics or fitting into a specific space; the type of desk you select can significantly impact productivity, comfort, and overall work satisfaction.

In today’s dynamic work environment, where more people are working from home or in flexible office spaces, the variety of desks available has expanded to meet various needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a traditional executive desk, a space-saving corner desk, or a more ergonomic option, understanding the different types of office desks and their benefits will help create a practical and enjoyable space for employees and visitors.

A traditional desk is an executive or writing desk and is one of the most classic options found in offices, schools and commercial properties. Typically designed with a standard wood or metallic structure and accompanied by storage, a traditional desk is fit for any industry. One of the best things about this style is its versatility. Coming in a range of different shapes, sizes and colours, these desk types are also flexible in terms of how much storage they have and how many people they sit.

With the majority of office desks being accompanied by computers, laptops or monitors, there is nearly always a need for cables, power supply and connectivity. Especially helpful for monitors that are never moved, computer desks provide concealed areas in which technology can be plugged in throughout the day, without cables and loose ends poking out or getting tangled.

Fitting into the flexibility and collaborative nature of modern offices, standing desks are being used more and more. In recent years, the health benefits of standing desks have become widely recognised considering employees spend so much time sitting down in the same spot for hours at a time. These desks allow users to alternate between sitting and standing positions, promoting better posture and reducing issues such as stiffness. Standing desks can also boost productivity and a new dynamic to an office environment.

If you work in a more specific industry, you can find desk types that are designed specifically for your needs. For example, artist desks or gaming desks. Depending on the type of specialist desk you opt for, these come with a wide range of features and accessories such as LED lighting, RGB lighting, storage solutions, expandable or adjustable surfaces, cable management and built-in equipment.

Wall-mounted desks are perfect for home offices, offices with limited floor space or businesses that operate flexibly or offer services such as hot desking. They can be folded up when not in use, freeing up valuable space for other activities. This type of desk is also great for areas such as breakout rooms, meeting pods or shared facilities.

In open-plan offices or shared workplaces, cubicles and workstations are ideal. They offer privacy and focus, making them suitable for tasks that require concentration or confidential discussions. These setups are also good for space utilisation and providing employees with a more personal, intimate place to work.

Looking to create a new, modern workspace for your employees to thrive in and turn your old workplace into a place of opportunity?

ACI is based in Nottingham, covering the whole of the UK including Derby office fit-outs, Birmingham, Leicester office refurbishments and Manchester. We’ve created a wide range of office design solutions for our clients across many different industries. Our work is completely tailored to each client, so whether you know exactly what you have in mind or if you’d like our experts to point you in the right direction you’re in the right place.

Give us a call on 0115 697 2074 or drop us an email with your project enquiry and we’ll be in touch.