Contemporary & Modern Desks
A functional office desk is foundational to any workspace and is one of the most important pieces of furniture you can add to your home office. An investment in your comfort and productivity, the right office desk will help you minimize clutter and contribute to a welcoming and motivational design scheme. At Herman Miller, shop office desks and computer tables to suit a wide range of office sizes, working styles, and aesthetic preferences.
Types of Desks
Office Desk
The office desks category comprises several different types, all suited to professional work environments. Desk types include ladder desks, a wall-mounted desk featuring shelves; executive desks, such as a traditional wooden desk with a spacious surface; writing desks, which are compact, table-like desks with minimal features; height-adjustable standing desks; and desks with storage components, such as drawers, cabinets, and built-in shelves. Many computer desks are designed with cord management portals, keyboard trays, laptop stands, and other computer-friendly features. Office desks are available in many materials and colors, from solid wood desks and glass desks to white desks and black desks.
Standing Desk
The best type of desk for active, dynamic working styles, standing desks are height adjustable. Also called sit-stand or sit-to-stand desks, these adjustable desks may be manual (operated by crank or lever) or electric (operated by buttons or control panel). This type of desk allows you to move from sitting to standing and back again throughout your workday for a more healthful working posture. Many electric standing desks include other convenient features, such as built-in outlets or USB ports, so that you can easily charge your devices.
Office Table
A spacious, broad surface distinguishes office tables from standard office desks. These are ideal additions to shared or collaborative office spaces that need to accommodate groups of people. Though many office tables are ultra-streamlined in design and lack supplementary storage features, some computer tables feature slim drawers, narrow cabinets, or low-profile shelves. Some extra-large office tables can also double as dining tables in multipurpose spaces, while others are large enough to function as office conference tables.
How to Choose a Desk
Start with the dimensions. The most important factor to consider when choosing an office desk is size. The best desk for your space will be large enough to hold your office setup with room to spare, but not so large that it overwhelms your space or makes it difficult to maneuver around your office. Width and depth are the most variable desk dimensions. These will help you determine the ideal desk size for your space. Desks usually range in width from approximately 30” to more than 80”, and range in depth from approximately 18” to more than 30”. Choose a desk that’s large enough to hold all your work equipment with room to spare. If you work on a laptop or work from a small office, consider a small desk with storage, such as a narrow, shallow console table or ladder desk. If you use multiple monitors, collaborate frequently, or work with numerous documents simultaneously, opt for a large desk or computer table that maximizes surface space. Standard height is 24”, but desks are not always one-size-fits-all. If you want to alternate between sitting and standing throughout your workday, a height-adjustable desk will afford you the most freedom of movement. Consider storage components. A cluttered office can inhibit productivity. The key to mitigating clutter is to choose an office desk with adequate built-in storage for the items you use on a regular basis, so that your essentials are close at hand but not in the way. Office desks with drawers are some of the most useful desks with storage. Further enhance your organization with drawer dividers and trays. Cabinets are ideal for large items and equipment, such as file boxes, a scanner, or a printer. If you’d prefer to keep decorative items on display, consider a desk with a hutch or built-in shelving, such as a ladder desk. Finally, look for desks with keyboard trays and cable management portals that can help you keep wires in order. Finish with visual appeal. In a private workspace or home office, the visual appeal of your desk can contribute to the overall design scheme of your space. Don’t sacrifice style for function. A stylish modern desk can serve your work purposes while also appealing to you aesthetically. If you’re looking for a minimalist option, consider a contemporary or modern office desk with sleek, tapered legs and a natural wood or colorful powder-coated finish. In a home library or study that leans traditional, opt for an ornate, traditional wooden desk that can contribute to a room’s design scheme. For a cohesive look, shop for office desks that incorporate materials and finishes featured elsewhere in your office. Or add contrast to your space with an office desk in a unique material.