A “desk” used to be a top with 4 legs, and everyone had the same, but in today’s offices and workplaces, the choices of desks are way more than this simplistic view. How so? 

There is the choice of top material, wood, finish and colour. Depending on budget, preference, décor and purpose. 

There is the choice of size/dimensions and also shape. From wave to radial to rectangular. Again, depending on budget, purpose, need and functionality. 

 

Desks can be for one person or more if part of a meeting room or boardroom. Or for multiple users in a bench style which is ideal for hot desking. Flexible working, productivity levels and hybrid working all need to be taken into account here. 

Desks can even be found as parts of booths and pods if you are factoring in acoustics, productivity and privacy. 

And finally, desks can be flexible if you want to sit or stand, or both, whilst working with electric/heigh adjustable and sit to stand desks.  

Find out more about sit to stand desks, why have one, the many health benefits and what to consider when purchasing  

 

We spend a lot of time at our desks and therefore these need to be fit for purpose in terms of meeting our working needs, big enough for more than one screen, well laid out to prevent clutter, good storage and drawers for productivity and tidiness. These are all factors to consider ... 

Desks first appeared in the late 17th century (the 1600's) as bureaus (a sloping front desk in which the writing surface can be opened and closed) and further research says the world’s first standing computer desk was invented in 1998. 

The word "desk" originated from the Modern Latin word desca "table to write on", from the mid 14th century. This blog looks at the types and purposes of the varying desks found now in today’s changing workplace. 

As we adapt to our working space and working environment, wherever and whatever that may look like, meetings with customers and colleagues and bosses and suppliers will continue to be happening. They may look and sound different, but they will be happening as we continue to work and be productive as best we can.