Free Shipping UK, IE
60-Day No Risk Return
Warranty Up to 20 Years
Home>All Blogs>Campaigns>Blog Detail>

Lifestyle vs Functional Desks: What’s the Difference?

14 July 2022

Finding the right desk can be a bit like the Cinderella story. You go through desk after desk throughout life not feeling that they are not quite the right fit.

The problem is that there is not much information out there that matches the type of desk to the type of work you wish to do there. Whether it be paid office work, personal admin, or a hobby, the quality and type of desk you choose matter, and here at Flexispot, we can provide professional guidance on the right desk for you.

So read on to find out which desk best suits your lifestyle and work-life, and whether or not it's time to ditch the old desk and invest in a new one that supports the way you work.

What's in a Desk?

Throughout your working life, you are likely to spend as much time at your desk as you do in your bed. People tend to choose their beds and mattresses carefully, but desks remain an afterthought - or the just most aesthetically pleasing you can find.

While there is nothing wrong with selecting a desk you like the look of, your desk must match the look of your office, there is much more to desk selection than meets the eye.

Your desk must be ergonomically designed to cater to not just the type of work that you do, but the way you work. If you tend to sit still while you work and not move much then a small, narrow desk will do - however if you sit still but your job requires a lot of physical paperwork that must be organised, then a small desk with drawers and storage it just right.

Ultimately, your desk should support your posture, and give you enough pace to complete your work efficiently. Your desk should be adjusted to your height, and ensure that your monitor is at eye level to encourage you to sit correctly and protect your back.

What is a Lifestyle Desk?

A Flexispot lifestyle desk is built with storage in mind. Usually height-adjustable, lifestyle desks are usually one pane of wood, that has additional features and storage options to accommodate a wide range of activities.

Who Should Buy a Lifestyle Desk?

Anyone can buy a lifestyle desk in theory, however, they are most useful for people who are going to use their desk for more than just computer-based projects. If you have paperwork or rely on office supplies to get your job done and you need somewhere secure to store them, then a lifestyle desk is for you.

Lifestyle desks focus on easy reach. They feature draws that are ergonomically placed so you can dig around your drawers comfortably without losing concentration on your work.

They usually feature a shallow draw in the centre of the desk, rather than stack so draws at the sides. Thai sis o you can maintain the flow of your work and find the items you need without interruption.

What is a Functional Desk?

A functional desk prioritises space of storage. They usually do not feature any drawers, so are best for those who work 100% on their computer, and have very little need for office supplies nearby.

If you do have paperwork to store, it is best to purchase a separate filing cabinet - if your office is big enough. However, most desk-based jobs are paperless, so investing in a larger functional desk is more economically sound than a smaller lifestyle desk to accommodate drawers that you don't necessarily need.

Function desks are wider than lifestyle desks and are either one flat surface or multi-surface, so you can lift your monitor to head height.

Who Should Buy a Functional Desk?

Just like lifestyle desks, functional desks are a good choice for anyone, but the people who will benefit most are those who solely work on computers but need additional space for extra monitors. The widest functional desks can fit up to three monitors at one time and are great for graphic design projects and developers.

Does The Material Matter?

What your desk is made of affects your wallet more than the quality of your work. The more robust your desk, the greater the life expectancy, and it is cheaper to buy a more expensive desk made of good quality material than it is to invest in a cheaper model that is flimsy.

Not only will you have to replace your entire desk much sooner, but the quality of your work may suffer. There is nothing more distracting than a wobbly desk, and one that comes apart easily or collapses is dangerous for you and your equipment.

Fortunately, here at Flexispot, we only use high-quality materials to make our desks. Along with our consumer guarantees, you can purchase a desk from us with the peace of mind that it will last, and that it is the best fit for you and the way you work.

Why is a Good Desk Important?

A good desk is better for your health. As previously pointed out, you spend as much time at your desk as you do in your bed, and if you would not stand for a poorly designed bed, why should you put up with a low-standard desk?

Poor desks give rise to physical health issues. Neck, should, back and leg pain are observed in those who sit at badly designed desks all day. Muscle and joint pain are also prevalent in improperly designed workspaces.

The longer you remain at a badly designed desk, the more your risk of injury increases. It is always best to keep yourself safe first and foremost, and investing in good desks throughout your working life is a good way to ensure you are fit and healthy when you retire.