There are many different elements to consider when you buy a new desk, arguably the most important of which is the worktop.
A desk worktop helps to keep you organised and productive, keeps hold of your possessions, and impacts your posture. The worktop also has the biggest impact upon your desk’s design appeal. Yet most of us don’t think much beyond color when we select a new desk worktop.
Here are five key considerations which will help you to make your all-important worktop decision:
#1 Size
You have probably measured the space in which you will put your new desk (and if you haven’t, here’s your reminder to take a measurement!). But you also need to consider what you will actually use your worktop for. Thinking only about the desk-shaped space in your home office, and not about the worktop size you need, could lead to desk purchase regret.
Think about what objects and equipment you will have on your desk every day. How much space will be taken up by your dual monitors? How many files and other bulky objects will be taking up room?
Perhaps you actually don’t need much desktop space and so don’t need a giant desk, even if you do have the space for it.
Think critically about the amount of desktop space you actually need.
Equally, you might start thinking about space saving options. Will you opt for under-desk drawers? Can you put your monitor on a stand to create more worktop space?
#2 Shape
The shape of your desk is as important as its size. Many furniture companies offer considered designs which fit into almost any space.
In particular, module designs offer flexibility for renters and people who like to move their furniture around a lot.
L-shaped desks are also great for fitting into different spaces and offer extra worktop space. FlexiSpot’s L-shaped adjustable desk can be set up on either the left- or right-hand side, to suit the oft overlooked left-handed, as well as the right-handed.
FlexiSpot’s L-Shaped Adjustable Desk E1L
#3 Material and Color
Now is the time to consider the aesthetic appeal of your workspace. Desk worktops come in a huge number of different materials and colors to suit any interior design tastes.
While there are numerous options, here are some examples of beautiful - and functional - desk worktop materials to watch out for:
Bamboo
If you are looking to combine both sustainability and durability, then a bamboo worktop is for you. Not only does bamboo grow much faster than other woods, it also has excellent durability and elasticity.
Bamboo worktops are wonderfully versatile as the colors look equally great next to white modern furniture as with classic woods and textures.
Look out for bamboo worktops that come with a water-resistant lacquer which improves the scratch-resistance and moisture-proof features.
FlexiSpot’s Standing Desk For WFO and WFH E8 with bamboo worktop
Laminate
Laminate desktops often offer the best versatility in terms of color and textured-look options. For example, FlexiSpot offer up to ten different colour options on their laminate desktops, including classic options such as black, white, maple and mahogany, as well as custom graphite, marble grey and white wood grain.
Solid wood
Classic solid wood provides both durability and a sleek look. And surprisingly, solid wood options are not always as expensive as you might imagine.
Solid wood desktops tend to age well in comparison with other desktop materials, as marks and scratches add to the natural appeal of the wood. And many solid wood desktops come with scratch-resistant coating to help your desk age beautifully.
#4 Design Appeal
The overall design of your desktop can have an impact on your mood, the aesthetic appeal of your workspace and even your productivity.
As well as considering the overall shape of your desktop, think about the small details too. For example, rounded edges make for beautiful finishes on desktops and also help the accident-prone to avoid walked-into-the-corner-of-the-desk bruises.
Equally a contoured (or curved) design can help to relieve stiffness in the arms and shoulders as your arms can rest on the contour while typing. Having the ability to sit closer to your screen can also improve posture.
#5 The Hygiene Factor
Since the global Covid-19 pandemic, many of us have a new-found appreciation for cleanliness. When buying a new desk, take a moment to think about how easy the worktop will be to clean.
While glass top desks can look beautiful, the reality is finger-print smudges and small scratches. And buffing up a large glass surface takes a serious amount of elbow-grease!
Solid wood provides a surface which looks better as it ages and small dents and scratches will just look like a part of the natural design. However, wood is porous and therefore collects lunch crumbs, dust and bacteria easily in its grooves.
A laminate surface is one of the easiest worktop materials to keep clean. If your desk will be a multi-functional home office desk, combined with arts and craft studio and homework HQ, a laminated top might be a good option.
