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The Pasadena Star-News | Tue 10/14 08:15pm PST | Bestreviews
One of the most important investments you’ll make in a home office is a desk, which functions as the center of your productivity. In addition to providing a clear workspace, a work-from-home desk may help you “stay in the zone” for projects, meetings or deadlines, even from afar.
Finding the right desk involves taking inventory of your professional needs. Monarch Specialties Corner Desk, for example, offers a high level of organization with shelves and a built-in filing cabinet.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the diverse range of work-from-home desks on the market. To narrow your options, find the design that suits your professional needs best among these five desk types:
Unless you’re paying for high-end furniture, be prepared to assemble a work-from-home desk. Fortunately, most of these kits include all the necessary components and tools to put them together. If you decide not to assemble the desk yourself, many retailers offer professional assembly services for an additional charge.
Most high-end and craftsman-made desks are made of wood. In addition to fine details and high-quality construction, they have the highest durability among materials. Wooden desks tend to be the most expensive, and they’re much heavier than metal and MDF desks.
Metal desks are durable and hold up to considerable wear and tear. They’re also low-maintenance because they rarely require more than surface cleaning. While metal desks have an industrial or clinical appearance, they remain affordable and practical.
Many affordable desks for working from home are made with MDF, a byproduct of hardwood and softwood. They may resemble wooden desks, but they lack real wood’s durability because they’re prone to chipping, peeling or bowing.
Newer desks for working from home offer cable management. These desks have cutouts or adjustable panels to accommodate power cords and wires. Certain desks have cutouts toward the back of the tabletop, where others are located in back or side panels.
If you need to store paperwork, devices or office supplies, consider buying a desk with a high level of organization. Many designs feature integrated shelves, while others have built-in filing cabinets. Some gaming desks, which are often embraced as work-from-home desks, may have racks or pegs for headphones or tablets.
Desks made with primarily MDF components cost $100-$350. If you’re looking for a quality wood desk, be prepared to spend $400-$1,000. Desks made by craftsmen or high-end furniture designers, including many executive desks, cost $1,000-$2,500.
A. It’s not necessary, but a desk is a practical alternative to kitchen counters or dining room tables. A work desk may help professionals compartmentalize work and create boundaries to achieve a better work-life balance.
A. When possible, set up your desk in a guest room, basement or loft. If an extra room isn’t available for a dedicated home office, many professionals set up their desks in corners of larger, mixed-use areas like dining rooms or living rooms.
A. It’s a good idea to keep it on hand, even if you keep it in a garage or storage unit, in the event you work remotely in the future. Another option is to repurpose the desk for crafting, homework or other activities.
Monarch Specialties Corner Desk
What you need to know: This attractive L-shaped desk offers plenty of storage and a sprawling workspace.
What you’ll love: The versatile design blends in well with most room décor. The desk can hold multiple monitors and peripherals. Assembly is fairly straightforward and takes less than a couple of hours.
What you should consider: The shelves have limited weight capacities.
Mr IRONSTONE Gaming Desk with LED Lights
What you need to know: This contemporary, L-shaped desk has the added benefit of a monitor shelf.
What you’ll love: It has room for at least three monitors. It’s durable and easy to clean. It also works well as a gaming desk.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have any space or shelves for storing things underneath it.
OneSpace Stanton Computer Desk, Office Desk with Keyboard Tray and Shelves
What you need to know: This compact option is perfect for those who work in smaller or shared spaces.
What you’ll love: It has just the right amount of space for working without having a large footprint. The lower bins can hold a PC tower or bins. It also has a pull-out keyboard shelf.
What you should consider: If you have a bigger home office, it will likely not be large enough for your space.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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