ContactCase Studies
Basket Contact us Call us 01823 663880 Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:30pm
Skip to content

21st Century office desks

April 13th 2011

To look at you wouldn't have really thought that there have been many changes made to the style and function of office desks in the turn of the century, but you would be wrong. With the increase of computer usage, the modern day desk has had to accommodate for this.

Even though, the basic structure of the office desk has not really changed, there have been some subtle changes. With the increase popularity of computers and electronic devices, there has been an increase of wires that surround the desk. Cable management has become a big business; from holes within the desktop also know as "grommets" to power points, sometimes elaborate in design, being attached to the desk or in some cases built in to the structure of the desk. This is most common within call centres where high numbers of people and computers are present. Ergonomics has grown in importance as there are now more offices and workstations that have ever been.

People are spending more and more time at there desks so in the interest of health and safety, desks are now centred on ergonomic design. Desks should allow enough space for equipment and computers as well as being adjustable for the user's needs. As well as this chairs are also viewed in the same way as more and more businesses are opting for ergonomic chairs as well as desks to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort for their employers. It is now not uncommon to see curve or wave shaped desks.

This can add a modern look and feel to the office as well as creating space around the user. Storage has also changed in recent years as the popularity of mobile pedestals has increased as opposed to fixed pedestals. This is for a number of reasons. For example, they can be moved depending on whether the person is left or right handed, it can be easily moved from under the desk if the space is required and can be easily transferred if the user is required to change desks as can often happen within larger organisations due to team changing. In terms of materials, the same laminate finishes are still used, however matte, gloss and frosted glass finishes are becoming more popular as they are deemed to give the environment a more "modern" feel.

It is now not uncommon to see curve or wave shaped desks. This can add a modern look and feel to the office as well as creating space around the user. Storage has also changed in recent years as the popularity of mobile pedestals has increased as opposed to fixed pedestals. This is for a number of reasons. For example, they can be moved depending on whether the person is left or right handed, it can be easily moved from under the desk if the space is required and can be easily transferred if the user is required to change desks as can often happen within larger organisations due to team changing. In terms of materials, the same laminate finishes are still used, however matte, gloss and frosted glass finishes are becoming more popular as they are deemed to give the environment a more "modern" feel.

Start exploring our office and contract furniture collection today

Office Reality is a resource for those who look to source and buy office furniture, contract furniture, healthcare furniture and equipment

Shop now