Sep 14, 2011

How to Pick the Best Office Desk

[caption id="attachment_393" align="alignright" width="425" caption="How to pick the best office desk"]

[/caption] Your office desk is a major part of your business, as you probably spend most of your time behind it. It’s the place where most business owners keep their computers, phones, and important documents, so selecting a new desk should be a big deal. Consider these tips as you’re searching for the right desk for you. Select the best material. The traditional office desk is made of wood—but wood can be heavy, expensive, and easy to nick. If you want the look of wood with a lower price tag, consider wood veneer. According to Lloyd Burrell's article for Small Biz Bee,¹ "Typically a traditional desk in cherry veneer, mahogany, or walnut veneer will do wonders for your credibility." Burrell also said that metal and glass desks tend to be inexpensive and quite functional, so these options may work for you, too. Just consider the rest of your surroundings before you choose, because you want the desk's surface to match the décor in your office. Pick the right size. You need a desk that fits all the necessities you use to run your business, which means the surface should be big enough for your monitor, paperwork, and any organizational materials, such as a desk calendar or day planner. You will also need space underneath for the CPU, if you are using a desktop, and places to keep your writing utensils and other items. Consider the location. Your new desk should fit in your office without looking crammed into place. Measure the area you have available before buying a desk, taking into account the space you will need to fit your chair and any nearby furnishings, such as filing cabinets. Another reason to choose the spot before selecting the desk is to help you decide whether a hutch is a good idea. If you want to place your desk in the middle of the room and you want to be able to look at clients or employees from behind it, you probably won’t want a hutch. However, if you plan to place your desk against a wall and you want extra storage, you may want a hutch. Pick your features. Most business owners need more than just empty surfaces for their monitors. Try to find a desk with a drawer for the keyboard so you can put it neatly out of sight when not in use. Patricia Schaefer told the readers of Business Know-How² what to look for in a keyboard tray. Burrell also talked about other common desk features in his article.¹ Prepare the location. Whether you’re having your new office furniture delivered or you’re moving it in yourself, get the appointed space ready. Clear a path from the door to the area where you plan to put the desk, and vacuum or sweep the floor. If the desk will be placed against a wall, blocking the outlets you’ll need for work, consider plugging in the necessary cords before the furniture arrives. This way, you can just put them through the proper holes in the back of the desk as you move it into place, then plug them into your office equipment when you get everything put together. The better you prepare for the new desk, the sooner you’ll be able to start enjoying its functionality. 1. "Small Business Startup Priority No. 1: Your Office Desk" 2. "Select the Right Work Desk"