Corner Desk Buying Guide
A corner desk can completely transform the way you set up your workplace. Want to make more use of your floor space? Got an unused corner area that’s just gathering dust? Choosing an office corner desk gives you a clever combination of space‑saving design, large work surface and modern style.
If you’re thinking of buying a corner desk, this guide highlights all the important considerations – everything from sizes, shapes and colours to material and design features. At Office Furniture Online, we’re here to help you find a desk that not only fits your office space, but also brings productivity, comfort and style into the workplace.
Corner Desk Types
Choosing the right type of corner desk for your office very much depends on its layout and the demands of the job. Do you need regular access to a lot of paperwork or files? Are you collaborating regularly with other team members? These are all things to consider when finding the best corner desk for your needs.
Office Corner Desks with Built-In Storage Options
While standard office corner desks offer plenty of space to stash equipment beneath the desktop, you may want to consider a corner desk with storage if you have lots of paperwork, files or stationery. A desk with built-in pedestal drawers provides a secure, lockable option for keeping confidential documents and other work essentials safe.
Key Benefits
- Maximises use of office floor space
- Keeps your desktop clutter-free
- Lockable drawers increase security
Curved Corner Desks with Extra Workspace
A curved corner desk brings a unique look into the office, but it’s not just about appearance. These desks are ideal if you’re in regular communication with work colleagues – the D-end design can be used for ad-hoc meetings, planning or brainstorming sessions with other team members, while expanding your desk’s surface area.
Key Benefits
- Increases your desktop’s working area
- Doubles up as an informal meeting area
- Adds a sleek and stylish curved aesthetic
Standing Corner Desks with Adjustable Heights
Using a standing desk introduces flexibility and movement into your working day. Allowing you to switch between sitting and standing positions with ease, a sit-stand corner desk encourages regular movement to reduce fatigue, ease aches and support better posture – maximum space with the added benefit of full height adjustability.
Key Benefits
- Encourages movement and stretching
- Supports healthy working habits
- Spacious, height-adjustable desk space
Corner Desk Sizes
Choosing the right corner desk size depends on what layout you’re planning. Do you need a single desk that fits into an awkward corner area, or are you planning a cluster of desks in a larger open space?
Office corner desks come in a choice of left or right-handed configurations, making them perfect for positioning in clusters of two or four. Desk widths can range from 1200mm to 1800mm or more – if you’re planning a cluster, remember to double up your measurements and factor in power sources for up to four desks.
Corner Desk Designs
Finding a corner desk design that works for you involves a number of considerations. It needs to coordinate with your current office furniture while retaining an appearance that’s suitable for your type of work. Broadly speaking, there are two main corner desk design styles to choose from.
Corner Desks with Cantilever Frames for Extra Space
Cantilever corner desks are constructed with an open metal frame for a spacious and modern look. The design maximises legroom and frees up more space beneath the desktop for drawers, cabinets and other storage. As well as making it easier to clean under, the minimalist look of a cantilever desk is perfect for open-plan office layouts.
Key Benefits
- Prioritises legroom and free movement
- More space for equipment storage
- Minimalist look for a modern office
Corner Desks with Panel Ends for Privacy
Panel end desks offer far more privacy with an enclosed look that hides any equipment beneath the desktop from view. End panels are often combined with rear modesty panels to conceal PC towers, cables and other belongings like bags. This more discreet option is perfect for receptions, customer-facing desks and clear office spaces.
Key Benefits
- Privacy keeps legs hidden from view
- Conceals PC equipment and cables
- Easier to create a clutter-free look
Corner Desk Styles
As well as a robust steel frame or legs, you’ll also need to consider the desktop material and look that works best for your office space. Whether you want hassle-free simplicity, statement style or something in between, we’ve highlighted all the most popular options below.
Popular Corner Desk Materials and Durability
While natural solid wood is often the material of choice for desks around the home, office desktops must be far more durable and resilient to the demands of repeated everyday use. In the vast majority of workplaces, low maintenance and easy cleaning is key – and that’s why melamine or melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) is such a popular choice.
- Melamine / MFC – popular for its durability, low maintenance and cost effectiveness. Melamine desktops can be wiped clean in seconds, and they’re easy to keep hygienic with disinfectant wipes.
- Wood Veneer – applied to a substrate like chipboard or MDF to give it the look and feel of natural hardwood. Combines natural beauty with good strength and durability, but more expensive than melamine. Requires regular maintenance such as washing and polishing.
- Glass – an attractive alternative that can be left transparent or finished with an enamel paint. Made from toughened safety glass for strength and durability. Prone to showing marks or fingerprints, so requires regular maintenance with warm water and microfibre cloths.
- Solid wood – the ultimate in elegance and natural style. Not such a cost-effective option for kitting out offices. More popular as a statement home office desk due to its high cost.
Desktop Colours to Suit Your Workspace
Choosing the right desktop colour can go a long way towards creating the type of look and feel you want for your office. Desk colours can significantly influence mood, creativity and the energy levels among your team. Learn more about the benefits of our most popular styles below.
- White – creates a bright, clean aesthetic that helps to open up space and make offices feel larger. White corner desks are great for promoting clarity and focus, and they coordinate with almost any interior style.
- Black – provides a sleek and modern look, adding a sense of sophistication and authority. Black corner desks keep visual distractions to a minimum, encouraging focus and creating a calm workspace.
- Wood-effect – adds a natural look for a warm and inviting workplace. Popular wood-effect finishes include oak, beech and walnut, available in a variety of shades and rustic styles. Designed to boost comfort and creativity.
Office Corner Desks with Cable Management Features
Corner desks with built-in cable management help to keep your office clean, tidy and clutter-free. With leads and power cables kept well out of sight, you’ll create a clear and professional workspace.
Popular corner desk cable management features include integrated cable trays, under-desk channels and discreet cut‑outs within the frame. Good cable management prevents cords from becoming tangled and makes it easier to connect multiple devices neatly. It also keeps cables off the floor, eliminating trip hazards while reducing wear on your tech by avoiding strain on plugs and ports.
L-Shaped or Corner Desks – What’s the Difference?
L-shaped and corner desks are often used to describe the same design, but there are actually some subtle differences. A traditional corner desk is designed to fit neatly into a corner with a central working area, while an L-shaped desk refers more to the desk’s shape and offers extended workspace in either direction for additional equipment, separate work zones or multitasking.
With their space-savvy designs and their suitability for positioning along walls or in clusters, both designs are very similar – the right choice simply depends on how much surface area you need and how you prefer to work.
In Summary
A well‑chosen corner desk can make a huge difference to the way your office looks and functions. With such an extensive choice of shapes and sizes plus a variety of material, colour and frame styles, there’s a corner desk for every workspace. Now you understand the key benefits each design brings, you’re well placed to find the best corner desk that aligns with your priorities and ways of working.
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