Last updated on May 16th, 2023
Much like a bed or a couch, your office desk is something you use daily, especially if you are working from home. If you would not go 20 years without changing your couch, it stands to reason you should show the same thought towards your desk. A comfortable, sturdy and aesthetically pleasing desk will brighten up your day and should be of top priority in any office, regardless of if you are using it for business or for pleasure.
What are the Key Signs You Need to Replace Your Office Desk?
There is debate on how often you should change your office desks, with opinions ranging anywhere from every 5 to every 15 years. Ultimately, this number varies predominantly due to the amount of usage, the weight load your desk needs to support, and various ergonomic factors.
It is important to keep in mind that, now more than ever, many people are working from home and so a 20-year-old office desk which was once used every couple of months is now more likely to be used every day. Here are the key things to think about when determining whether you need to replace your office desk.
1. Size
A desk without enough space might not be a desk worth having. For home offices are about 600mm to 750mm deep, and 1200mm to 1500mm wide. For two monitors, however, you will want dimensions closer to 1500mm wide and a minimum of 600mm deep.
Standing microphones, office supplies, and personal items such as candles or photo frames will also need to be accounted for. Every second you spend picking up a pen from the floor is a second which could have been put to better use with a more optimally sized desk.
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2. Comfort
Your desk contributes to the comfort of your work setup as much as your office chair does. A desk that is too high or low can lead to back and neck pain and discomfort, as well as potential permanent disk damage and a high risk to your shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Consider ergonomics and how you personally work best.
Standing or height adjustable desks are becoming more popular due to their health benefits. Additionally, some desks are fitted with electrical components to ensure you work in maximum comfort. If your desk is not comfortable, you should seriously consider upgrading as studies have shown comfort levels to correlate with productivity.
3. Storage
A tidy desk can ensure an efficient workspace, so storage should not be overlooked when determining if your current desk is right for you. Having built-in drawers, or a separate mobile drawer unit on wheels, files or shelves will assist in keeping your desk tidy, which not only keeps important documents safe but also can help to improve your morale.
Corner desks and workstations often provide additional storage options in a way that does not interfere with your main setup and can be more space-effective if you have limited office space.
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4. Wear and Tear
The main factor in determining whether to rid yourself of an old desk is how worn out it is. Like any furniture, desks show their age, especially with heavy use. If the top of your desk is scratched or showing signs of wear, or if the legs are loose, creaky or rusted, you could face some problems in the future; not only is it an eyesore but an old desk could also prove to be a safety risk.
Sitting yourself down for the day at a brand new desk can boost your mood and set you up well for the work ahead.
5. Aesthetics
It may seem superficial but the design and color of your desk can make all the difference to your work. Brighter, polished, and more aesthetically pleasing workstations will ultimately impact your mood and determine how efficient your work will be.
A drab, lifeless desk will reflect in your demeanor and potentially have disastrous consequences. To refer back to other furniture, you would not keep an old, ugly couch, so why hold on to an old, ugly desk?
Overall, the important things to consider are practicality, efficiency, and mood. Why have a small, cluttered, worn-down, uncomfortable, and unappealing desk when you could upgrade to something better which will serve you well for years to come?
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Important Questions to Ask:
Here are the important questions to ask when purchasing or looking to replace an office desk. By considering these simple things, you can judge which desk model is right for you.
What would be your ideal office desk?
You want something sturdy, space-effective, and durable which will last for at least 5-10 years. Office desks should be large enough to hold everything it needs to, preferably with some added room for additional items in the future. It should be cost-effective, adjustable to suit your needs and be aesthetically pleasing.
Are you looking for a new executive office desk?
If you have the space for one, then an executive office desk is effective and efficient. If you want something which is wider, deeper and has more storage potential, then an executive desk may be what you are looking for. They come in straight designs as well as corner office desks and U-shaped models to best fit your workspace.
What is the best color for an office desk?
Blue and green are generally seen as the best colors for stimulating creativity and productivity while keeping you relaxed. A blue desk can stimulate the intellectual side of your brain, while a green desk will keep your mind centered and allow you to flex your creative muscles.
What are some outstanding office desks for small spaces?
Student desks are perfect for small spaces, especially with a hutch for vertical storage which does not impact floor space. Corporate desks are also fantastic as they often have additional storage built into them to make the most efficient use of your limited workspace.
What should I look for at in office desk?
Look for something which best fits your needs, whether that means office work, gaming, or whatever you intend to use the desk for. Look for something which best fits your needs, whether that means office work, gaming, or whatever you intend to use the desk for. You can check the 5 ultimate tips for purchasing the right office desk it will definitely help you to getting the perfect desk for yourself.
The price should also be a factor; the average price of a desk in Australia is $300-500 but there is plenty of quality, well-priced desks out there.
