In today’s dynamic world of remote work, freelancing, and online learning, finding the best desk has become an essential quest for creating a productive and inspiring workspace. A well-chosen desk isn’t just a piece of furniture. It’s a personal haven where ideas come to life, tasks get accomplished, and creativity flourishes. But with the myriad of options available, from sleek modern designs to timeless classics, navigating the realm of desk shopping can be a challenging endeavour.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re looking for a compact corner desk to fit snugly in your apartment or a spacious executive desk that commands attention, join us as we embark on a journey through the virtual and physical aisles of the best places to buy a desk. From well-established furniture retailers to hidden gems, we’ll explore where to find the best desk that not only suits your functional needs but also resonates with your unique style and fuels your daily inspiration. Let’s dive into the world of desk hunting and discover the best focal point for your workspace oasis.
What is a reasonable price for a desk?
The price of a desk can vary widely based on factors such as its size, materials, design, brand, features, and additional functionalities, for instance. As a general rule of thumb this is what you can expect to spend on a basic, mid-range and high-end desk.
Basic Desks: Simple, no-frills desks made from budget materials like particleboard or laminate can range from £50 to £200.
Mid-Range Desks: These desks offer better build quality, more appealing designs, and possibly additional features like drawers or cable management. Prices typically range from £200-£600.
High-End Desks: Premium desks made from high-quality materials (solid wood, metal, etc.). These often with intricate designs and advanced features, can start from £600 and go up to several thousand pounds.
Remember, these price ranges are approximate and can change over time based on market trends, inflation, and other factors. Additionally, different regions and countries may have varying price points. It’s important to shop around. Make sure you compare prices, and consider factors like quality, durability, and features when deciding on a desk to purchase.
Where is the best place for a home desk?
Here are 10 key considerations.
The best location for a home desk depends on your individual preferences, needs, and the layout of your living space. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the ideal location for your home desk:
- Quiet and Productive Space: Choose a location where you can work or study without too many distractions. A quieter area away from high-traffic zones, noise, and interruptions can help you stay focused and productive.
- Natural Light: Position your desk near a window or a well-lit area to benefit from natural light. Natural light can improve your mood and overall well-being but reduce eye strain.
- Ergonomics: Set up your desk in a way that promotes good ergonomics. Ensure that your chair, desk height, and monitor placement are all conducive to a comfortable and healthy working posture.
- Clutter-Free Zone: Keep your workspace organised and clutter-free. Choose a location that allows you to easily manage cables, papers, and other items.
- Inspiring Environment: If possible, select a spot that inspires you and helps foster creativity. Personal touches such as artwork, plants, or motivational quotes can make the space more inviting.
- Privacy: Depending on your needs, you may prefer a more private space where you can work without distractions. Alternatively, you might opt for a more open area if you enjoy social interactions while working.
- Accessibility: Ensure that your chosen location has easy access to power outlets and any necessary connectivity.
- Size and Layout: Consider the size of your desk and the available space. Make sure the desk fits comfortably without overcrowding the area.
- Distraction-Free Zone: If you’re prone to distractions, avoid placing your desk in areas with high foot traffic or noise.
- Temperature and Ventilation: Make sure the location is comfortable in terms of temperature and ventilation.
Common places for a home desk include a dedicated home office, a corner of a bedroom, a spare room, a study nook, or even a portion of a living room or dining area. The best location is one that aligns with your needs and helps you create a productive and comfortable workspace.
What to look for when buying an office desk?
Firstly, when buying an office desk, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you make a well-informed choice. First, evaluate the desk’s size and dimensions to ensure it fits comfortably within your available space.
Next, prioritise functionality by assessing your work needs—whether you require ample workspace for multiple monitors, storage solutions for files and supplies, or cable management features. Ergonomics is crucial, so opt for a desk that allows for a comfortable typing posture and proper alignment with your computer setup. Durability and material quality are important, with options ranging from wood and metal to laminate.
All in all consider the desk’s style to ensure it complements your workspace aesthetics. Lastly, factor in your budget and explore reputable retailers that offer a range of desk options following meeting these criteria.
Should my desk face the window?
Here are some pros and cons of this consideration.
Whether or not your desk should face the window depends on your individual preferences, the type of work you do, and the layout of your workspace. Here are some considerations to help you decide whether to position your desk facing the window:
- Natural Light: Facing the window allows you to benefit from natural light, which can improve your mood, boost productivity, and reduce eye strain. Therefore, natural light is generally preferred over artificial lighting.
- Scenic View: If you have a pleasant view outside, such as a garden, park, or skyline, facing the window can provide a calming and inspiring backdrop while you work.
- Connection to the Outdoors: Facing the window allows you to feel more connected to the outside world, which can be especially refreshing if you spend long hours working indoors.
- Daylight Hours: If you work during the daytime, facing the window can ensure that you have consistent lighting throughout your work hours.
Cons of facing the window:
- Glare and Reflection: Depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun, facing the window might result in glare on your computer screen or other reflective surfaces, making it difficult to see and work.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Windows can also be a source of temperature fluctuations, especially during extreme weather conditions. For example you might feel cold drafts in the winter or excessive heat during the summer.
- Distractions: While a scenic view can be inspiring, it can also lead to distractions if you find yourself gazing outside frequently instead of focusing on your work.
- Privacy Concerns: Depending on your window’s location, facing it could compromise your privacy if people outside can easily see into your workspace.
Tips for positioning your desk facing the window:
- Use Window Treatments: Consider using window treatments like blinds, curtains, or shades that can be adjusted to control glare and maintain privacy.
- Monitor Placement: Position your computer monitor at a right angle to the window to reduce glare. You can also consider using an anti-glare screen protector.
- Task Lighting: Supplement natural light with appropriate task lighting to ensure a well-lit workspace, especially during cloudy days or in the evenings.
- Furniture Layout: Arrange your desk and other furniture to minimise any potential glare and optimise your view without sacrificing functionality.
- Rotation and Flexibility: If your desk is adjustable or you have the option to reposition it easily, you could consider facing the window part of the time and then rotating it away when glare or distractions become an issue.
Ultimately, the decision to face the window or not depends on finding a balance between the benefits of natural light and the potential drawbacks of glare and distractions. If possible you could experiment with different desk orientations and observe how they affect your comfort and productivity before settling on a final arrangement.
Here is a list of the 11 best places to buy a desk in the UK:
- Soho Home
- Oliver Bonas
- Anthropologie
- Graham and Green
- Wayfair
- Olivia’s
- Abigail Ahern
- Cox & Cox
- OKA
- Perch & Parrow
- Dunelm
This post shows you the 11 best places to buy a desk in the UK – 2023
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1. Soho Home
Attention to detail and craftsmanship are key aspects of Soho Home products. While adhering to its aesthetic, Soho Home tends to prioritise functionality. Desks offer features like drawers for storage, cord management solutions, and other practical elements. Soho Home desks come in a variety of finishes to suit different interior styles. These finishes could range from natural wood tones to painted or stained options. Soho Home is an excellent choice for a premium desk.
2. Oliver Bonas
Oliver Bonas is a British lifestyle and design brand known for its unique and eclectic range of fashion, homeware, and accessories. This brand uses bold colours and patterns. Desks come in a range of vibrant hues or feature playful patterns that add personality to your workspace. Given the brand’s focus on contemporary living, you might find that their desks are designed to fit well in smaller spaces or apartments.
3. Anthropologie
Anthropologie often offers furniture and home decor items that can be coordinated to create a harmonious and visually appealing living space. Many Anthropologie desks can be considered statement pieces that serve as focal points in a room. They have a unique and eye-catching design that stands out.
4. Graham and Green
A British-based homeware and furniture retailer known for its eclectic and stylish designs. Graham and Green are known for using high-quality materials. Their desks are crafted from wood, metal, glass, and other premium materials that contribute to both aesthetics and durability. Expect to find desks that showcase artisanal craftsmanship. Hand-carved details, hand-painted finishes, and other artistic elements might be present.
5. Wayfair
Wayfair is a well-known online furniture and home decor retailer offering a diverse array of desks to suit a wide range of styles and needs. Their desks encompass a variety of design aesthetics, from contemporary and minimalist to traditional and rustic. With options designed for various purposes, including work, study, and home office setups, Wayfair’s desks often prioritise functionality by incorporating features like storage drawers, shelves, and cable management solutions. Whether you’re seeking a compact space-saving desk or a spacious executive workstation, Wayfair’s extensive selection provides choices for different room sizes and preferences.
6. Olivia’s
If you’re seeking a desk that combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, Olivia’s offers a selection that might align with your preferences. Olivia’s offers a variety of desk sizes and configurations, with options that accommodate different organisational needs, from simple writing desks to more elaborate designs with storage compartments.
7. Abigail Ahern
Abigail Ahern is a renowned interior designer and homeware brand known for its distinctive and eclectic style. Desks from Abigail Ahern are likely to embody a unique blend of vintage charm, modern sophistication, and a touch of whimsy. Expect to discover a range of desk designs that showcase unconventional shapes, unexpected materials, and artistic details, making each piece a standout work of functional art.
Abigail Ahern’s desks may feature rich and moody colour palettes, complemented by intriguing textures and finishes. With a focus on individuality and character, these desks could serve as captivating focal points in any workspace.
8. Cox & Cox
Cox & Cox is a UK-based homeware retailer known for its curated selection of stylish and contemporary furniture and decor. Desks from Cox & Cox are likely to embody a modern and sophisticated aesthetic with a focus on clean lines, elegant simplicity, and functional design. With a keen eye for timeless yet on-trend designs, their desks could seamlessly integrate into a variety of interior styles, making them versatile choices for home offices or workspaces.
9. OKA
OKA is a British luxury homeware brand known for its elegant and globally-inspired designs. Desks from OKA are likely to embody a sense of timeless sophistication, often drawing inspiration from different cultures and design traditions. Expect to find a curated selection of desks crafted from high-quality materials such as wood, metal, and leather, with a focus on impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
10. Perch & Parrow
Perch & Parrow is a British-based furniture and homeware brand known for its stylish and contemporary designs. Desks from Perch & Parrow are likely to embody a modern and chic aesthetic, often characterised by sleek lines, minimalist forms, and on-trend details. With a commitment to creating pieces that seamlessly fit into today’s interiors, their desks could be well-suited for both home offices and modern workspaces.
11. Dunelm
With an emphasis on affordability and accessibility, Dunelm’s desk offerings could suit different room sizes and budgets, making them suitable choices for home offices, studies, or workspaces. Desks from Dunelm are likely to encompass a variety of styles, catering to diverse design preferences. Expect to find a selection of desks that range from traditional to contemporary, with options crafted from materials such as wood, metal, and composite materials.
This post was all about desks. We hope you found everything you were looking for!
If you’re looking for a rug to pair with your new desk then why not check out our article on the 13 best places to buy a rug in the UK.
