Choosing the right desk is more difficult than it might sound, but it’s a decision that is worth the careful consideration. The desk you select influences more than just aesthetics — it can impact how productive you are, your posture, and even your overall health.
Among the most popular desk types are corner and straight desks, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. In this guide, we’ll explore and compare the strengths and limitations of both, and what you should consider when choosing between the two, to help you make an informed decision on what desk is right for you.
Corner Desks
Corner desks, sometimes referred to as L or L-shaped desks, are designed to be tucked into the corner of a room. This efficient use of space makes them especially great for small or home offices.
Pros of Corner Desks
The unique shape of a corner desk lends itself to several benefits for workers.
1. Utilises Small Spaces
Corner desks maximise available space, helping to turn otherwise underutilised areas into functional workspaces. For smaller and awkward-shaped spaces where a conventional desk wouldn’t fit or allow you to spread out, this is a game changer.
2. Encourages Organised Zones
The layout of a corner desk divides your workspace into two distinct areas, allowing for separate zones for separate tasks. For example, a project manager might use one side for client management work and the other side for hands-on work.
This separation can help you remain organised, which can have knock-on effects for your behaviour and mood.
3. Improves Behaviour and Mood
The International WELL Building Institute found that 85% of office workers reported experiencing discomfort or stress as a result of congested or poorly planned facilities, whereas workers report being more productive in environments that are meant to reduce distractions. Additional research indicates that an attractive and well-planned workstation can result in increased output, which can be encouraged with the design of a corner desk.
4. Better for Ergonomics
The positioning of a corner desk reduces the risk of spinal and repetitive strain injuries as your monitor and keyboard can be positioned at ergonomically favoured angles, reducing the need to stretch and strain.
Plus, moving between your two zones can discourage sedentary behaviour, which otherwise has negative impacts on your health.
5. Improves Focus
Because they’re tucked away, corner desks can offer a semi-private workspace, which is ideal for tasks needing deep focus and less distractions - especially helpful if you work in a busy environment.
Cons of Corner Desks
For all the benefits of corner desks, there are also some downsides to consider—which is where a straight desk might be best suited to you.
1. Restricts Layout
While their L-shaped design is great for small spaces, the placement of corner desks is inherently tied to the corners of a room, which can restrict layout changes. For those who often rearrange their furniture or work in shared spaces, this can pose a challenge.
In addition, some people find it awkward sitting in the crevice of two joining surfaces - though this is a personal preference.
2. More Expensive
Corner desks tend to be more expensive than straight desk due to their large size and more complex construction.
3. Higher Risk of Clutter
With more desk space, you run the risk of spaces becoming cluttered. This means your space can look messier faster than a conventional desk. As a result, you might need to invest in additional accessories - such as cable management and storage solutions - to keep on top of the clutter.
Straight Desks
Straight desks are what you (probably) picture when you think of a desk — rectangular in shape, and able to be positioned against a wall, in the centre of a room, or used as a divider.
Pros of Straight Desks
1. Versatile
Perhaps the biggest advantage of straight desks is how versatile they are. You can put straight desks just about anywhere, even in offices and workplaces with difficult floor plans, to create a layout that works for you.
Straight desks can even be arranged in clusters to create larger, bench-style work surfaces or to create divides in a room.
2. Effortless Integration
On a similar note, Cabin Field reminds us that the straightforward design of straight desks allows for easy pairing with other office furniture, like cabinets or bookshelves.
3. More Affordable
Typically, straight desks are more cost-effective than curved desks. If you are on a budget or purchasing desks for multiple employees, this is a cheaper solution.
4. Minimalistic
A straight desk can help promote a clutter-free, minimalistic workplace, due to their limited space, which can boost concentration. However, their simplicity can work against them.
Cons of Straight Desks
1. Less Surface Area
Compared to corner desks, straight desks don’t have as much space. This is fixable for those who require a large, uninterrupted workspace, by purchasing a wider and/or deeper desk.
2. Not Made for Multitasking
This is a drawback for users juggling multiple screens, devices, documents and tasks, as you have less space to spread out. If you’re a multitasker, you might find yourself wishing for the divided zones or extra surface space that a corner desk naturally provides.
How to Decide Between a Corner & Straight Desk
So, how do you choose between the two? Well, the choice between a corner desk and a straight desk ultimately boils down to your work habits, the space that you have available, and your preferred ergonomics.
1. Available Space
How much space do you have available? Corner desks shine when it comes to small rooms or making use of tight and awkward spaces. However, straight desks can fit just about anywhere and can function as a statement piece.
2. Working Habits
How do you like to work (and play)? If you’re juggling multiple screens or tools, or using your setup for both work and leisure (such as gaming or arts and crafts), the extra surface area of a corner desk could add significant value to your space.
3. Ergonomics
Research shows that workspace layout directly impacts posture and comfort, with inadequate ergonomics causing a rise in pain and long-term sickness for many work-from-home workers.
Corner desks can support better alignment for multitasking setups, while straight desks work well with single monitor setups. However, this is dependent on how you sit. If your desk is not set up well and you do not maintain proper posture, you run the risk of hip, back and neck pain, and other health complications. Choose a desk that lets you maintain good ergonomics, based on your space and your lifestyle.
Standing desks, which allow you to switch between sitting and standing positions, promote better posture and reduce sedentary behaviour (and resultant “sitting diseases”) regardless of which type you choose, making them the healthiest version of your desk. Learn more about the psychological and health benefits of a standing desk, including how they can improve productivity, prevent back pain and lower your blood pressure with the wealth of content on our blog.
The Verdict & Your Next Steps
In short, for those working in small or awkward-shaped rooms, corner desks can help to maximise available space, whereas straight desks tend to fit in most other layouts. However, you should consider your work habits. If you multitask or require separate zones, then a corner desk could be better. However, if you have minimal equipment, a straight desk should suffice. The key to reaping the benefits of either? Choose what works best for space and lifestyle, and consider purchasing a standing version of your desk for enhanced benefits.
Looking for a standing desk for your home, office or workspace? Check out our full collection of standing desks, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm. Our desks come with a 7 year warranty, 30 day risk free return, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have.
Need additional help choosing a standing desk? Get in contact with our expert team with any queries.
Otherwise, our blog provides more useful tips on using a standing desk for a more balanced lifestyle. Feel free to contact us with any questions, with the handy live chat feature on our site, or via email at info@ergodesks.co.uk.
