While we can’t wait to bring some normalcy back to our lives, and fortunately finally start to see real good news about the fight against the pandemic with vaccines development running fast, I truly believe that some of our old routines and habits are forever changed. Amongst them is the idea of going to an outside office every day. Do you see yourself going back to an everyday commute to the office? I certainly don’t see it coming back to my life soon, and companies seem to be re-assessing this too.
So, more than ever, your home office will make a massive difference in your focus, comfort and above all productivity while you work. Even if you are an artist for example and only use a desk and chair for managing bills and personal tasks, you need a space with adequate storage and a flat surface for paperwork and electronics, not to mention a good chair for your back.
Not long ago I wrote an article about how to plan your home office and the priorities you should follow. Today, I want to help you let your creativity flow by showing you all different types of desks and chairs available out there. There are really limitless solutions for different styles, functions and forms to help you chose the perfect desk for your home.
1.-Desks
Writing desk
Originally created to focus on handwriting whether it was letters, memos or any form of communication, nowadays writing desks are still designed for the same function but in its evolved form – typing into laptop computers. If you are interested in the benefits of each writing form, here’s is a quick read from Masterclass handwriting vs typing. In any case, writing desks are functional as well as elegant. A minimalist solution for people that need very little storage, a large flat surface and have a small place.
Computer Desk
As the name says, computer desks are designed around your computer: usually around desktop computers, so they may have a shelf or a cabinet to store the computer tower and a pull out keyboard tray. The tray not only keeps things out of sight when they are not in use, but it also improves the ergonomics of your computer station. These desks generally focus on function over form, and not meant for social/entertainment spaces, though there are some designs that are decent enough to be unnoticed in a family room.
Executive Desk
Executive desks, or traditional desks, are usually chosen for large offices with ample space to spare. These big desks, with loads of storage and surface area, bring a sense of grandeur and timeless appeal to a dedicated office room.
These traditional desks are typically made up of a single work surface that is situated in the center of the office, but executive L-desks and executive U-desks also exist and are a great solution for those who need more space
Credenza Desk
Credenza desks are a combination of a desk with a cupboard-sideboard. Originally, credenzas started as a sideboard table in Italy in the early 14th century, when dining rooms needed an extra space to the main table and room for storage. So credenza desks now are commonly used for living rooms and dining rooms that need to play double function.
Secretary Desk
The type of desk that comes with an enclosed writing surface within a folding front. Secretary desks come with a chest and/or have an upper cabinet section, most of the times with an antique design look and feel. While being a beautiful statement, this piece is perfect for the “not so organized people”: all you need to do at the end of the day is to close the folding front and voilá! The space is neat and clean.
Floating Desk
If you find that you need a desk, but you don’t want the traditional bulky type of desk, you might want to consider a wall desk idea. Just like regular desks, wall desks are fully functional, but they are generally smaller, which means they will take up a lot less floor space.
Standing Desk
Lately, there’s been a lot of discussions around how unhealthy it is to remain seated for extended periods of time. The result is the growth in popularity of height adjustable desks that give you the choice of working sitting or standing. These are all about function, so they do not go well in places that are meant to entertain
2.- Chairs
Ergonomic Office Chairs
These chairs are specifically designed to promote a neutral posture and provide enough support to your back and neck while working regular hours in your office.
When choosing a classic office, make sure to check the height of the chairs:
- Mid-back office chairs usually have a great value and can be perfect for the average 8-hour work day
- High-back office chair should be considered if you are taller than the average and/or work for longer hours
Task Chairs
Although they are also designed to help keep your back straight and the weight off the shoulders, task chairs are small, most of the time armless and meant for short use. Usually the back is small or at the most mid height and offer limited back support. They are generally the most popular choice for having an comfort/ affordability ratio.
Draft Chairs
For those out there who stand up quite a bit while working, this is a chair that people highly consider. While allowing users to sit for long periods of time as any ergonomic chair, the drafting chairs offer more seating and height adjustments that allow users the flexibility to easily change the way they sit. Most drafting chairs have the ability to raise up to 30 to 49 inches and have an adjustable footrest for maximum comfort. They also provide different backrests and adjustable arm options for back and lumbar support.
Kneeling Chair
To answer the health concerns that we already mentioned, in the late 1970s kneeling chairs were born to the modern office. The original concept is attributed to ancient Buddhist traditions though, where Buddhists used pillows and benches to develop a comfortable kneeling position for extended periods of meditation. They are characterized by and angled knee rest that divides the body’s weight between the spine, thighs and the shins, providing several benefits: back pain relief, improvement of posture, core muscle development, comfort and even increased concentration since poor posture eventually leads to fatigue, discomfort and loss of productivity. Those who adopt them, become evangelists of this type of chair.
To desk or not to desk. To kneel or not to kneel. What kind of furniture combination did Shakespeare use to give us Hamlet? Or Einstein write his Relativity Theory? They might have not had the choice we have today at our disposal.
While you should be always loyal to your style preferences, choosing the right furniture for your office is essential to bring you the comfort you need to make the hours in your office as productive and pleasant as possible.
I hope that by showing you what is available out there in terms of types of desks and chairs I could help you to make the most creative and wisest choice for your needs and space. Drop me a line if you have any doubts or need any help. And if you do come up with a masterpiece, share it with all of us. And make us proud.
