Computer Desk Buyer’s Guide

When it comes time to buy a new desk, you will most likely be driven by one of two things: price or style.

Many of us are constrained by the limits of our pocketbooks, so naturally this is where we begin our search, though sometimes cost isn’t as important as making sure we get the right style of desk to suit our work needs, as well as blend with existing decor.

Because there are so many price points available at QualityComputerDesks.com, for this buyer’s guide, we will break down the available desks into styles, then discuss the various pricing options that exist.

Laptop Table or Cart

These are essentially small, mobile tables that provide a surface for a laptop or notebook computer, or that provide mobility for larger units. These typically start at $40 for a tray-style, up to $100 for adjustable-height wheeled models. The defining features of these types of desks are a small work surface and portability.

Workstations

Though they are called by various names, what defines a workstation is its relatively small size. The intent of these smaller desks is to simply provide a landing area for the computer and monitor. There is not a lot of extra room for paperwork or accessories. These are generally appropriate for teens and as satellite stations in the workplace; or when an individual primarily spends their time with computing or data entry tasks. These desks start in the $100 range and usually top out at $200. These styles sometimes feature strategically placed shelves or cubbies for storing items.

Computer Desks

Generally, these are larger than workstations, and feature a dedicated place for a computer tower, as well as features such as cord chases and dedicated media storage. These computer desks can be anywhere from $100 to $300.

Pedestal Desk

Pedestal desks feature a pedestal on each side of a writing surface. These are like writing desks, but usually feature a column of drawers on each side. The weight of the desk and its contents are supported by these pedestals, rather than legs. The pedestal is a quintessential desk style, found very frequently across style and time spectrums. These are usually priced between $200 and $600.

Student desk

Typically, a student desk is a pedestal desk with only one pedestal—the other side being built into a wall or supported by conventional table legs. Student desks are available in a wide range of styles and prices, from $150 to the $500 range depending on material and features.

Credenza

A credenza-style desk has a long writing surface, and may feature one or two drawers to one side. Credenzas are often supported by panels rather than conventional legs, and are frequently a part of a desk system, along with an additional return or writing desk as well as a hutch for storage. Basic credenzas range from $300 to $600, though some executive models can run into the thousands.

Secretary

A secretary typically has many drawers or slots for storage, and a fold-down or concealed writing surface. Sometimes these desks also feature cupboards for storing items. When folded up, these pieces look like furniture more than desks, and they offer little in the way of legroom and work area. Their primary purpose is storage. Expect to pay more for a secretary than a comparably sized student or pedestal desk, due the amount of detail and craftsmanship. Secretaries at QCD run from $200 to $350. Antique secretaries are a very hot item, and old desks in good condition can fetch thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars.

Armoires

Armoires are similar to secretaries in that when they are not being used they resemble furniture—in this case a cupboard or clothing armoire. Opening up the armoire reveals a writing or keyboarding surface, usually pull-out, as well as various shelves for storage. Moderately priced armoires range from $300 to $1,000.

Shaped Desks

Some desks are categorized based on their shape. L-shaped desks typically have one large surface for working or writing, and a smaller, sometimes lower surface attached at a 90-degree angle. In years past, this is where the typewriter would be situated. These models can cost $150 to $800. A U-shaped desk adds another arm, so that the user has a central work area, plus two additional surfaces off the each side, placing him in the center of a U. These range from $480 to $850. Corner desks are triangular in shape, sometimes one small surface, sometimes two surfaces joined at a right angle, and are meant to be placed in the corner. Corner desks are ideal for smaller spaces or unique design concerns. They cost $150 to over $1000, depending on size and features.

Tower desks

Often corner desks, these desks are taller than they are wide, allowing for maximum storage with the minimum footprint. These feature several shelves or cubbies for storage. Look for these in the $100 to $300 range.

Writing desks

As the name suggests, the primary purpose of these desks is to provide plenty of surface area for hand writing, paying bills, or sorting documents. These desks are typically just broad surfaces on four legs, with a small central drawer to hold pens or pencils. There is very little storage in a writing desk. The price of a writing desk is going to depend largely on the type and quality of wood it is made from, as well as the degree of handcrafting. Writing desks cover the entire range of price points, and generally top out at $300, though antique and higher-end desks can easily cost thousands.

Of course there are more styles of desk than can be addressed in a single buyer’s guide, but this should give you some idea of what’s out there and how much you can expect to pay, as well as provide a reference for some of the more common terms you might encounter when desk shopping.