3 Questions You Must Answer When Buying Executive Desks

If you’ve finally been promoted and are leaving your cubicle behind for a corner office with a view of the city, it’s time to upgrade to an executive desk. Now that you’re running with the scotch and cigar set, no more faux-wood and cloth panels for you.

Before running out and buying the most expensive desk in town, take a minute to think about how you want your new office to look, and what you’ll be using the desk for.

Here are a few questions to ask:

1. How much room do I have?

Measure the office first to figure out how much space you have to work with, then think about what size desk you need. Will you need a large area to spread out paperwork or review files with clients? Or, do you just need enough space for a laptop and a cup of coffee?

You’ll also want to consider whether the you’ll need other types of furniture (a small table for quick meetings or bookshelves and filing cabinets). While a huge executive desk might project authority, if it’s placed in a room that’s too small and cluttered with other furniture, the office and by extension the person in the office, might not look as professional.

2. What kind of image am I trying to project?

Desks say a lot about the person sitting behind it, so before you purchase one, figure out what you want to project to your employees and clients.

If you’re the type of boss who makes unilateral decisions and want to look confident and competent with a more traditional executive desk, then go with a large cherry or mahogany suite. Not only will this classic style tell people that you are an authority, it will also give the company as a whole a sense of history and permanence.

On the other hand, if you and your company want to show that you’re innovative and forward-thinking, seek out more contemporary designs. Ditch the high-gloss wood and leather, and go with a sleeker, minimalist desk. Look for unusual shapes, glass tops, chrome legs or fixtures, and matte finishes.

3. How much storage do I need?

You can find desks with a variety of large and small drawers that can accommodate years of files and your collection of fountain pens or desks that are really no more than a surface to set your laptop on.

When desk hunting think about what you will be using the desk for. If your position generates a lot of paperwork, you’re probably in the market for furniture with storage space. If, however, everything you need can fit on a jump drive, you probably don’t need much more than a table.

In addition to a desk, executive suites often come with matching bookshelves and tables on which you can display awards, photos, artwork, and, of course, books. If you need more shelf space, these sets are ideal.

First photo: Home-Desk.org
Second photo: mooblez.com