In the battle of the tables today, let’s discuss the pros and cons of an L-shaped desk vs straight desk. Also, learn about the differences between them and find out is an L-shaped desk any better than a straight desk?
If you’re in a hurry, here is a site I recommended for office equipment with lifetime guarantee!
As always, you’ll be treated to simple tips and tricks, and I also share a space-saving hack that nobody is talking about.
To find out what it is and more, then stay tuned!
Did you know? When organizing items on your desk, equipment and materials should be stored based on the neutral, maximum and outer reach zones. Source
What is an L-shaped desk?
An L-shaped desk is a desk that forms the shape of an L. There is a 90-degree corner to the desk which can be either curved or an edge. Generally, there is one side longer than the other, but there are L-shaped desks which have an equal length to both sides.
A standard L-shaped desk tends to be larger than a standard straight desk, it also features greater storage area. L-shaped desks have an average of 30% more surface area than a rectangular desk.
L-shaped desks are not all designed the same, they can vary in:
- length, depth and height
- weight of desk
- weight capacity of desk
- the material that they are manufactured from
- type and shape of legs or framework provided
- location of storage compartments
- type of storage compartments
- colour of desk
- type of corner where user sits (curved or edge shape)
- orientation of the desk (curve or edge is on the left or right)
- presence of privacy boards
What is a straight desk?
A straight desk, also known as a rectangular desk, maintains a rectangular shape. Unlike the L-shaped desk, it features no curve or side to the desk and is smaller in size.
Straight desks are one of the most popular types of desks purchased. Some desks feature built-in drawers and storage compartments.
Straight desks come in a variety of materials and designs. While the general shape remains the same, the features that vary include:
- length, depth and height
- weight of desk
- weight capacity of desk
- the material it is manufactured of
- type and shape of legs or framework
- location of storage compartments
- type of storage compartments
- colour of material
- presence of privacy boards
- cable management components
L-shaped desk vs straight desk
Do L-shaped desks have more storage space than straight desks?
L-shaped desks offer greater storage compartments and surface area compared to a straight desk.
The extra work surface area that an L-shaped desk offers can be invaluable for storing frequently used items. This could include positioning a printer or laminator on the corner of the desk for easy access.
This is something that a person with a straight desk might not have space for; they could end up having to purchase a table especially for storing this equipment.
If this sounds like you, pay attention to my next tip!
You could even allocate an area to paperwork storage, e.g., a section on the left for incoming paperwork and a section on the right for completed or outgoing paperwork.
L-shaped desks can come supplied with an integrated storage unit.
This can be in the form of an integrated cabinet, drawers or bookshelf that are attached to a corner of the desk, generally against the wall.
This is rare to come across in straight desks, it may even warrant getting a carpenter to produce one especially for you.
Tip: Investing in a set of office drawers that are flush with the height of the desk is an efficient way of adding even more storage. If you position it against the edge of the desk, items can be stored on the top of the drawers.
Are L-shaped desks larger than straight desks?
The corner edge on the L-shaped desk evidently will consume extra footprint compared to a straight desk. How much footprint it consumes depends on whether it’s a short corner or if both sides of the L-shaped desk are of equal length.
The L-shaped desk offers 30% more worktop space compared to a straight desk. Extra work surface space means you have more area to space out objects and position additional equipment, monitors and documents on the desk.
This in turn leads to greater comfort and productivity as you can dedicate a portion of the desk to computer activities and another section to paperwork or non-computer activities.
The extra space leads to additional leg room and space underneath the desk for you to store items, such as CPUs and drawers.
Each desk type is going to vary in size, depending on whether you opt for a small, medium or large sized straight or L-shaped desk.
However, measuring out the dimensions of the area that you intend to position the desk will dictate which size suits best.
Tip: The additional space available on an L-shaped desk may allow a number of people to share the L-shaped desk which could eliminate the need for a second desk.
Do L-shaped desks consume more footprint than straight desks?
You’re probably wondering does an L-shaped desk consume more space compared to a straight desk? The short answer is yes. But the long answer is where the innovative, space conscious people need to stay tuned!
So, if you like a good paradox or you’re in need of an ingenious space-saving hack, you’ll love this …
It may sound contradictory, but despite L-shaped desks consuming approximately 30% more desk space than a standard rectangular desk, this can ultimately result in reduced consumption of office footprint.
With the supplementary surface area that an L-shaped desk offers, you have extra room for storing objects that would otherwise warrant a set of drawers, bookshelves or cabinets to store them in.
If you now negate the need for that storage furniture, you could save at least 1 – 2 square meters of space. This also help minimize valuable space consumed in a small room.
Some of this extra desk surface area is in the maximum reach zones anyway, which makes it ideal for storing stationary objects or infrequently used materials.
To put the footprint consumption into perspective, I searched for the length and width of various sized desks and the below table allows you to compare them:
|
Desk type |
Size (L x W) |
|
Small straight desk |
38.59 x 22.44 inches |
|
Standard office desk |
50 x 20 inches |
|
Standard L-shaped desk |
60 x 60 inches |
Are L-shaped desks more expensive than straight desks?
Straight desks work out more cost-effective that L-shaped desks. The below table gives the spectrum of some of the least to most expensive straight and L-shaped desks available on the market.
|
Name |
Type of desk |
Cost |
|
CubiCubi Computer Desk |
Straight desk |
$59.99 |
|
Double Full Pedestal Desk by Marvel |
Straight desk |
$2568.00 |
|
Mr IRONSTONE L-Shaped Desk |
L-shaped desk |
$75.99 |
|
L-Shaped Desk with Left Return by Martin Furniture |
L-shaped desk |
$5437.00 |
Note: Prices based on 18 April 2021.
Shipping costs can also be negatively affected by a larger desk, you will need to check this when you’re purchasing the desk.
Do L-shaped desks weigh more than straight desks?
With the additional desktop surface in conjunction with the extra supporting legs or frames on an L-shaped desk comes extra weight. Straight desks are consequently lighter, and this will benefit people who will occasionally need to move the desk.
However, if you don’t move your desk very often and you can gather an extra body or two to assist with lifting it when needed, overall weight shouldn’t be a major concern.
Moving an L-shaped desk is easier and safer to complete if you disassemble a side of it; this will involve unscrewing one side from the other and reattaching it once it has been relocated.
Weight variations in any type of desk is attributable to factors such as:
- Size of desk
- Material used
- Tabletop design
- Shape of desktop
- Frame design
- Number of legs
- Type of materials used to make the desk
- Accessory features, such as drawers, privacy boards
- Weight capacity
Tip: The bullet point list of items that affect the weight of a desk are also contributing factors to the price of a desk.
Should I choose an L-shaped desk or a straight desk?
There are benefits and disadvantages to both types of desks. Which ones suits you best will depend on the area you position it and how you intend to use the desk. I have arranged the list based on what people are most likely to be consider important criteria for their desk.
|
Criteria |
Are L-shaped desks better than straight desks? |
|
Better for compact area |
No |
|
Overall cost of the unit |
No |
|
Greater desktop space |
Yes |
|
Greater storage area |
Yes |
|
Reduce need to purchase storage units |
Yes |
|
Stability and less wobble |
Yes |
|
Greater weight capacity |
Yes |
|
Better quality |
Yes |
|
Greater durability |
Yes |
|
For heavy-handed users or for leaning on |
Yes |
|
Aesthetically more professional |
Yes |
|
Accommodating multiple people |
Yes |
|
Reduced shipping costs |
No |
|
Lightweight |
No |
|
Portability |
No |
|
Moved frequently |
No |
Using the above factors as a pros and cons list will help you in determining which desk you should choose. For most people, space available, cost and work surface area required for completing tasks will be the key criteria in determining which type of desk they choose.
If you’re still not sure, drop me a message in the comments or email and I’ll try to help you as best as I can!
Conclusion
It’s evident that L-shaped desks offer many benefits over straight desks. If I had the space, I’d personally choose an L-shaped over a straight desk.
Choosing a desk is only one piece of the puzzle. I spent years working from desks that had zero organization to them. It led to reduced productivity and anxiety too as seeing the mess day after day stresses me out.
I finally decided to research how to arrange a desk and it was surprisingly easy to complete. I finally enjoy working from my desk and I don’t suffer the agony of searching through mountains of paperwork every time I need to find an important document.
If you’re like me and want to learn those proven techniques, then go check out this article and discover plenty of tips and tricks on how to make your desk work for you: How to organize an L-shaped desk – 9 easy steps!
What are your thoughts? Are L-shaped desks better than straight desks? Please post your opinion below along with any questions or comments that you have!