What is a Corner and L-Shaped Desk?

A corner desk is a type of desk that is designed to fit snugly into the corner of a room, maximizing space and providing a comfortable work area. Corner desks are also called L-shaped desks because of their design: one portion of the desk extends out from the corner and the other portion runs along the adjacent wall. This design allows for a larger work surface than a traditional rectangular desk and can also provide extra storage space in the form of shelves or drawers. Corner or L-shaped desks are commonly used in home offices, but they can also be found in commercial settings such as cubicles or workstations.

Is a Corner a L-Shaped Desk a Good Idea?

Whether or not a corner or L-shaped desk is a good idea depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Advantages:

• Efficient use of space: A corner or L-shaped desk can help you make the most of the available space in your room, particularly if you have limited floor space.
• Improved ergonomics: The L-shaped design of a corner desk allows you to position your computer and other equipment more comfortably, reducing the risk of strain or injury.
• Additional storage: Many corner or L-shaped desks come with built-in storage options such as shelves, cabinets, or drawers, providing you with additional space to keep your office supplies and documents organized.

Disadvantages:

• Larger size: A corner or L-shaped desk takes more space than a regular rectangular desk, so you may be limited in where you can place it.
• Price: Depending on the size and features of the desk, a corner or L-shaped desk can be more expensive than a traditional rectangular desk.

Parts of a Corner and L-Shaped Desk

Main Desktop

This is the larger of the two pieces and is usually the base of the L-shape. It is typically rectangular in shape and provides a lot of workspace for tasks such as computer work, paperwork, and meetings.

Desk Return

This component attaches to the main desktop, creating an L-shaped workspace. Desk returns can be used to extend the workspace of a desk and provide additional room for computer equipment, paperwork, and other office supplies.

A desk return typically features a flat surface that is similar in style and material to the main desk. It can be attached to the main desk on either the left or right side, depending on your preference and needs. Desk returns may also include additional features such as drawers, cabinets, or shelves for extra storage space.

Corner Connector

The corner connector of an L-shaped desk is the part that joins the two sections of the desk together at a 90-degree angle, creating the L-shaped. It is typically located at the intersection of the two desk sections, forming a corner.

The corner connector can come in different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the desk model and manufacturer. It can be a separate piece that is attached to the desks, or it can be an integral part of the desk structure.

The corner connector of an L-shaped desk is an important component as it provides stability and support for the desk structure. It also helps to create a unified workspace that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as writing, computer work, or creative projects.

Some corner connectors have a rounded shape (called a radius) that provides an inset space for someone to work in the corner of the desk rather than one of the sides. This frees up both sides of an L-shaped or corner desk to be used for meetings or as workable space.

Legs

These are the parts that hold up the desktop and provide stability for the desk. We have a variety of styles and options for our corner desks that can give you different looks for your office:

Our Classic and Classic Plus collection is designed with a traditional look that will give your office a timeless quality.

The light, clean lines of the Elements and Elements Plus collection give your office room to breathe. With open leg frames that can be customizations for many configurations, the Elements and Elements Plus collections can even accommodate multiple L-shaped workstations.

Crisp lines meet ingenious office storage solutions in one stylishly modern package with our Encore collection. The desk legs in our Encore collection are sleek and modern, opening up the space for an airier look to your office.

Enhance is our collection of height-adjustable bases that allows you to change the height of your entire corner or L-shaped desk to suit your preferences and ergonomic needs. Its 3-stage telescoping lift adjusts from 25.4″ to a 51″ height, providing a superior range of motion, and has a load capacity of 330 lbs. to support all your work needs.

The angled legs of our Signature collection give your office a mid-century modern look that will stand the test of time.

Cable Management

To keep cables and cords organized, you can opt for a cable management system for your corner desk. The Signature collection even has a special leg where you can run wires through to hide the wires.

Orientation

When choosing an L-shaped or corner desk, it’s important to know what orientation the shape will take. These desks come in either a “left-hand” configuration – where the return is to the left when you’re sitting at the main desktop – or a “right-hand” configuration – where the return is to the right when you’re sitting at the main section of the desk.

Specific Types of Corner Desks

There are several types of corner and L-shaped desks to choose from, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here are some of the most popular types of corner desks:

Height-Adjustable L-Shape Desk

A height-adjustable corner or L-shaped desk is a type of desk that allows you to change the height of the desk surface to suit your preferences and ergonomic needs.

The height adjustment feature of an adjustable corner desk allows you to switch between sitting and standing while working, which can provide health benefits such as reducing the risk of back pain, improving circulation, and increasing energy levels. Some adjustable corner desks may have electric or manual mechanisms for adjusting the height, while others may have a crank or lever system.

Executive L-Shaped Desk

Executive corner or L-shaped desks are typically larger and more elaborate than standard office desks, with a wide workspace and often additional features such as pedestals, hutches and credenzas.

Executive corner or L-shaped desks also offer ample storage options, which can be useful for people who need to keep a lot of materials close at hand. Many models come with hutches, pedestals, and other storage compartments, making it easy to keep your work area organized and clutter-free.

In terms of style, executive corner desks often have a more upscale look than standard office desks. They are typically designed to be both functional and visually appealing, making them a popular choice for high-level executives or professionals who want to make a statement with their office furniture.

How to Buy a Corner or L-Shaped Desk

Here are steps to follow if you want to buy a corner or L-shaped desk:

1. Measure your space: Measure the area where you plan to place your corner desk, making sure to note the height, width, and depth of the space, and any potential obstructions.


2. Determine your needs: Consider your work habits and the type of work you will be doing at your desk. This will help you determine the size, shape, and features you need in a corner desk.


3. Set a budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a corner desk. Prices can vary depending on the materials, size, and features of the desk, so it's important to have a clear idea of your budget before you start shopping.


4. Consider the desk's features: Look for features that are important to you, such as storage options, adjustable height, and cable management. Make sure the desk you choose has the features you need to make your work easier and more comfortable.


5. Choose the look: Do you want the warm look of natural-looking laminates, or a trendier colour? Do you want a classic base or a slimmer look in your desk legs? We have many options to choose from so you can find a look that fits right in with your desired décor.


6. Check the warranty: Check the warranty of the desk to make sure you're covered in case of any defects or problems.


7. Consider assembly: Our corner and L-shaped desks don’t come assembled due to their size. Consider whether you’ll be assembling it yourself, or if you would like us to.

Storage for L-Shaped Desks

Storage for L-Shaped Desks

A hutch is a piece of furniture that sits on top of a desk, providing additional storage space. Hutches can feature shelves, cabinets, and drawers, and they are often used to display decorative items such as photos or books.

A pedestal is a standalone piece of furniture that sits next to a desk, providing additional storage space. Pedestals can feature drawers, cabinets, and shelves, and they are often used to store items that aren't used as frequently as those stored in the desk's drawers. Some pedestals can be directly attached to the underside of a desk to free up floor space.

A credenza is a long, low piece of furniture that sits behind a desk or make up the shape of the L, providing additional storage space. Credenzas can feature drawers, cabinets, and shelves, and they are often used to store items that are used less frequently, such as office supplies or reference materials.

If you want additional storage space, consider adding a filing cabinet to your office. It gives you much more space to store records and paperwork if your job requires it, and you won’t have to worry about stuffing it into the drawers of a pedestal or credenza.

One thing that most people may not think about when it comes to corner desks is the potential for awkward positioning of the monitor or other equipment. Depending on the layout of the desk and the angle of the walls, the corner of the desk may not be the ideal position for a computer monitor or other devices.

This can be especially true if the corner of the desk is too far away from the user's line of sight, resulting in neck or eye strain from constantly looking in one direction or another. Additionally, if the desk is not positioned at the correct height or angle, it can cause discomfort or even pain in the wrists, arms, and shoulders.

To avoid these potential issues, it's important to choose a corner desk that is adjustable and allows for proper positioning of the monitor and other equipment. This may require the use of monitor arms or other accessories to ensure that the screen is at the correct height and distance from the user.

Another thing to consider is the shape of the corner desk. Some corner desks have a sharp, 90-degree angle, while others have a more gradual curve or rounded edge – this style is called a radius. The shape of the desk can affect the amount of space available for working and can also impact the overall look and feel of the workspace.

Lastly, it's important to consider the placement of electrical outlets and other power sources when setting up a corner desk. Depending on the location of the desk, it may be necessary to run cords or extension cables to reach a nearby outlet or power source, which can create potential tripping hazards or clutter.