There are certain office furniture items that can be similar in several ways, but also have some important differences that tend to differentiate them. A great example: Office tables versus office desks - two office furniture items that you might initially think are basically the same thing, but which have some key differences to be aware of as you're designing any office space.
At New Life Office, we're proud to offer a huge selection of office furniture for clients around Salt Lake City and Las Vegas areas, including not just office desks and office workstations, but also various conference tables and other office table options as well. Here are some of the basics on both office desks and office tables, plus some of the key categories where they differ and how to decide which is best for your space (hint: it's often both!).
Individual Vs. Collaborative
While there can be some exceptions here that we'll dig into in a bit, one of the overarching differences between office desks and tables is that the former are generally designed for individual work while the latter are more geared toward collaborative environments. An office desk is usually a personal workspace for one person, with enough room for a computer, paperwork, and other essentials. On the other hand, an office table can accommodate multiple people sharing space at once, making it perfect for team meetings or group projects.
Of course, there can be some crossover here - there are smaller tables that still function well as individual workspaces and larger desks that have plenty of room for collaborative activities. However, if you're primarily looking to outfit your office with furniture that supports either individual or group work, understanding this general distinction is important.
Size and Shape
Another key difference between office desks and tables is their size and shape. Desks are generally smaller in size compared to tables, as they are meant for one person to use at a time. They also tend to have more of a rectangular or L-shaped design, with enough space for a computer monitor and keyboard along with some storage options like drawers or shelves.
On the other hand, office tables come in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on their intended function. Conference tables, for example, may be large and circular to accommodate multiple people around them during meetings. Other types of office tables may have long rectangular shapes, perfect for holding group presentations or workshops.
Versatility and Functionality
When it comes to versatility and functionality, both office desks and tables have their advantages. Desks are typically more compact and can often fit into smaller spaces, making them great for individual workstations in a crowded office. They also tend to have built-in features like drawers or shelves for storage.
On the other hand, office tables offer more flexibility in terms of function. They can be used for individual work as well as collaborative tasks, making them a versatile option for any office space. Additionally, due to their larger size and shape options, they can accommodate different types of seating arrangements depending on the needs of the users.
Legs Vs Pedestals
While this tends to be a secondary consideration, it's worth noting that office desks and tables can also differ in their support structures. Desks can come with either legs or pedestals to use as supports (or sometimes both together), while most tables have legs as their main support.
Legs provide stability and sturdiness, but can also take up more space underneath the furniture. Pedestals, on the other hand, offer more storage options but may not be as sturdy as legs. When considering which option to choose, it's important to think about both the functionality and aesthetics of your office design.
Making Your Choice
As you're deciding between office desks and tables for your workspace, it's important to consider the specific needs of your office environment. Think about the tasks that will be performed in each space, how many people will be using the furniture, and how much storage or surface area is needed. In some cases, you may find that a combination of both desks and tables is the best solution for your office.
At New Life Office, we understand that every workspace is unique and we're here to help you select the perfect furniture to meet all your needs. Browse our selection online or visit our showrooms today to see our full range of high-quality office furniture options, whether you're in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas or any nearby area!