L-shaped desks give you a large, flexible work surface and room for storage. They're a popular corner desk solution among corporate office and home office users.
L-shaped desks give you a large, flexible work surface and room for storage. They're a popular corner desk solution among corporate office and home office users.
NBF stocks a wide selection of L-shaped computer desks, executive desks, reception desks, and team workstations that are beautifully made and built to last.
What Is an L-Shaped Desk?
An L-shaped desk consists of 2 portions—the main desk and the desk return—that are connected in a configuration that looks like the letter “L.” The larger work surface is the main desk. The smaller work surface is called the desk return.
The desk return can attach to a specific side of the desk. You’ll see those desks noted as having a “left return” or “right return,” indicating the side of the main desk they attach to. You can also find desks with a reversible return. These allow the desk return to be attached to either side of the main desk.
The Benefits of an L-Shaped Desk
Why do so many people consider this design the best desk? An L-shaped desk provides several advantages.
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Flexible workspace: You can use an L-shaped desk, sometimes called a corner desk, as a writing desk, executive desk, or computer desk. These desks, by design, allow you to easily switch between 2 workspace options with only the swivel of a chair—leaving you room to brainstorm, meet with colleagues, or help the kids with homework while working from home.
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Ample storage space: Some L-shaped desks come with a built-in hutch or storage cabinets. Other modern designs opt for the clean lines of a Parsons-style frame, allowing you to add your storage options, like a file drawer, to customize the desk directly to your needs.
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Maximize floor space: Are you working in a small space? An L-shaped desk can easily be pushed along the walls to create the perfect corner desk.
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Computer desk: When every desk is a computer desk, an L-shaped desk provides you with a dedicated space for your computer. Many of these office desks also come with a keyboard drawer, allowing you to access your keyboard when you need it, and maintain an elegant, clean appearance when you don't.
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Standing desk options: Some L-shaped desks come with an adjustable-height standing desk on one side, allowing you to choose between sitting or standing while working.
Commercial-Grade Materials for L-Shaped Desks
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Laminate: Because laminate is an engineered material, it can be constructed to withstand high levels of impact and consistent wear. There are different grades of laminate, with some more durable than others. High-performance laminate can be one of the best materials for corporate office settings because of its ability to withstand wear and tear.
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Wood: Solid wood desks are as beautiful as they are timeless. They also come with a couple of drawbacks: They're heavy, making them difficult to move, and they aren't as durable as many performance office furniture materials. Because of this, wood L-desks are usually best used as a home office desk rather than in a commercial office setting.
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Engineered wood: Engineered wood pairs affordability with durability. If you're looking for the "solid wood" look but don't want to pay the price tag that matches it, engineered wood can be an ideal alternative.
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Metal: Metal is lightweight, affordable, and durable, making it a popular material for office desks, especially in modern silhouettes. You'll most commonly see it incorporated in desks with mixed materials. For example, you might see a laminate or wood top paired with a metal frame.
What to Look for in an L-Shaped Desk
What matters most in shopping for an L-desk will vary based on the room you have and what you're using the desk for, but you can follow a few general rules to help you narrow down your search and find an excellent desk.
Look for an L-shaped desk with:
Popular L-Shaped Desks
Style can be just as important as function. For example, white is a perennial favorite for office furniture because of its clean lines and the bright atmosphere it creates. Black L-shaped desks, by contrast, provide a more dramatic look.
Other Popular Desk Styles
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Standing desk: Standing desks, or adjustable-height standing desks, allow users to move between working in standing or seated positions.
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Executive desk: Executive desks are large desks that usually come with 2 pedestals (with storage cabinets, filing, or drawers) on either side.
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Writing desk: Writing desks have a tablelike design that consists of a spacious work surface and minimal built-in storage.
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Compact desk: Compact desks are designed for small spaces. You can find compact writing desks, L-shaped desks, and compact U-shaped desks, providing you with work surface options even when square footage is a challenge.
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Corner desk: Corner desks are designed for use in the corner of a room. They differ from L-shaped desks in that the desk has a rounded surface in the corner. However, many people use the terms “L-shaped desk” and “corner desk” interchangeably.
Need Help? We Offer Design Services
NBF is proud to offer complimentary design services. You can work with our office design pros to create the office space of your dreams.
We’re Here to Help
Still struggling? Our furniture experts are standing by, waiting to help you find the best office chair for your needs. We’re dogmatic about customer service, so you can trust us to walk with you every step of the way on your office furnishing journey.
