Consider your available space, the front office duties, and the front office equipment as you shop for the best front office desk for your needs. Generally, you’ll want a desk that matches the rest of the front office design or décor, too. Take time to compare various types of front office desks to balance the best quality with the best price.
Some front offices are located within an actual enclosed space, and others are simply areas of a larger space, marked by the desk and other front office furniture. Generally, front office desks located in larger, multi-use areas can be practically any size and shape the desk user, or decorator, wants. If the office is an enclosed space, however, you have a limited amount of space to work with. Look for a front office desk that will fit comfortably in that space, leaving room for any other sizable types of front office furniture you use, such as filing cabinets and copy machines. Depending on the space you have to work with and the kinds of front office duties that take place in your office, you might prefer a cornered or right-angled desk to a traditional freestanding model.
A variety of job duties take place in a front office, and considering your specific front office duties can help you find the most appropriate front office desk. If you simply sign visitors in and out of the office, a modest desk with a few drawers might work for you. If the front office duties consist of dealing with customers, filing paperwork, and handling money and mail, you may need a larger desk. Keep in mind that your desk might need to accommodate the smaller kinds of front office equipment that don’t sit on the floor. Such equipment can include computers, telephones, fax machines, small printers, and cash registers.
Style will play a role in which front office desk is the best one for your needs. Generally, you’ll want your desk to match your overall front office design. For example, if your office is located in an industrial setting, you might consider a metal desk. Wooden desks of rich, warm colors work well for the kinds of offices that want to create cozy, safe feelings, like doctors’ or therapists’ offices. If your front office is located in an upscale environment, you might consider desks with glossy finishes or even granite or marble tops.
As you shop for a front office desk, take care to balance quality with budget. Most likely, you want your desk to last for years, so it’s important to choose one that is well-constructed with quality, sturdy materials. You might talk with other front office workers or decorators you know, and even look at their desks to get ideas. Shop around with a variety of retailers, comparing their styles and prices, before settling on the best desk for your front office. Take advantage of any customer reviews you can find, and make sure you understand the store’s or manufacturer’s return policy.