Why have offices and most libraries and studies featured desks as the primary or fundamental pieces of furniture, seemingly since forever? Wouldn’t a simple table do just as well? Moreover, tables are considerably less expensive. Why then is a desk a must-have?
It’s true that most tables have four legs, as do the majority of office desks, and both options provide a smooth, level working surface, capable of also accommodating a certain number of workplace essentials – in addition to adequate working space. Despite this, the significant similarities between both types of furniture usually end right then and there.
Although square or rectangular dining-sized tables offer enough surface space, a dining table is hardly a suitable, long-term substitute for an office desk. A standard dining table has a typical height of 75cm – 76cm, but seldom offers any integrated storage space for incidental items, such as stationery, writing instruments and the odd file, as do various office desk designs.
The average standard height of the office desks tends to vary between 73cm – 80cm, although an 80cm desk height is considered to be rather tall. Despite these variances, the height of the occupant also plays a role in determining the ideal height measurement.
However, this potential problem can usually be overcome with the use of a suitably selected, adjustable or ergonomic chair. Unfortunately, it’s not practical or affordable to equip every staff member with a custom-selected ergonomic chair, which would otherwise have the effect of transforming the workplace into an office utopia.
Dining room chairs are not adjustable – what you get is what you sit upon, as is. This doesn’t present problems in the dining room, because one spends relatively little or limited time at the table, usually only for the duration of having a meal.
In a typical office, workers may remain seated at desks for the best part of eight hours per working day, throughout the year. That’s a great deal of time, so relative heights of office desks, chairs and people should ideally be taken into account, as far as is possible. Various dimension guidelines are available in print and online for those who wish to know more about heights, positions, posture and comfort.
Traditionally, all furniture for all uses was made of wood, which is soft enough to saw, carve, shape and construct according to its intended purpose, style and function. Like most other natural, organic materials, wood changes in appearance in time. The older the wood, the more apparent colour changes will become.
Office desks made of wood that are placed in direct sunlight will usually fade and become progressively lighter in colour, while the same desks, positioned away from natural light will darken.
If not well-cured, wood’s porosity also accounts for its tendency to warp when exposed to water or excessive humidity. Unless effectively sealed, wood surfaces are prone to develop watermarks and stains, created by direct contact with wet tableware and condensation on the outer surface of drinkware containing cold liquids.
The overall look and feel of modern workplaces have changed completely from that of the past, furniture – and office desks, in particular. One only has to browse through the state-of-the-art creations on Quantum Office Furniture’s website to fully grasp just how different, attractive, appealing and functional the latest options truly are.
To streamline and expedite your online exploration of our options of office desks, we’ve divided our Quantum desking ranges into six categories. In each category, you’ll find the current number of options, designs and configurations on offer, as indicated below:
Space planning – with the help of special integrated software and years of experience in workplace space planning and layout, we’ll help you ensure that your office space is used attractively and optimally.
Installation – within the Johannesburg area, this service, plus delivery, is free. We also supply and install throughout South Africa. Expect delivery and installation of ex-stock items within 3 – 5 working days after confirmation of order.
Re-upholstery – our experienced Quantum upholsterer can re-cover your furniture in a fabric of your choice
Your choices are many and varied at Quantum, so start with the most fundamental furniture – affordable office desks that are practical, functional, modern and very beautiful. Quality is unquestionable at Quantum.