What Is an L-Shaped Desk?

The basic idea of an L-shaped desk is that it goes around the corner; even though it still has two parts, which are desk space, the total amount of square feet in that area of the room is increased. You could use one section for your monitor and keyboard and the other for paperwork, a laptop or even as a place to have someone for a meeting.

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Novah Corner Desk: If you want extra footprint but don't need it fully customised, consider this L-shaped design. Another great feature? This model comes with a range of sizes to choose from.
Enhance Corner Desk: This L-shaped model offers a few unique features. For example, you can adjust the desk's height to your comfort zone if you want to stand for any amount of time during the day.

What Is a Straight Desk?

The "straight desk" may just be the simplest shape of all. With only one flat section running from one end to another, it's the simplest desk shape, and that simplicity is exactly why it works so well in smaller offices, open-plan layouts, and anywhere desks need to sit side by side without eating into the room.

The Okidoki Straight Desk and Novah Straight Desk are both solid picks here, giving you a clean, uncluttered work surface that's easy to fit into almost any layout.

Space Considerations

This is generally where the decision is made:

• An L-shaped desk requires a true corner to sit in and enough space on either side for the return section to be used, which makes it unsuitable for small home offices or crowded open-plan areas.
• A straight desk, on the other hand, has much less to ask for; you can push it up against a wall, line a few of them up in a row, or fit one into an alcove, and that's that. When dealing with a small amount of floor space, whether that be a spare room at home or a satellite office with limited area, a straight desk will almost always prove to be the easier option.

Workflow & Multi-Monitor Considerations

When your daily routine involves shifting between two monitors and a number of reference documents or even sometimes taking part in a video conference call, the extra space offered by an L-shaped desk gives you room to place all this equipment without having to confine everything to a single narrow part of the desk.

It is also useful if you want a separate area for face-to-face meetings, with one side for work and the other for a colleague to sit down. The advantage of a straight desk is that it provides a single line of sight, a single spot for the keyboard, and reduces the space paperwork and cables take up.

Cost Comparison

The higher the desk, the greater the cost. L-shaped desks use more material and, in the case of height-adjustable models such as the Enhance Corner Desk, have more moving parts, so they are usually more expensive than their straight-desk counterparts.

Straight desks, for example the Okidoki and the Novah Straight Desk, are a more economical choice, particularly when you are fitting out a number of workstations at the same time, and the total cost has to be kept within budget.

When budget is the main consideration, and you don't need the extra surface area, a straight desk provides almost all the necessary functionality at a lower cost per desk.

Alt text: L-shaped corner desk in a stylish home office with monitor, plants and ergonomic chair

Which Is Right for You?

There's no universal right answer; it comes down to matching the right office desk shape to the person and the space. If you have enough room, use multiple monitors, or need separate areas for concentrated work and face-to-face talks, go for an L-shaped desk.

On the other hand, if space is limited, your arrangement is straightforward, or you are fitting out a number of workstations on a tight budget, a straight desk is the better choice. In either case, height-adjustable L-shaped and straight desks let you maintain good ergonomics while choosing the layout that suits you.

You can browse the full selection of desks and workstations to compare L-shaped and straight models side by side, or contact the Modern Office team, and we'll help you find the desk that suits your office layout and budget. If you're also considering sit-stand desks, our Standing Desks: The Complete NZ Buyer's Guide covers everything from the health benefits to pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an L-shaped & a straight desk?

A desk in the shape of a capital L bends around the corner in order to provide more surface space and to create separate areas for different activities, whereas a straight desk consists of a single flat section and is most appropriate for smaller or more open arrangements.

Do L-shaped desks need more space?

Yes, because to use the entire surface, an L-shaped desk needs a corner with clear space on either side; it requires considerably more floor space than a straight desk of the same quality.

Are corner desks better for dual monitors?

Yes, in general. The increased surface area of a corner desk lets you place two monitors, keyboards, and reference materials without packing everything into a single strip of desk.

Which desk shape suits small offices?

A straight desk is generally more suitable for small offices because it can be placed up against a wall or arranged in a row without requiring a specific corner.

Can L-shaped desks be height-adjustable?

Yes, models such as the Enhance Corner Desk offer an L-shaped layout with electric height adjustment, so you can switch between sitting and standing without losing the extra surface area.

Not Sure Which Desk Shape Is Right for Your Team?

Whether you need the extra surface area of an L-shaped desk or the simplicity of a straight run, Modern Office can help you find the right fit for your space and budget.

Get in touch with our team for tailored advice, or browse our full range of desks and workstations to see what's available.