A Guide to Desk Returns

If you are not familiar with desks or returns, trying to decide on a desk configuration may seem like a complicated task.  This is especially true if you are the one entrusted with the responsibility of selecting your office's furniture.  To make this process less stressful, we have put together some helpful guidelines to help you select the desk configuration that will work best for you.

 A desk return is the part of the desk that attaches to the main desk, and extends outward to one side.  On a U Desk, this can often be referred to as the bridge.  There are three types of desk returns: left return, right return, and reversible.  To determine a left or right return, envision yourself sitting at your desk.  If the return is on your left side, it is considered a left return.  If the return is on your right side, it is considered a right return.  Finally, a reversible return means that the return is able to be configured on either side of the desk.

             

*Courtesy of ADT American

Determining what type of return would work best for you often depends on your preference.  In some cases, however, there are room restraints that may force you to only be able to go with a left or right return.  The type of return you select also tends to correspond with your dominant hand.  For example, if you are right handed, it may be best for you to select a right return for your desk.

 

Lastly, it is also important to keep in mind the overall dimension of the desk you are looking at.  The depth of the main desk plus the length of the return equals the overall dimension of the return.  For a U-Desk,  the total depth is equal to the length of the bridge plus the depth of the main desk, plus the depth of the credenza.

Gavin Executive Desk, EDESKCO

 

If you still have questions regarding your desk configuration, or you are unsure of what desk return would work best for you, please call our qualified staff at (800)-376-0652. 

Uncommon and Unique Conference Table Designs

Here at  Executive Desk Company, we are truly proud of our designs and ability to customize any of our contemporary conference tables.  For a little fun, we decided to take a look at designs around the world to see what other unique conference table ideas are out there:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swing Table by Duffy London

Adding a playful element to the traditional conference table design, is the "Swing Table" by Duffy London.  Supported by four posts, each seat moves freely much, like a swing set.  Made from walnut and oak with steel beams.  According to the manufacturer, "also makes vacuuming a breeze."  We can only imagine!

 

 

 

 

Polypod Conference Table by OMC Design Studios

This impressive table has 100 metal tube legs, with a solid wood tabletop.  Although this boardroom table has the illusion of being foldable, it is not.  Still an impressive and fun design in our eyes!

 

 

 

 

 

Cat Grass Table by Emily Wettstein

This unique table was created by Emily Wettstein, a 25-year-old designer from Brooklyn, NY.  Why not bring the outdoors to the comfort of your inside office environment?  The center part includes a removable planter, and therefore you are able change to a different plant of your choosing.  The tabletop is made of solid walnut with steel legs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illusory Dripping Paint Table by John Nouanesing

Though only a concept at this point and not currently in production, we would love to see this table design by John Nouanesing come to life.

 

 

 

 

 

Viking Conference Table by Wildetecture

A South African architectural firm, Wildetecture, designed this bold Viking inspired piece.  If you're looking to invade and conquer from the comfort of your conference room, this may be the right table for you.

These office conference tables help bring a new meaning to the word creative.  What do you think of these innovative designs?  Feel free to post your comments below.

How to Create a Successful Conference Room

Planning for your conference room, and researching the furniture you select for that room, is essential.  A well thought out conference room will ensure that you will make the right impression on your clients and coworkers by making your meetings and other activities look organized and professional. 

Modern conference rooms are used for a variety of functions, although most of us picture a conference room being used exclusively for meetings.  However, they can also be used for training exercises, company functions, coaching, as well as conducting interviews.  Depending on what types of functions you plan to use your conference room for will help determine how to set up your room, and what type of furniture you will need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POLAND CONFERENCE ROOM TABLE, Edeskco

 

Size of your Conference Room

Getting an accurate measurement of your space is crucial to planning your conference room.  You do not want to assume, and end up with a conference room table that is too big or too small for your space.  Generally you will need a space of 36"-42" around the size of your conference table to allow for movement of chairs, and for people to be able to walk comfortably around the room.  For example, if you have a 14 foot by 14 foot room, you would be able to fit a 8 foot by 8 foot conference room table, but nothing bigger.  If you are planning to incorporate other furniture in your conference room such as a credenza or podium, you may want to consider a smaller table.

 

Types of Conference Room Tables

There are many different types of conference room tables.  Find out which type would work best for you:

Oval

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JESSE OVAL CONFERENCE TABLE, Edeskco

Oval shaped or racetrack tables have rounded corners that allow for more seating capacity and easier movement.  They can also be ideal for smaller rooms as the curved sides take up less room than a square or rectangular conference room table.

 

Rectangular

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAVIN CONFERENCE ROOM TABLE, Edeskco

This is probably the most popular shape for a conference table with its clean and elemental shape.  This type of shape will fit well in a medium to large sized rooms.

Boat Shaped

 

 

 

 

 

 

GILL-A CONTEMPORARY CONFERENCE TABLE, Edesko

This popular shape has become more of a beneficial option due to sight lines.  Because it is wider in the middle, your audience does not sit straight in a row.  This makes it easier to see presentations, screens, as well as other colleagues.

Whatever option you choose, make sure to research and find out what will work best for you within your space.  The purchase of conference room furniture can be intimidating at first, but with the right measurements and research, you will end up with a conference room that works well for you and your company.

 

 

 

 

https://www.edeskco.com/gill-a-contemporary-conference-table.cfm