If a desk is in your future, consider the following:

How do you plan to use your desk? Before doing any shopping, determine exactly what you want from your desk. Do you work from a home office? You’ll want something highly functional and equipped with storage essentials that’s also comfortable to sit at for several consecutive hours. Is it a casual spot to hold your computer and some knick-knacks? Perhaps it can be more decorative with less drawer space.

What styles should you consider? Consider both the size of the room that will be home to the desk, as well as your needs. Are you outfitting a spacious home office for daily use? Bow-front executive desks, U-shaped or L-shaped desks will provide ample work space, room for your computer and plenty of storage. Working from home, but in more cramped quarters? Hutch desks, secretary desks and corner desks save floor space without sacrificing function and storage needs. Looking for something decorative to pay the bills and answer a few emails? A clean-lined Parsons desk will do the trick and works in almost every design scheme.

What material should you look for? If you’ll be using your desk every day, a solid wood desk offers sturdy construction and a timeless appeal. If you want something a little more modern and interesting, consider a metal chrome-plated desk. Choose a Lucite desk and it will appear as if all your items are floating in mid-air.

What type of storage do desks contain? It depends on which desk you choose, but most come with a decent amount of storage space. Desks with single pedestals will offer two deep drawers, while those with double pedestals will come equipped with four. Secretary, armoire and hutch desks usually come with a mix of shelves and drawers. If you feel like your desk is lacking, there are easy solutions: add a shelving unit, or purchase additional filing cabinets.

Start narrowing your search by checking out our varied assortment of desks, from ample office work stations to simplified corner units.