Computer desk vs writing desk? Here is the short answer to your question:
Writing desks, are usually used for writing, have an antique look, traditional aesthetic design, with drawers, and sometimes hutches.
Computer desks are larger, designed to host digital office equipment.
And there are also hybrid models including features of both types.
What Is A Writing Desk?
Writing desks are beautifully designed pieces of furniture. They existed even before the invention of electricity.
They have small, or medium drawers. Sometimes on one side, sometimes on both, and sometimes on the top of the desk (hutch).
Modern writing desks can hold a laptop, but they aren’t built to support desktop monitors, CPU, and printers. Their workspace area is somehow small.
They can be placed anywhere in the room, perfect for placing along a wall or in the middle of a home office floor.
This image (from Amazon) will give you a clear idea about how a writing desk looks like.
What Is A Computer Desk?
Computer desks are furniture pieces designed to comfortably and aesthetically provide a working surface that can host office equipment including computers, peripherals, and cables.
They have a large desktop to accommodate even two monitors, cable management holes, fewer drawers, and they are generally easy to assemble.
To give you a clear idea, here is an image of a computer desk.
Writing Desk Vs. Computer Desk
– What Are The Differences?
Any computer desk can be used as a writing desk, but not any writing desk can be used as a computer desk.
Modern writing desks are designed for laptop computers in the 21st century. They are typically too small for most desktop computers or a printer.
Modern writing desks are called computer desks if they have a keyboard tray. The following table includes some of the differences:
| Writing Desk | Computer Desk |
|---|---|
| Antique look, traditional design | Simple or modern design |
| Often made with drawers or hutch | Often made without drawers |
| Compact desktop | Larger worksurface |
| It can accommodate a laptop | It can accommodate monitors, CPU, and more |
| Not designed for hosting many equipment | It has a cable management |
How To Decide Which One Is Better For Me?
Here are some additional tips to help you choose between a writing desk and a computer desk:
- If you are a gamer, a developer, a graphic designer, or simply use lots of office equipment rather than one laptop, it’s better to buy a computer desk.
- You want a desk that offers more space for your equipment, has a cable management feature, and make the work easier on you. If you mostly use a computer and write occasionally, it’s recommended that you opt for a computer desk.
- Generally speaking, writing desks take up less space than computer desks. Computer desks are more space consuming and bigger.
- Writing desks offer more storage than computer desks.
- If you like vintage office style, you’ll probably like writing desks more. You can choose a modern writing desk that combines writing and computer desk features.
>>> Related : 10 Best L Shaped Desks [Modern, Sturdy, And Affordable]
Which One Is Best For Posture: Computer Desk Or Writing Desk?
The way you sit is a result of so many factors. Yes, desks can relatively impact the posture, but they aren’t the decisive element that will make you sit right. Most importantly, the user should be aware of the right posture to adopt and the type of chair to sit on.
>>> Related : How To Sit Properly At A Desk
What Are Other Desk Types I Can Consider?
If you’re still not convinced with computer desks or writing desks, there are still other types of desks you can choose from:
- Executive desks: They existed for decades, offering plenty of storage, with a wide variety of styles and shapes. Mostly used by CEOs and directors.
- Floating desks: Mounted directly onto a wall, floating desks save all available floor space. They are a good option for people with compact spaces.
- Glass desks: They are not only aesthetically appealing but also very functional, with their sturdy frames and their glass desktops.
- Corner desks: They are great because their L shape design saves space in the room while offering plenty of desktop space.
- Standing Desks: (aka Adjustable Height Desk) They are becoming popular day by day. You can either buy an entire desk that can be raised and lowered, or buy a standing desk converter, an accessory that gives you the option to alternate between sitting and standing at your regular desk.
And the list goes on as the furniture marketplace is growing continuously.
Can I Use My Table As A Desk?
What Is The Difference Between A Desk And A Table Anyway?
Many people prefer working on their dining tables at home, or a coffee shop.
Tables can be a temporary solution for a desk, but not for the long run. Why? Using a table for work, instead of a real desk, might have some downsides.
First and foremost, you will end up sitting wrong, which will certainly lead to neck pain, back pain, wrist pain, and eye fatigue. All of this will make you feel tired and less productive.
Not only from a health point of view, but a table doesn’t include a cable management, or storage options. So, it’s not functional.
We talk more in-depth about the correct posture in our first guide” how to sit properly at a desk”, and our second guide for pregnant ladies “how to sit properly at a desk when pregnant” (congratulations by the way).
What Is A Writing Desk Called?
A writing desk used to be called a secretary desk or an escritoire. Fitted with drawers, one of which can be pulled out and the front lowered to provide a flat writing surface.
How Tall Should My Desk Be?
Most work surfaces are a standard 28 inches to 30 inches, which is a good sitting height for most people between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, who use conventional task chair. If you are taller or shorter, be prepared to make some changes.
If your desk doesn’t fit, you will find yourself hunching over, craning your neck forward, straining your eyes and arms to find comfort. A poorly designed work area can be stressful, especially to your neck and upper-back regions.
In this article, we help you find the right height for your desk, and we provide some great tips to build an ergonomic work area.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, both a computer desk and a writing desk can be used, even if they are slightly different.
If your activity is centered completely around writing, you better pick a writing desk. Other than that, we recommend buying a computer desk. You want a desk that can adapt to future changes, especially if it will be used by more than one person. Besides, we use our laptop every day, it’s almost impossible to live without it.
By the end of the day, we remain humans with different preferences and likings. We would love to know which current desk do you have? And if you’re planning to buy one, which one do you prefer?
We hope that our article helped you make the right decision.
Share with us your thoughts in the comment section below.