The Executive Desk

Congratulations! You have just been promoted to an executive position. You have a bigger paycheck, more responsibility, and a bigger office with nicer furniture! You can decorate your new space any way you like. Of course, you will start with the focal point of the room, your executive desk. Which one, what kind, what color, how big, with what features? Because it will be the first thing anyone notices when they enter the room you want your executive desk to say the right thing about you. What does your executive desk say about you and your personality or work style? The truth is that most executives are men. Therefore, most executive desks are very masculine. They are large, dark, robust and stately. Your executive desk should reflect the power that your position carries.

If your employees, suppliers, or managerial peers are looking at you over a large leather top desk with a lot of space between you and them, you automatically command a position of authority. Your physical position will give you the upper hand during any negotiation or discussion. Beyond commanding respect, a large workspace will enable you to layout documents side by side and give you the room to accomplish all of the work your new position brings. If you need an even larger work area, consider a desk that includes one or two pullout writing shelves. Pullout shelves are great because you have the extra space when you need it, but the desk will retain its sleek design when the writing shelf or shelves are pushed in.

A u-shaped desk will maximize work real estate. These desks typically include a desk, a credenza, and a U bridge. You need an office that is at least 13 feet by 16 feet for this desk to function comfortably. Even if your office is sufficiently large, you might find that your overall work flow is hampered by continually having to walk around your massive piece of furniture. In addition, u-shaped desks might give the impression of isolation or detachment. If you end up selecting a u-shaped desk, you need to give careful thought about orientation and placement of the desk relative to the rest of the office to lessen the potential negatives.

The color of your desk, again should communicate your importance. For some reason, dark woods seem more elegant and robust. Many desks with cherry or mahogany finish combine modern and classical styles together for a sleek and powerful look. More expensive woods like teak are often dark in color so they convey your position by letting anyone in the room know that you are sitting behind an expensive piece of furniture. Whether we like it or not, our society automatically thinks that something is better if it is more expensive.

To complete the picture an executive is trying to create with their desk, you need it to have a robust and regal presence. This is often achieved by choosing a desk that is more ornately decorated than your average office furniture. Carvings and a solid front make the executive desk look much grander and again, give your guests the impression that it is very expensive and thus you are very important. Whatever desk you choose, make sure that it communicates the high esteem you expect your visitors to bestow upon you.