Rectangle Desk vs. Curved Desk: Which One Should You Choose?

Desks come in different shapes and sizes; each serving a different purpose and offering a different sort of utility. Whether your goal is to find the perfect work desk or you’re looking for how to make your gaming experience better, you will need to find the right type of desk. 

One very common argument that comes up when choosing between desk types is rectangle desk vs. curved desk. There are pros and cons for both types of desk layouts, but which one suits your needs best will depend entirely on two factors;

1. space and setting you’re going to work in, and

2. Your sense of comfort. 

It is safe to say that curved desks are relatively more comfortable than flat ones, but flat desks offer a much cleaner outlook and are extremely versatile. They can be placed anywhere without seeming out of place. 

When it comes to curved vs. flat desktops for programmers, gamers, and everyone in between, you need to understand that a desk that’s too large will be nothing more than a waste while something too small won’t fit your needs and will end up looking odd.

In this article, we will consider the pros and cons of both desk types and identify why to buy a curved computer desktop or a flat one to maximize productivity.

 A Quick Comparison

Before we get into the details of the two desk types, let us take a quick peek at the core differences between the two. 

Choosing the Best Desk for Yourself

Rectangular Desk

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let us consider the argument in favor of rectangular desks. These desks are much more aesthetically pleasing, considering they can fit anywhere in the house without seeming out of place. Hence, you can set your desk in a corner or the middle of the room easily. 

Rectangular desks tend to add a rather minimalistic style into the room, especially if the table’s color matches your furniture or walls. Yes, there’s a sense of novelty that goes along with a curved desk, but it isn’t as classy as a rectangular desk. A prime example of this is the Adjustable Standing Desk Pro Series.

Another aspect to consider in favor of flat desks is space. If you want to save space in your room altogether, curved desks would be better since the chair can fit snuggly into the curve. However, if you are looking for more space on your desk, you simply can’t go wrong with a flat desk. 

A common issue people face with curved desks is that they get closer to the other edge at the center. While it isn’t enough to make a difference, there is a psychological element that comes into play, telling us that you have less space right in front of you when seated. 

If you combine flat desks with standing desks, such as the Seiffen Laminated Standing Desk (Eco & Pro), you can also get away with placing the desk in the middle of the room on top of a cushioning mat to further improve the accessibility and aesthetic of your place. The same would seem slightly out of place for curved desks. 

Unfortunately, rectangular desks do have some downsides. They tend to give off a rather monotonous outlook – much similar to what you would see in an office. If a rectangular desk is placed in a room, especially on a corner, chances are that you or someone else will compare it to your office desk at one point.

Flat tables find use in almost every house, office, or commercial area though and can be placed anywhere, thus showcasing their versatility. From the reception to the lunch table, most tables are flat. 

Another very important benefit of a rectangular desk is that they are usually more cost-effective, considering how it takes less effort to craft them. 

Curved Desks

When considering buying a curved desk, know that there are several benefits that you can get, albeit at a slightly higher price. 

The first benefit to consider is your room’s space. With rectangle desks, even if you push your chair in, chances are that it will protrude and reduce your space. Curved decks make good use of the corners by ‘enveloping’ the chair perfectly. 

In the current workplace, curved desks can help employees maintain a safe distance from one another, especially with the help of modesty panels. They also tend to give employees more privacy, which, in turn, leads to improved silence and better focus. 

There is no denying that a curved table has a much more contemporary outlook than flat desks. They are much more stylish and modern, even more so if placed in the corner or if the curved desk is a standing desk. 

Curved decks are much more ergonomic than their rectangular counterparts and can facilitate in helping you maintain your posture, regardless of whether it’s a traditional or a standing desk. The contour lets you slide closer to your desk while the curved edges give your arms a place to rest. Hence, you won’t have to slouch or lean in front to rest your arms but can do so on your sides easily. This, in turn, helps you reduce lower back pain significantly.

By providing room for your arms and wrist, desks such as the Seiffen Laminated Standing Desk (curved) help you remain more productive for a much longer period by avoiding straining your joints. This also reduces the risk of carpal tunnel significantly. 

Curved standing desks can also be height-adjustable to help you work while standing or sitting, at your leisure. Curved desks also come with a myriad of features and accessories – the same as flat desks – which means you won’t have to miss out on anything. From drawers to filing cabinets, cord management, extensions, and more — you can find it all. 

Unfortunately, despite all these benefits, curved tables tend to be a bit more on the expensive side. You will find that because of their aesthetic appeal when it comes to choosing between curved vs flat desks for commercial office settings, curved desks are much more preferred as part of the reception area. 

Making a Decision

In the flat vs. curved desk argument, it all comes down to personal preference and use. Both these tables have their own sets of pros and cons and enjoy a different position on making your work or gaming experience better. 

From investing in a sitting or a standing desk, curved or flat, whatever you choose, remember to think long-term. On average, the lifespan of any desk is 3 to 5 years if used in a rough and tough manner. However, if you take care of it, you can expect the table to last much longer. 

Regardless of which way you’re leaning, we recommend you consider the following elements before making your final decision;

· Ergonomics. The table should be comfortable enough for you to work on and maintain a good posture to ensure that it keeps you healthy in the long run

· Aesthetic appeal. Of course, no piece of furniture is worth the effort unless it adds to your space’s aesthetic 

· Movement. One important and often overlooked element to consider is how much movement you get when working on your desk. This is exactly why standing desks are becoming more and more popular. You can also go with under desk bicycles or desk hammocks for the same.

· Increases Productivity. After all, what good is a desk if it doesn’t help you improve productivity, mood, and focus? This is where opinions differ. For some, curved desks give a feel of the desk ‘wrapping itself’ around the individual while, for others, it might feel ‘entrapping.’ If you are someone who likes hugging the desk while working, consider going for the curved desk.

· Improved Posture. Another important role of your desks is to improve your overall wellness and bring about positive changes to your body. The first step towards that is a better posture, which directly leads to reduced body pains.

Final Words

Before deciding on which desk suits you more, i.e., a rectangle or curved desk, you need to understand that the flat vs. curved desk argument has been going on for quite a while. The contour does serve many individuals, while for others it can be an inconvenience. 

Since flat desks are much more common, we recommend you sit on the same and check whether you are finding it difficult or not to find a place for your arms or if your wrists are experiencing unnecessary strain. 

After that, consider the pros and cons we mentioned above to help you make an informed decision!