Writing Desks

1. Decide on a purpose and place for your writing desk before falling in love with one. Form is definitely a consideration when choosing a highly aesthetic piece like a writing desk, but nothing suits its surroundings better than a functional fit.

2. If you work from home, you'll be spending a lot of time staring at your new desk, so be sure you like the color. Oak writing desks have a natural, inviting beauty that cooperates well with traditional, antique, and Mission/Shaker styles.

3. Think about cleaning. If you're the type that forgoes coasters, perhaps you should also forgo the glass writing desk. A pristine glass surface with a glaring coffee ring isn't so stately. Then again, glass cleans up with a swift swipe, which is easier than refinishing a wood desktop.

4. Sure, coffee gives you a boost as you start your work day, but working at an espresso writing desk you really love will keep your spirits high throughout the day. Often designed in modern styles, espresso writing desks add sophistication to any work environment.

5. Is storage a necessity? Perhaps you'd be better off with a writing desk featuring a single, shallow drawer instead of filing cabinets and drawers. You'll increase leg room and prevent yourself from shoveling messes out of sight. Think about it.

6. Contemporary writing desks come in many finishes, but we suggest a black writing desk for the modern home office. With their clean, simple styles, black writing desks coordinate easily with vibrant wall colors at the same time they draw the focus to your work.

7. We consider writing desks prestige pieces. They work fine with computer gear and office props set up on them, but they show off best with a notepad and pen. There's always quills and inkwells, too.

8. If you prefer the timeless appeal of decorative or Victorian desk styles, then a cherry writing desk is your best bet. Beware, though, of the formalizing effect. Cherry writing desks may be responsible for increased use of the words "thou" and "thine" in your writing.

9. While other color writing desks tend to draw attention to themselves, a white writing desk adds fresh simplicity to your room. Often rendered in casual cottage designs, white writing desks can impress just as easily in modern styles.

10. Although writing desks are thought of as bare-boned versions of storage-happy computer desks, they actually have a lot to offer. Many writing desks have pullout keyboard trays that suit both laptops and regular keyboards. Others have small hutches for organizing mail and supplies. Simple but handy. That's how we like it.