Are Corner Desks Ergonomic?

Corner desks are quite popular nowadays. But is the corner desk ergonomic? Are the corner desks as functional as other desks?

Let me clear your doubts with a personal experience. I have a tiny home office and have always had trouble setting up a workstation.

Ever since I switched to a corner desk, I could contain all my workspace in the corner of my room and even converted the remaining space into the living area.

This article includes corner desk ergonomics and recommendations of some of the best corner desks in 2024.

You will also be clear on choosing a perfect corner desk for you as you read on.

Are Corner Desks Ergonomic?

Corner desks fit well in corners of the room with curved surfaces for comfortable sitting.

Due to the curved surface of the corner desks, it is an ergonomic choice. The angles are not shared-edged, so there is less risk of injury by bumping into it.

You can use Corner desks as sitting or standing desks as per your choice. Sitting down for long periods can harm your body’s metabolism.

According to research conducted on calories burned among users of sitting and standing desks, 0.34 kcal/min more calories were burned using a standing desk.

This is about 20kcal/hour calories burned from standing. The scientific explanation behind this is the use of postural muscles while standing.

Corner desks also enable proper viewing distance to the screen. Different possibilities of screen arrangement due to curved structure give users flexibility for adjustment.

Advantages of Using a Corner Desk

Corner desks are space-saving and efficient desks for home offices. Besides, they are also functional despite their size.

1. Corner Desks are Space-saving

Corner desks are perfect for you if you have limited room space and more free space in the center of the room. You can choose a corner desk with enough storage functions to contain your workspace in the corner of the room.

You can set up the corner desk in your living room or bedroom for more space-saving options paired with armchairs.

A small corner desk fits well in your small home office or room.

2. Provides Sun Glare Prevention

The sun glare can distract you when placing your screen facing the window or behind it.

No matter how you position your screen, there are times days the sun’s glare hits your eyes or your screen, making it very uncomfortable to see the screen.

Placing your desk parallel to the window is optimal to prevent sun glare.

Since corner desks are always placed on corners, they can be placed parallel or beside the window to prevent sun glare.

The position provides enough air and light so you can work comfortably.

Read about; Is Direct Sunlight Damaging To Monitors?

3. Corner Desks Provide Multi-Functional Use

Corner desks can be shifted into both sitting and standing desks.

Storage spaces like drawers, storage cabinets, and under-desk storage are available for corner desks, making them more efficient.

The corner desk may be customized and changed to match your needs for increased comfort and convenience.

Many corner desks contain a full-extension file drawer that glides on smooth ball-bearing slides for quick access to the rear.

It includes an open cubby shelf ideal for storing books and other items, making it more multi-functional.

4. Free From Distraction

Facing the window or room while working can be pretty distracting.

If you are looking for a position to do deep work with maximum productivity, you can use a corner desk.

It faces the corner of your room, saving you from any distractions.

If you want to feel less distracted, you can consider placing your desk facing the wall.

5. Corner Desk Elbow Support

When it comes to posture, slouching forward and hunching your shoulders without any arm support might negatively influence your posture over time.

In these cases, a corner desk is excellent since it can provide support for your elbow as you type on your laptop or keyboard.

The corner desk gives good elbow support while using your mouse, whether you’re left-handed or right-handed.

While working, your elbows should remain flat, parallel to the desk surface, or slightly elevated for comfort.

Corner desks allow your screen and keyboards to be positioned at an appropriate distance so that your elbows can lay comfortably while typing.

Disadvantages of Corner desk

• It is not possible to share a corner desk. For example, it is unsuitable for peer programming as people cannot work side by side.
• It is not easy to spread out your work.
• There is only one possible way of arrangement at the corner of the room.
• A corner desk is not suitable for every kind of home office setup. For example, if you want a home office that can also be a meeting room, a straight executive desk would be better.
• There is limited space for mobility while using corner desks.
• The corner desk can only face the wall. So, you might feel trapped while working in this position for a long time.

Is Corner Desk Better Than a Straight Desk?

Corner desks and Straight desk both have their benefits. So, the choice of desk can differ for individuals.

Straight desks are better if you have more space and want a minimalistic clean look with single monitor use.

However, corner desks are better if you have limited space and want to multitask with dual monitors.

Before diving into the details, you can quickly scan the difference between a corner desk and a straight desk.

Corner Desk	Straight Desk
Leaves most part of the room space free	Occupies most of the room space
Can only be placed on the corner	More versatile arrangement
Can be used with armchairs	Can only be used with standard office chairs
Also works when placed in living room	Best for home office
Allows multitasking by utilizing two corners	Work can be spread over the desk
Can be cluttered easily	Clutter free option
Can fit two minitors	Best for single monitor setups
More expensive	Cheaper option

Pros of Corner Desk Over Straight Desk

The corner desk allows you to multitask without flipping the table in both directions.

You can also use the corner desk in living areas with no space constraints. It will fit perfectly paired with your armchair or sofa too.

Unlike straight desks, corner desks fit dual monitors easily.

You can separate your work while using corner desks by utilizing separate corners.

You need to reach over to get stuff at your straight desk, which might cause muscle strain on your arms and back.

Meanwhile, you can easily access your stuff on the corner desk without bending and stretching.

Read about; 10 Reasons Why your Work Desk is Always Messy.

Pros of the Straight Desk Over Corner Desk

There are arrangement limitations to the corner desk. Meanwhile, straight desks can be arranged in multiple arrangements, like facing the window, the center of the room, etc.

If you want a minimalistic look, you can use a straight desk that makes the PC and equipment arrangements easier, leaving your desk clutter-free.

You can also spread your work on a straight table, which is difficult with a corner desk. You can try, but your items will not have enough space.

Straight desks are a better option for a budget table, as they are cheaper than corner desks.

Is the Corner Desk Better than the L-Shaped Desk?

Both the corner desk and the L-shaped desk fit in the corner of the room. L-shaped and corner desks sound like the same desk due to similarities.

However, there is a significant difference between the two.

If you have a small room with less equipment to place on the desktop, you can choose a corner desk for a reasonable price.

However, an L-shaped desk is undoubtedly better if you want more lift capacity and a cubicle setup, and setting up an L-shaped desk is also easy.

Corner desks are built with single desktops, while those made with two are L-shaped.

Corner desks have curved surfaces, which fit well in the room corners. In comparison, L-shaped desks have square corners.

L-shaped desks are larger and also cost more than corner desks. They also have more lifting capacity as compared to corner desks. They are also suitable for cubicle setups.

If you have ever placed your desks on the wall, you must be familiar with the problem of stuff falling behind the desk. They also fill up the corners entirely to solve the problem.

L-shaped desks are also perfect for desk sharing as it fits more than one person on either side.

Even if you work alone on a large L-shaped desk, the empty side can be used to store equipment.

More space is available on L shaped desk for equipment and more leg space.

Corner desks and L-shaped desks both have easy reach. However, L-shaped desks have a neutral zone of space as per ergonomics.

According to the third principle of ergonomics, you should prevent extreme postures during work.

Extreme postures include bending over to reach something or stretching your arms uncomfortably to reach out.

As per research, this causes shoulder abduction and wrist/arms flexion. L- the shaped desk is spacious enough to allow a proper computer, keyboard, and mouse placement so that all of them are in a neutral zone.

How to Sit Ergonomically at Corner Desk?

• Place the keyboard one to two inches above your thigh level.
• Your elbows should be at 90 degrees while using a corner desk as a standing or sitting desk.
• Your monitor should be at one arm’s distance from your seat.
• Leave at least a four to six inches distance at the front of the desk for your wrist.
• Keep your feet flat on the ground, or use a footrest.
• All corners of Corner desks are not the same. For example, if you have to work with a 45-degree angle, you can make the angle the focal point of the design.
• You can sit on any corner of the corner desk with a chair turn, but many prefer working in the center.

How to Choose a Perfect Corner Desk?

Corner Desk is available in a variety of styles and features. So, it is essential to determine what type of desk and for what purpose you need it to choose a perfect one.

1. Type of Corner Desk

The first step is to know the purpose of the desk. Determine if you need a computer, writing, or an executive desk.

Here is some basic information on Corner desk types;

2. Functionality of Desk

Corner desks also have different functions like adjustable height features, separate trays for keyboards, etc.

Here are some of the corner desks and their features.

• VersaDesk Electric Height-Adjustable Standing Desk Riser has a separate keyboard tray and adjustable stand.
• Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Corner Standing Desk can be converted into both sitting and standing desks.
• Dual Motor Adjustable Sit Standing Corner Desk has height adjustment features.

3. Size of the Desk

Corner desks are available in sizes 20 to 40 inches in width. Choose the correct sized desk depending on your storage needs, top space, and room size.

Read about; What is the Right Size Desk for your Home Office?

4. Material of the Desk

Like other desks, Coner desks are available in various materials like wood, plastic, glass, metal, etc.

If you want something sturdy, wooden corner desks are better for you. Meanwhile, glass desks provide a more modern look.

Read about; What Materials are Best for a Home Office Desk?

5. Storage Needs

If you need to store PC components on the desk, opt for one with CPU stands and keyboard trays.

You can also get corner desks with cabinets and shelves built for extra storage.

Also you might try to DIY a gaming desk.

Ergonomic Corner Desk in 2024

Corner desks have been trendy, especially for people who work from home and have limited spacing.

There are many options with different sizes, functions, and storage spaces in corner desks.

The Bottom Line

Corner desks are loved by writers, remote workers, and even gamers for their minimalistic yet functional and ergonomic design.

However, it does not mean that corner desks cant be upgraded or decorated like other desks.

Corner desks with storage, adjustment features, and several accessories that can be used with them can turn your room corner into a beautiful workspace.

If you would like to explore another type of desk like a built-in desk, read the article; How Much does a Built-in Desk Cost in 2022?