If your workers spend most of their day at computers, the purchase of computer desk furniture, computer tables and computer cabinets is one of the most important purchases you will make. Think about it: If the furniture is comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing, it can lead to increased productivity and increased profits for your company.

With so much riding on computer furniture basics, you want to make sure you buy the right furniture the first time. So before you start to look for furniture, consider your budget, your floor space and your needs. Then start by looking at these types of furniture:

1. Individual computer desks;

2. Large computer workstations;

3. And ergonomic computer furniture.

Be good to yourself. Even basic home computer furniture should be ergonomically sound.
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Find individual computer desk furniture

If you need to fit a large amount of workstations into a small area, or if you are furnishing small offices with computer office furniture, it's best to go with an individual piece. A computer desk, a computer table or a piece of computer lab furniture is made to provide your workers with a comfortable place to work in a small amount of space.

I recommend: Check out the selection of computer desks available at OfficeFurniture.com. This should give you a good idea of the types of individual desks that are on the market. Mercantila's Computer Desk Superstore also has a wide variety of computer stands and desks.

Browse large pieces of computer furniture

If you have the room, a large computer workstation can really help your employees reach their maximum potential. These desks give employees enough room to lay out spreadsheets and projects and are great for arranging into pods or fitting into the corners of a room.

I recommend: National Business Furniture has a great selection of L-shaped desks, U-shaped desks and corner computer desks. The company also offers a 15-year guarantee. For custom options, check out WorkSpaces, a business that offers interactive desk packages to meet your exact needs.

Consider ergonomic computer furniture

Before buying computer furniture, you should consider ergonomic furniture. An ergonomic computer desk and chair can increase an employees comfort and decrease their risk of repetitive motion injuries. This type of furniture may cost a bit more up front but can save you money with fewer sick days and higher productivity.

I recommend: Humanscale has a full line of ergonomic computer furniture for sale, including seating and accessories. Ground Support Equipment sells the Biomorph line of computer desks and workstations, designed to maximize good working positions.

Tips & Tactics for Purchasing Computer Furniture

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your company is located in an office building, visit other offices to see what type of computer furniture they have in their space. Often tenants in the same building will face similar challenges when it comes to space and layout, and the other tenants may be able to provide you with some good advice.

Finding the right desktop and home computer furniture means more than picking out your favorite colors and styles. If you and your employees are not comfortable at their computers, then you, as the business owner, may soon be dealing with extra break times, work-related injuries and increased absenteeism. This doesn't mean going for the Rolls Royce of workplace furniture. Instead, employ the top three steps in your purchase of computer furniture:

1. Discover how to make the right choices.
2. Look for ergonomically correct computer furniture.
3. Purchase with care for your current and future business needs.

Action Steps
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Start with the basics

What do you need in terms of computer furniture? Be realistic. For example, if your employees all use desktops, then don't buy the computer tables available in anticipation that if your revenue is double what you've anticipated, you'll get them all laptops.

I recommend: Take a quick, free quiz at Buyer Zone to assess your needs and request free quotes from office furniture suppliers. Check out Office Depot's Desk Guide for free space planning from the masters.

Consider ergonomics

A top concern in choosing the correct computer furniture is physical comfort for you and your employees. For example, if the furniture is the wrong height for how you work, it won't help you be productive.

I recommend: The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has some helpful computer furniture ergonomic guidelines. Check OSHA's Checklist Purchasing Guide to assess furniture choices before you buy.

Look the part

Whether your computer furniture is new or used, it should give a professional impression, especially if your clients will see it. No one wants to award a big project to a company whose computer is teetering on a stack of wooden crates.

I recommend: Office Depot offers small business owners the options – from ready-to-assemble to fully-assembled furniture. Check out their Premium Installation Service for a start-to-finish solution.

Make smart buying decisions

Consider buying remanufactured furniture – it looks new, without the hefty price tag (remanufactured furniture is about half the price of new) – and usually comes with warranties. And be clear on yor needs. If you need a corner computer desk or computer cabinets, you can find them, but you'll need to focus your search.

I recommend: Check out ValueBiz for remanufactured, new, and pre-owned furniture, and take advantage of the 3-year warranty they offer on all pre-owned items, including home computer furniture.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Anticipate: Your needs for the future (the next 1-2 years).
• •  Don't rush: Take time to research the furniture options.
• •  Build more than an office: Build a relationship with your furniture vendor, which might help you in getting better deals on future or multiple purchases.
• •  Reap the rewards: Many vendors or office supply companies, including Office Depot, offer a specified percentage cash-back reward on those purchases you made throughout the year.

The purchase of computer desk furniture, computer tables and computer cabinets is one of the most important purchases you will make for your office. Computer furniture that is comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing can lead to increased productivity and increased profits for your company. Additionally, this is a major capital expense, especially if you are furnishing a large office. So when you buy computer furniture, you want to make sure you get it right the first time.

The pricing and costs of computer furniture, including items such as a corner computer desk, a computer table and a piece of ergonomic computer furniture, can vary greatly. Before you start to look for computer furniture, take a minute to figure out your budget. Then ask yourself the following questions:

1. How important is it to have aesthetically pleasing computer furniture?

2. Would I prefer to buy new computer furniture, even though my budget is limited?

3. Is used computer furniture an option I am willing to consider?

Action Steps
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Purchase new computer furniture

If clients and customers often visit your office, you probably want to purchase new, aesthetically pleasing computer furniture. Obviously, this type of furniture is the most expensive kind. You can easily spend several thousand dollars on one corner computer desk. But remember, you can't put a price on a good impression.

I recommend: Everything Furniture has a wide selection of computer desks, carts and racks. The company promises fast delivery and offers volume discounts. ACEofficeSystems.com has a full line of computer furniture. The company even sells computer stands that range in price from around $200 to $500.

Purchase computer furniture at wholesale prices

If you still want to buy new computer furniture but want to save a few bucks, check out a wholesale computer furniture retailer. You won't have as many choices, but you will still find a nice selection of quality furniture.

I recommend: Home Office Furniture promises new computer furniture at up to 70% off retail prices. Liquidation Closeouts offers great savings on new computer desks and chairs. Order minimums do apply.

Purchase used computer furniture

If you really want to save money, buying used computer furniture is the way to go. You'll have to put up with some scratches and nicks, and the selection of styles and sizes will be limited, but in some cases, you will save as much as 90% off the cost of a new piece of computer furniture.

I recommend: Office Liquidators has a large assortment of used wood and metal computer desk furniture. The company also carries used modular systems and workstations. For the largest selection of used computer furniture in the Washington, D.C. area, check out Dulles Office Furniture.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your budget is really tight or you just have short-term needs for computer desk furniture, consider renting. Corner computer cabinets, computer stands and computer lab furniture are all available for rent.

When determining which type of computer furniture works best for you, it is important to keep some key terms in mind. Most computer furniture key terms describe the type of furniture. Words such as computer rack, computer armoire, computer cart and computer roll top desk all discuss the style or type of furniture used to house the computer. Terms such as mouse deck and keyboard tray describe computer furniture accessories and add-ons.

Action Steps
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Computer rack

A computer rack is a type of rack used to house the parts of a computer. The rack stands vertically and is made of metal. The rack shelves hold servers, modems, hard drives, and other computer equipment pieces. Additional terms for a computer rack are a relay rack or an open rack. A computer rack is a more industrial type of computer furniture, used in a computer-intensive environment, as opposed to an office setting.

I recommend: View a definition of a computer rack from Internet.com.

Computer cart

Computer carts are and made of glass, steel, wood, and fiberboard. They are lightweight, but house the entire computer setup, including keyboard, monitor, tower and printer. Computer carts make it easy to move the entire workstation to a different location.

I recommend: View details and comparisons of computer carts to other computer furniture from Computer Carts.

Computer armoire

A computer armoire is an armoire designed to house a computer. The armoire is multi-functional with a desk, bookshelf, and storage space. The computer armoire features two doors that open and close to reveal and hide the computer inside, as desired for an office. Most computer armoires are made of wood.

I recommend: Learn more about computer armoires from Home Furnish.

Keyboard tray

A keyboard tray is a computer furniture accessory that holds the keyboard and is attached to the underside of a desk. Keyboard trays are available in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate all keyboard types. Some keyboard trays house both the keyboard and the mouse.

I recommend: Keyboard Tray Guide offers valuable information about keyboard trays.

Mouse deck

A mouse deck is an accessory piece of computer furniture. The mouse deck hooks to the computer furniture desk to hold the mouse. In many cases, the mouse deck is added to the bottom of the computer furniture piece and then pulled in and out as needed for use.

I recommend: WiseGeek offers an article discussing mouse decks.

Computer roll-top desk

Like a computer armoire, a computer roll-top desk neatly hides away the clutter of your computer in your office. However, instead of closing doors, a computer roll-top desk has a roll top that moves up and down to conceal the area. Like other desks, these desks also typically have drawers for storage.

I recommend: For information on combining the traditional roll-top desk with modern computers, go to ChristiaNet.