This Open Plan Systems benching station is a great setup for teams that need a shared workspace without a lot of fuss. The simple white frame and gray surface give it a clean, modern look that fits into just about any office. With built-in power and the option for divider panels, it’s easy to use for different kinds of work environments. It’s solid, functional, and easy to reconfigure if things change.
Use a multi-person desk such as a benching system of this kind around your office in many ways.
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A benching system is a large, shared desk setup that lets multiple people work at the same table. Instead of having separate cubicles or individual desks, it’s one long surface divided into workspaces, often with small privacy panels or outlets in the middle.
It’s designed to save space, make teamwork easier, and keep things looking clean and organized. You’ll usually see these in open offices, training rooms, or areas where people rotate in and out of desks during the day.
A benching system is best used as a solution in an open office environment. These are ideal desks for co-working spaces, modular office set-ups, group workstations, or for specific teams in an office.
When I first got into commercial office furniture, I thought a desk was a desk was a desk. Little did I know that office desks come in many different shapes and sizes. The alphabetically-identified desk styles had my head spinning until I learned the differences between them.
Without the help of leadership, I would still be calling desk returns "trolleys" and confusing a right return with a left return desk. Hopefully this guide will help you understand desk types before you start creating your own names for office furniture workstations and office desks. And props to my unrelentless leader and business partner Jeremiah Curry and project manager Jason Niemeyer for always stepping in to correct me when I got it wrong. But let's not get carried away about right and wrong, back to the desks.
If you're looking for a desk that excels in table top space, storage, and size, the U-Shape Desk is for you. A standard U-Shape Desk has three section. A front part of the desk, unsurprisingly, is called the "Desk" will often have a nice space for collaboration with others. The middle part of the U desk is called a "bridge". This connects the front to the back section that is generally of equal length; thus, making it in the shape of the letter U. Although, I still have a hard time with that.
U-shaped desks can also be adapted to be height adjustable, too. Whether you replace a portion of the U with a sit to stand desk, add a desktop accessory such as a Veridesk or buy a new desk that comes with it. There are many options of height adjustable desks, and the configurations with a U-Shape desk are many.
Side Note: The graphic designer side of me asks, "If the desk is a U-Shape, what type font is it?" I would also question if the U is uppercase, lower case, or a fancy script font? Nevertheless, I will try to describe this the best way possible with an uppercase U.
Here's a visual for comprehension.
It seems straightforward, but nothing in contract furniture ever is. This is why there are entire office furniture systems built and experts such as our team of installers to put them together. And, because a desk isn't just a desk, the U-Shape desk can come in many forms.
U-Shape Desk featuring a P-Top Design
This desk design is for a more open concept, less bulky feeling U-Shape desk. It comes with a lateral filing cabinet, single filing cabinet, and additional storage drawers on the return side.
A p-top or d-top desktop generally has a single of double pedestal base. This desk is shown with a single chrome pedestal base.
The P-Top design is a light, friendly way to open up a crowded space. The rounded area is a great place to lay out paperwork, discuss business strategies and review items with coworkers. Keep in mind, similar desks can be called d-top desk. Like the ones shown above, these desks often features an open bottom with modesty panel.
The bow front desk as part of a u-shape office set, can provide more privacy with its closed bottom design. Unlike the P-Top held up by a pedestal leg, this is fully framed and can also support additional desk storage.
Side by Side Comparison of a P-Top Desk and the Bow Front
It is clear how these two u-shape workstations vary in style and design.
A straight U-shape desk keeps things simple and functional. With a continuous work surface that wraps around you, it gives easy access to everything you need without much movement. This layout is great for multitaskers who want space for a computer, paperwork, and maybe even a second monitor—all within reach. It’s clean, efficient, and fits well in offices that need a no-fuss setup that still feels spacious.
It’s easy to see how various U-shape workstations can look and feel completely different. Some offer a more enclosed, private workspace, while the other feels open and inviting. Each style speaks to different preferences and needs.
So, how do you determine which desk is best for your space?
All of these factors play a role in finding the right desk for your space. Even simple things like cable management and future reconfiguration options should be considered. Taking the time to think through your work habits, office layout, and long-term needs will help you choose a setup that supports both comfort and productivity.
Office organization is crucial for efficiency and productivity. One essential piece of furniture you will likely find in a workspace is the file cabinet. With a variety of options available, choosing the right file cabinet can impact how well you manage your documents and office supplies. Let's dig into the different types of file cabinets, including lateral, vertical, mobile pedestal, and fireproof cabinets. This can hopefully help you determine what kind of filing cabinet is best for your office furniture needs.
Lateral file cabinets are the behemoth of all file cabinets. They are heavy, they are sturdy, and they are reliable. The horizontal storage layout that can pack massive amounts of files. And, unlike vertical file cabinets, lateral file cabinets allow for side-to-side filing, and have storage off longer side of the storage unit.
These cabinets come in various sizes, typically ranging from 2-drawer to 6-drawer configurations. Some lateral file cabinets feature doors that open like a garage door, while others have traditional pull-out drawers. It’s like the Chevy Suburban of Large SUVS, it can fit a lot.
Lateral filing cabinets come in various sizes to suit different office needs.
They are particularly useful in large office spaces with a lot of open wall space. They are ideal for businesses that need to store extensive records and documents, offering easy access to files without having to dig through multiple stacks of documents. Because they hold a large volume of documents, these cabinets are also a good fit for shared workspaces where multiple employees may need to access files simultaneously.
One of the primary advantages of lateral file cabinets is the ease of file access. The wide drawers allow users to quickly locate and retrieve documents, enhancing workplace efficiency. Additionally, lateral file cabinets can accommodate both legal and letter-sized documents, providing versatile storage solutions. Their design also prevents them from tipping over when drawers are fully extended. When one drawer opens, the other drawers automatically lock to prevent the furniture from become unbalanced. This also ensures a safe work environment for your employees.
Vertical file cabinets are a staple in many offices, offering an excellent solution for document storage in limited spaces. These tall, narrow cabinets are designed to maximize vertical space while providing easy access to files. Let's explore the features, advantages, and considerations for choosing the right vertical file cabinet for your needs.
Similar to laterals, they can go up to 5 or 6 stacked drawers. Review this breakdown to determine the needs of your own space:
Vertical file cabinets offer a practical solution for document storage, especially in space-constrained environments. By considering your specific needs, available space, and the quality factors discussed, you can select a vertical file cabinet that enhances your office organization and efficiency. Whether you choose a compact 2-drawer model or a larger 5-drawer cabinet, the right vertical file cabinet can significantly improve your document management and workspace functionality.
Imagine having your essential documents and supplies always within reach, no matter where you're working. That's the beauty of mobile file cabinets, also known as pedestal cabinets. These compact, wheeled wonders are revolutionizing office organization.
Typically sporting 2 to 3 drawers, mobile cabinets are the Swiss Army knives of office storage. They're perfect for tucking under your desk or rolling to your next brainstorming session. In dynamic workspaces where change is the only constant, these agile storage solutions shine.
Whether you go for a 2-drawer model or a larger 3-drawer version, a mobile file cabinet is a great addition to any office workspace. Some even come with accessories like pencil trays and file dividers.
Why be tied down when you can roll with the changes that a mobile pedestal filing cabinet provides?
Compact storage solutions are often needed when dealing with a tight office space. These cabinets typically have a slim profile and are often equipped with wheels for easy mobility. Despite their small size, mini filing cabinets can be highly functional, providing secure storage for essential documents and office supplies. They are designed to store both legal and letter-size documents in a side-to-side configuration, rather than the front-to-back filing found in larger cabinets.
Fireproof file cabinets are specialized storage units designed to protect important documents from fire damage. Built with fire-resistant materials and insulation, these cabinets can withstand high temperatures, ensuring the safety of vital papers during emergencies. This can be especially important for important papers that cannot be easily replaced like contracts or architectural plans. Fireproof storage is a great option for personal use to safeguard birth certifications, social security cards, and other important documents.
While bulkier and heavier than standard file cabinets, fireproof models offer crucial protection for irreplaceable documents. They provide a layer of security against potential fire hazards, making them a prudent investment for those dealing with sensitive or valuable paperwork.
The humble file cabinet is more than just a storage box—it's the unsung hero of office organization. From the space-efficient lateral cabinets to the towering verticals, each type we've explored offers its own unique strengths. Mobile cabinets bring flexibility to dynamic workspaces, while fireproof options stand guard over your most critical documents.
Consider your specific needs, available space, and long-term organizational goals when choosing file cabinets. The right selection can significantly improve workplace efficiency and document management. By prioritizing quality and functionality, you're making a sound investment in your office's organization and productivity.
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