Computer Desks Glossary: Every Term You Need to Know

Computer desk descriptions use a fairly small vocabulary, and once you know it, comparing designs becomes much quicker. The terms fall into five groups: desk types (such as corner, L shaped, writing and gaming desks), parts (return, modesty panel, pedestal, keyboard tray), materials and finishes (MDF, veneer, high gloss, tempered glass), measurements (width, depth, height, knee clearance) and ergonomic language (sit stand, monitor riser, cable grommet). This glossary explains each one in plain English.

Whether you are browsing our modern computer desks UK or reading the specification on a product page, the definitions below will help you understand exactly what you are looking at. Most of the vocabulary also applies across our wider modern office furniture UK range, covering chairs, storage and accessories. The entries are grouped by theme rather than alphabetically, so related ideas sit together.

Types of desk

Computer desk

A general term for any desk designed for a screen, keyboard and mouse. Many include cable holes, a keyboard shelf or space for a tower unit.

Writing desk

A simpler, lighter desk, usually with a slim top and one or two shallow drawers. It suits laptop users and rooms where the desk must blend in with other furniture.

Corner desk

A desk shaped to fit into the corner of a room. It may be triangular, curved or L shaped. Corner designs make use of space that often goes unused.

L shaped desk

A desk with two arms meeting at a right angle. The longer arm is the main run and the shorter arm is the return. It gives a generous working area without needing a long wall.

Executive desk

A larger, more substantial desk, often with drawers on both sides and a solid front. It is designed to look as good from the visitor’s side as from the user’s side.

Gaming desk

A desk designed for gaming setups, typically wider to hold several monitors, with features like cup holders, headphone hooks and a textured mouse surface. Our gaming desks UK show how these features are combined.

Ladder desk

A desk that leans against the wall with shelves above, resembling a ladder. It has a small footprint but limited surface area.

Wall mounted or floating desk

A desk fixed directly to the wall with no legs. It frees up floor space but requires a solid wall and secure fixings.

Bureau

A traditional desk with a hinged writing flap that folds down to reveal compartments. It closes to hide everything away, which is useful in living rooms.

Parts and features

Return

The shorter arm of an L shaped desk. Desks are described as left hand or right hand depending on which side the return sits.

Reversible

A desk that can be assembled with the return on either side.

Modesty panel

A panel fixed across the front of the desk, between the legs. It hides your legs and cables from view and adds stability.

Pedestal

A set of drawers that sits beneath the desk. A fixed pedestal is part of the desk frame. A mobile pedestal stands on castors and can be moved. Our office pedestal drawers UK include both types.

Keyboard tray

A sliding shelf beneath the desktop that holds the keyboard at a slightly lower height. It can improve comfort for some users but reduces knee space.

Hutch

A shelving unit that sits on top of the desk, adding storage above the work surface.

Cable grommet

A round hole in the desktop, usually with a plastic or metal cap, that lets cables pass through neatly.

Cable tray

A channel or basket fitted under the desk to hold extension leads and spare cable.

CPU shelf

A low shelf or cradle that keeps a computer tower off the floor, away from dust and feet.

Monitor riser

A raised shelf, either freestanding or part of the desk, that lifts the screen closer to eye height.

Levelling feet

Small adjustable feet on the base of the legs. They compensate for uneven floors and stop wobbling.

Soft close drawers

Drawers with runners that slow down as they close, preventing slamming.

Push to open

Drawers or doors without handles that open with a gentle press, keeping the front clean.

Materials and finishes

Solid wood

Timber cut directly from the tree, such as oak, walnut, ash or pine. It can be sanded and refinished over the years.

Veneer

A thin layer of real wood bonded to a stable core. It gives the appearance of solid wood with less movement in heated rooms.

MDF

Medium density fibreboard, made from compressed wood fibres. It is smooth, stable and takes paint and lacquer well.

Particleboard or chipboard

Board made from wood particles and resin. It is commonly used with a laminate or foil finish.

Melamine and laminate

Hard wearing surface layers bonded to board. They resist scratches and spills and are easy to wipe clean.

High gloss

A highly reflective lacquered finish. It brightens a room but shows fingerprints more readily than matt.

Matt

A finish with little or no shine. It hides fingerprints well and has a softer appearance.

Tempered glass

Glass that has been heat treated for strength. If it breaks, it shatters into small blunt pieces rather than sharp shards.

Powder coated steel

Steel with a baked on paint finish. It is durable and resists chipping, and is often used for desk frames.

Edge banding

A strip applied to the edge of a board to cover the core and protect it from knocks and moisture.

Measurements

Width

The measurement from side to side. For L shaped desks, look for the width of each arm.

Depth

The measurement from front to back. Around 60cm suits a monitor and keyboard comfortably. Laptop users can often manage with 45cm to 50cm.

Height

The distance from the floor to the top of the desk. Most fixed desks sit between 72cm and 76cm.

Knee clearance

The clear height and width beneath the desk. It should accommodate your legs and the arms of your chair.

Footprint

The area of floor the desk occupies. It is useful when planning small rooms.

Load capacity

The maximum weight the desk or a shelf is designed to hold. It matters if you use heavy monitors or a large printer.

Ergonomic terms

Sit stand desk

A desk that adjusts in height so you can work sitting or standing. Electric versions use a motor and a control panel. Manual versions use a crank or lever.

Eye line

The height your eyes naturally rest at when looking ahead. The top of the screen is usually set at or slightly below this.

Neutral posture

A relaxed position with shoulders down, elbows bent at roughly a right angle and wrists straight.

Viewing distance

The gap between your eyes and the screen. Around an arm’s length is a common guide.

Assembly and care terms

Flatpack

Furniture supplied in parts for home assembly.

Cam lock

A round metal fitting that locks a bolt into place, commonly used to join flatpack panels.

Wall anchor

A fixing that secures tall furniture, such as a hutch, to the wall to prevent tipping.

Patina

The natural change in colour and sheen that develops on wood and some metals over time.

Shape and style terms

Waterfall edge

A design in which the desktop continues down the sides in one unbroken surface, forming the legs. It gives a clean, sculptural look and is common in glass and gloss desks.

Tapered legs

Legs that narrow towards the floor. They are typical of mid century and Scandinavian designs and make a desk look lighter.

Trestle base

A frame made from two supports, one at each end, often joined by a crossbar. It leaves plenty of room for legs beneath the desk.

Sled base

A continuous metal frame shaped like a runner, touching the floor along its length rather than at four points. It spreads weight evenly and feels stable.

Floating top

A desktop that appears to hover above its frame, usually because the supports are set back from the edges.

Bevelled edge

An edge cut at an angle rather than square. It softens the look and is kinder to wrists when typing.

Two tone

A desk that combines two finishes, such as a white top on an oak frame. It helps the desk relate to more than one material in the room.

Putting the glossary to work

With these terms in mind, product descriptions become easier to compare. You can tell at a glance whether a desk will fit, whether it suits your setup, and how it will wear. Start with measurements, then check parts and features, then consider finish. If you would like to understand how different surfaces behave with daily use, our wooden desk surface test of finishes for UK homes is a helpful next read.

Knowing the language also makes it easier to ask the right questions before you choose, from knee clearance to load capacity. Whenever you are ready, you can explore every design at Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently asked questions

What is the return on a desk?

The return is the shorter arm of an L shaped desk. Its position determines whether the desk is described as left hand or right hand.

What does modesty panel mean?

It is a panel across the front of a desk between the legs. It hides legs and cables and adds stability.

Is veneer the same as solid wood?

No. Veneer is a thin layer of real wood bonded to a stable board, while solid wood is timber throughout.

What depth of desk do I need?

Around 60cm suits a monitor and keyboard. A laptop setup can usually work on 45cm to 50cm.

What is a mobile pedestal?

A set of drawers on castors that sits under or beside a desk and can be moved around as needed.