Why don't desks have rounded edges?

[Lukas D]

Office desks, computer desks etc - why are the edges always straight/right-angled instead of curved, like you see on kitchen counters and some tables.

I would think that if you're resting your arms on the desk, especially over long periods of time the edge would dig into your arms less if it were rounded. But I don't think I've seen a single desk with rounded edges, and there's got to be a reason for this. Could rounded edges actually be worse, ergonomically?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm putting together a typical DIY Ikea desk with a kitchen worktop and I have the choice of a rounded or straight-edged surface, and I want to go rounded because it seems like it should be more comfortable. But if that were the case, wouldn't all desks have rounded edges?

 

[dave28]

to save manufacturing cost, it you paid a real craftsman ( not that im saying you should ) they would design it properly.

but with mass production they want as few steps and as easy as possible

 

[Buffman]

It's difficult to stick laminate edges to a curved shape. Most cheap desks (up to high end) etc are laminate covered chipboard/similar.

 

[sovietspybob]

It's quite hard to take a picture of but my desk at home has a more rounded/chamfered edge and i really love that it does. It really makes it a lot more comfy to rest your arms against compared to my desk at work so i'd 100% get it done if you have the option.

 

[silvagti]

It's difficult to stick laminate edges to a curved shape. Most cheap desks (up to high end) etc are laminate covered chipboard/similar.

This basically. Because it would cost more.

I agree though that it's ergonomically better to have round desk edges.

 

[Hagar]

This basically. Because it would cost more.

I agree though that it's ergonomically better to have round desk edges.

Not everyone buys on price though. There will always be a market for cheap or more expensive options.

 

[Buffman]

It's quite hard to take a picture of but my desk at home has a more rounded/chamfered edge and i really love that it does. It really makes it a lot more comfy to rest your arms against compared to my desk at work so i'd 100% get it done if you have the option.

Yep similar to my sitting and standing desk (sometimes I work at it too!)

Not everyone buys on price though. There will always be a market for cheap or more expensive options.

Correct, but that's obvious. Just that mass market/highest margin will be on what's cheapest to manufacture. If its a desk for a kid/student etc they're unlikely to care.

 

[fastwunz]

I’ve got a solid oak one with rounded edges.

weighs a load and was a hernia inducing nightmare to get into the house but…

you pay for what you get I suppose.