Product Spotlight: Desk Accessories

If you’re reading this, you’re probably sitting at a desk. Sure, some of you might be reading on a phone or tablet, but for most, the computer is the easiest place to read things such as our newsletter.

The desk, whether humble or grand, has been the base for serious office work for hundreds of years. And as long as there have been desks, there has been a need to keep paper, pens and other supplies organized and nearby. That’s where desk accessories come in.

From simple cups to hold pens to more sophisticated computer accoutrements, desk accessories are a must today. And guess what? They’re also a time-tested, high-value promotional tool. That’s why we’re featuring them in this month’s Product Spotlight.

Let’s take a look at how desk organizers and other accessories have evolved over the years, both as utilitarian items and as promotional products to promote brand awareness.

The Beginning: Desk Basics

While there’s no clear evidence of desks per se before the medieval period, it’s logical to presume ancient literate civilizations had some sort of surface used for writing. After all, the simplest definition of “desk” is a table with a sloping or horizontal surface used for writing or reading

The first pieces of furniture designed for that purpose were created in the Middle Ages. They tended to be sturdy, given the potential weight of manuscripts being copied by hand before the invention of the printing press.

Those first desks tended to be simple affairs, offering little more in the way of storage than hooks and slots for writing instruments and bookmarks. Recognizing the need for more storage and organization, desk makers began adding drawers, cubbyholes and other storage areas.

Early desks were made of wood, crafted by skilled woodworkers and often quite ornate. They served as demonstrations of wealth and privilege. Shapes ranged from the large partner desk that allowed two people to work directly across from one another to the smaller secretary desk with a foldout writing shelf. Rolltop desks added the ability to cover the workspace and lock documents away after business hours.

Office Desks Become Simpler

Desks evolved over the centuries, based on the needs for their use, new materials and modern functions. In business, school or clerical settings, ornate wooden desks gradually become more utilitarian, with fewer decorative flourishes.

While wooden desks remained the province of the wealthy, office desks gave way to steel construction. Simple, rugged and functional these desks offered a flat surface and drawers for storage. They became the standard for offices worldwide.

Over the past few decades, with the rise of computers, desks have continued to change, adding keyboard drawers, monitor stands, added space on one side for printers and other modern needs.

Make Room for Making Room: Desk Accessories

Desk accessories have been around for just about as long as desks themselves. In the beginning, they were simple necessities. These included inkwells and inkstands, a must in the days before fountain pens were invented.

Inkwells were often made of glass, porcelain, brass or even silver. With the advent of fountain pens, and later ballpoint pens, they gradually became obsolete.

Modern Desk Accessories

As today’s offices and desks have changed to meet the demands of the computer age, desk accessories have kept pace. The mouse pad has replaced the blotter, as the cell phone charger has replaced the landline phone.

That doesn’t mean there’s not a place for many more traditional accessories. There are plenty of products available, all of which can be customized to honor employees, celebrate customers or promote your brand.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of popular desk accessories.

Mouse Pads

The mouse pad is the classic branded desk accessory. With a large surface area for logo, images and text, mouse pads are a well-tested way to foster team spirit in the office and boost brand awareness as giveaway products for conventions, trade shows or conferences.

Custom Pens

Despite the prediction of the  “paperless office” for decades, the reality is we’re using more paper than ever. And that means lots of documents to sign, proofread and fill in. Custom imprinted pens have been a staple (no pun intended) of modern businesses for many years. They’ve proved to be a highly effective marketing tool.

When it comes to pens for your office staff or high value customers, think beyond the common giveaway pen. You can order custom ballpoint, gel or fountain pens imprinted with your company logo that are truly keepsakes that are appropriate for the executive suite. These are an outstanding way to recognize employee performance and honor years of service.

Clocks

Clocks are another high-end accessory, an excellent reward for achievement. Available in finishes of wood or glass ( some with see-through mechanism), clocks can include an engraved plaque to honor the recipient by name, accomplishment and date.

Pen Holders

Chances are good you have more than one pen on your desk right now, probably several. You and your staff need a place to put them. Custom pen holders are the answer! From simple plastic to wooden, glass or leather-covered styles in various shapes, they simplify desktop management.

Desk Organizers

These handy devices offer storage for multiple items, often pens, Post-It® notes, paper clips, even cell phones. A single organizer reduces the clutter some of us (ahem) tend to leave spread all over our desks.

Something for Every Desk

As you can see, there’s a suitable custom desk accessory for every budget. The examples above are truly just scratching the surface of what’s possible with desk accessories. Whether you want to reward a high achiever or long-term employee with something special or a fun item that you can pass out to everyone in the office, you can have it imprinted with your logo or branding.

If you’d like to find out more about the full range of available desk accessories, call us toll free at (800) 423-0449, or email us. We have plenty of creative ideas that are sure to fit any office and any budget. And remember, every desk can benefit from a little bit of decoration!