Most desks start out straight. Then a second screen arrives, the printer ends up on the floor and paperwork spreads across the keyboard. A desk return fixes that without replacing the desk: it adds a second work surface at a right angle, turning a straight desk into an L-shape.
This guide covers how returns attach, left versus right, matching heights and finishes, sizes and depths, frame-only returns, storage, and when a corner workstation is the better buy. It compares six products, including returns from our desk frames and returns collection.
How a desk return works
A return is a second, usually shallower desk section that sits at right angles to the main desk. A panel-end return stands on one end panel and fixes to the side of the desk, so the two tops meet to form an L. Usually the screen stays on the main desk, and the return holds a printer, phone, files or a laptop.
The Rapid Worker Return (from $144) is built for exactly this job. It attaches to a straight desk, suits any desk from 1500mm wide and fits either side. Choose 900mm x 450mm, 900mm x 600mm or 1200mm x 600mm, each with a 25mm thick top on an 18mm ironstone base and a 5 year warranty.
If you are starting from scratch, choose the main desk first from our straight office desks, then add the return.
Left or right, and matching height and finish
Put the return on the side you reach to most, and keep it clear of the door and the main walkway. Handed returns are ordered as left or right, while reversible ones can be set up either way. The Logan Reversible Return 600mm (from $115) works on either side, in 600mm, 900mm or 1200mm widths at 600mm deep. It has 25mm tops and sides, adjustable feet and a 730mm height, in White/Ironstone or Beech/Ironstone to match Logan desks.
Height is the detail that catches people out. The Logan and Rapid Worker returns stand 730mm high, while the Axis desk below has a 715mm worktop height. A return from the same range as your desk sits level with it and matches its finish, so start there.
Desk return sizes and depths
Returns are usually shallower than the main desk. The panel-end returns in this guide are 600mm to 1200mm wide and 450mm to 600mm deep, while the main desks in the sets run 600mm to 900mm deep. A 450mm deep return suits a printer or phone, and 600mm gives room for a laptop or a second screen.
Buying the desk and return together takes the guesswork out of matching. The Axis Desk with Return - White Worktop (from $578) comes in six combinations. They run from an 1800mm x 600mm desk with a 900mm x 600mm return to an 1800mm x 900mm desk with a 1200mm x 600mm return. It sets up as left or right hand, worktop joining plates are included, and it carries a 10 year warranty.
The Deluxe Infinity Loop Leg Desk & Return ($775) pairs a 750mm deep main desk with a 600mm deep return, 1800mm x 1850mm overall and 730mm high. It has an 80mm cable entry hole and a loop leg frame in Black Satin or White Satin.
| Product | Type | Sizes (mm) | Height | Left or right |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Worker Return | Return | 900 x 450, 900 x 600, 1200 x 600 | 730mm | Fits either side |
| Logan Reversible Return 600mm | Return | 600, 900 or 1200 wide x 600 deep | 730mm | Reversible |
| Axis Desk with Return | Desk and return | Six sizes, 1800 x 1500 to 1800 x 2100 overall | 715mm | Left or right hand |
| Deluxe Infinity Desk & Return | Desk and return | 1800 x 1850 overall | 730mm | Not stated |
| Halo Static Return Frame | Return frame only | 1040 to 2150 wide | 705mm | Not stated |
| Potenza Desk With Return | Desk with buffet return | 1950 x 1850 or 2150 x 1850 | 750mm | Left or right |
Frame-only returns
A frame-only return suits a top you already own, a custom top or a size the panel returns do not cover. The Halo Static Return Frame ($260) is telescopic from 1040mm to 2150mm wide. It suits rectangular return tops, or a radial one-piece corner top with an overall return edge of 1450mm to 2150mm.
The frame sits at a fixed 705mm, on 70mm diameter steel columns with adjustable levelling feet, in Black Satin or White Satin with a 10 year warranty. Add the thickness of your top to that frame height when matching an existing desk.
Storage under a return, and when a corner workstation is better
Most panel returns leave the space underneath open, and drawers are bought separately; the Rapid Worker page, for example, says lockable drawers are extra. A mobile pedestal under the return keeps files close without taking legroom at the main desk.
For built-in storage, the Potenza Desk With Return - Casnan Premier (from $2,003) has a buffet return with a lockable pencil drawer, a filing drawer and 2 doors. The desk comes in 1950mm x 1850mm or 2150mm x 1850mm, with the return on the left or right, a cable access cover and a 5 year warranty.
A corner workstation is the better buy when you are starting from nothing and want the screen in the corner, with two equal wings rather than a desk and a narrower return. Browse our corner and L-shaped desks for those, and see our guide to choosing between an L-shaped desk and a straight desk for the wider choice.
Adding a return in Australian homes and offices
From $115 for the Logan, a return is a low-cost way to grow a home office in a spare bedroom, because the desk you already own stays. In offices, it turns a reception or admin desk into a workstation with room for a printer and filing. Measure the floor first, since the return adds its full width plus space to walk around it.
For commercial fit-outs, the Deluxe Infinity Loop Leg Desk & Return is AFRDI certified for commercial use. AFRDI, the Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute, is an independent body that tests and certifies furniture for Australia and New Zealand.
Each product page has a Delivery line naming the metro cities it goes to, and coverage differs. The Rapid Worker, Logan, Halo and Deluxe Infinity pages list metro Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. The Potenza page lists metro Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and the Axis page lists metro Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Everything arrives flat-packed at the ground-floor entrance.
Desk return — frequently asked questions
What is a desk return?
A desk return is a second work surface that joins one end of your main desk at a right angle, turning it into an L-shape. It is usually shallower than the main desk.
Can you add a return to any desk?
Not to every desk, because the height, depth and fixing need to suit. A return from the same range is the simplest match, and the Rapid Worker Return is listed as suiting any desk from 1500mm wide.
What size desk return do I need?
For a printer or phone, a 900mm x 450mm return is enough. For a laptop, a second screen or paperwork, choose 1200mm x 600mm.
Should a desk return go on the left or right?
Put it on the side you reach to most, away from the door and walkway. Reversible returns such as the Logan can be set up on either side, so the choice can wait until assembly.
Shop the range
More returns and frames are in our desk frames and returns collection, and complete L-shapes are in corner and L-shaped desks.
- Rapid Worker Return (from $144): turning a straight desk at least 1500mm wide into an L-shape
- Logan Reversible Return 600mm (from $115): a low-cost return for Logan desks that sets up on either side
- Axis Desk with Return - White Worktop (from $578): a matched desk and return set in six size combinations
- Deluxe Infinity Loop Leg Desk & Return ($775): commercial fit-outs wanting a deep main desk with a 600mm return
- Halo Static Return Frame ($260): a custom or existing return top on a telescopic steel frame
- Potenza Desk With Return - Casnan Premier (from $2,003): a manager's desk with lockable storage built into the return
Metro delivery is a flat $75 per order, and prices include GST.
