What Is a Lucite® Desk?

A Lucite® desk is a work station or writing surface made of Lucite®, which is a type of thermoplastic sometimes known as plexiglass. Lucite® is transparent, though it can be textured or otherwise molded to make it translucent instead. The desk itself may be made entirely of Lucite®, or it may be made of Lucite® combined with other materials such as wood or metal to improve overall strength and to change the aesthetic of the unit. This is an attractive and eye-catching choice for home use or for use at an office.

Lucite® is a shatterproof alternative to glass in many cases, since its appearance is very similar to glass but less prone to breaking or shattering. Glass can be quite fragile, while Lucite® can endure direct impacts well. It is fairly inexpensive and durable enough for use as a desk or other furniture. A Lucite® desk may feature a completely clear writing surface only, or it may feature transparent legs, shelves, drawers, and so on as well. The material can be textured or coated to prevent it from appearing completely clear, or it can be laid on other materials to provide a smooth writing surface with a different color or aesthetic beneath.

Very often the Lucite® desk features other materials such as metal or wood. The metal or wood can be used to construct a frame or even shelves and drawers; this can improve the overall aesthetic of the Lucite® desk, and it can also enhance the structural integrity of the unit. The Lucite® can also be used as the structural supports, while an attractive piece of wood or metal is mounted to the desk supports as the writing surface or desktop. It is not uncommon to find a Lucite® desk with a slide-out computer keyboard tray, either made of Lucite® or of another material.

Sometimes a Lucite® desk comes as a kit that includes a Lucite® chair as well. Lucite® chairs and desks can be tinted to include some color, thereby changing the overall aesthetic of the pairing. The chair may be designed to be quite comfortable, though many Lucite® chairs include a seat cushion to enhance comfort and visual appeal. A cushion can be added at any time, regardless of whether the cushion was included with the chair or not, though in many cases, the Lucite® is quite comfortable on its own and does not need any cushioning.