Realspace Magellan Corner Desk

Finding the Perfect Corner Desk for Your Home Office

If you’re looking to maximize space and functionality in your home office, a corner desk is a great option. Corner desks fit nicely into unused areas and provide ample workspace while maintaining an open feel in your room. I recently went on the hunt for a high-quality, affordable corner desk and found a winner with the Realspace Magellan Corner Desk.

In this buying guide, I’ll give you all the details on this desk including specs, features, assembly, where to buy, and plenty of pros and cons from actual experience and reviews. Whether you’re equiping a home office, craft area, or remote learning station, read on to see if the Realspace Magellan Corner Desk is the right fit for your needs and budget.

Overview of the Realspace Magellan Corner Desk

The Realspace Magellan Corner Desk has a sleek, modern design constructed from thermally fused laminate over MDF board with powder coated steel accents. It comes in three neutral finish options – Storm Gray, Espresso, and White.

This desk offers a spacious 60″ width with two 28″ deep sides perfect for fitting computer monitors, laptops, paperwork, books, and more. The corner angle where the two sides meet is 120 degrees, providing a comfortable inward facing work area.

Some nice design features include the wire management grommets, rear power cord access cutout, and modesty panel. The steel legs provide sturdy support and also elevate the desk off the ground for easy cleaning underneath.

Assembly Tips and What to Expect

Putting together the Realspace Magellan Corner Desk is a straightforward process, but having another set of hands can make it much easier. The box includes the two desk surfaces, four legs, modesty panel, and hardware pack. Plan to dedicate at least one hour for assembly.

You’ll need to carefully identify the pieces, attach the legs, connect the desk surfaces, add the modesty panel, and insert the grommets. The included instructions are clear and the main tools required are an Allen wrench (included), Phillips head screwdriver, and power drill with Phillips bit.

Here are a few key assembly tips:

• Clear out plenty of space and assemble right where you plan to use the desk
• Follow the steps one-by-one and double check alignments before tightening anything
• Pre-drill the grommet holes to prevent cracking or splitting the laminate
• Tighten screws firmly but be careful not to strip the particle board
• Having a second person help with the modesty panel and final leg tightening is very useful

As long as you follow the manual and don’t rush the process, you should end up with a study, perfectly assembled corner desk in about one hour. Take a breath, power through the instructions, and that satisfying new desk feeling will be yours!

Ideal Usage and Weight Capabilities

This desk is best suited for home office use by one or two average-sized adults. With its laminate surface and steel frame, the Realspace Magellan Corner Desk can readily handle the typical home office setup.

According to the manufacturer, the weight capacity is 200 pounds spread evenly across the desk. For perspective, a 24″ monitor weighs about 10-15 pounds and a laptop weighs 3-5 pounds.

The laminated surface should be durable enough for daily use as long as you use a pad under keyboards or other items that could scratch the desk over time. Don’t stand or sit directly on the desk surfaces.

As far as surface space, two standard 24″ monitors can comfortably fit on the desk along with a laptop, keyboard, mouse pad, speakers, office supplies, books, and more. Just be sure not to overload one side or the weight capacity.

Available Colors to Match Any Decor

A major plus for the Realspace Magellan is that it comes in three versatile finish options – Storm Gray, Espresso, and White. The color goes all the way through the laminate for a consistent, attractive look from any angle.

The Storm Gray has a modern feel and appears almost black in some lighting. Espresso is a warm, deep brown that pairs nicely with black accents and wood tones. White is ideal for spaces with cool colors and contemporary styles. All three colors coordinate well with most home decor.

No matter your office color scheme and furniture, the Realspace Magellan should blend right in seamlessly. The clean lines and neutral palette make this desk a versatile design choice.

Materials and Construction

Made from thermally fused laminate (TFL) over MDF board, the Realspace Magellan has a durable build meant for daily home office use.

The 0.98 inch thickness provides ample strength and rigidity to the work surfaces. And the smooth, high-pressure laminate coating resists scratches, stains, and everyday wear-and-tear. Heat from the lamination process makes the MDF and laminate bond tightly.

The powder coated steel legs have a squared shape with non-marring feet to protect flooring. Plastic grommets along the back manage cables neatly. And the removable modesty panel adds privacy and a polished look.

Overall, this desk feels very stable with quality materials throughout. The main weak point is the MDF substrate which can swell or warp if exposed to moisture. So avoid placing this desk anywhere with direct water contact or high humidity.

Is the Realspace Magellan Easy to Move?

At about 65 pounds fully assembled, two adults can move the Realspace Magellan Desk relatively easily. The two individual sections make navigating through doorways and tight spaces much more convenient compared to a solid L-shaped or U-shaped desk.

To move the desk, fully remove anything on the surfaces, disassemble the modesty panel, and carefully lift each section. Use moving straps to get a solid grip and have someone support each end.

Slowly angle and rotate the desk pieces as needed to fit through any narrow spaces. Then reassemble in the new location by following the instructions in reverse.

While it’s not truly portable, the Realspace Magellan can be moved room-to-room or relocated within an office without too much hassle. Just be sure to lift properly from the base and keep the weight balanced.

Reviews Praise Sturdy Construction and Easy Assembly

Looking at reviews from customers provides great insight into the real-world pros and cons of any product. Here’s an overview of feedback on the Realspace Magellan Corner Desk based on major retailer websites:

Positive Reviews:

• Very sturdy and supports weight with no issues
• Assembly directions are straightforward
• Attractive, modern style looks great in office
• Grommets and cutouts help with cable management
• Provides ample workspace in a corner
• Neutral colors work with any decor
• Price point very reasonable for the quality

Negative Comments:

• Not solid wood construction
• Laminate can be prone to scratching
• Some reports of surfaces being slightly bowed
• Modesty panel is thin and cheap feeling
• Corners and edges may have minor nicks or scuffs out of the box
• Could use more finish options like wood grain

Overall, most reviewers mention the Realspace Magellan is an excellent value for the money. Minor flaws aside, it meets the needs of home office use quite well considering the affordable price tag.

Shopping Tips and Where to Buy

The Realspace Magellan Corner Desk typically costs between $130-$180 depending on any sales, promotions, or the retailer. Here are some of the major places you can buy it:

• Direct from the manufacturer (OFM) website or Amazon
• Office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot
• Department stores like Walmart or Target
• Furniture stores like Ikea or Haverty’s

I recommend checking for coupons and comparing prices between retailers to find potential deals. And don’t forget to factor in any delivery fees if purchasing online.

You can occasionally find the Realspace Magellan discounted over holidays like President’s Day or Labor Day. Retailers also often run specials like 15% off your entire purchase that apply to the desk.

For the best value, look for a “Open Box Excellent” option. You can score major savings for barely used customer returns. Just inspect it closely upon delivery.

Available Warranties for Added Peace of Mind

The Realspace Magellan Corner Desk comes with a 1 year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover normal wear-and-tear or improper use that damages the desk.

You can extend coverage by purchasing additional protection plans from retailers like Staples or Office Depot. These plans range from 2-5 years and cost about $20-$60 depending on length.

I recommend considering a protection plan if you’ll be using the desk extensively. For light home office use, the included 1 year warranty should suffice. Just save your receipt and packaging in case you need to make a claim.

Design Features and Benefits

Beyond the basics, what special features set the Realspace Magellan apart from other corner desks? Here are some of the most notable design elements:

• Grommets – The plastic threaded grommets allow you to neatly manage monitor cables, power cords, and wires to minimize clutter.
• Rear power cord access – This cutout makes it easy to run electrical cords from outlets to equipment on the desk.
• Modesty panel – The included panel fills the opening underneath for a clean, finished look. It can be removed for easy access to storage baskets.
• Non-marring feet – The steel legs have protective caps to prevent scuffing or scratching your floor.
• 120 degree angle – The ideal inward corner angle keeps you facing the open room instead of the wall.
• Matching storage – Realspace sells matching bookshelves, file cabinets, hutches and more (sold separately).

These smart additions make the Magellan Corner Desk a more functional and complete solution for your home office.

Perfect for Fitting Dual Monitors

One major advantage of a corner desk is the extra surface space to comfortably fit more than one monitor. The Realspace Magellan’s 60″ width and squared corner angle provide plenty of real estate for dual monitor setups.

Each 28″ deep desk side gives you room for a standard 24″ monitor while leaving space for a laptop, speakers, paperwork, and other accessories. Place the monitors near the outside edges so they aim slightly inward for ergonomic viewing.

This desk works with any monitor mount or stand up to 32″ wide. Clamp-style mounts can attach right to the surface, just be sure to avoid the seam in the back corner. You can also use freestanding monitor stands.

So if your work or gaming demands multiple monitors, the Realspace Magellan Corner Desk can readily accommodate dual screens.

Keeping Your Desk Looking Like New

With regular cleaning and care, you can keep your Realspace Magellan Desk in great shape for years. Here are some tips:

• Wipe down the laminate weekly with a soft cloth and gentle cleaner
• Use a coaster under drinks and avoid placing hot items directly on the desk
• Don’t apply harsh chemicals like bleach that may damage the laminate
• Install padding or felt on the bottom of any accessories that may scratch the surface
• Open cords through grommets carefully and do not force them through
• Use a keyboard cover or pad to prevent shiny spots on the laminate
• Avoid rolling desk chairs with hard wheels that can damage the laminate
• Apply wax to the laminate every few months for added protection

Spot clean any spills or smudges as soon as possible to prevent stains. With regular cleaning and care, your Realspace Magellan Corner Desk should continue looking like new and last for many years of home office use.

Final Verdict: An Excellent Budget-Friendly Corner Desk

For those seeking a modern, convenient corner desk on a budget, the Realspace Magellan is a fantastic option. The blend of quality laminate materials, sturdy steel frame, and spacious work surfaces make this a desk built to last through years of daily use.

No, it’s not made from solid oak, but for under $150 you can’t expect top-end furniture-grade construction. The minor compromises in materials help drive that appealing price point. And the neutral styling allows this desk to blend into any existing decor beautifully.

If you follow the instructions, assembly is straightforward and takes about one hour with two people. Reviews confirm the end result is a desk that’s rock solid with great cable management features. Just be reasonable with the weight capacity and take measures to protect the laminate.

For shoppers seeking style, function, and value, the Realspace Magellan Corner Desk checks all the boxes. It’s built to handle the needs of modern home offices without breaking the bank. I’m confident it will exceed expectations and serve you or your family well for years to come.