As coworking becomes the go-to choice for freelancers, remote employees, startups, and growing teams, the question isn’t if you’ll try it , it’s how. One of the first decisions people face is whether a hot desk or a dedicated desk is the better fit. But before you decide, it’s important to understand: what are hot desks exactly, and how do they really compare to a dedicated desk?
In this guide, we’ll walk through the essentials of hot desk vs. dedicated desk, cover the advantages and trade-offs of each, and show how brick house blue makes both options available across our coworking spaces in Dublin, Plain City, New Albany, Hilliard, and more to come! The goal: help you figure out which setup best supports your workday, budget, and lifestyle.
What Are Hot Desks?
A hot desk is all about flexibility. Instead of claiming one spot as your own, you choose from any open desk or seat when you arrive. Think of it as a “come in, plug in, and get to work” model, your workspace might look a little different each day, depending on where you land.
Key Benefits of Hot Desk Memberships:
- Flexibility. Pick your seat daily, perfect if you like a change of scenery.
- Affordable pricing. Because hot desks maximize shared space, they’re often the most budget-friendly coworking option.
- Amenities included. High-speed internet, meeting rooms (with reservation), printing, lounges, and community events are still part of the package.
- Dynamic environment. You’ll sit near different people and areas over time, which can spark fresh conversations and ideas.
A hot desk works well if your schedule isn’t fixed, you only come in a few days a week, or you simply prefer variety in your work environment.
What Is a Dedicated Desk?
By contrast, a dedicated desk offers consistency. Your desk is yours every day, same chair, same setup, often with personal storage included. It’s the closest thing to having your own private office while still enjoying the energy of a coworking space.
Key Benefits of Dedicated Desks:
- Stability. No guesswork, your seat is always waiting for you.
- Personalization. Add a monitor, pin up notes, or leave your favorite coffee mug.
- Storage. Many plans include a drawer or locker to keep essentials on-site.
- Professional setup. Because you’re paying for a reserved space, a dedicated desk is often better for full-time users who want structure and reliability.
A dedicated desk is best for those who are in the space regularly, need to leave equipment behind, or prefer the comfort of a consistent workstation.
Hot Desk vs. Dedicated Desk: Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s break down the differences across several dimensions so you can see where one option may suit you better than the other.
| Criteria | Hot Desk | Dedicated Desk |
| Cost | Generally lower | Higher |
| Consistency | Varies daily | Predictable environment |
| Personal Setup | Need to bring or pack setup each day | Can leave monitors, peripherals, etc. |
| Storage Access | Usually minimal or shared lockers | Typically includes dedicated storage |
| Community Exposure | High – you’ll sit near different folks | Moderate – same neighbors |
| Ideal For | Part-time users, travelers, intermittent work | Full-timers, those who want consistency |
When a Hot Desk Makes Sense
A hot desk is often the right choice if you don’t need a workspace every single day. Maybe you only drop in a few days each week, or you want the freedom to come and go depending on your schedule. A hot desk works especially well if:
- You value flexibility and want the most cost-effective coworking membership.
- You don’t mind switching up your seat and setting up your gear each time.
- You split time between multiple locations or travel frequently for work.
When a Dedicated Desk Makes Sense
If your routine is more structured, a dedicated desk offers stability and a sense of ownership. This option is a better fit if:
- You use the coworking space almost every day.
- You prefer to leave your monitor, accessories, or personal items set up.
- You thrive on consistency and want a reliable “home base” in a shared environment.
A dedicated desk blends the collaborative energy of coworking with the comfort of having your own permanent workstation.
Choosing for Your Work Style & Business Stage
Your ideal between hot desk vs. dedicated desk depends on your business, workflow, and preferences. Here are some scenarios:
- Freelancers or solopreneurs who don’t need a fully booked schedule may lean toward a hot desk.
- Remote employees who work locally most days may find the predictability of a dedicated desk better.
- Small teams or two-person partnerships might opt for multiple dedicated desks together.
- Growing startups may begin with hot desks and then graduate to dedicated as their footprint expands.
- Seasonal or project-based work often aligns with hot desk flexibility.
As your business evolves, the right model might shift. One of the benefits of coworking is that you can often upgrade or switch your plan without a long-term lease.
Hot Desk vs. Dedicated Desk at Brick House Blue
At brick house blue, we recognize that one size doesn’t fit all. We offer both hot desk and dedicated desk options as part of our coworking model, so you can choose what fits where you are in your journey.
What You Get with Brick House Blue Hot Desk
- Access to shared coworking zones across multiple locations.
- Use of amenities including high-speed internet, printing, meeting rooms (with reservation), kitchen and lounge spaces, community events, and more.
- A chance to sample the energy and design of our inspiring brick-and-blue workspaces.
- Flexible access without a long-term commitment immediately.
- Ideal for those who want coworking without tying into a reserved workspace.
What You Get with Brick House Blue Dedicated Desk
- A reserved workspace just for you, your desk is yours day after day.
- Better sense of permanence and place so you can leave parts of your setup untouched.
- Likely included or optional access to personal storage or drawer units.
- All the same benefits of shared coworking: meeting rooms, events, networking, and facility support.
- Greater predictability of your daily workflow and environment.
How to Decide at Brick House Blue
- Evaluate how often you’ll work on-site. If you’re in 4–5 days per week, dedicated may make sense. If you drop in only occasionally, a hot desk is safer.
- Do you want to leave gear out? Dedicated desks let you keep monitors, cable docks, etc., ready.
- Consider your budget. Hot desks are lower cost initially.
- Think about consistency vs novelty. Some people like shifting zones; others like a home base.
- Future growth. Plan for upgrade ability: you may start hot and move to dedicated areas as your business expands.
At brick house blue, flexibility is built-in, you’re not locked in forever. We welcome members who evolve their membership as their work life changes.
Best Practices to Maximize Either Option
Whether you choose hot desk or dedicated desk, here are tips to make the most of your experience:
- Pack light but smart. Bring essentials in a backpack or rolling case; keep a minimal “go bag” ready.
- Use lockers or shared storage. Especially for hot desk users, a locker for overnight gear helps.
- Be flexible with setup. Bring a portable monitor stand or docking setup to adapt to different desks.
- Reserve meeting rooms in advance. Even with shared space, brick house blue offers meeting room reservation.
- Engage in community events. Use coworking social opportunities to network and build familiarity, no matter your desk type.
- Evaluate periodically. Reassess after a few months: are you using your desk enough to justify a dedicated desk?
- Keep clean and portable. Whether you shift daily or stay put, respect shared spaces and leave desks tidy.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a hot desk and a dedicated desk is more than just a pricing decision, it’s about how you like to work, how often you’ll show up, and whether you value consistency or flexibility more. With brick house blue’s array of thoughtfully designed coworking locations and membership options, you don’t have to settle, you can start with what fits now, and shift as your needs evolve.
If you’re ready to experience what a hot desk or dedicated desk feels like in action, we’d love to show you around. Book a tour, drop in with a day pass, and see which setup makes you feel right at home.
