A return table gives a director or manager more usable work surface. A side-storage unit gives the cabin more drawers, shutters and enclosed file space. Both can occupy the same floor area, yet they support different working habits. The right choice depends on equipment, paperwork, chair movement and whether the user needs surface space or storage.
Table of contents
- Understand the 2 cabin-table systems
- Compare work surface and storage
- Check cabin size and chair movement
- Compare cable access, construction and costs
- Choose the right option for each role
- Frequently asked questions
- Ready to plan cabin furniture in Jaipur?
Understand the 2 cabin-table systems
A return table is a smaller work surface attached at 90 degrees to the main desk. A side-storage unit sits beside the main table and provides enclosed or open storage.
Both systems need the same room-level check.
Urban Office’s UO-CT101 uses a 1,200 × 600 × 750 mm main table with a 900 × 400 × 750 mm return. UO-CT102 uses the same main table with a 900 × 400 × 750 mm side-storage unit.
| Decision point | Return table | Side-storage unit |
|---|---|---|
| Extra writing surface | High | Limited |
| Enclosed file storage | Low unless drawers are added | High |
| Printer position | Open and easy to reach | Can sit on top |
| Leg movement | Available below an open return | Restricted by storage body |
| Visual appearance | L-shaped desk | Desk with heavier storage side |
| Future relocation | Requires orientation check | Requires door and drawer check |
Compare work surface and storage
Choose according to the working day. A return suits a user who spreads active documents, uses a printer regularly or runs a second monitor.
A side-storage unit suits a user who needs files, stationery and personal items close to the desk.
An open return can provide more leg movement. Pedestals added below it reduce that benefit.
A side-storage unit can include drawers, shutters, open shelves and lockable sections. Check drawer depth against the chair space.
Finance, legal, administration and project-management roles may benefit from side storage. Digital-first managers may prefer a return.
Pro tip: Photograph everything currently kept on the user’s desk and pedestal. The image will show whether the cabin needs surface space or enclosed storage.
Check cabin size and chair movement
Open every moving part on the plan. Both options form an L-shaped footprint.
| Cabin movement area | Early planning range |
|---|---|
| Behind main chair | 900–1,000 mm |
| Behind chair with storage access | 1,200–1,500 mm |
| In front of open drawers | 750–900 mm |
| Visitor-chair pull-out | 750–900 mm |
| Clear route beside desk | 900–1,200 mm |
Returns are described as left-hand or right-hand. Confirm the supplier’s convention and mark the orientation on the floor plan.
Sliding shutters save door-swing space. Hinged shutters give a wider opening but need clear space in front.
Keep the return or storage behind the main visitor line so it does not narrow the cabin entrance.
Compare cable access, construction and costs
Show every cable on the shop drawing. Urban Office cabin tables use a 150 mm raceway, flip-up power access and a vertical cable spine.
A return may need a grommet, tray, printer power and data. A side-storage unit needs protected cable openings when equipment sits on top.
- Top thickness
- Edge-band quality
- Frame stability
- Joint between main and side unit
- Levelling feet
- Drawer runners
- Locks
- Hinges
- Handle projections
OSHA recommends adequate knee and foot clearance below computer desks and advises keeping the area free from restrictive storage.
| Cabin-table system | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Compact main table only | ₹18,000–₹32,000 |
| Main table with open return | ₹28,000–₹50,000 |
| Main table with basic side storage | ₹35,000–₹60,000 |
| Main table with lockable drawer and shutter storage | ₹45,000–₹75,000 |
| Premium finish cabin system | ₹75,000–₹1,50,000+ |
Choose the right option for each role
Match the unit to the role. A director or business owner may use a return for signing, laptop equipment and active files.
Finance and accounts managers often benefit from lockable side storage. HR managers need controlled storage for employee documents.
Project managers may use a return for drawings, samples and a second screen.
Branch managers can use a compact side-storage unit without requiring an oversized cabin.
For Urban Office projects from 2,000 to 1,00,000 sq. ft., cabin furniture can be standardised by job type while finishes remain consistent.
The modular office furniture service covers cabin tables, returns, storage and chairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a return table useful in a small cabin?
It can work when the L-shaped footprint leaves enough chair and visitor clearance. A 900 × 400 mm return is a practical starting point.
Which option provides more storage?
A side-storage unit provides more enclosed storage. An open return mainly provides extra work surface.
Can a printer be placed on a side-storage unit?
Yes. Provide suitable power, data, ventilation and cable access.
Should the return be placed on the left or right?
Place it on the user’s preferred working side while keeping the door and visitor route clear.
Can a return table include drawers?
Yes. Drawers reduce open leg space and increase cost, so check their daily use.
Ready to plan cabin furniture in Jaipur?
Urban Office can compare a cabin table with a return table vs side-storage unit using your room size, job role and file requirements. Book a free consultation for modular furniture and complete office interiors.
About the author
Renu Maharshi
Head of Business Development
Renu has 10+ years in corporate business development helping Jaipur businesses across IT, finance, and corporate sectors plan offices that work for their teams. At Urban Office, with 300+ completed projects across Jaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, and Sikar, she helps clients turn business requirements into practical office plans.
📞 +91 9782430008 | Read full profile | Connect on LinkedIn