Things to Know About Grommets

Beth Rice 28/04/2022

Shall we talk grommets? What are they? What purpose do they serve? What are the benefits and why should you consider adding them to your desk? Here are helpful things to know about grommets.

What is a grommet and what does it do?

A grommet is a round shaped edge strip that offers protection. It seals off the uneven or jagged edge of a hole to make it smooth for anything passing through it. Grommets are found in everyday places. Think of your shoes and the holes you put the shoelaces through. It would be a lot more challenging to get the laces through those holes were it not for the grommet (also called an eyelet). Then there’s your shower curtain that’s lined with those little holes so you can hang it on the hooks. Well, there are grommets (or eyelets) present there as well to make the openings smooth for hanging on the curtain hooks. Grommets are one of those important little details that might get overlooked, but pack a big punch in making things smoother. Grommets or eyelets can be used to reinforce holes in cloth, fabrics and even tarps.

The circle is the general shape for grommets, but they can come in different shapes and sizes. Cable grommets work hard to create a smooth, sealed edge for cords, rope or wires to run through hard materials. They cover sharp edges on wood, metal, glass and other hard materials. These grommets help to prevent pulling, snagging, cuts and other wear that could occur over time were the cords rubbing against a rough edge.

What materials are grommets made of?

Metal, rubber, plastic, and wood are popular materials used for grommets. Rubber grommets are more weather and heat resistant, and they’re affordable and easy to install.

Grommets in desks are often made with wood to match the desk. Some are made from brass or stainless steel. Plastic and wood are great for durability as they won’t scratch or wear easily. Metal is the most durable.

Black plastic grommet
Black plastic grommet.
Wood grommet
Wood grommet.

What is a desk grommet?

Desk grommets are there to allow your cords to pass through one spot in the desk. They also protect the wires and cords from snags and wear. One little grommet can take your work space from cluttered to chic, by organizing cords and preventing them from laying all over the place in a tangled mess.

Amish Modesto Mission L Desk
You can have grommets stained to match the Whiteridge Mission L Desk.

It’s a good idea to bundle your cords and cables together and measure the bundle at its widest point. This will help you determine what size grommet you need. Allow a little wiggle room too. Desk grommets generally measure between 2” and 2.5” to help manage computer cords, printer cables and more.

Standard cord hole
A standard cord hole in a wood desk.
Amish JDs Deluxe L Desk
Amish Nexus Deluxe L Desk with grommet hole.

You’ll find desk grommets on the top of your desk often in the center toward the back. They can be positioned to the left or right of the center space over the drawers, but it’s important to note that this position would shorten the length of desk drawers by 2”.

Metal or wood grommets for desks offer a sleek look that makes a nice impression on an executive desk. Some desk grommets feature plug in charging features right at your desk adding. These are great for charging your phone or other electronics. These hubs on the desktop help prevent you from having to crawl under your desk to access outlets.

Wireless charging grommet
A wireless charging grommet.
Pop up power station in grommet
A pop up power station in a grommet.
Amish Signature Mission Work Desk
The Amish Santa Rosa Work Desk offers the option to add grommets.

Grommets, while small, are the piece that can take your desk from being covered in cords to a sophisticated look with complete cord management.

What are the benefits of grommets?

  • Help protect cords and cables
  • Help prevent tangling of cords at your desk
  • Prevent damage to cables over time
  • Help organize cables and cords at your desk
  • Contribute to an uncluttered, more sophisticated looking work area
Amish Boston Mission Corner L Desk
The Amish Churchill Mission Corner L Desk offers grommets stained to match desk as well as a pop up power station for charging electronics.

Steadfast in its role to reinforce a hole or opening, protect it along with what passes through it, the grommet holds an important job. Desk grommets are the way to organize and create an uncluttered and neat workspace with cord management.

Grommets are one of those details that are often overlooked, but without them, there would be noticeable challenges, particularly at a desk.

State Bank Conference Table
The State Bank Conference Table offers the option to add plain grommets or a pop up power station.
Related Posts
5 Things to Love About an Amish Secretary Desk

It’s pretty easy to name five things to love about a secretary desk, from its space saving features to its Read more

10 Ways You Can Customize an Amish Wood Desk

Amish wood desks are special. Not just because they’re pretty and made with solid wood, but because they are customizable Read more

Office Desks That Help DeClutter

Looking for an office desk that will do more for you in the new year? We’ve zeroed in on three Read more

The Power of the Writing Desk

The power of the writing desk lives in its versatility. The writing desk has been around a long time, before Read more

About the Author

Leave a Reply