Remote workers have the luxury of conducting their business wherever they want, whether next to the pool, in a coffee shop or on the road. But many others must create an office in their homes, and it's challenging when square footage is in short supply.
To maximize your available space, it’s best to get a small desk with enough surfaces for all your office gadgets. You certainly don’t need a solid oak table and an executive office chair, but you must have shelves for your laptop and some accessories.
In this article: Rolanstar Computer Desk, Sterling Home Cosmo Desk and OneSpace Stanton Computer Desk.
The biggest challenge when people plan out a compact home office is where to place the desk. This depends largely on where the door is and how the area is structured. If you have a spare room that you can convert into an office, it’s easier because you can place the desk against the wall opposite the door or more in the center of the space with the desk facing toward the entrance.
However, in many configurations, the best solution is to maximize the available space by getting a corner or triangle desk. This fits neatly into often unused space and offers plenty of room for the chair. But this means you’ll probably sit with your back toward the door, which some people find unnerving.
A desk for your office is the primary goal, but you aren’t always guaranteed to have the same amount. That’s why it is important to look for a small home office desk that has a few shelves, some drawers or at least a peg where you can hang up your headphones.
Remember, just as with the space, you must try to utilize as much of the desk as possible. That means possibly getting some wire racks for binders and papers and maybe a small holder for pens and other supplies. There is no point in making the desk fit snugly in the office, but you don’t have enough room on the desk itself for the other important accessories.
While size is crucial for small offices, another important aspect is the construction materials. Just because the desk isn’t as large as others, doesn’t mean that it should be made from inferior materials.
A good-quality desk has a robust steel frame that can support the weight of a few components, such as a laptop, a business printer and a second monitor. You might even have some books or decorative objects you want to display.
For that, sturdy wood surfaces or melamine chipboard are excellent options. It is relatively rare to find office desks with metal surfaces, and while they are the most robust, they also tend to be the heaviest.
Rolanstar Computer Desk with 2 Drawers and Power Outlet
This two-tiered wooden desk is 34 inches high and 47 inches wide, which is perfect for a small office. The primary surface is large enough for a laptop and a small printer, while the secondary shelf easily accommodates a monitor. It has two drawers and includes a built-in power socket with two power outlets and USB charging ports.
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Made from walnut veneer, this basic desk is all you need when space is a commodity. It is 43 inches wide and stands 29 inches high, which is ideal for any office chair. It has a main drawer in the center and two smaller drawers on each side. The hairpin legs are steel.
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OneSpace Stanton Computer Desk with Pullout Keyboard Tray
This black office desk is perfect for a desktop computer, as it has a dedicated shelf for electronics that stand on the floor. The surfaces are engineered wood, and the frame is steel. It has a pull-out tray for a keyboard.
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CubiCubi Computer Desk with Storage Shelves
If you need to share your compact office space with someone else, this desk is an excellent option. It has a T-shape configuration with four storage shelves at the top end. The primary surface is large enough for two monitors and made from melamine wood with a rustic finish. The frame is steel.
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Martin Furniture Electric Hartford Sit/Stand Desk
This vintage-looking desk is perfect if you prefer to save on chair space and stand while working. The top surface is two-toned rubbed wood, and the legs are metal. You can electronically adjust the desk's height between 30 and 45 inches, and it has two utility drawers and a keyboard/pencil drawer. Two power sockets and three USB ports are concealed underneath a tray on top.
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Ameriwood Home Haven Retro Computer Desk with Riser
If you have limited space in your home, this office desk is a good option. It stands 36 inches tall and 41 inches wide and has two tiers. The top tier is suitable for ornamental objects or as a monitor riser and can comfortably support up to 20 pounds of weight. The primary surface is perfect for a laptop, and the extra width leaves enough room for extra electronics. The surfaces are made from distressed gray oak, and the legs are metal.
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Benjara Mid Century Modern Wooden Writing Desk
This wood and metal desk has a midcentury design that will look elegant in any home office. The wooden surface sits on hairpin steel legs and has one drawer in the center. On either side of the drawer is storage compartments. It stands 30 inches tall and 47 inches wide.
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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