Home Decor

16 Small-Space Desks That’ll Fit Just About Anywhere

Because we're... still working from home.

February 17, 2021
Photo by Rocky Luten

It’s been almost a year since we plunged into quarantine (for the first time) and transitioned to remote work, so we should probably already have our perfect at-home offices set up by now, right? Well... many of us definitely still resort to posting up on the couch with our laptops or forcing the kitchen table to double as a desk, which means we’re settling for an altogether uninspiring work environment.

If this happens to describe you, and you're finally ready to create a dedicated workspace in your home, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up our favorite desks for tight areas, because even though our Pinterest boards are filled with expansive, luxurious writing tables, we know they’ll never fit in our apartments. Our picks, on the other hand, will be able to squeeze into the awkward corner you just emptied for the occasion—and look great while doing it.

So, without further ado, we present the 16 best desks for small spaces.

1. MICKE Desk, $49

Affordable, simple, and distinctly Scandinavian, this little IKEA number is really all you need to get the job done. Plus, it has a clever opening to pull through and organize your cables and wires.

Photo by IKEA

2. Zane Mini Desk, $349

White lacquer and antique brass come together for this sleek, stylish desk that will accentuate the modern decor in any home.

Photo by West Elm

3. Cory Folding Desk, $189

A functional X-base allows you to fold up this traditional-style desk for easy storage when it’s not in use. Its shelf and tiny drawer let you curate which items to display and which to tuck away.

Photo by Urban Outfitters

4. Studio Wall Desk, $499

Maximize your vertical space with this modular wall desk. A large overhead cabinet and slim drawer supply ample storage for files, office essentials, and more.

Photo by Pottery Barn

5. NORDKISA Dressing Table, $149

While it’s technically a vanity, we love this bamboo dressing table as a desk. It’s hard to deny the warm, natural feel mixed with the minimal, compact shape.

Photo by IKEA

6. Mid-Century Art Display Mini Desk, $349

Mid-century fans will fall for this airy, two-tiered desk that employs rich walnut wood, glass, and antique brass. The open storage is ideal for stunning coffee table books and beloved trinkets.

Photo by West Elm

7. Louisa Desk, $229

A tubular, lacquered metal frame with slanting angles supports a spacious desktop and a narrow shelf in this super lightweight, contemporary piece.

Photo by Urban Outfitters

8. Andover Mills Sanner Fold-Away Desk, $189.99

If space is extremely limited, consider a wall-mounted floating desk that doesn’t have legs at all. This one comes in oak and mahogany, folds up to nothing, and includes a dual pen holder and a large pocket.

Photo by Wayfair

9. Mid-Century Fold Out Desk, $449

Calling all Mad Men enthusiasts for this one. Channel your inner Betty Draper while working at this mid-century fold-out desk that looks like an elegant wooden console when it’s closed.

Photo by Urban Outfitters

10. Matteo Rustic Desk, $299

With its weathered, distressed finish, and rough-sawn detailing, this rustic desk will fit right in with modern farmhouse decor.

Photo by Pottery Barn

11. Helsing Desk, $599

This brilliant piece combines the beloved ladder-style bookcase with a little desk so you can showcase your favorite hardcovers while you toil away on your own debut novel.

Photo by Crate & Barrel

12. KNOTTEN Standing Desk, $159

Missing your corporate office standing desk? This white birch laptop stand will fill that place in your heart and provide lots of brilliant storage compartments while it’s at it.

Photo by IKEA

13. Mid-Century Mini Desk, $449

This mini version of West Elm’s best-selling mid-century desk is just as good as the original—but smaller. Its tapered legs and beveled front edges ooze vintage charm.

Photo by West Elm

14. Foundstone Diego Ladder Desk, $197.99

Another iteration of the genius ladder bookcase-meets-desk invention, this metal and wood piece is industrial chic to the core.

Photo by Wayfair

15. Livingston Writing Desk, $599

For an antique vibe, check out this sophisticated writing desk. The crown molding and fluted posts seem to be steeped in history even if brand new.

Photo by Pottery Barn

16. Industrial Mini Desk, $249

The solid mango wood surface on this classic desk is a dream for working on. Its organic grain and coloring only add to the appeal.

Photo by West Elm

So, do you have a dedicated desk, or do you couch-hop? Tell us below!

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. As an Amazon Associate and Skimlinks affiliate, Food52 earns a commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.

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