Desks have the tendency to take up space, as they quickly accumulate clutter and generally don’t blend in well. When you live in an apartment, condo, or small home, and don't have the luxury of a home office, you have to get creative.
If you don’t happen to have extra space in a broom closet, basement, or an unused nook in the kitchen, you might want to look at some of the best compact home office desks below.
Standing Desks
Sitting carries a bevy of health risks, and standing desks may benefit your health. Plus, it turns out a stand-up desk can also help you save space.
How It Saves Space:
- You don't need a chair.
- It requires less depth.
- It's installed on the wall.
Benefits:
- It can help improve your health.
- There are some easy and affordable DIY models available.
Downsides:
- Switching from a sitting to a standing desk takes some getting used to.
1. Spark by Ergodriven Standing Desk
For an inexpensive yet functional standing desk, check out the Spark by Ergodriven. It’s comprised of durable cardboard, and folds into a standing desk using origami principles. At under $50, the Spark by Ergodriven is one of the best affordable standing desks.
2. Apex Desk Elite Series Adjustable Standing Desk
Alternatively, the ApexDesk Elite Series is excellent as a dedicated standing desk. With its dark finish and massive 71-inch wide tabletop, the Elite Series boasts tons of space and with a wide variety of adjustments. As such, it’s the perfect desk for users of all heights.
3. LifeSpan TR1200-DT7
If you’ve got the budget to spend on a desk, check out the LifeSpan TR1200-DT7. This desk offers the benefits of a standing desk, but it includes a treadmill as well. Though it’s easily the priciest standing desk available, the TR1200-DT7 allows walking and working. If you’re able to multitask well, LifeSpan makes a superb and unique standing desk option.
Wall-Mounted Desks
A wall-mounted desk is the ultimate space saver. Without the legs in the way, your room looks more spacious and cleaner. You only need to hide your untidy cable clutter.
How It Saves Space:
- There aren't legs in the way.
Benefits:
- It can adapt to any space, including corners.
- It's sometimes designed as a fold-up desk.
- It floats above the ground, making cleaning easy.
Downsides:
- It requires tools and handicraft skills for mounting.
1. VIVO Wall-Mounted Desk
If you're worried about cable management, go with the VIVO Wall-Mounted Desk. It comes with cable holes to hide any wires, and also has ample storage space within its built-in drawer.
2. Prepac Wall-Mounted Floating Desk
Another fantastic wall-mounted desk is Prepac's Wall-Mounted Floating Desk. It has a fold-down desktop and plenty of storage nooks around the sides and top. Plus, its floating structure keeps floors free of clutter.
3. Haotian FWT18-W Drop-Leaf Desk
The Haotian FWT18-W Drop-Leaf Desk doesn't come with a drawer, but it still has plenty of space in its shelves to hold any office supplies and clutter. The desk also comes with cable holes and gives you the perfect amount of space to work on a laptop.
Mobile Desks
A small space often demands flexibility. If your home doesn’t allow for a permanent desk installation, consider getting a desk you can move around the house.
How It Saves Space:
- It has a small form factor.
- It's easily moved out of the way.
Benfits:
- No installation is required.
- You can buy some models for cheap.
Downsides:
- There's a constant struggle with cables.
- Some models have no permanent space for desk accessories.
1. Eureka Ergonomic Rolling Desk
For a no-nonsense mobile desk, try the Eureka Ergonomic Rolling Desk. It has a huge amount of desk space, but it falls short in the storage department. Despite the size of this desk, you can still fold it up when you're ready to put it away.
2. Techni Mobili Sit-to-Stand Rolling Laptop Cart
The Techni Mobili Sit-to-Stand Rolling Laptop Cart is totally flexible. It has a tiltable tabletop that allows you to adjust the angle of your desk. There's also an open storage compartment at the base to help keep your things better organized.
As an added bonus, you can choose whether you want to sit or stand while working. Adjust the height from as high as 43 inches to as low as 28 inches with the adjustable knobs.
3. Sogesfurniture Adjustable Mobile Standing Desk
The Sogesfurniture Adjustable Mobile Standing Desk offers plenty of desk space, as it's built with three separate platforms that you can tilt to your liking. It has more than enough space for a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse, too.
Like the Techni Mobili Desk, you can also adjust its height. However, it doesn't come with any permanent storage space.
Secretary Desks
Flexibility is great, but it isn’t necessarily convenient. If you desire a desk with a ton of space to store work utensils, a small office hidden in a cabinet---also known as a secretary desk---might be just the thing.
How It Saves Space:
- It comes with drawers.
- The desktop folds up when not in use.
Benefits:
- It conceals clutter.
- It potentially offers space for storing ring binders and accessories.
Downsides:
- The desktop isn't always as robust or durable as that of a regular desk.
1. Winsome Wood Regalia Home Office
Interested in a retro-inspired secretary desk? The Winsome Wood Walnut Desk masquerades as a fine piece of furniture. That’s not to say it isn’t, but this secretary desk appears as a lush cabinet. Opening its top drawer exposes a spacious desktop that neatly closes in on itself.
2. Crosley Furniture Sullivan Secretary Desk
For a more modern-looking secretary desk, consider the Crosley Furniture Sullivan Secretary Desk. It has ten drawers that you can use to stow away any notebooks, paperwork, and writing utensils. Plus, it has more than enough desk space for your laptop and other devices.
When you're all done with the desk, fold up the desktop surface. You don't even have to worry about clearing off the surface to close the desk---it neatly stores and hides all of your items ready for your next use.
Finding the Best Compact Home Office Desk
There is a creative desk solution for every home, regardless of its size. Which compact home office you choose depends on the physical space, as well as how much desk area you require. Don't forget to consider mobility, too.
Do you need more motivation to buy a standing desk? Sitting for too long causes serious health issues, and that alone should make you want to convert to a compact, standing desk.