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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Saskia Kemsley

Best small desks that are ideal when space is at a premium

Contrary to popular belief, a desk isn’t just for working. Whether utilised as a vanity, a hallway console, a TV stand, or simply for extra storage, you’ll be surprised by just how useful a small, space-saving desk can be.

Maximising square footage and curating the perfect home office has never been more important. With the advent of working from home paired with the ever-shrinking floor space of city-based homes, coming up with new and creative ways of ensuring we can continue to work, play and relax within the comfort of our humble abodes is essential.

Take Carly Fuller of @mycityapartment on TikTok as an example. The innovative interior designer describes her 450 square foot space as a ‘mansion’ given how dedicated she is to continually transforming a classic, uber-small New York flat into a luxurious townhouse without the remotest feeling of clutter. It’s safe to say that Fuller is an expert in space-saving design.

In Fuller’s home, a dining table doubles up as a computer desk, a hallway console acts as much-needed storage, and her kitchen island is on wheels allowing it to be rolled away when hosting. This philosophy of versatile, multi-use furniture is something that can be applied to homes both large and small, and is something we’re committed to embracing here at ES Best.

Whether you’re in need of a smaller desk for kids’ homework, to house your WiFi router and miscellaneous tech, or you require a miniature WFH haven, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for a round-up of multi-use small desks for homes of all sizes.

Cubitt Office Desk, Dark Mango Wood

  • Size: 76 x 90 x 45 cm

Sculptural yet highly functional, this mango wood office desk from Cult Furniture has a distinctly dark academia feel. It’s complete with two spacious drawers which are adorned with stylish brass handles for an additional touch of elegance. Use it at a console table, a writing desk or a vanity.

Buy now £349.00, Cult

Cotswold Essentials Desk

  • Size: 106.50 x 120 x 52 cm

Crafted from 100 per cent rubberwood, this desk from the Cotswold Company is the perfect example of understated, minimalist style. Despite its name, we think it evokes a distinctly Scandinavian design aesthetic, with those slightly angular legs and the rounded-off finish.

Buy now £125.00, Cotswold Company

Southwark Desk, Dark Brown Acacia

  • Size: 75 x 90 x 50 cm

We like to think of this adorable, deep brown acacia wood desk as the 21st century’s take on a Victorian school writing table. It’s complete with softened edges and a delicate hanging drawer.

Buy now £299.00, Swoon

John Lewis Hem Desk, Sage Green

  • Size: 76 x 56 x 90cm

This uber stylish, wallet-friendly option from John Lewis is realised in a trendy sage green hue with lovely, scalloped edges. Compact, playful and perfectly suited to smaller homes, it’s a versatile piece that’ll remain a much-loved essential for years to come.

Buy now £129.00, John Lewis

Ikea Micke Desk

  • Size: 73 x 50 x75 cm

A classic for a reason, it doesn’t get any more budget-friendly and compact than the Ikea Micke Desk. Flat packing aside, the Micke Desk is a surprisingly easy build thanks to its clever design. We’re big fans of the extended lower drawer and handy spherical opening for easy breezy wire organisation.

Buy now £45.00, Ikea

Graphy 1-Drawer Oak Veneer Desk

  • Size: 94 x 90 x 47cm

If it’s French chic you’re looking for, it’s French chic you’ll get over at every Francophile’s favourite retailer La Redoute. We love this colour block compact oak desk which is available with navy, green or white complimentary details. It’s designed to create a self-contained office area wherever it’s placed.

Buy now £240.00, La Redoute

Kendyle 64Cm W Rectangular Writing Desk

  • Size: 82 64 x 58 cm

For the ultimate space-saver, look no further than this fold-away desk from Wayfair. Complete with three shelves which offer plenty of storage, it’s also fitted with a practical lock to prevent the table from unfolding itself when knocked.

Buy now £56.99, Wayfair

John Lewis Notch Desk

  • Size: 77.5 x 55 x 95 cm

A superb investment for all ages and professions, the Notch Desk from John Lewis offers a practical, contemporary and Scandi-inspired touch to any home office set-up. Its compact size and flush underside drawer make for a seamless working environment. It’s been crafted with subtle leg details and solid wood handles and is made entirely with FSC high-quality solid oak, veneers and poplar.

Buy now £299.00, John Lewis

Knowle Compact Pull Out Oak Desk

  • Size: 91.5 x 80 x 60 cm

Another stylish and compact oak writing desk, this option from Dunelm builds on the Victorian schoolroom style. Complete with plenty of organisational compartments, this desk has ample room for both a laptop as well as an additional monitor. It’s made from solid oak and requires some at-home assembly, but it’s certainly worth the effort.

Buy now £299.00, Dunelm

Grimsby Corner Console Desk

Dimensions: H76 x D70cm

A space-saving solution with a vintage aesthetic, this corner desk packs a raft of helpful features into the small space. There are holes for computer and laptop cables as well as a slim storage shelf beneath the top to store notebooks and pens.

Buy now £175.00, La Redoute

Hashtag Homes Floating Desk

Dimensions: H91 x W94 x D50cm

A leaning desk with serious second-life potential (dressing table? Breakfast bar? A display table for your houseplant/ candle/ vase obsession?), this sleek, minimal table is a great investment for anyone looking down the barrel of long-term WFH.

There are only two legs, keeping the space beneath your legs clear of clutter, while the table top has tons of space for your laptop and books. We like the addition of the top shelf, great for displaying motivational art prints and the odd low-maintenance succulent. There’s also a roomy drawer that’s perfect for packing away your office supplies when you don’t need them, keeping things neat and tidy.

Buy now £102.99, Wayfair

MEETING Mini Foldaway Wall Desk

Dimensions: W60 x H40 x D15cm

Crafted from lacquered MDF, this wall-mounted desk is ideal for anyone who hates clutter. Simply fold it away to pack your workstation away. As well as the drop-down door that turns into a desk, the design also incorporates a laptop holder (max 14in / 36cm) and a document holder.

Buy now £65.00, La Redoute

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