There’s nothing more conducive to a productive working environment than an aesthetically pleasing space.
Home offices have become integral for flats and houses across the globe where, in the past, a decent kitchen table would’ve done the job. This is, of course, thanks to the normalisation of working from home since you know what back in you know when. No matter the square footage in your abode, including a desk of some sort in your space is essential.
Curating the perfect home office is no simple task. Simultaneously maximising storage space and ensuring there’s ample room to spread out your documents and cluster of tea cups on particularly busy days, all the while adhering to your chosen interior style, makes choosing suitable and sustainable studio furniture an unenviable experience.
The solution lies in space-saving and practical writing desks. Between the 18th and 19th centuries and even earlier, portable writing desks were frequently used by ever-industrious businessmen and women alike for letter-writing and improving personal accomplishments. Even Thomas Jefferson drafted America’s Declaration of Independence on the handy ancestor to the humble lap desk.
While modern working accoutrements such as laptops and PCs require more working space, we can take inspiration from the vintage practicality of these sloped and hollow desks used throughout history.
We’re talking about beautifully designed, space-saving writing bureaus which feature a wealth of storage opportunities such as discrete drawers and in-built shelves. Fear not, for we certainly won’t limit our selection to vintage-inspired designs. Artists and architects are welcome to explore extra-large, contemporary desks on which to paint, sketch and erase to your heart’s delight.
Keep scrolling for a brilliant selection of writing desks to elevate your home office.
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John Lewis Notch Desk
Brilliant 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 unobtrusive size and flush underside drawer make for a seamless working environment no matter how pressing the task at hand may be. It’s been crafted with subtle leg details, solid wood handles and is made entirely with FSC high-quality solid oak, veneers and poplar.
Buy now £229.00, John Lewis
Knowle Compact Pull Out Oak Desk
Another stylish and compact oak writing desk, this option from Dunelm reminds us of a Victorian schoolroom in the best possible way. 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
Verne Desk
This almost anthropomorphic desk sits atop an extended plinth with dramatically long legs. The solid mango wood base has been stained with a delightful deep mocha hue and finished with polished nautical-style brass handles. We’re especially enamoured with the extra large left-side drawer which is complete with a built-in tidy. What’s more, assembly will be completed for you upon delivery. That’s our kind of productivity.
Buy now £719.00, Swoon
Covet Desk by Case
Complete with an almost invisible drawer, this glass-topped desk by Case belongs in a design studio. Designed by Shin Azumi to incorporate a minimalist yet functional design, it’s made with solid oak or stained walnut depending on your preference and is topped with durable tempered glass. The perfectly angled base can also be used to store file organisers, books, important documents and your favourite pieces of stationery with ease.
Buy now £1515.00, Heal’s
Blue Writing Bureau
If this beautiful sky-blue striped bureau is gone by the time you’ve clicked through, fear not. The Bexleyheath-based small business consistently rolls out beautiful, refurbished vintage designs and even takes commissions. This option is complete with a beautiful matching tassel key for closing up the writer’s desk with ease.
Buy now £499.00, Etsy
Tenley Writing Desk
Maximise storage space by expanding upwards with this wonderfully practical and value-for-money writing desk from Fernleaf via Dunelm. It’s equipped with three tiers which include two shelves and a desk, the latter of which has an integrated drawer. Bear in mind that this piece is crafted from particle board with a laminated wood effect, rather than solid wood.
Buy now £109.99, Dunelm
Altheimer Desk
This gorgeous smooth and rounded desk by Hashtag Home reminds us of the good ‘ole days at Habitat. Lovingly designed and complete with practical features, including integrated drawers and an open cubby for additional documents, the Altheimer Desk offers supreme functionality and aesthetics.
Buy now £259.99, Dunelm
Vintage Decoupage & Gold Bureau
Regency-core lovers rejoice, this vintage decoupage bureau is fit for royalty. The upcycled piece looks as though it’s been plucked intact from the home of a Viscountess, with its wrap-around crane-adorned decoupage landscape and gold leaf internal finishings. The matching blue tassel key for locking away the writing desk is a brilliant finishing touch.
Buy now £645.00, Etsy
Writing Slope
Fit for fans of Jane Austen and Jo March, this portable writing slope is made from solid mahogany wood with colourful inlays. Based on historic models, this writing slope has been made by a modern artisan with high-quality and durable materials. A brilliant gift for the calligrapher in your life, you can even opt to add a personalised inscription.
Buy now £222.11, Etsy
Campaign Desk – Wood
Available in black and oak finishes, Oka’s campaign desk feels like a modern take on a Presidential bureau. Handmade from mango wood, it may be small in stature but it is certainly big in personality. The hinged lid can be opened to reveal plenty of useful cubby holes and an additional shelf for files, documents or your laptop.
Buy now £235.00, Oka
