Computer Desk For Small Spaces

When personal computers were first becoming popular, there was another word for computer desk. It was “desk.” People put their newfangled home computers wherever they could, since there was no furniture designed specifically for them.

Today, despite the emergence of powerful tablets and smartphones, computers are ubiquitous – and will remain so, at least for the foreseeable future. And there’s an enormous range of computer desks on the market with pre-drilled openings and built-in channels for cables, monitor shelves and keyboard trays.

Some larger computer desks have space for peripherals as well, but when you’re trying to set up your home office or gaming computer in a small space, less is more. You simply need a compact unit that takes care of the basics. Thankfully, many options are available in widths between 20 and 26 inches.

Most small computer desks are inexpensive because they are mass-produced from materials like laminated “manufactured” wood – and they can drive you crazy, since they’re likely to require assembly. There are alternatives, however; some pre-assembled or higher-quality one-piece units can be found, albeit at a higher price.

Compact computer desks come in a wide assortment of designs. A standard unit could be a simple “table with legs” with enough space for both a monitor (or laptop) and keyboard, perhaps with caster wheels on the legs so it can moved easily. Some glorified tray tables are even sold as computer desks, which is fine if they meet your needs.

Moving up a notch, the desk may have a pull-out keyboard tray, a monitor stand and perhaps a lower shelf for the tower. You can also opt for more stylish glass versions of these desks, with steel legs and accents, giving your workspace a modern look and feel.

You’ll find that most small computer desks are advertised as “ergonomic,” which is said to ensure maximum comfort for the user but doesn’t really guarantee that the desk will be comfortable for you. It’s best to sit down and give the desk a spin, if possible, instead of relying on a manufacturer’s claim.

What’s more important is that there are sufficient holes and channels (sometimes billed as a “cable management system”) for the cables you’ll need to run, so you don’t have to deal with messy and potentially-dangerous wiring once your computer desk is set up.

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Epolito Desk
Epolito Desk

Our writing desk will be a great addition to your home or office, providing a more enjoyable working environment for you! With the detachable tabletop organizer, it can meet your different working demands according to your needs and likes. Featuring 2 large drawers and a tabletop organizer with 2 mini drawers and shelves, there is ample space to store your many office supplies to make your office organized and tidy. The wear-resistant surface makes it not only durable but also elegant to match various decoration styles. This writing desk will be the best choice to decorate and organize any space.

Helina Desk
Helina Desk

The 47” writing computer desk is very suitable for the bedroom. It is a small desk for small space, with a modern industrial style, vintage brown and space-saving design. The small desk is made of P2 class participle board, which is waterproof and scratch resistant, safe and comfortable to use. Dual cable management hole keeps workstation tidy without cord chaos. 10-MM adjustable foot pads keep desk stable although on uneven floor.

Little Italy Leaning/Ladder Desk
Little Italy Leaning/Ladder Desk

This stylish desk offers a space-conscious work surface for any bedroom, living room, or home office. It features a ladder-style design with exposed cubbies and open shelves for books, paperwork, and display items. Use its 36" wide surface for your laptop or notepad and keep a cup of writing utensils handy. Cables are kept out of sight through cable management cutouts in the desk's surface and a wall anchor provides added stability.

Devane Desk with Hutch
Devane Desk with Hutch

The DeVries Desk with Hutch is perfect for any student or one working from home. It comes equipped with six round magnets, one hook magnet and a large magnetic bulletin board to help keep notes, reminders and schedules in clear view. The pull-out keyboard tray on roller slides provides easy access to a keyboard and mouse, while several tiers of shelving offer plenty of space for basic school or office supplies. This functional unit can be placed against the wall or used freestanding and is constructed with particleboard and melamine veneer for durability.

Putnam Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Putnam Height Adjustable Standing Desk

This adjustable standing desk is the perfect solution for creating a comfortable home office environment. Our electric height adjustable desks come in a range of sizes and colors, allowing you to choose the most suitable one for your living space and needs. The stable adjustable height, as well as the 2-position memory function, provide you with a comfortable office experience. Plus, the easy and user-friendly installation makes it simple to get started using this brilliant desk.

Dawnyell Desk
Dawnyell Desk

This desk is made of wood and pure color with a wide, thick desktop and a fine wood texture. The surface of the table has a natural flavor. There are two wide drawers on the desk. Each drawer has a lot of space for you to put books, pens or other small things in it.

Adilene Desk
Adilene Desk

The Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk offers a touch of modern style to your office or task space. Crafted from engineered wood and solid and engineered wood, it rests on a two-toned finish base. A rectangular desktop shows off clean lines and gives you ample room to spread out your laptop and work materials. An open shelf allows you to store textbooks and stationery, while a single drawer provides convenient storage for keys, remotes, and important cables. Best of all, a cable management cutout keeps your cords organized and out of view.

Kilby Glass Desk
Kilby Glass Desk

Clean-lined industrial style defines this writing desk, which is just right for your home office or an open corner in your living room. The powder-coated black metal frame features side supports and a stretcher bar in the back for extra stability, while a lower shelf with a backboard crafted from engineered wood features a rustic finish. A tempered glass desktop makes it easy to clean and spacious enough for a laptop, an accent lamp, and more. The desk measures 33" across and shows off a small footprint perfect for space-conscious rooms and apartments.

Holyoke Desk
Holyoke Desk

The Clifton computer desk offers a clean, uncluttered work surface in an efficient design that fits well into any small space. The spacious desktop is constructed of laminate and includes a raised top shelf for your monitor and a lower bottom shelf for your hard drive and other supplies. The two-shelf desk has a modern silver frame finish with perforated lower edges for an eye-catching contrast.

Thelen Solid Wood Desk
Thelen Solid Wood Desk

The Thelen Solid Wood Desk is an ideal anchor for your workspace, whether that workspace is a studio apartment or an office short on square footage. Crafted from solid wood, the frame of this desk pairs a clean-lined silhouette with a neutral finish.

Sarisha Glass Desk
Sarisha Glass Desk

This glass desk is a perfect pick for home offices, spare rooms, apartments, and any other small-scale spaces. The powder-coated steel base with tempered glass tops brings sleek contemporary looks home. The sliding keyboard tray pulls out when you need to get to typing, then slides back after you've tackled your to-dos. With this petite computer desk, you’re one step closer to that well-edited workspace you've wanted.

Inaayah Desk with Hutch
Inaayah Desk with Hutch

The clean lines and solid finish of this writing desk make it an ideal anchor for your home office. The piece includes a hutch for keeping papers, pens, pencils, notebooks, and beyond. This budget-friendly and understated contemporary piece is ideal for crafting DIY masterpieces or working on your next great novel.

Rosita Multiple Layer Computer Desk
Rosita Multiple Layer Computer Desk

This computer desk with a shelf is practical, modern and stylish. The desktop is made from durable materials and supported by iron tubes. There is space for storage as well as a good-looking desk to decorate your home or office. The printer, fax machine, and other electronic devices can be placed on it; the shelf on casters enables you to move your computer desk anywhere.

Ariella Desk
Ariella Desk

The compact writing desk makes a tidy addition to any small study or corner of an unused room, offering a place to pen thank-you notes, research recipes, and tackle your to-do list. Turned spindle legs bring out this design's traditional side, while a single drawer on soft-close glides offers a spot to stash a wireless keyboard, pens and other essentials.

Gwen Desk
Gwen Desk

This classic writing desk from Coaster is made of engineered wood and features Mission-style appeal. A single drawer with ball-bearing glides offers plenty of room for supplies, while the 26” wide by 18” deep top surface gives you space for your laptop and favorite beverage. This versatile piece can also be used as a nightstand, end table, or crafting table.

Jordynne Glass Desk
Jordynne Glass Desk

Bring contemporary appeal to your space with this sleek writing desk, an ideal home for all the essentials that blends seamlessly into your arrangement. The white powder-coated iron frame and tempered glass top shine in any setting, especially when paired with open x-framed sides that let you show off your favorite decorative items. At 30'' H x 29'' W x 19'' D overall, it offers an impromptu workspace without overwhelming your restful retreat.

Latitude Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Latitude Height Adjustable Standing Desk

The ErgoCentric Adjustable Height Desk is a unique piece of furniture that adapts to your height. The adjustable frame allows you to set this desk at your preferred working height and forget about it! This ergonomic office desk is backed by a stabilizing pedestal base with adjustable floor glides. It's perfect for those who prefer sitting up a little higher, an adjustable office desk like this one can be your best investment. Complete your height adjustable desk setting by coupling it with your favorite standard height office chair or drafting chair.

Pierro Solid Wood Desk
Pierro Solid Wood Desk

This sleek writing desk is crafted from solid wood and has an open design for an elegant look. It sits on four crisscrossed legs to keep your office supplies within reach, and its upper shelf provides a space for decor, plants, and other office must-haves. The desk's finished back makes it a great addition to any room.

Cassiopeia Desk
Cassiopeia Desk

The Cassiopeia Writing Desk is a versatile desk for use in any home or office. It is constructed out of strong boards and painted with a neutral color to fit in anywhere. The compact desk works perfectly in a small home office or apartment, and it can also be used as an entryway table or sofa table.

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What we are looking for:

Size: 

Computer desks made for small spaces may all be designed for a specific purpose, but added drawers and design choices will both alter their size. A standard small computer desk will measure 20 inches or less. David Netto states that this will give you just enough room for a computer and accompanying accessories. However, bear in mind that you'll need a slightly wider desk if you work with two screens, otherwise a small computer desk may not be the most compatible option with your needs. Still, a computer desk for a small space can still be practical. Many narrow desks are built in a ladder style, which will take up the least amount of room but aren't the best option if you have low ceilings.

Material and Maintenance: 

Though it is possible to find a solid wood computer desk, the majority are made from manufactured wood, more specifically MDF. Some small computer desks are overlaid with veneers. Veneers will lend your computer desk a more sophisticated and expensive look, and many have a glossy sheen, too. If you work from home and plan to use your desk often, consider purchasing a protective lacquer for your desk. Manufactured wood shows marks and chips more easily due to the nature of the material but protecting it with a lacquer or similar protective layer will help prevent this to a degree. Cleaning your desk with a dry cloth will also help to prevent smears from polish and other cleaning agents.

Style: 

If you have a small space, you'll most likely be looking for ways to make it appear larger. You can do this in several ways, but, per Katie Ridder, the easiest way is to opt for desks with a bright style and finish. A cherry wood desk may look beautiful, but its darker hue will automatically make a space appear more old-fashioned. In general, narrow spaces look even smaller when they feature dark furniture pieces, which is why it's so important to think about how to open up the space you do have instead. White and light gray are two of the most popular light color options for desks. They will also match most décor schemes, making them a good choice even if you decide to change up your décor in the future.

Storage: 

Storage is vital when it comes to a computer desk for small spaces. This is because you want to maximize the space you do have, rather than needing to add more furniture later on. As mentioned above, ladder-style desks have shelving that extends upward, making them a great option if you have a long but narrow room. A regular small computer desk may include nooks or thin slots for letters, both of which are useful additions if you work from home full-time. Additionally, drawers are an oft-overlooked aspect of small desks. Ken Fulk recommends looking for a desk with at least two drawers. This is enough space to store documents and office supplies but doesn't give you any space to clutter up your office area.

Additional Features: 

When it comes to a computer desk, Kerry Joyce states one of the main extras you should be looking out for is wire storage or some sort of cable management. Included cable management will prevent frustration and a messy, cluttered look when you have a lot of things plugged in at once. Another extremely helpful extra feature is built-in outlets. This feature will allow you to charge your work phone, tablet, or any other work-related device so you can stay up to date without having to leave your desk. Moreover, though it isn't necessarily an additional feature, a large gap beneath your desk surface means you can buy a bigger and more comfortable chair to suit your preference.

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