Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What type of desk is best for your small home office?

Home space has become recreational space, entertainment space, and office space. It’s tough to concentrate using a dining room table or kitchen table as an office desk. Plus, your friends might feel some resentment if they have to stand and eat at the kitchen counter because your latest office project is taking up the table.

If you think your small space can’t support a home office, think again. There are desks to fit all types of spaces from nooks to corners to just a small wall space. Things you need to consider include your personal design style as well as how you plan to use the desk. Maybe it is an area where you will pay the bills or maybe you need a sturdy computer desk.

Related Videos

There are lots of computer desks available, as you can imagine, and your space will help in your search for the best small computer desk.

Space and purpose

Measure your space and then look around. Does that area have an outlet so you can plug in your devices plus a lamp if you need additional light? Is there enough room for a small storage cabinet nearby? In this location, will you be sitting over a heating or air conditioning vent? Is there room to open drawers if your desk has them?

When you start looking at desks, remember you need one high enough so your knees clear. Also, check to see if it has a storage/cubby area in the back and a hole for you to feed your cords through.

desk with two monitors

If you are using a computer and a monitor, measure the amount of space each takes so you get a desk that is wide enough. If you need two monitors, add the extra space into your calculations. If you have a large monitor, make sure there’s not something on the wall that will interfere with the way you usually set up your production area.

If you have to have items tacked to the wall because that is your reference system, make sure your space will allow for that. 

If you are looking at a desk that mounts to the wall, that might not be practical if you are a renter. A wall-mounted desk or floating desk is going to require that you mount it to studs, so that’s something you need to consider before purchasing.

computer on desk

Options, options, options

There are narrow desks called writing desks or secretary desks. Not totally suitable if you like to spread out and use multiple devices. But they do fit nicely against a wall and can be long enough to give you storage space and a drawer or two. They are typically about 22 inches wide.

Some secretary desks are similar to roll-top desks. They have a piece in the front that either slides in and hides the desk or folds over the front of the desk. The beauty of this is, you can fold it up and your work is done. You don’t have to worry about wandering past and thinking, “I should sit down and finish that.”

Wall-mounted desks free up floor space, but they have to be mounted to studs. There are some wall-mounted desks that flip up. There are also wall-mounted desks that have a drop leaf, which is an area that folds down giving a little more space and stability.

Corner desks can be shaped like a piece of fat pie, or in an “L.” 

Writing desks are wider than secretary desks, usually about 42 inches wide. They give you plenty of space if you have the space to fit them in.

Ladder desks have a desk area and then stacked shelves, like a ladder.

There are standing desks if that’s what you want.

modern home desk

You need a desk

Perhaps you are thinking you should just lounge on the couch and work or maybe spread everything out on the bed. Be assured, this will interfere with your productivity! A dedicated “work” space means you will work. You will sit down, or stand up, and get done what needs to be done. Organize your space to be productive. That doesn’t mean boring! If bright colors move you to be productive, then get a bright desk and some bright office supplies. If you find neutrals soothing and that helps you work, then go for those colors. And, remember, get a good chair!

Editors' Recommendations

What colors go with gray? How to make a neutral hue pop in your home
How to make gray walls work for your home decor
Modern living room with gray walls and yellow furniture

Neutral colors like gray and taupe are always popular options for your home's interior design. Both are versatile shades that can go with a plethora of other hues, which means you can easily change up the look of your decor with gray walls and a rotating rainbow of accessories like colorful throw pillows. With all the different shades of gray paint available, from matte to glossy, warm to cool, and brownish to blueish, it's certainly possible to find the one that's perfect for you and your home.

Of course, you can always have too much of a good thing. While gray can be a sophisticated and elegant shade, too much gray can wash out a room or make it feel dull and dingy or cold and unwelcoming. Think of gray as the backdrop on a canvas that lets your color palette shine, and you can't go wrong. So, it’s important to incorporate other colors into the decor, whether it be with pieces of furniture, art, or throw blankets -- but what colors go with gray? If you're looking for the best options to brighten up your current decor, keep reading to find out how to accent this elegant tone.

Read more
The best green paint colors for a soothing, sophisticated home
Recommendations for warm and cool green tones to add to your space
Green wall color with plant nearby

Green is a color we’re seeing everywhere in home design this year. Named Color of the Year for 2022 by many of the most prominent names in the paint industry, green is a trendy hue that you can expect to see in many interior designs. Green has an incredible way of adding a sense of vibrance and authenticity to your space. So, if you’re a homeowner in need of a soothing and sophisticated shade, then green might be just what you’ve been looking for.

This year's "it" color can help you invite a renewed sense of vitality and energy to a space, making it perfect for homeowners looking to change up their existing palette. While green is trending in home design as this year's "it" color, it's safe to assume that this wonderful shade will likely add a timeless and natural look to any space. So, if you're eager to incorporate green into your design scheme, here are some of the best green paint colors to inspire your next renovation.

Read more
The best beige colors for your home (and, no, they’re not boring)
Here's how to make "boring" beige look stunning in your space
Warm beige living room wall paint color

Beige colors often get neglected in many homes. After spending years in the spotlight in traditional and modern spaces, the color beige took a backseat while homeowners began looking for more exciting shades to introduce into their spaces. But that doesn't mean that beige is boring!

On the contrary, beige is a fantastic color to bring into your space, especially if you're aiming to amp up a neutral color palette. Or perhaps you want to opt for a traditional and timeless look? With many unique and exquisite undertones, beige paint colors can transform your room into an enriching and inviting space. If you're curious about how you can bring beige into your home in an exciting new way, check out our favorite picks for this paint color.

Read more