The 9 Best Desk Organizers of 2023

Best Filing System

Brightroom Mesh Crate File Box

View On Target

These mesh file boxes are some of the best to keep papers organized as well as accessible. The mesh is fine enough for you to look through and easily spot the documents that you need, while a rail on the inside of the box allows you to hang folders without them from getting caught or jumbled—a common complaint with hanging file boxes. 

If you need to move the box around, there are also integrated handles on the side. You can stack it, however, consider what you have stored inside first. This file box does not have a lid so any shifting may cause the documents inside to get wrinkled or torn. It is made of metal and will protect the documents inside best when nothing is stored on top.

Another perk of this option is that there are plenty of other accessories in the same line, including an upright pencil holder, stackable paper bins, and a smaller hanging file box.  If you want a variety of desk organization tools that are durable, stylish, and come at a great price point, Brightroom’s line is a great option.

Price at time of publish: $17

_{Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 13.25 inches | Material: Metal | Stackable: No}

Best Set

Marie Kondo Harmony Linen Desktop Organizer

View On The Container Store

This ultra-luxe desktop organizer comes from the mind of organizing guru Marie Kondo. Not only does it look great, but it also keeps things like letters, papers, pens, and other desktop essentials organized. There are larger storage sections, small boxes for things like paper clips and rubber bands, and a drawer to keep unsightly items out of view. It is part of an entire line of office accessories, including file boxes, document trays, and storage boxes. They all have a linen finish and dark hardware accents.

These are expensive, especially when purchased as a set. You can get each individually and build your ultimate organization system over time to spread out the cost as well as see which elements you get the most use out of. You can also add boxes and file storage as your needs increase.

Price at time of publish: $60/each

_{Dimensions: 13.125 x 8.5 x 7.625 | Material: Linen, MDF, birch | Stackable: Yes}

Best Multi-Function

MaxGear Mesh Desk Organizer

View On Amazon

If you want to keep small items nearby as well as maintain a place for larger notebooks and letters, this desk organizer from MaxGear has it all. There are six compartments as well as a drawer. The shelf for post-it notes is particularly helpful, since it's sized perfectly for these helpful square stacks. There are two taller compartments ideal for pens and pencils while smaller compartments in front can hold paper clips and small items.

This organizer is made of black mesh that lets you see through to the contents of each compartment. The bottom has rubberized feet to keep it from sliding around while also protecting your desktop from scratches. This desk organizer is meant to sit out on your desk to hold the essentials and isn’t stackable. While it has a smaller place for papers, isn’t designed to hold files, which might be a con for some.

Price at time of publish: $14.50

_{Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 5 inch | Material: Metal | Stackable: No}

Best Minimalist

My Space Organizers Acrylic Office Desk Organizer with Drawer

View On Amazon

This acrylic organizer will look sleek and clean on your desk, a welcome departure from bulkier options. It has multiple sections designed for today’s needs, including a slot for your phone, and it can hold multiple notebooks and separate papers and documents into two different sections. The sides are sloped back, giving it a modern look that blends into your overall desk setup.

Because this organizer is transparent, keep in mind that the things that you store will be in plain view. While not the best for privacy, it may inspire you to add some coordinating paper clips, post-its, or stickers. Along with plain clear, the organizer also comes in black, gray, and white-gray marble.

Price at time of publish: $27

_{Dimensions: 10 x 7.3 x 5 inches | Material: Acrylic | Stackable: No}

Best Bookshelf

Pottery Barn Aubrey Writing Desk with Lateral File Cabinet and Bookcase

View On Pottery Barn

If you want a single solution for all of your office and desk organization needs, this combination writing desk and bookshelf can hold files, keep papers organized, and provide a place to work. It comes with drawers specifically designed for office use, such as a shallow drawer for your keyboard, phone, or planner and file drawers with built-in rails. Design details, such as chunky base molding and a beadboard back on the bookshelf, add style to your space.

This piece is expensive, especially when you compare it to desktop organizers and file folders. But if you are looking to add functional furniture to your office, or maybe create an office space in the corner of a larger room, this is a great way to do it with one purchase. It can also work with other furniture from the line, including additional bookshelves and storage.

Price at time of publish: $1,897

_{Dimensions: 78 x 36 x 84 inches | Material: MDF | Stackable: No}

Best Stackable

Officemate Recycled Desk Tray

View On Amazon

These simple paper trays are stackable so you can keep things organized and add to your system over time. They are a great recommendation for teachers and classrooms to keep assignments separated. You can create a custom system for turning in work. They have 12-inch wide slots and can fit larger pieces of paper and folders in addition to standard printer paper.

The trays come in a set of six that interlock for easy stacking. You can move them, although if you use more than six, you run the risk of them toppling as you carry the stack very far. They don’t have much added for design and are more functional than stylish. But if you want something that you can build on based on your needs, these are ideal.

Price at time of publish: $27

_{Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 8.75 inches | Material: Plastic | Stackable: Yes}

Best for Pens

Boon White Stash Multi Room Organizer Boon White Stash Multi Room Organizer

View On Walmart View On Crate & Barrel

This fun desk organizer from Boon stores pens, pencils, markers, and even scissors. It includes nine circular storage compartments of various sizes. You can organize your writing utensils by color or type, or just keep a couple of compartments free for small accessories like paper clips or rubber bands. Just keep in mind that these do not have lids. This makes them easy to access but does require that you develop and stick to an organizational system for the best results.

If you need to store papers, you’ll need to add something else to your desk. If you store more papers and receipts than pens, the nine small compartments may be more utensil storage than you need. It does work great for kids’ craft and workspaces, since you can add markers, crayons, and other materials.

Price at time of publish: $29

_{Dimensions: 9.5 x 14 x 4.75 inches | Material: Plastic | Stackable: No}

Best for Letters

Rowan Acacia Desktop Letter Organizer

View On The Container Store

To keep letters separated, the Rowan Acacia letter organizer looks great and has plenty of slots. The supports are graduated, which allows you to see letters in the back as well as those in the front. It is made of acacia wood. This wood is sustainably harvested and has a rich color and interesting wood grain that adds interest to your desk.

You’ll need to find another desk organizer for larger papers as well as one for items like pens, pencils, and paper clips. There are matching acacia accessories from The Container Store in this line. These include a pencil cup, paper trays, and hanging file folders. You will need to purchase them separately, however, which adds to the overall cost.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 4.675 inches | Material: Acacia | Stackable: No}