The 11 Best Desks of 2023

Best Overall

Pottery Barn Mateo 56" Rustic Desk with Drawer

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If you're looking for a well-made, midsized workstation with a classic silhouette, Pottery Barn's Mateo Rustic Desk might be the one. Made of solid pine wood, tongue-and-groove joinery and stretchers between the legs offer durability to ensure it lasts for several years—decades, maybe.

Available in your choice of light natural wood, gray wash, or rich blackish-brown, this desk features rough-sawn detailing and is hand-sealed to create a "salvaged" look. While this certainly gives it a rustic appeal, the weathered aesthetic adds character without affecting its versatility. From industrial and coastal to modern and traditional, the Mateo will complement a wide range of design schemes. What's more, the multitoned finish is actually designed to look better over time, which only adds to the long-lasting appeal.

This timeless desk is 56 x 30 x 26 inches and has one spacious drawer (24 x 17 inches) with brushed gray hardware. Unlike many furniture items from Pottery Barn, it won't arrive fully assembled, but you'll only need to attach the three pieces. Just note that, depending on the finish you choose, the desk can take several weeks to ship.

Price at time of publish: $699

_{Dimensions: 56 x 30 x 26 inches | Weight: 55.5 pounds | Material: Solid wood, wood veneer | Storage: 1 drawer}

Best Budget

Ikea Micke Desk

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Ikea is one of our go-to destinations for affordable furniture, and its home office offerings really deliver. We're partial to the Micke Desk, which has a slim design that's ideal for smaller spaces. Available in four versatile colorways, this desk is made of particleboard and fiberboard with recycled honeycomb paper filling.

With two drawers and a three-shelf cabinet, this desk has enough storage for basic office supplies, files, and books (you can mount the cabinet to either side). The finished back gives you the option to place it away from the wall, and a cable outlet provides a more streamlined, minimalist look. Like all Ikea furniture, you'll have to put this one together at home—but reviewers say it isn't too arduous.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Dimensions: 41.5 x 29.5 x 19.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Particleboard, fiberboard, recycled paper, plastic | Storage: 2 drawers, 3-shelf cabinet}

Best Splurge

Pottery Barn Dillon L-Shape Rotating Desk

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If you have room in your budget (and space), the Dillon L-Shape Rotating Desk from Pottery Barn might be just the thing for you. With a flexible design and open bookcase, it's a versatile option that should suit a variety of needs. We also love that it's ADA-compliant, easily accommodating a wheelchair on the desk side with a 27 1/2-inch clearance.

This desk has two different possible configurations: L-shaped (pictured) or side-by-side, with the desk area next to the bookshelves. Both would work well for a variety of spaces, and the flexibility of changing the orientation depending on your needs is nice.

In terms of construction, this desk is made with a combination of kiln-dried oak and medium-density fiberboard, a manufactured wood that's durable and resistant to warping. Consistent with many of Pottery Barn's furniture offerings, the oak is responsibly sourced, meeting strict social and environmental standards to ensure a low environmental impact.

While this is certainly a splurge, and we wish it came in more than one color option, the Dillon L-Shaped Rotating Desk is a versatile option that should last you for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $1,698

_{Dimensions: 70 x 20 x 2.5 inches (package dimensions, actual dimensions not listed) | Weight: 73 pounds | Material: Oak veneer, metal, marble | Storage: 6 drawers}

Best for Home Office

Nathan James Telos Home Office Computer Desk with Drawer

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Need something for your home office? The Telos Desk by Nathan James might be your best bet. This Scandinavian-inspired piece is made of wood and features a contrasting white surface with a built-in drawer.

Measuring 42 x 29 x 20 inches, it's plenty big for a monitor and keyboard but also compact enough for small spaces. You'll have to put the Telos Desk together at home, but if you buy it from Amazon, you can add expert assembly to your order. The price is more than reasonable, and to sweeten the deal, it's backed by a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $160

_{Dimensions: 42 x 29 x 20 inches | Weight: 37 pounds | Material: Wood | Storage: 1 drawer}

Best Design

Article Baarlo Oak Desk

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With its smooth curves and natural oak wood construction, Article's Baarlo Oak Desk is a Scandinavian-inspired option that's sure to make a statement. Despite its sleek look, you'll still find some storage options here, including a hidden cable-management system and a spacious cabinet with an adjustable shelf.

This desk measures about 59 inches long and 30 inches high, making it a bit taller than some other options. This desk is expensive, and you'll have to assemble some of it at home, but it might be worth investing in the design. (Plus, you can coordinate it with the brand's other offerings in the same line, like the Baarlo Side Table or Baarlo Coffee Table.)

Price at time of publish: $999

_{Dimensions: 58.5 x 30 x 27.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Solid/veneered oak | Storage: Cabinet, cord management}

Best Adjustable

Poppin Series L Adjustable Height Single Desk

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If you want the option to stand (but maybe not all the time), go with an adjustable model. Poppin's Series L Desk comes in three sizes, ranging from 47 to 72 inches wide. We also like that each size can be adjusted from 25 inches up to 50.5 inches tall.

This thoughtfully designed workstation plugs into a standard outlet and has an LED control panel, making it easy to adjust with the push of a button. The price is steep, and it doesn't have any storage. However, the Series L meets BIFMA (​​Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) standards for durability, and it's backed by a 5-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $1,039

_{Dimensions: 4 sizes available | Weight: 108–139 pounds | Material: Engineered wood, metal, laminate | Storage: None}

Best Compact

Sand & Stable Jetty Desk with Hutch

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Working with limited square footage? The Jetty Desk might be just the thing. It's 35.5 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 36 inches tall (including the attached hutch shelf).

Though this desk only comes in one color, it's versatile enough to go with various design styles. And the compact size is perfect for a small office, teen's bedroom, bonus room, or guest room. Keep in mind that assembly is required, but it should be quick and easy.

Price at time of publish: $137

_{Dimensions: 35.5 x 36 x 20 inches | Weight: 25 pounds | Material: Manufactured wood, metal | Storage: Hutch shelf}

Best with Drawers

Homary Mular 3-Drawer White Writing Desk with Storage Cabinet

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Desk drawers are an integral part of any workstation, allowing you to stash essentials (and non-essentials) out of sight. If you're looking to upgrade your desk in this department, Homary's Mular Desk is a great option. This desk has three drawers on one side, with generously sized pull-outs that provide plenty of space to stash your pens, papers, files, batteries, cords, and other necessities. For extra versatility, the drawers can be placed on either side of the desk, so you can customize the piece to your space.

In terms of design, this option delivers with rounded corners and a hyper-modern flair. Though we wish this desk came in more colors, it's available in two widths—47 or 63 inches. We love the rounded corners and hyper-modern flair. It's available in two widths, 47 or 63 inches. Just a heads-up, it might take weeks to ship, depending on the size you get. And while the larger one is pricey, the Mular is backed by a three-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $1,507

_{Dimensions: 47.2 x 19.7 x 27.6 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Manufactured wood, metal | Storage: Drawers}

Best for Students

Haworth Jive Desk with Post Leg Color Pop Collection

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The Jive Desk is perfect for students, telecommuters, and large offices with cubicles or shared workstations. It has a high-pressure laminate surface in your choice of five faux-wood finishes. Plus, the recyclable metal post legs come in a range of neutrals and statement hues.

You can choose from 48 or 60 inches wide and 24 or 30 inches deep, with four size configurations in total. Note that you'll have to assemble the desk yourself, and it doesn't have any storage. Still, there's a lot to love about this simple desk—and the company that makes it. Haworth boasts a zero-waste headquarters and strives to make its designs as sustainable as possible.

Price at time of publish: $449

_{Dimensions: 4 sizes available | Weight: Not listed | Material: High-pressure laminate, metal | Storage: None}

Best Solid Wood

Castlery Seb Desk

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Prefer solid wood? Take a look at the Castlery Seb Desk. It's constructed from solid acacia lumber and features a medium-toned muted honey lacquer. This desk is 51 inches wide, 23.5 inches deep, and 29.5 inches tall. In addition to a generously sized work surface, you'll get a spacious drawer and an open cubby.

With slightly flared legs and rounded corners on the storage compartment, it has a tasteful midcentury modern appeal. Beyond the steep price, we should mention Castlery only accepts returns within two weeks of receiving the desk.

Price at time of publish: $749

_{Dimensions: 51 x 29.5 x 23.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Solid acacia wood | Storage: 1 drawer, 1 cubby}