The 15 Best Desks for Small Spaces of 2023

Best Overall

Mercer 41 Micah Desk

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The combination of style, attention to detail, and a quality warranty help to put Mercer 41’s Micah Desk at the top of our list. We love the sleek white surface and the gold-painted frame which makes it a great match amongst other modern contemporary pieces of decor. Additionally, the gold hoop hardware adds a pop of style as well, while the two drawers, each with 22-pound weight limits, help to make this a very functional piece.

In addition to the overall style, this desk comes with a 100-day trial and a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. It’s that attention to detail that makes it worth every penny. It is also structurally well-built, boasting a 220-pound weight limit and reviewers love it for its ease of assembly. Just note that, while this desk is great, it doesn’t feature any cutouts to manage your cables. We also wish it was available in more colors, but the oak is still versatile enough to suit a variety of different spaces.

Price at time of publish: $349.99

_{Dimensions: 20” x 42” x 30” | Material: Oak}

Best Splurge

CB2 Monte Nido Oak Wood Secretary Desk

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CB2’s Monte Nido Oak Wood Secretary Desk may cost more than the other options on our list, but its style and durability justify the higher price tag. The right-hand side features a flip-down door that provides a writing surface, a letter tray, and storage. On the left-hand side, an extra cabinet can be used to store whatever other essentials you may have. The overall design is sleek with clean lines, and it’s made with oak, which is known for its durability. Additionally, it’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means that the wood is responsibly sourced.

The one drawback with this option is that it has a slightly smaller working surface than other desks on our list. But the versatility to keep it closed for decorative purposes and the cord management in the back make it a clear winner in our books.

Price at time of publish: $1,999

_{Dimensions: 16” x 48” x 45” | Material: Oak}

Best Budget

Latitude Run Ninave 31.49'' Desk

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Priced at $80, Latitude Run’s Ninave Desk is perfect for someone who is looking to maximize their limited space on a budget. It features a simple yet sleek design, and it is available in both black and white to ensure that it can fit in with most styles. While it does have a lower weight capacity of 64 pounds, it's still sturdy enough to hold a laptop and other basic desk supplies. Plus, it’s collapsible, so you can store it when you don’t need to use it. Just note that assembly can be tricky, with some buyers reporting that the holes are tough to align properly.

Price at time of publish: $79.99

_{Dimensions: 17.7” x 31.49” x 29.33” | Material: Manufactured wood}

Best Compact

Sand & Stable Jetty Desk with Hutch

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Sand & Stable’s Jetty Desk features mixed materials in a minimalist design that makes it as welcome of an addition in a modern space as it is amongst farmhouse decor. At just a little over 35 inches wide, you can easily fit it into even the smallest of spaces. While small in stature, it has a surprising amount of space. In addition to the working space, a hutch above that is a great option to store books, photos, or a lamp. We really love the modesty panel and finished back on this model because it means you can put it anywhere in the room and don’t have to hide it against a wall.

One thing to be aware of with the Jetty Desk is that it is made with engineered wood, so the top isn’t as durable as other options. However, for the lower price, reviewers still appreciate the style and durability, regardless of the material.

Price at time of publish: $183.57

_{Dimensions: 20'' x 35.5'' x 35.88''| Material: Engineered wood, metal}

Best Mid-Century

Anthropologie Quincy Desk

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For the clean lines associated with mid-century modern furniture, you can’t beat Anthropologie’s Quincy Desk. The simplicity of the design allows the grain of its eucalyptus wood and acacia veneer to do the talking. Additionally, the brass hardware only helps to further compliment that grain while three spacious drawers provide you ample space to store everything you need. Reviewers also appreciate the quality of the drawers, which they note are dovetailed. 

One thing to be aware of with this option is that it can take between 2-4 weeks to arrive and Anthropologie charges $149 to deliver the furniture. Worth noting though, is that that fee is for white glove delivery, so this will be delivered, assembled, and the debris will be removed for you. Also, Anthropologie does offer a 30-day return option, providing you a chance to make sure it is the right fit for you.

Price at time of publish: $698

_{Dimensions: 20” x 40” x 30” | Material: Eucalyptus, engineered hardwood, acacia veneer}

Best for Apartments

Zipcode Design Baber 2-Drawer Writing Desk

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Finding a good desk for your apartment will require something that is stylish without taking up much space. Fortunately, Zipcode Design’s Baber 2-Drawer Writing Desk offers the best of both worlds. Measuring just 39.4 inches across, it is smaller than most other options on our list, so it won’t take up too much precious space in your apartment. While the desk features two drawers, which are removable, the drawer space is small enough that you can easily fit your legs and a chair underneath it. Meanwhile, the simple white top with oak-colored legs makes it a great option for most apartment decors.

One thing to be aware of with this option is that it is not made with the most durable of materials, and some reviewers have noted that it can scratch easily if you aren’t careful.

Price at time of publish: $139.99

_{Dimensions: 19.7” x 39.4” x 30.3” | Material: Manufactured wood, oak}

Best for Bedrooms

Pottery Barn Mateo Mini Writing Desk

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Measuring just 33 inches wide, Pottery Barn’s Mateo Mini Writing Desk is a perfect addition to a smaller bedroom. It’s made with pine and is available in either salvaged black or salvaged gray coloring, so you’ll be able to accommodate both lighter and darker palette bedrooms. In addition to using pine and poplar veneer, it features tongue-and-groove joinery that is specifically intended to ensure that this desk lasts. It also includes a pull-out drawer, making it a viable option to store jewelry or makeup and to be used as a vanity.

One drawback with this choice is that it shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight. Fortunately, the brand includes a 30-day return period to make sure it’s the right product for you. And if assembly seems tedious, for extra money Pottery Barn does offer white glove delivery.

Price at time of publish: $499

_{Dimensions: 22” x 33” x 30” | Material: Pine, poplar veneer}

Best Computer

ODK Small Computer Desk

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Designed with computer usage in mind, ODK’s Small Computer Desk doesn’t sacrifice style for functionality. It features metal legs and a rustic brown top, making it a versatile option. This choice also includes two shelves; a smaller one designed to hold your monitor and provide you with better posture, and another to place your keyboard or to write on. The monitor shelf can be lowered as well to provide you with a larger working space. Spacing between the shelves enables you to run wires should you need to, while an additional shelf beneath offers more storage space.

One thing to note with this option is that it has very sharp corners. So if you have a child running around, you will want to be mindful to keep them safe from the corners. Also, it comes with a one-year warranty for added protection.

Price at time of publish: $74.99

_{Dimensions: 27.5"D x 18.9"W x 32"H | Material: Particle board, metal}

Best with Storage

Jiexi Small Computer Desk

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The Small Computer Desk from Jiexi is perfect for the person looking to maximize the small space that they do have. It features two-tier drawers that you can use to store all of your valuable books and documents while working. In terms of structure, the MFC top is waterproof and anti-scratch and the powder-coated metal frame is also designed to withstand daily use and last. And at under 40 inches wide, this is a great option for anyone who is really limited on space. Minimalist in design, the wood accents for the drawers add a pop of texture that reviewers appreciate. Reviewers do note that the assembly of this desk is tedious and is better handled by two people.

Price at time of publish: $111

_{Dimensions: 18.9"D x 39.3"W x 29.7”H | Material: MDF, metal}

Best Standing

Branch Standing Desk

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With two motors and three-stage lift columns, Branch’s Standing Desk is perfect for the person that is tired of sitting to work all day. Four memory presets allow you to set it to your preferred heights while features like built-in cable organization only help to further solidify it as a great work option. Should you need to sit, centimeter-level precision can allow you to adjust it for that as well. And with the option of four tops: woodgrain, white, walnut, and fog, as well as white and charcoal leg options, you’ll be able to design the desk to be perfect for your space.

While durably made, this desk does weigh 115 pounds, making it a hassle to move should you ever need to. But that is just the price of its durability. We also appreciate that Branch offers a 10-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $699

_{Dimensions: 30” x 48” x 25-52” | Material: Laminate MDF, powder-coated steel}

Best Foldable

Costway Folding Computer Desk

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Nothing saves more space than a desk that can be simply dismantled and tucked away. Costway’s Folding Computer Desk does exactly that but without sacrificing any bit of style. The simple design with clean lines makes it a good option to compliment many different decor styles, and it features cross bars for added stability and durability. When not in use, all you have to do is remove the top and fold the legs for storage. It also comes in four color choices to make sure you get something that is a perfect fit for your space. While it is made with engineered wood, reviewers note it is of high quality, and it can handle weights of up to 250 pounds.

One thing to be mindful of with this choice is that it comes with a warranty for only 90 days. However, for an added fee, you can get a 2-year furniture protection plan. 

Price at time of publish: $119.99

_{Dimensions: 39.5 inches” x 19.5 inches x 29.5 inches” | Material: Wood composite, metal}

Best Ladder

West Elm Ladder Shelf Wall Desk

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If you’re living in a space that is limited but has higher ceilings, a ladder desk is a great choice. In addition to the sleek look and height that it can add to a space like a living room, it also offers additional storage without having to hang shelves high on the wall. The desk itself also offers storage for you to keep your laptop or other valuables. West Elm’s Ladder Shelf Wall Desk provides the brand’s well-known quality, using solid wood for the desk and the shelves as well as three color schemes: white lacquer/espresso, sand/stone, and an all-white option. 

One thing to note with this option is that it will require some additional assembly. Beyond just the assembly of the furniture itself, you will need to mount it to your wall as West Elm notes that it cannot stand independently.

Price at time of publish: $329

_{Dimensions: 19" x 28” x 77" | Material: Solid wood, metal hardware}

Best Rattan

George Oliver Gilus Desk

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seeking, while still accommodating your smaller space. It’s designed in the spirit of a modern farmhouse, with a natural rattan door. Inside, an adjustable shelf lets you cater to your own specific storage needs. To top it all off, antique gold hardware adorns this desk, providing you with a classic feel that still has elements of the ornate. An additional shelf under the top provides extra storage, and is open in the back should you want to run a cord through.

Do be aware that the cabinet is fixed, so if you would prefer a drawer on your right side, this desk may not be ideal for you. Overall, though, reviewers do love it for the simple yet sleek style, the ease of building, and the overall sturdiness. You also have 30 days to make sure it’s the right fit for you!

Price at time of publish: $380

_{Dimensions: 18.8” x 46.8” x 29.6” | Material: MDF}

Best Modern

Allmodern Duran Desk

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For the person with a modern aesthetic in their home, Allmodern’s Duran Desk is an excellent addition. It features the clean lines that are associated with the style, and also uses a variety of materials. The base is constructed of steel that has a blackened bronze finish. On top, glass helps to create an added feeling of airiness in the room. There’s also an additional shelf below to store important items and it’s specifically designed to fit into smaller spaces, like the corner of a room.

One thing to be mindful of with this choice is that it has a lower weight capacity than other choices, and is able to only withstand 40-pounds. Overall, though, reviewers love it for its ease of assembly and elegant design. 

Price at time of publish: $190

_{Dimensions: 20” x 46” x 30” | Material: Glass, steel}