We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Furniture The 12 Best Desks for Every Home Office Style Make your workspace more functional. By Jen Woo Jen Woo Jen Woo is a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over ten years of experience. She is a regular contributor to Dwell and contributing editor at 7x7. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 21, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How To Shop FAQs Take Our Word For It Photo: Real Simple / Brian Kopinski Whether you work from home or simply need a place to catch up on emails, a desk is a functional piece of furniture you can rely on. From paying bills to scheduling your week ahead, a desk can keep you organized and increase your productivity—not to mention, it's a piece of furniture that can really add to your home's decor. To find the best desks, we compared various options while considering factors like size, shape, material, and storage capacity. We also consulted Jon de la Cruz, founder of the design company DLC-ID, for his expert tips on finding the right desk for your space. “The winning desk material combo for me is a clear, natural wood stain with a generous leather blotter that doubles as a writing pad AND mousepad," says de la Cruz. While that style might not be for everyone, the sentiment is universal: You want a desk that's made from durable materials, looks great, and comes with features that are suited to your specific needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall Desk: West Elm Mid-Century Desk at West Elm $799 Jump to Review Best Budget Desk: CubiCubi Computer Desk at Amazon $64 Jump to Review Best Splurge Desk: CB2 Fullerton Wood Desk at CB2 $1,360 Jump to Review Best Standing Desk: Fully Jarvis Standing Desk at Hermanmiller.com $815 Jump to Review Best Desk for Small Spaces: Inbox Zero Carmin Desk at Wayfair $99 Jump to Review Best Corner Desk: Pottery Barn Aubrey Corner Desk at Pottery Barn $1,257 Jump to Review Best L-Shaped Desk: The Twillery Co. Gilda Desk at Wayfair $390 Jump to Review Best Writing Desk: Better Homes & Gardens Springwood Caning Desk at Walmart $220 Jump to Review Best Secretary Desk: Threshold Loring Wood Secretary Desk at Target $200 Jump to Review Best Computer Desk: Steelside Labelle Computer Table at Wayfair $205 Jump to Review Best Overall Desk West Elm Mid-Century Desk PHOTO: West Elm $799 at West Elm What Stands Out The deep side drawers give you lots of storage space, while mid-century-inspired details add personality. What Could Be Improved You can’t move around as much underneath the desk due to its side drawers. The West Elm Mid-Century Desk is the perfect blend of style and functionality, with funky tapered legs, a 52-inch desktop, and a solid wood frame that creates a sturdy and spacious area to spread out your work essentials and get things done. In terms of storage, this desk has two side drawers that are 18 inches deep to keep all your necessities and a shallow center drawer for pens and notebooks. The front drawers have beveled edges, which add to its mid-century charm. Plus, with its depth of 24 inches, this desk offers plenty of room for a monitor, keyboard, and decor. Made from Fair Trade and FSC-Certified wood, this pick is as sustainable as it is durable, so while it's on the more expensive side of this list, it will last for a while. West Elm also offers swatches of all four wood finishes, so you can decide which will look best in your space before purchasing. Assembly is required, but West Elm also has a white glove delivery service if you want to skip the hassle of putting it together. Dimensions: 52 x 24 x 30 inches | Material: Wood | Shape: Rectangular Best Budget Desk CubiCubi Computer Desk PHOTO: Amazon $64 at Amazon What Stands Out It's available in three different widths, making it suitable for rooms of all sizes. What Could Be Improved It's not very stylish. This simple, affordable desk gives you the opportunity to customize it to your needs and space. It comes in three widths—32, 40, and 47 inches—so you can choose which size fits your room best, plus it's available in black, white, and wood finishes. The adjustable feet allow you to tweak the height and provide more stability, while the no-frills design gives you endless options to add storage with bins, baskets, and clip-on drawers. The frame of this desk has a diagonal steel brace for added stability, giving it a sleek look that won't overwhelm your space. The desktop is a standard rectangle, so you can push it against a wall or tuck it into a corner to take up less room. The main downside is that it's made out of particle board, which isn't the most durable material. That said, we still think it's ideal for people shopping on a budget. Plus, since it has a depth of 24 inches, it won't stick out too far while propped against your wall, making it a good choice for small apartments (depending on the size you choose). Dimensions: 32 x 16 x 29 inches, 40 x 19 x 29 inches, 47 x 19 x 29 inches | Material: Steel, particle board | Shape: Rectangular Best Splurge Desk CB2 Fullerton Wood Desk PHOTO: CB2 $1,360 at CB2 What Stands Out It has tons of storage space. What Could Be Improved The marble desktop is prone to scratches. Luxurious isn't a word we often use to describe a desk, but this pick from CB2 is nothing short of grand. A solid marble table top provides a smooth, elegant, and ample workspace. Beneath the tabletop, two sets of three drawers give you space to stash your belongings, while the metal legs add a modern twist to the otherwise luxe design. In addition to its glamorous appearance, this desk has a few details that make it practical and worth the hefty price tag. The bottom drawers on either side allow you to hang filing folders to organize paperwork, and the metal frame and solid wood construction make it highly durable. At 30 inches tall, it's a good height for most people to sit at with proper posture, and the 24-inch depth won't jut out too far into a room. This desk offers a couple of customization options: a white or black marble top and walnut, oak, or black oak for its base. However, the marble is prone to scratching and requires a bit of upkeep, so if you tend to wear out your furnishings, you may want to consider a hardier material. Dimensions: 57 x 24 x 30 inches | Material: Marble, wood, metal | Shape: Rectangular Best Standing Desk Fully Jarvis Standing Desk PHOTO: Amazon $815 at Hermanmiller.com $815 at Design Within Reach What Stands Out It's customizable with a variety of add-ons. What Could Be Improved The assembly process can be time-consuming. The Jarvis Fully Standing Desk is ideal for working from home—it can adjust to various heights ranging from roughly 2 feet to 4 feet 3 inches, which helps you beat the monotony of sitting all day long. This standing desk can support up to 350 pounds, and you don't have to declutter your desk to convert it to a standing position thanks to its electric controls. The top is bamboo, which is a durable material with lots of aesthetic appeal. While this desk gives you plenty of space to add storage bins and baskets, it doesn't come with any drawers, which isn't ideal for those with many office supplies. (Although this isn't unusual for standing desks.) It does come with a variety of customization options though, like hand sets and cord management. Note that the assembly process is also a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it for a functional desk to spend your workday at. Dimensions: 48 x 27 x 51 inches, 60 x 27 x 51 inches, 72 x 30 x 51 inches | Material: Bamboo, steel | Shape: Rectangular or contour Best Desk for Small Spaces Inbox Zero Carmin Desk PHOTO: Wayfair $99 at Wayfair What Stands Out It has four-tier open shelving for added vertical storage. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have any closed storage, like drawers. If you live in a small space, furniture that maximizes your storage space is crucial. The Inbox Zero Carmin Desk has four open shelves, adding vertical storage to display and store your office essentials. This desk has a sturdy steel frame with X-shaped brackets for added stability, plus adjustable foot pads so it won't wobble around when you're trying to work. Plus, its streamlined look can match various decor styles and comes in two finish options, so you can choose the one that coordinates with your existing furnishings. At 38 inches wide and 30 inches tall, this desk provides adequate surface area while squeezing into compact spaces, and the height will work well for most people. Additionally, it's lightweight and easy to assemble for added convenience. While we wish it had a drawer for those who want to tuck some items away, this sleek desk is ideal for anyone living in a small space. Dimensions: 38.5 x 19.5 x 30 inches (not including shelves) | Material: Steel, manufactured wood | Shape: Rectangular Best Corner Desk Pottery Barn Aubrey Corner Desk PHOTO: Pottery Barn $1,257 at Pottery Barn What Stands Out You can customize storage with bookshelves, drawers, or both. What Could Be Improved We wish it came in some more finishes. A corner desk is a nifty way to add more surface area to your workspace and can organize your workflow with a streamlined system. This pick from Pottery Barn has a width and depth of 40 inches, which is more than enough room for a monitor, paperwork, and other essentials. You can customize its storage configuration to include a bookcase with an adjustable shelf, a filing cabinet, or both to store all your office necessities. The cabinet has two drawers to stash belongings and one filing drawer for hanging folders. This desk is made from poplar wood, so it's substantial and sturdy, making it a lasting investment worth its price. We also like how the back is finished, so if you want to eschew the design rules, it doesn’t need to be pressed into a corner. It has a more traditional style, so it may not be the best pick for those who love modern design, but thoughtful details like beadboard paneling, molding, and bronze hardware give it a classic charm that any design lover can appreciate. Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 31.5 inches | Material: Poplar wood, MDF | Shape: Corner Best L-Shaped Desk The Twillery Co. Gilda Desk PHOTO: Wayfair $390 at Wayfair What Stands Out This desk provides 120 inches of surface area and is finished on all sides. What Could Be Improved Assembly may take several hours. L-shaped desks can make your home office more efficient by offering double the amount of work surface with just a turn of your chair. The Twillery Co. Gilda Desk offers nearly 120 inches of surface area for your belongings and office essentials, plus it can hold your home printer or computer monitor for more convenience. In addition to its robust surface area, this desk includes two drawers and a shelf for more storage. The smaller drawer is the perfect size to tuck away notepads, journals, and pens, while the larger bottom drawer can accommodate filing folders to categorize paperwork. If you need more storage capacity, the 29-inch height provides plenty of space to stow an additional cabinet or bin underneath. In terms of style, this desk has a modern look suitable for minimalist, industrial, or even mid-century design. The powder-coated steel frame makes it structurally sound, while the smooth white desktop brightens up your office. You can also choose between two finishes; a cool-toned oak or a warm wood. Lastly, if you don't want to place this sleek desk in a corner, it's finished on all sides, so you can put it anywhere in your home. Dimensions: 57 x 59.9 x 29.5 inches | Material: Steel, plywood, manufactured wood | Shape: Rectangular Best Writing Desk Better Homes & Gardens Springwood Caning Desk PHOTO: Walmart Orig. $220 $197 at Walmart What Stands Out It has two large drawers that provide plenty of storage space. What Could Be Improved The trendy design might not be right for some people. A desk doesn't have to be relegated to your office, especially when it's as good-looking as this compact writing desk from Better Homes & Gardens. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) This desk can add extra storage to frequently used areas of your home, like your foyer or living room. It's less than 50 inches wide and has two 20-inch drawers that let you stash notepads, pens, paperwork, and other daily items out of sight. The drawers take up the entire width of this desk, giving the maximum amount of storage possible. This desk has some unique design elements, like a rattan inlay on the drawers and round, tapered legs, which add personality to elevate it beyond a standard writing desk. We also like that it's finished on all sides, which gives you more placement options, and that it's available in a light honey and charcoal wood options to complement your current furnishings. While it may not be as durable as a solid wood desk, it's a stand-out pick to organize your home. Dimensions: 47.5 x 23.5 x 30.7 inches | Material: Wood composite | Shape: Rectangular Best Secretary Desk Threshold Loring Wood Secretary Desk PHOTO: Target $200 at Target What Stands Out It comes with a charging station. What Could Be Improved It's only available in one finish. With its modern-industrial style, sturdy construction, and roomy storage, this secretary desk from Target is a steal. Its upright design makes it convenient to incorporate into any home, while three cubby holes on top give you lots of options to stow and style your belongings. In case you can't be bothered to declutter your desk, you can close up the main compartment and let its sleek build be the focal point. The main compartment offers plenty of writing and storage, and at 42 inches wide, you have lots of opportunities to spread out your materials when you need to be productive. This desk only comes in one finish, but the steel frame and dark wood stain make a modern upgrade to any room. Its four-point frame provides extra stability and has outlets and USB ports to charge your laptop, phone, and other tech essentials. It's also a mere 14 inches in depth when closed, making it a space-saving addition that works well in small spaces. Dimensions: 42 x 20 x 60 inches | Material: Steel | Shape: Rectangular Best Computer Desk Steelside Labelle Computer Table PHOTO: Wayfair $205 at Wayfair What Stands Out A handy pull-out tray can store your keyboard and mouse. What Could Be Improved Because of its large width, this desk is not the best pick for small spaces. The Steelside Labelle Desk has all the key components of a trusty computer desk: a pull-out tray wide enough for your keyboard and mouse, a clean, smooth desktop, and the ability to support heavy equipment like a desktop or dual monitor (it can hold up to 100 pounds). Its steel frame and supportive X-bars increase its stability, and it's available in several wood finishes to match your existing decor. This desk also offers ample space for all your office supplies. It has two drawers with a depth of 21 inches, giving you room for your work essentials, plus an easy-to-access shelf so that your most used belongings can be within arm's reach. The smooth desktop is 55 inches long, so while not ideal for a cramped office, it does provide ample surface area for working. Dimensions: 55.1 x 21.7 x 30 inches | Material: Steel, particle board | Shape: Rectangular Best Executive Desk Anthropologie Quincy Executive Desk PHOTO: Anthropologie $1,598 at Anthropologie What Stands Out Its unique design means it'll be the centerpiece of your office. What Could Be Improved At 117 pounds, it may be more challenging to move. You'll look forward to every day of work with this beautiful mid-century-inspired desk from Anthropologie. Its symmetrical design boasts two sets of drawers, including two filing drawers on either side, for a visually appealing and practical desk. All six drawers are 15 inches deep, which is enough space to tuck away books, notepads, and more, and the metal glides ensure they open smoothly each time. Sculptural drawer fronts add some unexpected character to its otherwise smooth silhouette, and brass hardware adds elegance to your work zone. At 70 inches wide, this desk can be the focal point of your office with ample surface area for your monitor and office essentials—though it's not suitable for small spaces. This desk is also finished on all sides, so you can display it in the center of a room. Plus, it has a built-in power strip to reduce cord clutter. This desk is made from solid eucalyptus wood, which is sturdy and smooth, guaranteeing that it will look pristine for years to come. While it's pricey, this elegant, functional desk is worth the splurge and comes fully assembled. Dimensions: 70 x 23 x 30 inches | Material: Eucalyptus wood | Shape: Rectangular Best Wall-Mounted Desk Mercury Row Pietsch Desk PHOTO: Wayfair $150 at Wayfair View on Allmodern.com What Stands Out It's easy to install. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t offer much storage and can only support 30 pounds. This wall-mounted desk is the ultimate space saver for small homes and apartments. Its compact frame provides 30 inches of surface area for you to work, pay bills, or check emails, and an equally wide top floating shelf can display coffee table books and other decor. It's made from solid poplar wood and comes in four finishes to complement your furnishings. The tabletop on this desk can only support 30 pounds, which may not be enough if you use heavy equipment, like a multi-monitor display. On the flip side, it's very light, weighing less than 10 pounds, making it easy to set up with the included keyhole hangers. You can install this desk for any chair height, which is ideal for people who find standard 30-inch desks too tall or short. This desk doesn't have many frills; aside from its floating shelf, there isn't any room for storage. Still, we think this affordable desk offers great value based on its style and quality of materials. Dimensions: 30 x 14 x 36 inches | Material: Poplar wood | Shape: Rectangular Final Verdict The West Elm Mid-Century Desk is our top pick for its stylish design, storage, and functionality, which make it suitable for various home office setups. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the CubiCubi Computer Desk for its simple and clean silhouette that you can customize to your space. How to Shop for a Desk Like a Pro Size The best desk size depends upon your space and office necessities. First, measure the dimensions of the area you plan to place your new desk and use that to guide your shopping. Also, account for what you need to keep on your desk. For instance, if you work from home and need something that can hold a monitor and laptop, factor that in to determine the surface area you need. When measuring the width of your desk, “the absolute minimum should be about 48 inches and up to 60 or 72 inches depending on how you like to use a desk and the space that it will sit in,” says Jon de la Cruz, the founder of DLC-ID. He also notes that shoppers should consider their arm span. Ideally, “you should be able to sit at your desk comfortably and keep everything within reach,” he says. Shape Desks come in many shapes, ranging from rectangular to L-shaped to hexagonal. “Now that we rely less on paper and almost everyone uses a laptop, we see a lot more flexibility in what can be a desk. There are oval or kidney-shaped tables, corner desks for multi-screen use, and standing desks for more ergonomic flexibility,” says de la Cruz. The most popular desk shape is rectangular, but that isn’t necessarily the best fit for everyone. If you have a small space, you may prefer a corner desk that can neatly tuck away without cramping your space. For those with a spacious office, you may want an L-shaped desk for maximum surface area. Material “Wood is always warm and timeless, but do avoid tricky trendy finishes you will easily tire of,” says de la Cruz. If you want a sleek, modern desk, opt for metal or natural stone. While those materials are durable, “they can be cold to the touch,” says de la Cruz. If you’re shopping on a budget, look for desks made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard, which are cheaper to produce. While these materials may not be as long-lasting as solid wood, they can hold up for a while and make for a durable desk. The only materials he cautions against are glass and mirrored tops which “never stay clean with fingerprints and water rings.” Storage Shelves, cubbies, drawers, and cabinets are the most common types of desk storage, and each has pros and cons. Consider your work habits when looking at storage options—if you prefer having easy access to your belongings, opt for shelving. If you want a place to stash office clutter and junk, look for a desk with drawers. For organizing bills and paperwork, desks with a filing cabinet can keep track of all your important documents. Many desks have shelving and drawers, so you can get the best of both worlds. You can upgrade your desk storage with shelving units and clip-on baskets. For people who want a minimal desk, a cup for your pens may be all you need. “I went paperless on all my bills, narrowed my paper use to a notebook I carry everywhere and about two dozen of my favorite pens in a cup on top of my desk,” says de la Cruz. “It takes on a very decorative, bouquet-like quality when arranged uniformly on an otherwise tidy desk.” Questions You Might Ask What is the best height for a desk? The average desk is around 29 to 30 inches tall, which is suitable for most people. To evaluate if your desk height aligns with your body, check that your back is straight and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle while sitting. If you want a desk that can accommodate different heights, de la Cruz recommends an adjustable-height desk. “You can now purchase attractive, reasonably priced adjustable height desks in a multitude of finishes to accent or blend with any decor, and they can shift from table height to standing height within seconds, so you can stay flexible,” he says. What is the most durable material for a desk? Steel and solid wood are the most durable materials for a desk. They resist fingerprints, scratches, and damage from moving, pets, or rowdy kids. While they can be more expensive, it can pay off in the long run since you won’t have to replace your desk as often. What should you expect to spend on a desk? The amount you spend on your desk depends on your preferred materials, size, and special features. “A basic adjustable height desk would start at around $500,” says de la Cruz, while a more luxurious option can cost thousands. If you have the money for the desk of your dreams, go for it, but you don’t have to spend your entire paycheck on a quality option. If you’re shopping on a budget, we recommend the CubiCubi Computer Desk, which can be customized to fit your office needs. Take Our Word For It This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, culture writer, and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, she thoroughly researched desks and considered factors like size, shape, materials, and storage to make her final picks. For expert advice on shopping for desks, Jen spoke to Jon de la Cruz, the founder of DLC-ID.