30 Compact Desks For Small Spaces In Any Home

Let's be honest — having a dedicated workspace when you work remotely can do wonders for your productivity. But you don't need to go all out with tons of brand-new office furniture to create the perfect home office. Even if you don't have much square footage to work with (and you're tempted to work from your dining table instead), all you really need is a compact desk. From wall-mounted designs to options with extra shelving and drawers for at-home office supplies, here are 30 of the best small desks for bedrooms, home offices, and more.

1. 17 Stories Lachae 30-Inch Desk, $179.99

Affordable with an industrial look, this ladder desk from Wayfair is the perfect small-space solution for working at home.

West Elm

Crafted with mixed materials and an open storage design, this two-tier midcentury modern desk is a dream come true.

Article

Opt for a more Scandinavian-style look with this small-space desk from Article, crafted with curved edges and a light-wood finish.

West Elm

Perfect for apartment living, West Elm has shrunken the classic midcentury secretary desk to 28 inches wide and 15 inches deep — small enough to fit in any corner. (We'd even perch a carafe on top and use it as a nightstand.)

Urban Outfitters

If you're really cramped for space, try this fold-out desk from Urban Outfitters that you can easily set up and break down when needed. Plus, it has a shelf and pull-out drawer for extra storage.

Wayfair

Go ahead and find a better solid wood desk for the price — we'll wait. This handsome piece from Wayfair feels elevated and unexpected with its two-tone coloring and modern-style tapered legs.

World Market

Go for a rustic, vintage look with this distressed secretary desk. Made from solid wood with a super-compact size, it's ideal for small spaces and for anyone who needs a little extra storage. The top lifts open for additional shelf space to reveal two drawers, and there's a pullout surface that can be used as a keyboard tray.

Pottery Barn

When all else fails, go with a wall-mounted design that won't take up floor space. This rustic and modern-style fold-out table can be used as a wall desk for extra-small spaces or can even be used as a laundry-folding station.

Horne

Another floating desk fave, this substantial style from Horne has endless possibilities. We could see it doing double duty as a landing pad in the front hall or installed beside the bar cart as an extra surface for hosting cocktail hour.

Pottery Barn Teen

Just because you're getting to work doesn't mean your desk has to feel serious and stuffy. Pottery Barn Teen's glam, gilded version adds a hint of shine to your home office.

Wayfair

What this desk lacks in storage it more than makes up for in versatility. Designed to maximize space for Poppin's colorful rolling files underneath, its understated frame is durable and sturdy — the perfect addition to a simple work-from-home station.

CB2

A ladder desk is another space-saving item we love. Perfect for living rooms when you don't have an official WFH office space, it is essentially a two-for-one piece of furniture that combines a bookshelf and a work surface.

Amazon

Leave it to Amazon to have an affordable and top-rated standing desk. This option has an electric lift system and four preset options to adjust your desk height with ease.

Wayfair

Whether you're working, crafting, or writing, this tiny desk will do the trick. Its compact design also features a built-in charging station with two USB ports and two outlets.

Amazon

If you're really tight on space, go for a folding desk. This minimalist design can be broken out during the workday and then folded and tucked away in a closet when you're finished.

Wayfair

This adorable and modern corner desk has a small drawer for pens, notebooks, and documents and a convenient shelf to house extra books, trinkets, and anything else you want to dress up your workspace.

IKEA

This sleek desk with a tempered glass top is a stylish and functional addition to your home office. With a depth of 14 inches, it has just the right amount of space for your laptop and a few work essentials and has a small shelf to help keep your space clutter-free.

Walmart

With clean lines and a minimalist design, this small-space-friendly desk from Walmart offers a spacious work surface and a single drawer for all your small office supplies.

Urban Outfitters

This wall-mounted desk not only has a fold-out work surface but it also has a two-door cabinet for extra storage.

Target

Introduce a boho look to your workspace with this rattan desk from Target.

Amazon

Take advantage of every corner of your home with this multifunctional and modern desk from Amazon. This workstation can be used as a standard desk or can be configured into an L shape on either the right or left side as a corner desk.

Amazon

Elevate any small WFH space with this glam meets midcentury modern desk complete with a marble design and hairpin legs. It has two open cubicles so you can stash your work laptop, extra cords, and more.

Wayfair

This small desk has a convenient hutch with shelving and a magnetic bulletin board to hang up your to-do lists, notes, and more.

Overstock

Gone are the days of digging behind or under your desk to get to an outlet. This desk comes with four USB ports to charge any extra devices.

Amazon

Skip the hassle and have your desk ready in a matter of seconds with this two-tier folding desk. It has additional shelf space to place your computer monitor or other work essentials and can easily be stored under couches or beds at the end of the day.

Blu Dot

Here's another bookcase/desk combo that you can fit in almost any living room, dining room, or bedroom. It's made with a powder-coated steel frame and wood shelves that come in multiple finishes to match the rest of your home decor and living space.

Anthropologie

Here's a desk that will not only fit a smaller space but will also fulfill all of your midcentury modern needs. With a beautiful wood-grain finish and brass hardware, it would pair perfectly with a fun accent chair.

Wayfair

With two drawers, tapered legs, and an overall modern design, you can't go wrong with this compact office desk.

Amazon

If you're looking for multifunctionality at its finest, try this Amazon desk. It has a built-in outlet, USB ports, a wireless charging station, and a removable lamp.

TRNK

Do a double-take. This ultra-minimalist desk actually has only two legs and mounts to the wall at the back, so there's truly nothing unnecessary holding you back. It's also available with or without a single drawer if you're really trying to pare back.

Desk Dimensions

As with any piece of furniture, you're going to want to consider the dimensions of the desk and the area you're working with. "You'll really want to consider the width and depth of the desk PLUS make sure you have enough space for a desk chair," Lisa Tornello, interior designer and founder of Millroad Studio, tells Hunker.

Don't forget to also keep in mind the items you plan to store in or on your desk. "From pens to paper to printers, everything should have a home and be able to fit either in, on, or above the desk," Tornello says. "We recommend our clients to write an inventory of everything that needs to be considered so that we can find a storage solution for it."

Also, consider where you will place the desk. If it's in a multifunctional space, like a living room or bedroom, Tornello suggests finding a desk that looks more design-forward and will fit in with the rest of the decor. If the desk is in a nook area or not very visible, you can get away with a stand-up or more traditional officelike desk.

Wall-Mounted and Narrow Desks

Wall-mounted and narrow desks are great for small spaces. If the desk doesn't include closed storage, make use of the space above the desk. Shelving or a good-looking peg-board system can add extra storage space.

For people who work from home in a multi-use space, we recommend a secretary desk so that work can be put away and the desk closed up at the end of the day or week.

Get creative with what constitutes a desk. A console table makes for a great option and can have less depth than a traditional desk.