As someone who works from home, I know how crucial is to have one of the best desks. Not only do I need it to be functional for daily tasks, but I also want it to look great in my space too.
And since there are so many different types and designs on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for your home office. That's why I've rounded up some of the best desks available right now, to help you find one that'll upgrade your workspace.
So whether you want an L-shaped or standing desk, or plenty of storage to manage your cables, here are our top desk picks.
The quick list
If you’re after a durable desk that is practical, the Topsky Computer Desk is a great option overall. With its sturdy design, it has a large surface with a reinforced steel frame. It also has a handy shelf that can hold books and office supplies, while a metal cable hole cover keeps computer wires out of sight.
If you’re after a sturdy yet inexpensive desk, this IKEA Pahl is ideal. With its simple design, it has a large workspace and comes with stow away cords with the two cable holders between the front and back legs. You would need to purchase in IKEA only, however, the Pahl desk can be paired with other IKEA units like a desktop shelf or cabinet add-on.
The Vari Standing Desk is a dual-motor standing desk that can be assembled in 15 minutes using the provided tools. It's available in a number of different sizes and desktop configurations too. Vari also includes a number of useful accessories like hooks for your headphones and a coaster.
For those after a functional, attractive desk that is foldable, this Coavas is sturdy yet stylish. It’s easy to set up as there is no assembly required — simply snap the particle board surface onto the black metal frame and you’re all set. Designed for flexible working, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
If you’re a regular gamer, this L-shaped desk has plenty of space for multiple screens and consoles. Designed well, it has sturdy, steel legs, while the thick tempered glass gives the desk a modern, attractive look. One side of the desk has a sliding keyboard tray which is always handy.
Want to swap between a rectangular desk and an L-shaped desk on the fly? This desk pivots around a "hub" cabinet to nearly double in surface area with a simple rotation of the upper desktop. It may be a bit of a splurge, but its FSC-certified ash veneer and engineered wood makeup are durable enough to last your whole career.
The best desks for the home office
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Best overall
If you want a good combo of design, durability and affordability, the Topsky Computer Desk is our overall winner.
There's much to love about the Topsky desk. Its large surface area is made of thick, sturdy particle board and the frame is made of reinforced steel.
The feet are adjustable in case your floors are uneven. A handy shelf can hold books and other supplies, while a metal cable grommet hole cover keeps computer wires organized and out of sight.
We also liked its rustic design that adds a nice warmth to any space, and looks far more expensive than what it is.
Best budget
If you're on a budget, but after something sturdy and minimalist, the IKEA Pahl Desk is value for money.
Originally designed for children to use as they grow, adults could adjust it to the maximum height of almost 28.5 inches.
Super easy to assemble, we liked the clean and compact design which is perfect for anyone who simply needs a sturdy, no-fuss workspace.
A bonus feature we praised was you can stow away cords with the two cable holders between the front and back legs. And like many other IKEA products, the Pahl desk can be paired with other units like a desktop shelf or cabinet add-on. Very handy.
Best standing
Sitting at your desk all day isn’t ideal if you're a stir-crazy worker, so an adjustable height desk is a great option that lets you alternate between sitting and standing on the fly. Among all the best standing desks, this model from Vari is by far our current favorite.
The Vari Electric Standing Desk stood out immediately for its gorgeous work surface, which not only looked better than the competition, but was thicker, too. I especially liked its chamfered edges, and the fact that Vari throws in two hooks — so you can hang your purse or a set of headphones — as well as a coaster to protect its surface. What’s more, the company also offers a range of accessories, from power strips to cable-management trays to monitor arms, to fully outfit your desk.
If you’re not particularly enamored with the reclaimed wood of our review model, the company offers a variety of other materials, including white, butcher block, black, and darkwood. While not as varied as other standing desks on this page, each option was very attractive. The model I reviewed also came with a programmable control panel that let me set four preset heights for the desk, and had a small LCD readout that displayed its height. It’s a feature you can get with most standing desks, and it’s one worth spending a bit more on.
What especially impressed me about the Vari desk was the ease with which I was able to put it together. It took about 15 minutes total to get everything assembled, about half the time as other standing desks I've tested. If you’re not particularly handy, this is definitely the standing desk for you.
Read our full Vari Electric Standing Desk review.
Best folding
If you have limited space, or looking for something portable to move from room to room, we loved the style of this Coavas folding desk.
Yes, almost no assembly required – just snap the particle board surface onto the black metal frame and you’re all set. Plus, it's surprisingly sturdy and looks great too.
We liked its convenience, ease of use, and industrial style.
Best for gaming
The Walker Edison L-shaped computer desk has a ton of space for multiple screens and electronics — perfect for gamers.
Design-wise, the steel legs provide sturdy support, while the thick tempered glass gives the desk a clean, modern look. But don't worry, it's fingerprint-proof, so you'll never have to worry about cleaning daily. One side of the desk has a sliding keyboard tray for added convenience.
Designed to maximize room space, we also liked that the tower fits perfectly in the corner against the wall. Plus, it has so much room to place the essential things you need such as a gaming monitor, computer, and WiFi router all on this one desk.
Best splurge
If you're looking to splurge on a high-end desk, the gorgeous Twist Grey Ash Rotating Desk caught our eye.
Made from FSC ®-certified ash veneer and engineered wood, this twist desk pivots on a round hub to suit your needs. Its 360-degree rotation means it can be expanded to become an expansive executive desk or angle as a corner desk.
What's more, its drum-shaped hub has a push-open cabinet with a fixed shelf for storage, which comes in handy. It also available in ash and grey ash to suit your home office.
The Twist Grey Ash Rotating Desk will definitely spruce up your room, and ideal for shoppers who can afford a workspace that doubles as an art piece.
What to look for
First of all, consider your budget. There’s a huge range of desks out there to suit every price point, so narrow down your search by deciding how much you want to spend.
Next, think about what the desk will actually be used for and how often you will use it. Will it be relied heavily upon or is it just for occasional use? If you’re choosing one for working from home, consider what electronics and paperwork the desk will need to hold. If you need two monitors as well as a laptop and a desktop machine, you’re going to need a larger desk with additional storage.
On the other hand, if the desk just needs to hold a laptop or it’s predominantly for homework, a more simple, compact design might be best. It’s also worth thinking about how much space you have to fit the desk as well. Floating desks and fold-up desks can be ideal if you’re tight for space.
Finally, there’s the aesthetics to think about. It’s a large piece of furniture and you don’t want it to stick out. So, make sure you pick one which you feel looks good and will suit your home.
FAQs
How long does a desk last?
Generally, office desks have a lifespan of 10-20 years, depending on how well its looked after.
Strong materials such as solid oak wood, veneer or metal will have a longer lifespan, while materials such as veneered or engineered wood may suffer from wear and tear earlier on.
Where is the best place to put a desk?
The ideal place to put a desk should be close to a natural light source, such as a window. If you find looking out of a window too distracting, you can place your desk perpendicular to it. Natural lighting also helps to encourage productivity, and make the space airy.
Is a curved or straight desk better?
Generally, curved desks are considered better for you. Firstly, it offers a larger workspace than straight desks. And secondly the curve allows better positioning of items such as computer monitor, keyboard, and other items.
