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There’s no doubt that worker preferences have shifted to include a work from home element. Maybe you are setting up new office because you’ve moved or had a shift in family dynamics, or just want some home office ideas to improve on your current work space.
Whatever your reason, it can be challenging to set up a functional home office with computer desks that also fits your floor plan space and your personal style.
We often see challenges when fitting computer desks into a guest room, family room, or other small floor plans where you need a work area and living area all in one. It generally starts by choosing the right desk and then building from there.
However, there are many different options of space saving desks and we’ll explore a collection of 10 so you can choose whatever option will keep your work space efficient and fit within your other furniture.
10 Space Saving Desk Ideas:
Wall Mounted Desks
I’ve never been a fan of floating, wall mounted desks, but I have to admit that when you’re trying to work with a difficult or small office area, like in modern condo’s, this category has appeal. A lot of the designs are sleek and minimalist which can work with a lot of furniture options.
Since they are wall mounted, you can customize position and height to fit whatever is the right size for your desk chair. You can get one with built in shelves for organization.
Folding Desks
Folding desks are most common in workspaces that are shared with living rooms because they can tuck away. We’ve even seen some clever people who use a comfortable living room pieces as desk chairs and simply swivel the chair to become a seating option that doesn’t look like a regular office chair.
Many are wall mounted, meaning you get the same flexibility for position and height (especially important if you’re not using a standard desk chair), but there are also freestanding options that can be collapsed down.
If you live in a small condo or apartment, a wall mounted usually makes the most sense and if you’re trying to squeeze into a guest room, a collapsible one is a good option.
Floating Desks with Shelves
These are another interesting option that compares with folding desks but offers more storage and can be more of a decor piece, both of which makes them a good candidate for small apartments. They mount on a wall but have shelves above or beside the desk piece.
Corner Desks
I love corner desks! I’m quite ambidextrous so I like having my laptop in the corner where both of my elbows can sit comfortably on either side. It also makes spreading out storage and critical items (pens, pads, calculator, etc.) much less intimidating than when it is all stacked together.
Many people underestimate how much the corner of a room can hold if planned for appropriately. They come in many sizes and many have good storage solutions, an added benefit.
Standing Desks
Standing desks are all the rage these days, and for good reason (personal note: I need to use mine for standing more…). They’re good for blood flow and to avoid Office Chair Butt: what is office chair butt, remedies, etc.
Most tend to be on the big side, but you can get lifts for almost any sized desk. If you have the room, it’s nice to have the option of sitting or standing throughout the day.
L-Shaped Desks
If you need a little more workspace but are still working with a small area, a compact L-shaped desk could be the perfect solution. These desks utilize corner space and provide two surfaces: one for your computer and another for paperwork, a second monitor, or even creative work.
An L-shaped desk is particularly useful if you’re someone who needs to switch between tasks frequently, as you can designate one side of the desk for one activity and the other for another.
They also come in varying sizes, so even if you don’t have a ton of room, you can still likely find an L-shaped desk that fits.
Look for designs with built-in storage underneath or in the corner to maximize functionality without cluttering up your workspace.
Desk with Hidden Storage
A great feature that you should definitely look for. It’ll help keep your workspace clear of clutter but also keep it hidden. Hidden or compact drawers, shelves, or compartments, or all of the above are the most common. Some even help hide wires and charging stations, which keeps them out of the way.
If you want to keep an organized space but also need access to lots of objects throughout the day, have a browse through these options first.
Rolling Desks
I’m not a big fan of this category either for more permanent spaces, but definitely do see that it can be ideal for some situations. Rolling desks let you move around or roll your workspace out of the way. That can come in handy for shared workspaces.
This category does tend to be in the smaller side so they are good for small spaces. Some still come with shelves and drawers.
Fold-Out Desks
These can be installed on a wall or cabinet and folded out. When they’re not in use, they take up hardly any space, so they’re ideal for small apartments.
Some have shelves so you can store your office supplies.
Glass Desks
A desk with a glass surface don’t save you any space, but the see through tops create an illusion of space because it makes the room feel more open. They also tend to be sleek so they don’t have a bulky feel or look to them, making them less intimidating to a smaller room.
Conclusion
Whenever you’re planning a design for a room, especially when you’re trying to navigate tight quarters, you need to first measure and then choose the right desk type to balance space, functionality, and look. The list above can help you get office desk ideas for whatever floor plan you’re workspace looks like.
