The centrepiece of any home office is a good desk. The best desks offer a sleek, stylish work surface and plenty of storage space. If space is limited, the right desk will be designed to fit into tight corners and nooks.
You can shop desks by material, from timeless oak and pine products to ultra-modern designs made from glass, or by style. Executive desks make great centerpieces for your home office, while hidden desks and miniature models blend into the background. With so many different types of desks and so many home furniture stores selling them, it can be hard to know where to start.
As a shopping writer, I know all the best places to buy a desk. I scour the top furniture sites and read thousands of customer reviews to bring you the best desks. I've narrowed it down to the top 9.
Whether you want your desk to stand out or fold up for easy storage, we've got the perfect work surface for you.
Best Desks of 2024
Best Writing Desk
Material: Oak
Width: 54 in.
Depth: 28”
Height: 30 inches
+ Classic design
+Modern facilities
– Assembly required
The Terra desk is designed to respect traditional woodworking techniques. Each section of the desk is made from solid white oak that is sanded, joined, and finished by hand. Splits and cracks that naturally occur in oak do not affect the functionality of the desk, they simply enhance its farmhouse appeal. This classic desk also comes with many modern conveniences. The back of the desk includes a power strip with two outlets and two USB ports for easy charging.
Best folding desk
Material: Beech wood
Width: 40 in.
Depth: 20 inches
Height: 30 inches
+Ideal for multipurpose rooms
+Convenient
– Assembly required
If your bedroom doubles as a conference room or your home office is a bit on the smaller side, you'll love the convenience of this folding desk. Simply fold it flat for easy storage when you're done working, then unfold it first thing in the morning. Unlike most folding desks that are made from cheap, plastic-like materials, the Winsome Desk is made from durable beechwood. Note that you'll need to connect the top to the base yourself, although Walmart provides the screws and wrenches.
Best Executive Desk
Material: Eucalyptus and Acacia
Width: 70 in.
Depth: 23 inches
Height: 30 inches
+ 6 deep drawers
+ No assembly required
-Not suitable for small offices
Featuring a double pedestal design and gleaming brass accents, this executive desk makes a great statement in any large workspace. The Quincy desk is constructed from solid eucalyptus and finished with an acacia wood veneer. All four sides are finished so it can stand up or lean against a wall to best suit your space. It also comes with six deep drawers to store all your office essentials. Best of all, it's a rare desk that requires no assembly.
Best L-shaped desk
Material: Artificial wood and metal
Width: 53.15”
Depth: 53.15”
Height: 29.92”
+ Fits in small spaces
+ Space for cables
– Assembly required
This L-shaped study table is designed to fit into tight corners. Each side is joined with milled back corners to allow space for cables and charging cords. The engineered wood tabletop is reinforced with a sturdy metal frame for extra durability. It doesn't have any storage space, but it does have two open shelves to keep your office essentials close at hand. The only downside is that you have to assemble it yourself.
The best hideaway desk
Material: White oak
Width: 51 in.
Depth: 21.75”
Height: 71”
+ Classic design
+Lots of storage space
– It takes a bit of work
If for some reason you don't like the look of your desk, the Alderson desk is a great choice. Hidden shelves like these are one of my favorite hidden desk ideas. The Alderson has a drop-down work surface that can be raised or lowered as needed. The upper and lower cabinets combine to create plenty of storage space. The lower cabinet has four storage cubes, a wooden bin and a slide-out shelf. This workstation is expertly crafted from natural materials and hand-finished. This means it's a bit of a high-maintenance item. Dust the desk every now and then and keep it out of direct sunlight, which can cause it to crack.
best adjustable desk
Material: Pine wood
Width: 60 in.
Depth: 28”
Height: 31 in.
+ Can be used in sitting or standing positions
+Built-in power outlet
– Assembly required
Made from cross-back style pine, this desk exudes rustic charm. The wood has a distressed grey finish that blends seamlessly with most interior designs. It has two smooth-running drawers for storage and two built-in power outlets with USB ports for convenient charging. The best thing about this desk is that it is fully adjustable. The center section of the desk can be extended by 10 inches for standing use. If you spend long hours working in your home office, the Aldwin Adjustable Desk is a great choice. However, keep in mind that you will need to assemble it yourself.
Best small desk
Material: Eucalyptus and Acacia
Width: 36 in.
Depth: 20 inches
Height: 30 inches
+ Ideal for small spaces
+ Large leg room
– It takes a bit of work
– Assembly required
At just under 40 inches wide, this midcentury mini desk is made to fit into tight corners and small workspaces. Made from solid eucalyptus wood with acacia veneer, this desk is finished on all four sides, so it can be placed freely in the center of a room. The shallow desk has plenty of legroom underneath and a single drawer for storing your essentials. As a small desk, it can be a bit high maintenance. West Elm recommends not using harsh chemicals or household cleaners on this desk and regularly checking that nuts and bolts are tight. You'll also need to assemble it yourself.
Best wooden desk
Material: Oak and pine
Width: 49.2”
Depth: 25.2”
Height: 31.1”
+ Classic design
+Extra shelf
– It takes a bit of work
With its clean lines and tapered legs, the Chinon Desk is a perfect fit for any midcentury modern home. It's carefully crafted by skilled artisans to showcase the natural grain and color of the oak and pine. Because these are high-quality materials, it's no surprise that your Chinon Desk requires a little maintenance. Just avoid abrasive cleaners and polishes, and wipe up any spills immediately to avoid stains.
Best glass desk
Material: Glass
Width: 43.29”
Depth: 21.69”
Height: 30 inches
+ Modern design
+ No assembly required
-heavy
No assembly required. The Embassy Desk is made from a single smooth sheet of glass that is melted and shaped to create a striking work surface. A glass desk will blend beautifully with any interior design. This desk is slightly wider than standard size, but its transparency will make your home office feel light and airy. With over 700 5-star reviews on Wayfair, it's clear that the Embassy Desk is a favorite among many. The only downside is its weight. This glass desk is quite heavy and doesn't qualify for white glove delivery, so it may be a good idea to ask a friend to help you on delivery day.
Best Desk FAQ
Where can I buy a good quality desk?
You don't have to shop around and pay a lot of money to get a quality desk. Many of the best places to buy desks are also great places to buy affordable furniture. Choose from some of my favorite places, or find one on your own.
What is the best desk to buy?
Which desk is best for you depends on what you want to use it for and where you want to place it. L-shaped desks and mini models are perfect for small spaces, while executive desks make a commanding work surface. Shop with your style preferences and storage needs in mind, and you can't go wrong.
Final thoughts
Once you've bought the best desk, it's important to learn how to organize it. Follow these desk organization rules or choose one of the best desk organizers.
If you don't have a dedicated home office but still want to invest in a desk, there are plenty of bedroom layouts that come with a desk. With the right surface, you can have enough space to work during the day without preventing you from relaxing at night.