Just 30 of the Best Desks for Small Spaces

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As much as I'd like to be living somewhere grand and palatial, I *actually* dwell in a darling one-bedroom apartment that simply does not have enough closet storage...or, ya know, space in general for that matter. I know I'm not alone in this struggle—living quarters for many of us can be prettyyy tight. And now that we're in a hybrid working world (if your office hasn't killed all of that already), it can feel especially crowded in your cute lil home when it also has to function as an office.

Personally, I knew it was time to investigate desks for my small space when my body was rebelling against my WFH set up, aka hunching over my laptop like a gremlin at my kitchen counter. I know, I know, but I just really didn't want a desk to take up too much of my bedroom or living room and be a haunting reminder of looming deadlines and endless to-dos. So, what's a girl to do?! Well, I ended up installing a murphy desk that I pack away at the end of each workday (because boundaries). If that isn't your vibe though, there are a whole bunch of other small-space-friendly desks out in the world, look:

Whatever your living sitch, there are tons of clever, cute options for even the teeny, tiniest of spaces. From foldable desks and corner desks, to those with charging panels and lots of shelving, there's truly an option here for your itty bitty home! So whatcha waiting on? Scroll on to find the perfect fit for you.

Mid-Century Mini Desk

There are truly endless options for this pick. You can use this mid-century beaut as a desk, a vanity, a nightstand, the list goes on. Whatever you need it for, it'll be sure to make your small space pop.

THE REVIEW: "When we expanded the bedroom I knew I wanted to carve out a little vanity space. A small desk worked perfectly for this, and now it’s a place where I work, get ready, and read during the day. It’s now one of my favorite spots in our home and most used little corners."

Sessimore Leaning Ladder Desk

For those of us without ample closet space (hi, it's me), use this slim desk to also store and display some of your cute accessories. Or, you know, also use it for decor that doesn't require actually having to hang stuff on the wall!

THE REVIEWS: "Pretty easy to put together, great small desk for my tiny NYC apartment, but still good quality with space to store and decorate!"

Culla Oak Desk

This gorge oak desk is great for when you need a desk that's shallow, but still roomy enough for all your things, from makeup supplies to your WFH materials. The understated drawers will be your best friend.

THE REVIEWS: "The perfect desk if you need to make accommodations for a small space. I bought this to replace a bulkier desk that was taking up too much space in my multi purpose dining room/office. The shallower depth made a huge difference while still providing adequate storage and a beautiful profile. The desk is well made and substantial and was easy to assemble."

White Corner Desk

I don't know about you, but I have a couple corners where I just put a chair that I never sit in or a random lamp, because what do you do with them? This genius corner desk, that's what!

THE REVIEWS: "I live in a small studio and this was perfect!"

Small Desk

Cute? Check. Teeny, tiny? Check. Ergonomic? Check, check, check. This cutie pink desk has it all, including a monitor riser for good posture and even some shelf space down below.

THE REVIEW: "This worked great for my daughter for online school and to do homework. I love the construction and the space-saving features, so I bought another one for my home office. It's the perfect size. It's great for a monitor, laptop, and under-desk storage.... The steel frames provide sturdiness, and the wood is easy to keep clean. It was easy to assemble."

Greycen Desk

While it's technically for kids, this compact lil' desk is a great space saver. The two built in hooks on the side would be a great piece near your entryway to stash your endless tote bags and umbrellas!

THE REVIEWS: "Love it for my small bedroom! It's sturdy and realistic to use working from home."

Folding Desk

When you live in a small space, foldable and collapsible is the name of the game—drying rack, laundry basket, folding chair, I'm a fan of them all! If you just don't have the space for a permanent workstation, or just don't like the aesthetic, this is a simple but cute fix.

THE REVIEW: "Perfect size desk for small space. I love it folds and can be stored away. So easy to assemble and for the price the desk is very sturdy."

Modern Folding Desk

This is another great folding desk for even the littlest of spaces! In fact, it comes folded, so no furniture assembly blood, sweat, or tears needed. The folding feature also means you can stash it in a closet or under a bed when you're not using it. Yes! Please!

THE REVIEWS: "This is seriously the most convenient desk... I had my doubts after seeing review pictures that it would fit into the tiny corner of my room (small apartment, oversized bed), but it does perfectly. It arrived in good/new condition... Even though it fits into a small space, the actual workspace is large. I can put all my papers, several books, computer, wireless keyboard, mouse, cup noodles and elbows lol, and still not feel it is 'crowded.'"

Writing Desk

How can you not be inspired sitting at your gorgeous handmade, made-to-order writing desk?! Choose from walnut, white oak, or cherry wood, add your dimensions, and admire the craftsmanship.

THE REVIEWS: "Love this desk! It was so easy to negotiate a custom size. The item was well packed and was delivered promptly by the carrier. Definitely recommend!"

Neutral Burl Wood Console Table

When it comes to small spaces, sometimes ya gotta get creative, and a console-as-a-desk is a top-tier workaround. This gorgeous burl wood piece is beauuutiful and could easily work as a writing station, makeup vanity, whatever you need!

THE REVIEWS: "I needed a very small desk for a closet office and this was exactly right for my purposes- I couldn’t have custom made a more ideal piece. The price is more than fair and has really elevated the space. So glad I bought it!"

Blaire Single Pedestal Storage Desk

This gold trimmed desk could make even the driest Zoom meeting or study sesh a bit more luxe, no?? Also if storage space is a must, you'll surely be happy with all the drawers on this bad boy, especially since they all come in different sizes!

Rowell Vanity Table Set

I've always fantasized about having a vanity station to get ready at (thanks, 90s romcoms!), and this one has the modern twist of a touchscreen mirror with flattering lighting. Use it in the a.m. to get ready, and then go right into your workday. Cher Horowitz would die for it!

THE REVIEWS: "Great quality for the price and so easy to put together for this single girl. Love the clean lines and goes perfectly with my new bedroom set."

Ryan Collapsible Desk

If you need to change up your view while working, just fold and roll this desk right along with ya! Slide this bb up to the couch while you're working and wow, you suddenly just became waaay more productive.

THE REVIEWS: "This desk is great! Super sturdy and well designed."

Alimzhan Floating Desk

Remember that murphy desk I was talking about that I got! Well this is it! I don't like having my desk in my bedroom and I also hate looking at my work stuff when I'm not working, so this has been so perfect because I just fold it down when my work day is done. It matches my white walls, too, so it's really not an eyesore. I love love love it. And bonus: I also use it to fold laundry!

THE REVIEW: "Works perfectly for a space where we didn't want a free standing desk that would be in the way."

Sanner Floating Desk

This is another great foldaway option, and it's honestly so cool. It has super strong magnets to keep it tucked up and reviewers love how hidden it looks. This is the perfect find for all you sleek, minimalist WFH girlies.

THE REVIEW: "This was exactly what I needed for one of the smaller rooms in my apartment It is convenient (plus, it looks great). It was definitely worth the purchase."

Office Desk

If you're really logging the hours and you're ready to invest in something durable, this is a great contender. The top is spill- and stain-resistant for the inevitable coffee slosh or sad desk salad spill, and it supports up to 650 pounds. And the feet are also height adjustable!

THE REVIEWS: "I’ve been using my desk with a Branch office chair for about a month. It a very practical size for a smaller work space, still providing room for documents, files, computer/key board and of course my coffee cup. It’s very sturdy and pairs comfortably with my chair, allowing longer periods of time working. A very good all around value."

Georg Desk

If midcentury minimalism is your jam and you're looking to invest, this nifty piece is the one for you. Just lean the two-foot-long, 13-inches-deep solid oak desk against a wall and you're in business!

USB Wall Desk

Okay, this one is so smart. Like, they've thought of everything. Folds against the wall! USB ports! Drink holder! Storage! So freakin' clever. And it comes in three colors. Love, love, love.

NORDKISA Dressing table

Couldn't do a roundup of small space furniture without an IKEA appearance, duh! This is another desk or vanity piece perfect for that simple, Scandi vibe (and scant space). The drawers open from both sides, so you can have it against a wall or freestanding! Which is great for when the urge to rearrange all your furniture hits.

THE REVIEW: "Not only does this piece look great (love the bamboo, it blends perfectly with my older pine pieces), it is versatile as well. It is labeled as a dressing table but I am using it as a desk and I couldn’t be happier with it!"

Modern L-Shaped Desk

I've seen an extendable dining table, but this extendable L-shape desk?! Genius. Use it as a simple writing desk, or add a whole new wing. Peep the clever side panel storage, too.

THE REVIEWS: "I love my new desk. It was easy to assemble and is very sturdy. It is the perfect corner desk because... it provides a much larger work surface area and even has two large drawers for storage. Did I mention it is beautiful? I highly recommend it."

Mainstays Pierce 30 inch Tall Storage Desk

Listen, every bit of storage counts when you're working with a small space. This little desk is both slim and narrow *and* you get a couple shelves for all your desk essentials. It's also a very good price for the WFH gal on a budget!

THE REVIEWS: "I was hopeful that the desk would hold the computer I bought, and it does. Sturdy enough, and still small enough to fit my space!"

Aravis Lift Top Coffee Table with Storage

If you're like, 'This all sounds great, but I truly don't even have the wall space for a desk,' I got you. This nifty little coffee table turns into one and gives you storage so you can tuck away your work stuff when it's time to chill. It's also perfect if you just want to switch things up and work from couch.

THE REVIEW: "Very beautifully crafted with so much storage space and can pull up the center as working station for laptop!!!"

Zeke Oval Brushed Wood Console Table

Okay, one more console option for ya! There is truly no bounds with this one and the rounded edges are perfect for those of us who are clumsy and bruise easily.

Careyann Corner Writing Desk

You didn't think we'd only give one corner option, did ya? This hunter green one is so cute and sneaks in a good bit of storage too.

THE REVIEW: "Best desk ever. It is solid and it works. For the price you are paying you are getting a truly quality item. I moved into a tiny studio and sold my previous desk that was bigger and more expensive and I’m so much happier with this desk."

Sloane Desk with 2 Drawers

I absolutely love the texture on this one. It's a bit of a splurge, but it's très chic and pretty timeless if you ask me (which you kinda are if you're reading this so!).

THE REVIEWS: "We got this desk for a closet office in our rental property/vanity. It's super sleek."

Runway 2-Drawer White Lacquered Wood Desk

Simple, clean, glossy, like my ideal mani. Yet another excellent option that can be a desk, plus entryway table or vanity. She's a multi-tasker!

THE REVIEWS: "Love this desk — so chic and perfect for my small office. Can comfortably have my laptop and monitor plus accessories on it. The drawers are small but fine for papers or folders and small items. It’s also easy to clean."

Boho Rattan & Wood Vanity Desk with Storage

I absolutely love the beachy feel and texture of this rattan desk. The tapered legs and gold hardware are also *chef's kiss*. It's not all about looks, though—this baby is functional, too. There's an enclosed cabinet with an adjustable shelf, an open cubby, a drawer, and a system to keep unruly cords out of sight. This one might be the one that can do it all.

THE REVIEW: "I have a very small apartment and this desk was just perfect for the space! It's compact but has a lot of storage which is nice. Very chic and the quality is amazing."

Mid-Century Rubber Wood Desk with Rattan Drawers

You can't go wrong with another rattan! Choose from different sizes to fit your space, and notice the nice rounded edges for less painful knocks to the funny bone.

THE REIVEW: "This is a perfect fit, especially for a tiny apartment! It is great to fit a laptop and a monitor as well as a notepad. Sturdy and chic style. It was easy to assemble. I definitely recommend!"

Haptic Oak Small Standing Desk

If you were influenced on TikTok to buy a mini walking pad for an active workday, you're gonna need a standing desk! Here's one that adjusts so you can also sit when you want, because balance! Plus, it has built-in reminder function that pings you when it's time to get up and stretch your legs.

Modern Rectangular Clear Tempered Glass Writing Desk

For the super aesthetic ultra modern girl, this is so fun, from the base to the column look of the legs. A translucent piece takes up less space visually in a small space, so it works on literally so many levels (I love my vintage lucite coffee table for this reason!).

THE REVIEWS: "This is the perfect sized desk for my make shift work from home space! Good quality and price. Goes perfectly with the rest of my living room decor!"

Why trust Cosmo?

Our lifestyle team includes Lifestyle Director Rachel Torgerson, Lifestyle Editors Christen Johnson and Hannah Chubb, and Assistant Editor Annabel Iwegbue—collectively we have decades of experience researching and selecting the best buys for you. We spend all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we'd want for ourselves. Our shopping roundups also adhere to the 15 Percent Pledge—this one included

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