Space-Saving Solutions: Best Desks for Compact Areas Today

With more of us working from home, many have found that we need a small computer desk. 

There isn’t enough space for a dedicated home office in every house or apartment. So, you might have to set up a workspace in the corner of your living room or bedroom. 

But with the right kind of small computer desk, you can make the most of your space. There are some great folding desks for small spaces. 

They allow you to transform your home into a workstation when necessary. And you can switch it back just as quickly by folding the desk away when you’re done.

You’ll find various designs of compact computer desks on the market. There are so many to compare that it can get pretty overwhelming. 

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best small home office desks and foldable desks. Each of these is high-quality, reasonably priced, and perfect for a smaller home.

Buying Guide to the Best Computer Desk for Small Spaces

Here’s what to look for to help you find the best small work desk for home or the office.

Size

First, you need to consider how much space you have for your desk. Even the most compact computer desk must be large enough to work on.

But if you go for a folding computer desk, you can pack it away when you’re done. So, it’s a great space-saving design. 

Before you start shopping around, make sure you’ve measured up. You need to know precisely how much space you have for the desk. Because you don’t want to buy a desk to discover that it won’t fit in your home.

You may only have a small area for your desk. But the desktop should still be large enough for your computer and accessories. 

If you use a desktop computer, you should consider whether it can hold your CPU. Does it have space for an extra monitor or a printer? And is there a shelf for your CPU below the desktop?

The size of your desk will depend on what you need it for and how much room you have available. 

Durability

You should look for a desk that is sturdy and hard-wearing. Computer desks can vary a lot in their strength and durability. 

While a cheaper desk may seem like a good deal initially, it might not last long. So, you could spend more money on replacing it than if you’d invested in a solid desk in the first place. It could be a false economy that will cost you in the long run. 

I would recommend looking out for a desk that’s scratch-resistant and waterproof. That will make it easier to maintain with just a quick wipe-down. And it should last longer. But of course, the desk also needs to be strong enough to support your computer and any supplies you need. 

I would also recommend going for a desk with a warranty. But double-check the details before you buy. Find out what the warranty covers and how long it lasts.

Ergonomics & Adjustability

Another crucial factor is how adjustable the desk is. You can adjust the height to suit your needs with many modern computer desks. 

Everyone is built differently, so an adjustable height is a bonus. It means that you’ll have an ergonomic sitting position. That could prevent backache, neck strain, and even carpal tunnel. 

One thing to consider is whether there’s enough space for your legs below the desk. Plus, will your arms be at the right height for typing? If not, you could end up in an awkward position that causes wrist and shoulder pain after a while. 

Having a correct posture when sitting is vital. So, you should prioritize looking for an ergonomic desk with adjustable height settings. 

That way, you’ll set yourself up for success. It’s much easier to focus and be productive when you feel comfortable. And it’s even more important when you spend long hours at your desk daily. 

Storage

Some desks will have handy compartments, shelves, or drawers for storage. That can be a real bonus as it gives you somewhere to store essential items or paperwork. 

But at the same time, desks with storage tend to take up more space. So, if you don’t need any extra storage, it might just get in the way. It’s harder to fold a desk away if it has internal storage. In that case, you could look for a minimalist design with little or no storage. 

Aesthetics

You shouldn’t overlook the aesthetics of the desk you choose. You want a desk that looks smart and suits your home. That becomes even more important if it is displayed in your living room or bedroom. 

Desks can range from contemporary and minimalist to traditional. There are so many different styles to choose from. 

So, think about your interior design style when selecting a small computer desk. What would work best in your home? That should help you find a desk that matches your home well. 

Assembly

With some desks, it will come flat-packed, so you’ll need to put it together. If you’re into DIY, that might be fine for you. 

But if you don’t have DIY experience or tools at home, you can go for a no-assembly desk. These desks come fully assembled, so you just need to unfold them away. Then, you’re good to go, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time. 

Price 

Finally, the desk needs to suit your budget. But the good news is that you can find a great folding computer desk for a low price these days. 

And if you have a little more to spend, you’ll have even more options. There are some fantastic, sturdy, and stylish computer desks out there. 

The Best Desks for Small Spaces

4NM 31.5″ Small Desk No-Assembly Folding Computer Desk

Best Minimalist Small Home Office Desk

(Image credit: 4NM)

This minimalist computer desk takes up very little space. That makes it ideal if you have a small home. Its sleek and simple design will look stylish in any room. You could have it in your bedroom, living room, or even your kitchen. 

What’s nice about this compact computer desk is that it folds away in seconds. When folded, it measures just 2.55 inches. So, you can easily pack it away when you’re not using it. Plus, you can also mount it to the wall if you prefer. 

This little desk isn’t pretty cheap, but it’s surprisingly durable. It’s made from engineered wood in a nice shade that will suit most homes. Sturdy white metal legs support the desktop, holding it securely in place so you can work. 

Attention has been paid to every detail and the robust anti-rust metal hinges. This desk can support up to 100 pounds. So, you should have no trouble working on your laptop or even a desktop computer with ease. 

Plus, there’s no assembly required at all. So, it’s perfect if you don’t have any DIY experience. And the after-sales customer service is excellent, with friendly and helpful support staff. 

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 17.7″D x 31.5″W x 29.7″H
• Material: Engineered Wood & Iron Frame
• Warranty: Not stated

Pros:

• A sleek and minimalist table with a simple design
• Looks good in most homes, including in the bedroom
• It folds away very quickly and takes up hardly any space
• It has a robust iron frame and can support up to 100 pounds

Cons:

• It doesn’t have any storage
• The wooden top can start to peel around the edges with time

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Frylr Small Folding Writing Desk with USB Ports & Power Plugs

Best Small Computer Desk with USB Ports

(Image credit: Frylr)

This sturdy little desk looks classy with its polished walnut finish. It’s a simple yet strong design that folds and unfolds quickly and easily. 

This desk comes fully assembled, so it’s ready to go. And while it doesn’t have any built-in storage, it does have some other handy features. 

It has two power outlets and two USB ports on the desktop. That’s very convenient for charging your devices while keeping your room neat and tidy. It cuts down on more wires and cables cluttering up your desktop. 

The adjustable leg pads are another nice feature. They ensure that the desk stays level, even with an uneven floor surface. You can adjust each leg pad individually to get the perfect level desktop to work on. 

This compact desk is easy to transport or move around if necessary. You can store it away when not in use. But although it folds up, it’s also very robust. It has a powder-coated steel frame with extra support between the legs and the desktop. 

While this desk is very practical and compact, it doesn’t provide any storage. It’s also not the most lightweight desk, weighing in at 20 pounds. But the positives outweigh any negatives, and it’s very reasonably priced. 

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 31.5″D x 15.7″W x 29″H
• Material: Engineered wood & powder-coated steel
• Warranty: Not stated 

Pros:

• This desk is very compact, so it’s ideal for small homes
• It’s very reasonably priced
• It comes fully assembled
• It folds down quickly and easily
• It has USB ports and adjustable leg pads

Cons:

• There’s no storage

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Need Small Computer Desk

Best Large Foldable Desk for Small Spaces

(Image credit: Need)

You might be confused about why this ‘large’ computer desk is on this list. But it can fold up in seconds using a clever double-spring design. Then, this desk takes up almost no space at all. And when unfolded, it provides a much large desktop to work on. 

This desk measures 47 inches in length. In contrast, many other foldable desks are only around 30 inches long. So, you get a much more generous workspace with the Need computer desk. That makes it ideal if you have a desktop computer or use two screens when working. 

It’s also waterproof and scratch-resistant. So, this desk should stay looking as good as new for a long time. The maintenance is also easy – just wipe it down with a damp cloth. 

Another bonus is that there’s no setup or assembly necessary. It comes ready-made and can easily support a lot of weight.

The adjustable leg pads are a nice extra feature to ensure that your desk is stable and flat. These pads are made from a gentle material that won’t slip or make marks on your floor. 

You get several different color options when buying this desk. You could go for a desk in all black, black and white, or teak and white. That makes it easy to find one that will look great in your home. 

As with most folding desks, you don’t get any storage with this one. But overall, it’s a sturdy, large computer desk with the advantage of packing away neatly. 

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 47″D x 23.7″W x 29.5″H
• Material: Engineered wood & powder-coated metal
• Warranty: Not stated 

Pros:

• It has a much larger desktop than most foldable desks 
• The metal frame makes this desk sturdy and robust
• It’s low-maintenance, waterproof, and scratch-resistant
• No assembly required
• It’s easy to fold and unfold

Cons:

• It doesn’t have any storage 
• You’ll need more space to store it due to its length

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Origami Folding Computer Desk

Best Sturdy Foldable Desk for Small Spaces

(Image credit: Origami)

This desk is a little more expensive, but it’s also stronger than most cheap wooden desks. That means it should last you longer, making it a wise choice.

And you’ll be pleased to hear that you don’t need to put it together. No tools are required, as they come fully assembled, saving you time.

At 47 inches wide, it provides ample desk space. You could have two screens next to each and extra space to spare. And as it locks into place, it’s very safe and secure.

This Origami desk also looks smart and stylish. Plus, it has a large shelf below the desktop, which is rare in folding desks. That makes it suitable for use with a desktop computer. You could also use this desk to store paperwork, books, or a printer. 

It comes in four different colors, depending on your personal style. You could go for a classic black, sleek bronze or platinum, or the fun turquoise. 

If you need to move this desk, you can remove the desktop. Then, it’s very lightweight and easy to position somewhere else. Although it’s still quite heavy to move at 38 pounds in total. 

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 23.6″D x 47.4″W x 29.9″H
• Material: Wooden desktop and metal frame
• Warranty: 1 year 

Pros:

• This table is stylish and sturdy
• It’s easy to fold and unfold
• The desktop is large at 47 inches
• It has a large shelf to store your items, books, a CPU or printer

Cons:

• It’s pretty heavy at 38 pounds 

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KingCamp Bamboo Heavy Duty Portable Folding Table

Best Portable Computer Desk

(Image credit: KingCamp)

If portability is your priority, check out this folding table. It has a versatile design that’s just as useful as a computer desk or picnic table.

It’s designed to be very compact and easy to fold away. That makes it ideal if you need a desk that you can move around or even take with you when you travel. 

It packs down into a super small size so that you can easily fit it in a car trunk. And the whole thing only weighs 22 pounds. And despite its practical design, it can support up to 80 pounds in weight. 

The desktop is made from thick and durable bamboo. It has a flame-retardant coating that is also scratch-resistant. While the anodized aluminum legs are both robust and lightweight. So, this table should last you a good while. 

You also have the option between three different heights. So, you can find the right setting for your needs. 

But due to its design, it’s not the sturdiest small computer desk out there. It’s a little flimsy and not as secure as other tablets. And it’s also quite expensive for what you get.

So, it might not be the desk computer desk for working on every day. Instead, it would come in handy is as a spare extra desk for emergencies or short-term use. 

You could even take it when you travel. For example, it would be handy for digital nomads who move around by car or van. 

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 18.9″D x 22.4″W x 28.1″H
• Material: Bamboo and anodized aluminum
• Warranty: Not stated

Pros:

• It’s as lightweight and compact as they come
• The desktop is made up of two pieces for easy disassembly and storage
• It has three adjustable heights

Cons:

• It feels a little wobbly – not the sturdiest folding desk
• The price is quite high for what you get
• Not the best table for everyday use 

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The Office Oasis Small Computer Desk with Cable Management Tray

Best Small Computer Desk that isn’t a Folding Desk 

(Image credit: Oasis)

Next up is another classy and stylish computer desk that is also a great space-saver. 

This small desk is the perfect size for working on your laptop. It will fit nicely in any room without looking out of place.

It has a classic yet modern design and handy extra features. So, it makes a fantastic work-from-home computer desk. 

You can also choose between three different colors for this desk. It comes in pear, teak, or black wood. The laminated finish is a nice touch that makes this computer desk more durable. 

Underneath the desktop, you’ll find a handy cable organizer tray. This clever little tool helps keep your desk tidy at all times. You can tuck all your cables and cords in the tray to ensure your desk stays clutter-free. 

The heavy-duty steel frame provides enough support for a laptop or desktop computer. And the scratch-resistant desktop can withstand daily use and still look as good as new.

Finally, this company also prides itself on its customer service and support. So, they will be more than happy to help you if you encounter any issues. 

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 22″D x 36″W x 29.5″H
• Material: MDF wood with melamine coating & heavy-duty steel frame
• Warranty: Not stated 

Pros:

• A compact yet very sturdy desk
• It has nice extra features like the cable tray and foot levelers
• It’s small enough to fit in most spaces
• The simple, minimalist design will look great in any room

Cons:

• It’s not a folding desk – so you can’t pack it away 
• You don’t get as much flexibility with this desk 

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AIZ Mobile Standing Desk

Best Compact Standing Desk

(Image credit: AIZ)

We’ve all heard that standing desks are best for posture, comfort, and health. So, many people prefer to use a standing desk to reduce backaches and improve their fitness.

And if you’re looking for a compact and affordable standing desk, this one is perfect for you! It’s super affordable and ticks all the right boxes. 

At just 23.62 x 23.62 inches, it will take up hardly any space in your home. But it provides two surfaces for your laptop so you can work in an ergonomic position. 

Most importantly, the desk height is adjustable from 27 to 45 inches high. So, you can use it as a regular sitting desk and then stand up when you want to stand up. 

And if you’re standing, the lower desktop is at an ideal height for typing. This desk is about as versatile and adjustable as they come. 

It’s also on wheels, so you can easily move it from one location to another. That gives you more flexibility when working from home.

One drawback is that you can’t fold this desk away. So, it does take up more space than a folding desk. But besides that, it’s an excellent desk for working from home. Its adjustability will ensure you feel more comfortable and productive for longer periods. 

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 23.62″D x 23.62″W x 27.5″H
• Material: MDF wood and metal frame
• Warranty: Not stated 

Pros:

• You can use this desk sitting or standing
• It’s very adjustable so that you can get an ergonomic position
• It is compact and has wheels so you can move it from place to place
• The price is very affordable for such a versatile desk

Cons:

• It doesn’t fold away or includes any extra storage

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Small Computer Desk FAQ

The Wrap Up

If you need to work from home but have limited space, a small computer desk is what you need. 

The best compact desks are sturdy, hardwearing, and sometimes even foldable. They may have other handy features like an adjustable desk height or a cable organizer. 

I kept all these features in mind when searching for the best small computer desks for small spaces. So, you can be sure that all the desks reviewed above are suitable for your tiny home or apartment! 

Let me know if you go with one of these small computer desks in the comments! And make sure to follow me for more creative, techie, and work-from-home tips and reviews. 

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