10 Best Designer Home Office Desks of 2023

Now that many of us are working at home, buying one of the best desks is a critical necessity.

Having the right home office desk can impact the quality of the work you produce.

You’ll increase productivity and have a better work ethic if you position yourself correctly with the desk and while seated on your chair.

And if you want to complete a task on your laptop with ease, your comfort level is key.

The best desks come in many different styles, widths and heights, and price points.

There are great options out there for everybody.

But choosing one can be overwhelming, that is why we’ve put together a list of the top home office desks by category.

Read on to see which desk is best for you, whether that’s a large L-shaped desk or a petite writing desk.

Pair your office desk with the perfect office chair: 9 Best Home Office Chairs.

Best Overall Home Office Desk: Standing Desk by Branch

Sitting at a desk for most of the day while you work is being sedentary and is not good for your health.

You need to move, position yourself differently and stand up to minimize sitting down for hours. But most of us don’t do this.

The best home office desk overall, the Standing Desk by Branch can move gently up and down so when it's time to stand, so you don't have to switch desks.

The sit/stand mid-century modern desk is our top pick because of all its features.

With 4 memory preset positions and a smart control panel to make incremental adjustments, anyone can find their perfect position.

Low-decibel motors and three-stage columns mean a smooth, seamless, and quiet lift.

The desk comes with cable routing as well as optional in-desk power. Choose from four different finishes plus a number of accessories are available.

The best part is that the two different sizes of the Standing Desk are well under $1,000 making this an affordable option for many.

Lastly, Branch's ten-year warranty for their desks is very hard to beat; and it means that they stand by their products.

Adjustable height:25” to 52”.

What Customers Are Saying

The consensus with the Branch Standing Desk is that even if there are cheaper electric standing desks the value and quality of this desk outshines the competition.

Many customers have noted that the Branch Standing Desk feels higher quality and more solid than even the commercial-grade desks they've used at their professional workplaces.

Branch's customer service also gets consistently high marks and praise even from the few customers that didn't love the desk.

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Best Ergonomic Home Office Desk: Flexispot Electric Height Adjustable Workstation

If you work at home, getting a desk with good ergonomics is a top priority. A regular home office desk without adjustable heights can lead to lower productivity and cause physical injury or worsen those who have carpel-tunnel syndrome.

The Flexispot Electric Adjustable Ergonomic Workstation is our best bet for a sit/stand ergonomic desk. There are three programmable presets that allow you to alter the height of your desk so you can quickly go from sitting to standing position in less than ten seconds.

Changing the height will help your health by alleviating slouching, minimizing bad backs, and promoting healthy movement.

The adjustable height also means your computer or laptop can be set up with the correct eye-level.

The electric height system adjusts from 28” to 47.6” (measured from bottom of tabletop to ground), perfect for different height users and the motor has an under 50 dB low noise while running.

The industrial-grade steel frame means the desk is durable and can hold up to 154 lbs. The desk can work in any room, from small to large, thanks to the different-sized models.

What Customers Are Saying

With thousands upon thousands of customer reviews, it's clear to see that this Flexispot desk is very popular. Most are pleased with their purchase--particularly the quality of the desk and the price.

However, there are a few of customer complaints about defective parts and assembly being relatively difficult for some.

It's also important to note that ship times vary and even if you order from a site known for fast-shipping like Amazon, this product ships from the manufacturer and it may take longer than expected.

IKEA LINNMON / ADILS Desk: Best Cheap Home Office Desk

IKEA is known worldwide for its bargain prices when it comes to home furniture.

However, even we were surprised when we found the LINNMON/ADILS Desk, which comes in just under $25. There isn't a lot you can get for $25 for the home, let alone a desk! (This desk may cost more on Amazon but still low-priced).

This is also one of IKEA's most popular desks, if not their most popular, and highly rated by their customers.

The inexpensive LINNMON/ADILS combo is slightly smaller than the standard desk size and larger tabletop options are available to go with the ADILS legs but if you are looking to spend as little as possible, the LINNMON desktop is going to be plenty of workspace for someone who uses a laptop.

As a bonus, this desk's assembly is very simple, straightforward, and quick.

For the eco-conscious consumer, you'll be happy to know that some materials sourced for the table are post-consumer recycled.

What Customers Are Saying

While it's not going to be the best quality desk you've ever purchased, customers agree that for the price the quality really can't be beaten.

According to real customer reviews, there is a slight wobble but overall the desk is sturdy enough to accommodate most uses such as supporting a computer and printer, crafting projects, as a home office or study desk, and even a plant stand.

Customers were highly satisfied with the easy assembly and in fact, stated that the legs could easily be dissembled and the table stored in a closet.

Bush Furniture Small Computer Desk with Hutch: Best Home Office Desk with Storage

If you want to be organized, the Bush Furniture Small Computer Desk is for you. Many things in this desk allow for storage and organization.

The hutch’s open shelves are a great place to keep your binders and the books you use the nearest at hand.

The built-in cabinet can be used for necessary paperwork that you don’t want visible to others, and the sliding tray is perfect to store your keyboard.

The understated design makes it versatile, which means the desk will look great in any room you use as a home office.

In addition, the Bush Furniture Desk comes in many colors to make it recede or color coordinate with your space, including white, gray, driftwood gray, shiplap gray, black, ash brown, and reclaimed pine.

What Customers Are Saying

Most customers are in agreement that while assembly can be time-consuming (average assembly time seems to be 5 hours with breaks) the end result and patience are well worth it.

When assembled correctly, this desk is extremely sturdy and can even withstand relocations even after years of use.

The hutch might make it tight for some monitor sizes but altogether the desk is durable and offers good storage.

Some customers had issues with materials either missing or damaged in transit but this seems to be the exception rather than the norm.

Another thing customers love is how the desk actually looks in person, which is better than expected.

The overall vote is that the Bush Furniture Small Computer Desk is good value for the money and effort.

ZINUS Jennifer 47" Steel Frame Desk: Best Simple Home Office Desk

If you're looking for a solid no-frills desk look no further than ZINUS's Jennifer 47" Steel Frame Desk.

This minimalistic desk—it’s just a tabletop with straight legs—offers a clean-lined modern look for your room.

The desk is not just inexpensive but also very sturdy.

It has a solid steel frame and a thick tabletop that can hold up to 100 pounds.

The material makes the desk look high-end, but you can keep it a secret that you got the desk for under a hundred bucks.

The simple clean minimalist lines of this desk is sure to match any style of decor in your home as well.

What Customers Are Saying

This is the best-rated desk according to Amazon reviews.

Reviewers agree that the Jennifer desk is well worth the money

Customers praise the desk for its roominess and sturdiness. The desk features solid construction despite the very easy assembly.

In fact, it's common for customers to love this desk so much that they end up purchasing multiple desks.

Albeit, some customers didn't feel it was worth ordering as the desk's corners can get damaged in transit.

Eames Desk Unit by Herman Miller: Best Iconic Home Office Desk

The iconic Eames Desk had to be on our list of the best office desks. It is a true work of art with an innovative design that was first introduced to the world in 1952 by designers Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller.

It’s still a masterpiece today and is known not just for its modern look but also for its utilitarian design.

The plywood desktop is spacious and can hold a laptop in addition to paperwork and room for office supplies.

The Eames is also customizable. Two-color schemes are available.

For a pop of color in your room, choose the birch front with brightly colored side and back panels (red, white, blue and yellow).

For a more neutral look, choose the black and white color scheme for the side and back panels that also has a birch frame.

The file drawer can be configured to the left-hand or right-hand side of the desk.

The desk is made with a plywood top, zinc-coated steel frame, and painted hardboard sides and panels.

N.B. This is an original and authentic product of Herman Miller, Inc.

What Customers Are Saying

While the Eames Desk Unit costs a pretty penny, customers show unbridled enthusiasm for their purchase of this desk.

Customers often exclaim that this is the most beautiful desk they've ever owned, and rave about the quality of the desk.

Herman Miller is synonymous with high-quality furniture and the Eames Desk Unit is no different. Reviews state that the desk is still in solid condition after several years of use and ownership.

CB2 Reid Oval Desk by Mermelada Estudio: Best Statement Office Desk

If you want a desk that shows people that you're the boss, the Reid Oval Desk certainly makes that statement.

This beautifully designed and crafted desk is a nod to the Art Deco period and maintains a timeless elegance and stateliness while presenting cutting-edge modernity.

Shelving is hidden away behind its curved fluted sides panels which open with a gentle push.

This office desk will make an impact in your home office or den, but it'll look equally great in a bedroom or living room.

And while the Reid Oval Desk is on the more expensive side, it's not as cost-prohibitive as a desk of this much elegance should be.

Due to its popularity, expect long shipment times.

What Customers Are Saying

Online reviews of the Reid Oval Desk are limited but despite the long delivery time customers are happy with their purchase and pleased that they patiently waited for this show-stopping desk.

Customers not only loved the details of this unique desk but also appreciated the ample storage space and the quality of the desk.

They agree that this desk makes a beautiful and bold addition to their home.

Best Home Office Desk with a Pop-of-Color: Lacquered Regency Desk

This high-fashion Regency Lacquered home office desk exudes retro glamour.

The engineered hardwood desk is sealed with a high-gloss lacquer finish for protection.

Add a pop of color to your room by choosing a blush pink or bright teal-colored desk.

The colors instantly add a touch of whimsy to any room, and if you’re more conservative, the desk also comes in white.

The legs are made of lucite with just a touch of brass.

The brass motif echoes in the unexpected chunky hardware found on four of the drawers, two cabinet-like drawers, and two slim drawers perfect for keeping office necessities out of sight.

Anthropologie is known for its flirty fair and you can complete the lucite-loving look with matching furniture such as a nightstand and a buffet.

What Customers Are Saying

Most customers are in love and impressed with the look of this desk.

The design, finish, and color really speaks to most buyers of this item.

However, there are a handful of customers who were dismayed with the quality and workmanship, especially when considering the price they paid for the desk.

Some complaints are the limited functionality of the drawers, the looseness of some or all of the knobs, and the delicate nature of the lacquered finish.

Best Home Office Desk for Small Spaces: Industrial Storage Mini Desk

If you lack room or live in a studio apartment, this desk will be perfect for you. At a mere 18 inches deep, the West Elm Industrial Storage Mini Desk saves space without sacrificing style.

The mini desk looks like a solid hefty block of wood and is made from solid mango wood.

It has blackened metal legs and blackened steel frames.

The desk perfectly fits a laptop and its two drawers give you space to store electronics and office supplies to reduce clutter on the desktop.

The mini desk is streamlined and has an industrial look. But it’s softened by the light color of the mango wood.

Each desk is unique due to the natural color variations in the mango wood.

What Customers Are Saying

Unfortunately, there are no online reviews of this specific West Elm product. However, West Elm is itself a very highly-rated furniture retailer and a trusted brand in home decor and furniture.

West Elm's furniture is not known, generally, for defects or cheap quality. Instead, craftsmanship and quality materials are the norm.

West Elm also offers assembly services for those who don't want to bother with furniture assembly.

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Best Home Office Corner Desk: L-Shaped Black Oak Computer Desk

An L-shaped desk has two sides that are perpendicular to each other and are usually the same size.

This type of desk provides two options.

First, it offers extra desktop surface area because there are two desks.

You can have your laptop on one side and your other belongings on the other side. Two, they are space savers.

The L-shape desk like this fantastic one made by Ameriwood Home (a trusted name in the furniture business) saves space because it can be easily tucked into a corner of your room.

This L-shaped desk has two grommet holes built into it to organize and manage all your electric cords.

The two open shelves are handy, as you can keep items you need nearest at hand.

Made of particleboard and MDF, this desk comes in fashionable black.

What Customers Are Saying

Most customers were pleased with the purchase and the quality was expected in accordance with the price. Assembly was also noted as simple.

While this desk is a well-selling and well-rated item, there were still a notable number of customers who complained about the quality of the materials.

So, our advice is to consider the price of the desk before purchase as this often reflects the quality of materials or construction you might be getting.

How We Picked

We managed to find the “best” home office desks based on the following factors:

Customer Ratings

Our list was conceived by looking at customers' ratings and reviews. Much of our background research comes from reviews based on how well the customer liked the ergonomics and designs of a home office desk.

Comfort

The best home office desks allow for comfort. We considered many desks that offered comfort, and most were those with ergonomics in mind.

Aesthetics

The aesthetics of a home office desk can make a huge difference in how we work and how it makes a certain space look.

That said, we concentrated on home office desks that were stylishly made, including two contenders made by high-profile designers.

We also looked at desks with special features, mostly those that kept clutter at bay such as cable management, file cabinets, drawers, and below-level open and closed shelves.

How to Pick the Right Home Office Desk for You

Budget-friendly workspace solutions with good ergonomics and functionality are all the rage now.

These desks allow you to adjust the height to go from sitting to standing while working.

They promote good posture and minimize health risks such as neck pain, eye strain, back pain, and arm and forearm strain.

At the same time, many choose a home office desk that has good style.

If you don’t work in an aesthetically pleasing environment, you lack focus, your work is poor, and you’re often distracted.

So, while you need a utilitarian desk, you should also take into consideration its overall style.

But you need to know things before you make your selection. Here’s what to look out for.

How High Should Your Office Desk Be?

The height of your desk depends on your own height and upper arm length.

The right height is when you can sit in front of the desk with your feet flat on the ground and your upper arm is relaxed.

Most standard desks have a 30-inch height, but most people can’t meet that as it is too tall.

The best height falls somewhere between 23 and 29 inches, but a compromise at 28 inches is tall enough to support the average person.

That said, it can be hard to find a desk with that height, so it’s recommended that you get a height-adjustable desk to accommodate your frame.

What Should the Depth of an Office Desk Be?

Desks have various depths. If you plan on putting a computer monitor on the desk, it needs to be deep.

The deeper the desk, the less likely will you get back strain.

The correct desk for many has a 30-inch depth, which can easily fit a computer with room to spare.

Anything less won’t be able to give you enough distance between the computer and your eyes.

If you like to relax by sitting back in your chair, the problem is that you have to reach your arms forward and rest your wrists on the desktop when you use the keyboard and the mouse.

The incorrect depth of the desk surface can impact your comfort and lead to health-related problems.

For instance, if you sit in a relaxed position, you’re likely to fatigue your upper back and compress the nerves in your wrists.

Is There a Correct Way to Sit While Working at Your Desk to Avoid Any Injuries?

The correct depth and height on a desk will make you work better and more efficiently.

But you should also consider how you sit on a chair while working on a desk. In fact, the ergonomics of a desk depends on your choice of chair and how you sit on it while working.

The correct way to sit can help protect your spine, back, neck, shoulders, and wrists from unnecessary strain.

The first thing you should do is to keep both feet flat on the ground and to keep your shoulders relaxed when your arms are on the armrests.

If you fail to do so, this can lead to back strain.

What is the Correct Way to Sit?

Your knees should be even with your hips. Arms also need to be positioned correctly.

You should never rest your elbows on the table as this can compress the ulnar nerve.

Instead, you should rest your forearms on the table in such a way that it promotes relaxation.

To avoid wrist pain, keep your wrists straight while mousing and typing to avoid overextension.

And your arms should be supported with your shoulders and your shoulders should be in a relaxed position.

Sitting the Correct Way Can Even Help Reduce Eye Strain

To reduce eye strain while using your computer, place the monitor an arm’s length in front of you to avoid reaching forward and to keep the elbows near your frame.

The top of the monitor should be at eyebrow level and close enough to read while you sit back in the chair.

Keep your head centered and balanced over your shoulders for comfort.

The Ergonomics of a Home Office Desk

The ergonomics of your office space help to facilitate productivity and a better work ethic.

That means if you’re sitting for a long time at the desk, you should be able to adjust the desk so you can stand by it and work comfortably.

If you sit too long on your chair, this can cause injury to your back and provoke shoulder strain.

There are many desks available with sufficient leg space and have a good-sized tabletop to support your posture.

Adjustable desks that allow you to change the height are a good bet as they can eliminate the impact you have on your health and productivity.

You can also choose a standing desk if you like to get up and move around during the day. Most standing desks are also adjustable desks, as they can subtly shift their height so you are always working in a way that benefits your health.

Your work environment has an impact on your productivity. That’s why an ergonomically designed desk is one of the most popular choices for those who work at home.

A Good Ergonomic Chair Is Important

Here, your office chair and desk can come together to make a supportive team for your long hours of work from home. However, you'll want to make sure your seat is working in tandem with your desk.

It's helpful to have a desk or chair that has an adjustable height, so you can adjust accordingly.

The most supportive chairs for your back when sitting for long periods of time at a desk are going to be ones that don't roll around easily.

You should be able to solidly plant your feet on the ground.

However, if you plan to get up periodically and stand at your desk, it may be more convenient to get a chair with wheels to easily slide it back.

Does a Stylish Home Office Desk Help You Focus on Work?

Your home office desk and your work area must not only be functional but also aesthetically appealing.

Many designers agree that if you work in a pleasing environment, it keeps you excited about your job.

It also helps you focus, especially if you clear up the area of your workspace to avoid clutter.

A good desk will complement the other furniture in your room, but it can also contrast with the space to avoid having everything match.

For example, our highly ranked lacquered Regency Desk comes in blush pink and would add a pop of color for contrast if you put the desk in your bedroom that’s painted grey.

There’s no shortage of stylish desks. If you have a modern home, there are many contemporary desks to choose from. A contemporary desk usually has clean lines and simple support legs.

A traditional desk is more versatile.

Usually made of dark wood, the desk can look good in a library or a designated office space room without calling attention to itself.

How an Organized Workstation Helps Your Productivity

Organization is keyif you want to work efficiently.

The desk you choose should have integrated and discreet outlets to plug in your laptop and charge your phone or iPad.

Some desks have their power strips behind them so you can’t see all the cords and any charging cables.

In addition, your work desk should be free of clutter to stay focused.

Look for an organized desk that has drawers or various storage compartments to hide the clutter that you’ve been keeping on your desktop.

Clutter makes your desk and desk area messy and impedes you from easily finding something like an important document if you store everything on the tabletop.

That’s why a desk with a file cabinet that’s full of hanging file folders for all your papers is something you should consider when buying a home office desk.

What are Multi-Functional Home Office Desks?

Multiple-function desks do double duty.

For example, if you have an L-shaped desk, the two tabletops can be used as a gaming station and can hold two monitors.

It will also give you enough space to be used as a meeting place.

Since this type of desk is usually propped up in a corner of your room, you are giving yourself enough clearance and much-needed space to comfortably fit three office chairs if you have company.

And the desks that have storage compartments such as drawers help you stay organized.

Finally, if you have a desktop and place it on top of the desk, that may interfere with your clear thinking if the desktop sticks out or if you focus on it while on a break because there is nothing else to look at.

The solution would be to purchase a desk with an open-concept drawer below the desk that’s specifically designed to fit your CPU tower.

What Kind of Material Are You Looking For?

The most common desk materials are wood, metal, glass, and manufactured materials such as medium-density fiberboard, also known as MDF.

MDF desks are affordable, as the material is cheap and cheaply made.

If you don’t want to spend a lot on a desk, choose a material made of fiberboard or particleboard.

But this material is for temporary desks, as they’re prone to wear, stains, and warping.  

If you’re looking for longevity, a solid wood, semi-solid wood or a kiln-dried hardwood desk is a better choice.

And if the legs or any back panels are made of metal, the desk will last longer and is more durable.

Note that metal and wood desks have higher price points.

What Are My Choices for Home Office Desks?

There are many home office desk styles to choose from, but before you buy, you should know your options.

Here are the most popular desk styles.

Adjustable Height Desks

An adjustable height desk is an example of an ergonomic desk.

It allows you to set the exact height of the desktop to suit your chair and frame.

You can go from sitting to standing with a touch on an electronic panel integrated on the desk.

Cheaper alternatives have manual adjustments.

Computer Desks

Computer desks are often large to allocate room for your computer monitor or laptop and usually has a built-in tray underneath the desktop that can hold your keyboard and mouse.

A computer desk is designed with electricals in mind.

If you want the desk to look neat, they usually come with cord management and hidden outlets.

Writing Desks

Writing desks are typically smaller than the average desk. They’ve come out of fashion now that many people work from home.

Many need a place for their laptop or monitor, and a writing desk often can’t hold that.

Usually, there’s only room to write a note or write down your shopping list.

While writing desks are not deep, they usually make up for that with one or two slim drawers underneath the surface of the desk.

You can hold your writing implements here.

Traditional in style, writing desks often have detailed legs and are usually painted in white or black or neutral colors like gray.

Their classic aesthetics and small footprint make these desks complement the traditional look you have in your home.

Corner Desks or L-Shaped Desks

Corner desks are just that. They fit into the corner of a room.

They have an L-shaped design and, as we mentioned above, this means they have two sides that are perpendicular to each other and usually the same size.

L-shaped desks are known for having a capacious tabletop space so you can spread out your work, as well as storage areas. They often come with open shelves, file cabinets, and drawers.

Executive Desks

Executive desks are often used in a choice corner office by a high-level executive, hence its name.

They are traditional in nature and often have a deep wood finish. They are also meant to be used in the center of a room and, as such, they usually have finished backs.

Large and stately, the executive desk can also fit in your house if you have a designated office room.

If you don’t have office space, it will overpower a room if you set it in your bedroom, for example, because it often becomes the focal point of any space.

The executive desk is known for having file cabinets or drawers on each side, which is known as a “double-pedestal” design.

Drafting Desks

Drafting desks, otherwise known as drafting tables or architect's tables, are a good choice if you tend to move from sitting to standing while working.

The tilting desktop is the hallmark of a drafting desk and it allows you to reposition the top at several different angles so you can get the right slant to avoid compromising your health.

Used for drawing and sketching, the drafting desk was made to hold oversized architectural plans or large sketch pads.