With so many desks on the market, finding the right one to incorporate with your existing office furniture can be a challenge. That’s where the This Old House Reviews Team comes in—we did the research for you, evaluating models of various sizes, materials, and more to provide you with a comprehensive selection of the best computer desks to fit a variety of customer needs. Here are our top recommendations.
Best Hanging Storage: Foxemart Computer Desk
This spacious computer desk measures 55 inches long and 24 inches wide to accommodate a monitor, laptop, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories. If you don’t want your desktop to be cluttered, you can store paper, books, glasses, headphones, and more in the side-mounted bag.
Key Features
Measures 55.2 by 23.6 by 29.6 inches Features a storage bag and hook Made from fiberboard and steel Offered in numerous colors and lengths
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this computer desk said that it offered ample legroom and was easy to put together. However, some users complained about the build quality of this desk, stating that it wobbled.
Best Basic Desk: SHW Computer Desk
For a reasonable price, you get a basic desk that measures 48 inches across. Though it’s compact enough to fit in small spaces, it’s still large enough to accommodate a monitor, keyboard, and other working or gaming essentials.
Key Features
Measures 48 by 23.8 by 28 inches Made from particleboard and steel Offered in numerous colors and lengths
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this computer desk for its simple design that made assembly a breeze. However, those who didn’t care for this desk claimed that it was made from flimsy materials and arrived poorly packaged.
Best Shelf Storage: TOPSKY Computer Desk
You can fit multiple monitors on this desk’s 55-inch work surface. To keep the tabletop dedicated to your computer equipment, this desk has a built-in shelf for books, documents, and other items that you want to keep close by.
Key Features
Measures 55.1 by 23.6 by 30 inches Features a storage shelf Made from engineered wood and steel Offered in numerous colors
What Customers Are Saying
Positive customer reviews highlighted this desk’s sturdy build, ample work and storage area, and easy assembly. Alternatively, customers who left negative reviews said that the desk was shorter than they had anticipated.
Best Gaming Desk: Atlantic Gaming Desk
Equipped with an array of gaming-specific features, this desk is built to support any gamer’s hardware. It includes a power strip basket, two speaker stands with four disc holders each, a monitor shelf, a cell phone stand, a cup holder, a headphone hook, and a controller stand.
Key Features
Measures 40.25 by 23.5 by 29.75 inches Features eight storage add-ons Made from laminate and steel Offered in numerous colors
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers liked all of the add-ons that this desk came with as well as the sturdy materials that it was built with. Select customers thought that the power strip basket was in an inconvenient location and the monitor stand was too small.
Best L-Shaped Desk: Mr IRONSTONE L-Shaped Desk
If you have a lot of items you like to keep on your desk, consider this L-shaped model. Though large, it takes up minimal space because it tucks into a corner. To help you organize your supplies, your purchase comes with a monitor stand that you can attach on the left or right half of the desk.
Key Features
Measures 50.8 by 18.2 by 29.5 inches per side Features a monitor stand Made from fiberboard and steel Offered in numerous colors
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked all of the room under this desk because it offered ample legroom or additional storage space. Positive reviews also mentioned the desk’s stylish design. However, some customers struggled with assembly because the pieces didn’t fit together properly.
Buyer’s Guide
To select the right computer desk for your work habits and preferences, consider the factors in our buying guide.
Purpose
If you plan to use your desk for sending emails and making calls, a compact desk may be a solid, affordable option. If you handle multiple documents, you may want something larger. Additionally, if you plan to use your computer desk for gaming, ensure that your selection has enough surface space for your entire setup.
Size
To avoid buying a desk that’s too big or too small, measure the room that you’re going to put it in. Ensure that you have at least two to three feet of space in front of the desk for your chair.
Material
Many desks are made with laminate, wood, metal, or glass. Laminate is a faux wood material that’s more affordable and easier to maintain. However, it isn’t as stylish and can’t support as much weight. Though modern-looking, glass desks are expensive and prone to smudges. Manufacturers sometimes use metal legs and frames on desks that have laminate or glass surfaces, as this material is durable and reasonably priced.
Assembly
Before purchasing a computer desk, consider the time and effort you’re willing to spend on assembling it. Pre-assembled computer desks are ready to use once they’re unboxed. Though ready-to-assemble computer desks require setup upon arrival, they’re easier to transport through doors and halls since they typically come in smaller boxes.
Ergonomics
Computer desks with proper ergonomics make working more comfortable, lessening the risk of stress injuries, such as neck and shoulder strain. Some features to look for in an ergonomically designed desk include a pull-out tray for a keyboard and an elevated shelf for a monitor.
Types of Desks
There are several types of desks to choose from, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. To help you weigh the pros and cons and decide which type is best for you, we curated the below list.
Rectangular: These are the desks you likely picture in your mind. They have a basic design with a rectangular tabletop on top of a frame. Wall-Mounted: This type of computer desk attaches to your wall. It works well in homes that don’t have extra floor space. It’s also customizable because you can mount it to match your height. L-Shaped: L-shaped desks look like two connected rectangular desks. They give you more work and storage space, and they fit well in corners. Standing: These desks are height-adjustable, giving you the flexibility to sit or stand while you’re working.
There are also variations of these types. For example, a rectangular desk is a general term that can encompass a writing desk, executive desk, credenza desk, or another model with a rectangular shape. Additionally, some L-shaped desks have a more rounded shape, making them look like Us instead of Ls.
How tall should my computer desk be?
Your computer desk should be tall enough that you can sit with proper posture but not so tall that you have to strain to see the computer screen. Most computer desks are 28–30 inches tall.
How can I organize my computer desk?
Your computer desk can get messy once you start adding your work supplies. That’s why many come with shelves, drawers, trays, and other organization additions. If your desk doesn’t come with these features, you can purchase them separately.
What features should my gaming desk have?
Your gaming desk should:
Be large enough to fit all of your computers and monitors Have compartments to store your accessories Include a cord management system to organize your cables Be able to hold the weight of your gaming setup
Can a writing desk hold a computer?
Laptops are light enough to fit on any desk. However, writing desks typically don’t have the tabletop space or weight capacity for a desktop computer.
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