Having recently moved my workspace, I had to say goodbye to my massive solid-wood desk that I painstakingly refinished last year. Now I’m working in a small nook that is only slightly larger than my old desk. Luckily for me, there are plenty of quality desks available on Amazon that are less than 40 inches wide. If you are looking for the perfect compact desk for your own cozy work nook, here are the factors you will want to consider.
What to consider when shopping online for a compact desk
Size: This probably goes without saying, but you will want to measure your space before selecting a product. Even if your desk sticks out a couple of inches, it can be a real problem, not to mention something that you may smash into when navigating your room in the dark. As such, figure out the minimum width that will suit your needs, as well as the maximum width that will ensure your desk fits in your space.
Design: Just because a desk’s size is small doesn’t mean that it’s design has to leave something to be desired. As such, closely consider the aesthetics of your space before you decide on a desk. Whether modern, rustic, or boho, you are sure to find a desk that suits your unique aesthetic.
Storage: Small desks are unlikely to amaze you in terms of storage potential, but some products will surprise you in terms of how a clever design can open up added storage.
Bonus Features: Many modern small desks include nifty bonus features such as headphone hooks, wire management tools, USB outlets, and more. While these types of add-ons shouldn’t be the primary reason you select a product, they can easily put one similar product over another if one of them lacks added functionality.
Best for Home Office: SUPERJARE 35.4 Inch Small Computer Desk
Looking for a chic addition to your home office? The SUPERJARE 35.4″ White and Gold Small Computer Desk offers just as much substance as it does style. Featuring a sleek modern design and a clean, simple silhouette, this desk has two deep drawers that will easily fit your favorite organizers and office supplies. Its clean finish and tantalizing design will prove to be a great match for modern or boho aesthetics, and it even comes with a small stool that is surprisingly sturdy despite its elegant appearance. Reviewers love this desk’s overall quality and flashy hardware, although it also comes in an all-white design for those seeking something a little less glam.
Pros: If you are looking for a statement piece for a carefully decorated home office, this compact desk is one to consider. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of the other products on this buying guide, it’s undoubtedly one of the most design-forward and well-made options at its price point.
Cons: As noted above, this desk lacks some modern touches such as USB charging ports, a cable management system, and LED lighting. However, its worth noting that much of its appeal is derived from its simplicity and elegance, so these omissions are hardly worth fretting over if aesthetics are a primary selling point for you.
Our Verdict: Simply put, this desk is absolutely beautiful and can instantly improve the design of almost any home office. That said, you will probably want to consider purchasing a comfortable ergonomic office chair, as its included stool is probably better suited for resting your legs during your lunch break rather than sitting in for a full 8-hour shift.
Best Super-Compact Computer Desk: COTUBLR Small Desk
Featuring a compact 27.5-inch design that can be adjusted to 3 different height settings, this small desk from COTUBLR is a must-have if you are working with minimal space. It also comes in a handful of styles ranging from cute and pink to rustic and brown, making it a versatile option at its price range. Factor in this desks durable alloy steel base material, and you can see why it received an overwhelmingly positive reception by Amazon reviewers. Speaking of reviews, many users noted how easy this product is to assemble and praised its sturdy design, making it a no-brainer for those who don’t plan on storing a huge PC tower on their new desk.
Pros: This chic desk is easy to assemble, ridiculously compact, and offers a fair amount of storage potential despite its small size.
Cons: While this desk is a good choice for laptops and all-in-one PCs, it’s probably not suitable for PC towers, dual-monitor setups, and bulky speakers.
Our Verdict: While this super-compact computer desk will be too small to suit the needs of many, those who are looking for a tiny desk with massive upside will find a lot to love here.
Best Portable Small Desk: WOHOMO Folding Desk
The WOHOMO Folding desk offers a compact width of 31.5 inches and can be easily moved from place to place thanks to its easy-to-use folding mechanism and lightweight design, making it a great option for those who work in more than one location at home. Featuring a sturdy alloy steel base, this folding desk weighs in at just under 15 pounds, so it’s a breeze to carry across the room or up a flight of stairs. And while it’s minimalist vibe will suit any space, its compact enough to store in your closet when not in use.
Pros: This stylish desk offers a nice array of color options, including a white and gold style we absolutely adore. Despite its portable design, it’s sturdy enough for everyday use and offers a fair amount of surface area for your laptop and other work essentials.
Cons: While this desk is sturdy enough for daily use, those who plan to use it in a singular location can probably find a more durable model at its price point.
Our Verdict: If you’re looking for a small, portable desk that’s perfect for a small urban apartment, this one from WOHOMO is a perfect choice. With an average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon and over 3.5k user reviews, plenty of users have found a lot to love in this portable workhorse of a desk.
Best Small Desk for Gamers: Rolanstar Computer Desk
Gaming on a compact computer desk is not always a great option, depending on your setup, but the Rolanstar Computer Desk offers the width and storage capacity to make it work. Its 39-inch frame (complete with a raised monitor platform) is more than wide enough for a dual monitor setup, and its adjustable shelf ensures it will be able to accommodate even large PC towers with ease. While some will fall in love with its ample 3-drawer storage system, others will appreciate its variety of charging options, including two USB ports, a USB-C port, and 2 AC outlets. Whether you are a PC or console gamer, this flashy LED-equipped desk will suit your needs just fine.
Pros: With brilliant LEDs, ample charging options, and plenty of storage space, this desk should exceed the needs of most gamers looking for a compact desk. However, for those working with more space, it also comes in 47-inch and 55-inch options, as well as three unique color schemes.
Cons: While its three-drawer storage setup is nice, it’s important to note that the fabric drawers are not suitable for storing heavy items.
Our Verdict: Rolanstar released a gem here that may well be one of the best starter gaming desks on the market. Despite the fabric drawers, plenty of reviewers noted that this desk doesn’t feel cheap at all and it actually very sturdy for the price, making it a great budget-friendly option for the cozy gaming nook of your dreams.
Best Budget Small Desk Option: Sweetcrispy Computer Desk
Looking for a small desk that can be picked up for cheap? Look no further than the Sweetcrispy Computer Desk. Costing less than a (cheap) date night at your favorite no-frills restaurant, this desk has scored rave reviews from Amazon users in terms of its sturdiness, ease of assembly, and overall value. It also comes in seven style offerings, including solid colors like white and black, as well as various wood tones. With a 176-pound weight capacity, it’s plenty sturdy for anyone’s home office needs.
Pros: This surprisingly rugged desk’s primary selling point is its low price. However, reviewers note that its build quality and spaciousness make it a great option for those who can overlook its lack of storage space.
Cons: While this desk comes with a handy side pocket and hanging hook, it lacks the traditional drawers of many of the other products featured in this buying guide. As such, those seeking a product that offers plenty of built-in storage should probably look elsewhere.
Our Verdict: This would make a great temporary desk for those with a smaller space and a frugal budget. While its lack of storage holds it back from being a bona-fide steal at its budget-friendly price point, the asking price still makes it an amazing value for those who can look beyond this minor point.