10 Space Saver Desk Ideas for Your Small Home Office

Do you work in what can amount to little more than a mouse cage?

No, maybe that’s too harsh.

Are you trying to get your work done in a spaceless space?

What I mean to say is if you are working from home and are trying to make the hybrid work thing possible, but you don’t have much square footage to dedicate to a complete home office, there are some workarounds.

Ten to be exact.

Here are ten space-saving small desk ideas that you can use to optimize the area you do have and remain productive.

Let’s jump right in.

What is a Small Desk?

Before going too far, defining what constitutes a small desk may be necessary. Small desks can incorporate storage solutions to maximize space, such as adding shelves and hanging organizers to keep office supplies organized and optimize vertical space.

As far as dimensions, Control Physical Therapy considers the standard desk height anywhere from 20-30 inches meaning a small desk will typically be under 28 inches. With a depth under 24 inches and a width under 40 inches, any desk that can meet these parameters we’ll consider a small desk.

Now that we know what it is, let’s look at 10 small desk ideas that can work in your space.

1. Corner Desks

Corner desks can be a great way to maximize space in a small room, providing a dedicated working area without taking up too much.

Small corner desks utilize the often-wasted space in room corners with an L-shaped desk or a corner desk that fits snugly into the area.

This small desk style may give you the most amount of worktop space because of its design.

A corner desk is all you need if the corner of a room is all you have.

2. Narrow Desks

Narrow desks can be a great option for small spaces, providing a functional working area by utilizing narrow hallways.

Narrow desks may provide standard height and length while cutting the work surface in half to allow it to fit snugly against walls.

This is perfect if the only space you have to work is in a high-traffic area and you must keep hallways and walkways open.

3. Floating Desks

Small floating desks can be placed above other furniture items to maximize space, keep your floor clutter-free, and utilize, similar to small corner desks, an area of your home that may not be used often.

Consider using small floating desks to create a standing workstation for just the essentials like a laptop and a few office supplies.

Floating desks can be a great way to optimize your space as well because you won't have a large desk in your room reminding you in your off hours that you aren't that far removed from work.

4. Closet Desks

Closet desks or closet offices (cloffice) can be a great option for small spaces, providing a functional working area in a small closet or cupboard.

This became especially popular during the pandemic when people had to learn to adapt to working from home quickly. Many traded in towels and took out shelves to create a small seated workstation that was uniquely personalized and designed for focus.

A small white desk for your closet with matching floating shelves and an office chair would be the perfect neutral option for a home office closet space.

5. Folding desks

Small folding desks can be a great solution for small spaces, providing a dual-purpose area for working and storage.

A wall-mounted folding desk that can be easily assembled and quickly folded up when not in use allows you to go straight from a workspace back to your home setting.

Folding desks are often made with strong, and durable materials that are a cost-effective solution for small spaces.

6. Under-Stair Desks

Small under-stair desks, similar to the closet desk can be a great option for small spaces, providing a functional working area in a tight space.

Consider pairing your under-stair desk with an innovative office chair and small filing cabinet to stay comfortable and maximize storage.

Under-stair desks may seem a little unconventional but when you begin to consider all of the areas and wasted spaces we have in our homes, reclaiming them for a better purpose means you don't have to invade another room or adapt your current living for your home office.

7. Window Desks

Small window desks can be another great way to create a small home office in a primary bedroom. It’s a workspace that provides a functional working area with natural light.

Consider using a small desk for a bedroom that can sit on or near the window sill. Wall-mounted desks can be a great space-saving solution for window areas as well as a small folding desk or floating desk.

Window desks are an awesome option because you’re saving floor space, using what’s already there, and getting the view all at once. (Assuming of course you have "the view".)

8. Sit to Stand desks

Small standing desks make the most out of a home office space by adapting to your working needs ergonomically and in real-time.

Use a sit-to-stand desk near any wall, corner, or empty area such as a basement or garage that has no overhead storage so that it can easily be raised or lowered.

These height-adjustable desks are a great space-saving option because they prioritize more than just space management but also ergonomics, ensuring that whatever space you choose to set up your home office, your body doesn’t have to suffer.

They help to save space by fitting into compact areas and providing flexibility in how you organize.

9. Two-Person Workstation Desks

Maybe the small desk you need isn't just for you, but there are two of you working from home. In that case, consider a small 2-person workstation with a privacy panel.

This would require more than the average small area but if you can dedicate the section of a living room or tiny guest bedroom to your home office for two, this workstation is the perfect addition.

Besides getting a complete compact desk option the privacy panels ensure privacy is preserved while the built-in file cabinet offers plenty of storage space.

It also allows for easy configuration with the short side able to fit neatly against a wall in almost a peninsula-like formation.

10. Drafting Desk

An item that people don't know much about but that would work perfectly for creating a home office in a small space is a drafting desk or drafting table.

Small drafting tables not only fit within a limited space but are highly adjustable allowing for tilt, and even height changes as they are meant for artists, engineers, and architects.

Consider a drafting desk if you need a small, lightweight, and thinner option or are engaged in any creative work.

Desk Designs for Small Spaces

When it comes to small spaces, flexibility is key.

L-shaped desks are an excellent option for small spaces as they provide a flexible workspace that can be tailored to your needs. An L-shaped desk can be placed in a corner, against a wall, or even in a nook, making the most of your available space.

The benefits of L-shaped desks include:

• Flexibility in terms of placement and configuration

• Ample workspace for your computer, papers, and office supplies

• A compact design that saves floor space

• A stylish and modern look that can enhance your home office decor

When choosing an L-shaped desk, consider the following:

• Measure your space carefully to ensure the desk fits perfectly

• Choose a material that complements your home office decor

• Consider the size and shape of your workspace to ensure the desk provides ample room for your needs

L-shaped desks are a versatile and practical solution for small spaces, offering both functionality and style.

Space-Saving Desk Features

A clutter-free workspace is essential for productivity and focus. Built-in storage is a great feature to look for in a desk, especially in small spaces. A desk with built-in storage can help keep your office supplies, papers, and other essentials organized and out of sight, freeing up valuable desk space.

The benefits of built-in storage include:

• A clutter-free workspace that promotes productivity and focus

• Ample storage for office supplies, papers, and other essentials

• A compact design that saves floor space

• A stylish and modern look that can enhance your home office decor

When choosing a desk with built-in storage, consider the following:

• Measure your space carefully to ensure the desk fits perfectly

• Choose a material that complements your home office decor

• Consider the size and shape of your workspace to ensure the desk provides ample room for your needs

Desks with built-in storage are a smart choice for small spaces, helping you maintain an organized and efficient home office.

Productivity-Boosting Tips

Here are a few tips for creating a productive workspace no matter the size:

• Consider going all in on your compact working area with ergonomic options to regularly adjust and readjust throughout the day and to prevent aches and pains.

• Prioritize storage in your desk choice so that you don't have to find a separate solution.

• Look for small office desks that match or complement the style and colors of your room.

Conclusion

If you're looking to escape the rat race and bring in a more healthy work-life balance, the first step may not be quitting your job and traveling the world, but creating a work-from-home space that promotes and encourages quality of life.

You may be stuck with the home you have for a while but the work you do from home doesn't have to feel like a prison because of limited space.

Think of how you can configure underutilized spaces such as closets and staircases, or redesign and layout a living room corner or room window, in a way that adds personalization, focus, and interest to your hybrid work situation.

Working from home is a gift that not everyone has the option of choosing so ensure that you maximize even your smallest spaces in a way that benefits the work you do and the home you live in.

Interested in seeing a wide range of small desk options? Explore here.