15 Small Space-Friendly Desks Under $300

Finding a budget-friendly desk for a small space can be tricky, but these under-$300 picks will give your apartment or guest-room-meets-home-office the function it needs.

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July 20, 2022

If you don't have a proper work-from-home setup outside of your dining room table or are shopping for a dorm or small apartment, these stylish and budget-friendly desks are perfect for small spaces of all kinds.

Chances are if you don't have a lot of space for a desk, you probably don't have a ton of room for office storage either and might want to buy a desk with built-in storage. At the same time, you don't want to overwhelm a small space with a heavy, bulky desk with too much storage. Buying furniture that is out of proportion can make your space feel even smaller. The best of both worlds is a desk with a drawer or maybe a shelf or two that provides some storage while still maintaining a simple silhouette.

Some great small desk styles include secretary desks, ladder desks and simple writing desks. Secretary desks are a good option because they often have a top that slides or folds down to cover the workspace when not in use. When you don't have ample storage, the ability to hide your work surface means your space will at least be free of visual clutter and you can better separate work and life, especially if your desk is in a multipurpose room like a living room or bedroom. Ladder desks are desks that usually have a work surface at the bottom and then shelves above, connected by two side pieces, like a ladder. Essentially, it's a bookshelf and desk in one piece. Some ladder desks need to be anchored into the wall and some are freestanding. The benefit of the ladder desk is that it maximizes your vertical space. For basic rectangular writing or computer desks, you can find the most variety of design styles, from traditional to glamorous. Some writing desks feature storage, and even one drawer to conceal pens, notepads, extra cords and other essentials can help keep your work surface clear of clutter and as functional as possible. An extremely minimal desk without any storage like a standing desk is still a good option for small spaces if you're able to hang floating shelves above or nest a drawer of cabinets in a similar style underneath for your essentials.

From secretary desks to standing desks, shop our favorites that take up little space and will fit seamlessly with your home's decor.

$299

No, your dining table does not count as a desk, friend. A designated workspace is the key to separating your work life from your home life in a pint-sized pad. The good news? The Quinn wall-mounted desk from West Elm is the solution you need. The compact design is anchored to your wall and features a latch worktop that folds down during the day for your laptop and coffee, then easily folds up once you’re off the clock. Best part? Quinn is quite the cutie — she features trendy fluted details, a creamy beige finish and antique brass hardware that you’ll love showing off between office hours.

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$189.99
On Sale!

The Micah desk turns heads with a glossy white finish and a pair of shapely gold legs. Glam knocker-style pulls punctuate the front drawers and shine against the creamy-white frame, lending Hollywood Regency appeal to the design. Bonus: The Micah desk easily doubles as a chic makeup vanity between work meetings.

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Add unmatched industrial flair with this minimalist iron and walnut desk from Crate & Barrel. The streamlined frame and rich walnut veneer desktop make the Pilsen Graphite desk the perfect addition to any midcentury or city loft workspace.

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$329 $296.1
On Sale!

This leaning ladder desk features a clean-lined silhouette with open shelves for a contemporary look and an espresso-stained solid wood frame for stability. The white lacquered tabletop offers a generous work surface, while two open shelves provide storage and display space for your office essentials. Snag the sleek design in the espresso and white colorway to add contrast to your room; shop the white-on-white or tonal wood finish for understated results.

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$299

If clean, straight lines are your thing, the industrial storage desk from West Elm is just what you need. Minimalist bronze legs and a warm, solid mango wood top provide ample space to work without creating visual clutter in your petite pad. And, if the airy wood look isn't your thing, you're in luck! Snag the same contemporary silhouette in a bold black or caramel walnut finish to pack a punch of contrast in your design.

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$297.49 $179.24
On Sale!

Clean lines meet farmhouse finishes in this simple stunner. This wooden desk features three drawers to help keep you organized, and the sleek, angled black legs mean this furniture piece won't take up too much space in cramped quarters.

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$400 $300
On Sale!

Kick up the contrast in your workspace with the chic Springville Executive desk from Target. The shapely desk boasts an inky wood frame and roomy workspace for your computer, task lamp and office supplies. Airy blonde woven drawers and cabinet drawers offer hidden storage for everyday clutter and lend a contemporary appeal to the design.

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$167.99

For a more midcentury modern-style desk with a larger work surface, consider the Oglethorpe floating desk from Wayfair. The roomy middle compartment can be used to store writing utensils and books, while the hidden compartments on each side offer out-of-sight storage for other necessities. Use the top shelf for your monitor, laptop, desk lamp and file organizers.

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$276.99 $260
On Sale!

One of the best solutions for tiny home offices is a leaning desk. This piece has a slim footprint and could work in a corner, kitchen nook or even a larger closet. You could even opt for a stool if you don’t have enough room for a standard office chair.

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$329.99 $284
On Sale!

The desk is a practical and particularly space-saving workspace. Less than 11 inches deep when closed, the large worktop can be folded down gently thanks to two high-pressure dampers to reveal a 19-inch x 29-inch work surface. Behind the bottom cabinet doors are a practical laptop compartment and a storage shelf. Bonus: The modern high-gloss surface of this media center is easy to clean.

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$169.99

If you'd love to experiment with wood tones in your space but don’t want to commit to a fully wooden desk, here is a great option. With just enough wood to warm up a space without making it feel like a moody speakeasy, this desk features contrasting legs, lower storage drawers and a built-in shelf with storage nooks below.

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$189.99

The combination of the glass top, white shelf and angled wooden legs make for one elegant desk that we could see fitting in virtually any small space.

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$109.99

Not everyone has the luxury of a designated workspace in their home. For those who have a combination living room/office space, it is important that a desk serves as a functional furniture and decor piece. This storage-packed shelf features a full shelving unit below to pack full of books as well as a suspended shelf above, perfect for displaying knickknacks and decor.

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$199.99

Want to improve your work-from-home game but afraid of committing to a standing desk? Here is the perfect desk for you. This minimalistic desk may look ordinary, but it is packing some serious power — electrical power that is. With the touch of a button, this desk goes from sitting to standing height or anywhere in between.

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$299

Maybe what you need isn't a new desk after all. Maybe you just need something to take your current desk to new heights. Get it? This standing desk converter is here to save your body from sitting for eight hours straight. Our favorite feature is the hydraulic adjustment that allows you to effortlessly adjust to the perfect height without clearing your desk each time.

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