Eight months later, and our homes are – in many cases – still moonlighting as offices.
Had we known back in March, when the first pandemic-driven lockdown began, how much time we’d spend working from home over the months that followed, we might’ve set ourselves up with a dedicated workspace right from the start. Alas, with little foresight into the turbulent future that lay ahead, many of us made do with makeshift workstations at dining tables and on sofas (no judgement here).
Research tells us that while working from home has been linked to increased productivity, it can also negatively affect levels of motivation and focus if there isn’t a designated workspace.
That in mind, it’s time we set ourselves up for success with workstations that are practical and inspire productivity. So, here are 8 of the best home office desks to suit all spaces, budgets and schemes.
8 of the best home office desks
1. Ferm Living Sector Desk, £325, Someday Designs
If space is at a premium consider a wall-hung design. This laptop-friendly Ferm Living desk is ideal for agile workers with minimal equipment and limited space. Available in two colours, this simple, streamlined design can be combined with shelving for storage or display purposes.
2. String Works Height-Adjustable Desk, £1,550, Nest
String’s height-adjustable desk is an investment, but a worthwhile one if your job has you desk-bound for hours on end. Its ability to transition to a standing desk means more flexibility for your working position, and – if used correctly – less chance of discomfort caused by too much time spent sitting. It also has a cable tray to keep wires tidy and out of sight.
3. Carter Desk, £125, Next
Simple and sleek, this spacious desk can comfortably accommodate multiple screens. Its thin frame is ideal for compact rooms, and the versatile design means it will fit seamlessly into most interior schemes. An in-built shelf provides additional space for folders or accessories.
4. Copenhagen 1 Drawer Standing Desk, £95, Argos
Prefer to keep active whilst at work? Opt for a standing desk that helps to alleviate aches and pains associated with prolonged sitting. With storage for small items and a petite tabletop, this desk is best for those who work from laptops.
5. Owen Desk, £44, Very
This simple desk is modern in design – with Mid-Century influence – and budget-friendly for those looking for a low-cost home office solution that doesn’t sacrifice style.
6. Vox Worknest Desk with Slatted Screen, £795, Cuckooland
Love a creative, customisable workspace? Vox’s Worknest desk has a slatted screen that allows you to fully personalise your workstation. Pep it up with organisers for stationery or decorative items, such as prints and plants.
7. Parquet Brushed and Glazed Solid Oak Desk, £499.99, Oak Furnitureland
Oak Furnitureland’s solid oak Parquet desk provides ample storage without compromising on style. Its spacious top means it can accommodate both desktop computers as well as laptops, and multiple drawers mean work can easily be filed away at the end of the day for a clutter-free workstation.
8. Scandinavia Oak Ladder Desk, £85, Wilko
Another great option for small-space living is Wilko’s ladder desk. At £85, it’s fairly budget-friendly and has four additional shelves for keeping essential files and to-do lists close to hand.