We gave you a guide on how to upgrade your desk chair a few weeks ago, but this time we’re moving the focus to perhaps the most important part of your daily workspace: your desk. Some of you may not have a choice of what your desk looks like at work, but for those who have a little creative control over their workspaces or who work from home, why not give your space a little upgrade? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite desks for everyone — minimalist or traditionalist.
Simple
These desks are for those who like to keep it simple. Whether you like modern or traditional design and furniture, these simple and unfussy desks will look good almost anywhere and fit into almost any aesthetic.
Our first pick is this simple but interesting design that offers options for storage or showing off your favorite things. The West Elm 2 x 2 Console Desk ($349) is made from solid wood and offers four open compartments for storage (boxes can be slipped inside) or display. The desk comes in white or chocolate finishes.
This mixed-media desk is the perfect choice for tech-lovers who want to keep things sleek. The Bluelounge Studio XL desk ($599) is made from mahogany wood and a white laminate tabletop, with a faux-leather-covered slide out that reveals a sizable storage compartment. The storage compartment is meant to house all your cables and a power strip, so that only one cord can be seen from your desk. Pretty smart.
The perfect simple desk with clean lines and good space, the West Elm Parsons desk ($299) keeps things simple with a classic table design and two drawers that close flush with the desk for a hidden look. The desk, which is available in walnut, chocolate, or white finishes, is versatile enough to use as almost any other kind of table should you need a multitasking desk. There is also a killer metal version available.
Traditional
If you like to keep things traditional when it comes to furniture and design, these picks are for you. They’re not the boldest on the block, but they also won’t go out of style anytime soon. And isn’t that the beauty of the classics?
First off, we have an antique-looking printer’s desk complete with a hutch on top for extra storage and organization. The Pottery Barn Printer’s Writing desk ($499 desk, $299 hutch) comes in a beautiful chestnut wood finish and features vintage styling reminiscent of an old printer’s desk. The desk has detailed legs and a single drawer, while the additional hutch gives plenty of storage options.
If you like the look of traditional drafting tables, this modernized version has a classic, but simple look and feel. The Ikea Vike Gruvan desk ($119) uses triangular bases, common in drafting tables, and has a glass top. You can keep papers and utensils underneath the glass top, which is big enough to give you plenty of work space.
For those who like something with a bit of heft that has plenty of storage capacity, the Target Executive Desk ($310) is a great choice. This large-size desk has a substantial look and features a keyboard tray, two file drawers, and two smaller drawers.
Bold
These choices are for those who aren’t afraid of a bold design and making a statement. We wouldn’t call any of them classic, but depending on your own personal style, one might suit your tastes to the tee.
Designed by Scott Klinker for Context Furniture, the Truss Library Desk ($785) has a unique bold design and features a large working space and a top shelf for storage and display. The desk is made in Michigan from birch wood and laminate and is available in white, red, gray, and brown.
If you’re not shy of making a statement but prefer something a little more earthy, the Phoenix Work Table from Crate & Barrel ($1,499) might be the desk for you. The table doesn’t offer much in the way of storage, but it’s made from reclaimed telephone poles, which gives it a unique look, to say the least. The desk is finished off with black iron legs.
If mid-century modern style is your thing, we like the modern Homework Desk designed by Niels Bendtsen ($2,695). The well-designed desk features a sleek glass top and two wood-finish drawer units that seem to float under the desk. This gives the desk an airy look and also allows for storage or display on top of the drawer units and below the glass.
