Necessity is the mother of invention — and no one gets more inventive than small space dwellers.
Whether your WFH situation is temporary, you’re working with a low budget or living in a tiny home, there are times when buying a large desk just isn’t ideal.
Take a look at some of these low-budget desk alternatives for small spaces.
Lap desk
Turn any couch, chair, or bed into your home office with a lap desk.
These affordable desk alternatives come in a wide range of designs and prices to choose from.
They’re a viable option if you want to work in a café while travelling, or if you just feel unmotivated to sit at your desk for whatever reason.
Opt for a wide lap desk to use a notebook next to your laptop; some brands offer a slide-out tray for a mouse.
You can also choose a lap desk with in-built pockets to store supplies like paper clips, pens, as well as other odds and ends.
While lap desks save precious space, the downside is that they aren’t ergonomically designed nor are they suited for long hours working from home.
Mobile laptop desk
If you’re after the convenience of a lap desk with more desk space, consider a mobile laptop desk.
These desks offer enough space for a laptop and mouse or notepad, with some having separate keyboard and mouse trays.
These desks are often height-adjustable and can be rolled around anywhere.
You can work comfortably while sitting on your couch, or standing in a kitchen.
If you’re working in bed, a mobile overbed table is better suited for the purpose.
Cardboard desk
Over the past years, many brands have come up with cardboard desk designs that make home office furniture more accessible to everyone.
These lightweight desks are surprisingly sturdy. They make for a great alternative to regular desks when you’re working within the constraints of a small space or a low budget (or both).
You can buy a flatpack cardboard desk online or download the designs and make them yourself.
Flexible, foldable, portable, affordable & 100% recyclable cardboard standing desk by Refold
Open-source cardboard desk designs available online allow you to choose from standing desks, children’s desks, and desks with storage and slots for stationery and devices.
With a bit of creativity, you can even customise these desks to suit any specific needs you may have.
A cardboard desk is a green alternative to traditional desks and can be recycled after use — a desk by Refold is expected to last at least 2-3 years.
Wall shelf
A wall shelf is a simple and cost-efficient desk substitute for small spaces.
A minimal floating shelf is all you need to hold a laptop and basic work supplies. A wide wall shelf will give you more space for a monitor or keyboard.
This is a more advanced solution — a compact wall-mounted desk setup by minimalistik_tech. Powered by Ergotron sit-stand wall desk
Consider a heavy-duty shelf for added safety if you have at least two monitors or if you tend to lean your elbows on the work surface.
Corner shelves are also an excellent desk option — use them to turn wasted space into a small home office.
DIY door desk
Consider yourself a DIYer?
You can build a desk out of repurposed wooden boards or old doors for your home.
Simply screw in the four legs and flip it over. Be careful not to tighten the legs too tight.
A tall door can make a table for two, and you can even paint it in fun colours to brighten your workspace.
If you can’t find anything that fits your needs, you could simply purchase a basic tabletop from IKEA. They’re more solid than a door.
DIY Pallet Desk
If you have access to wooden pallets and fairly decent carpentry skills, consider building a wooden pallet desk.
A large pallet can be converted into a wall-mounted table, whereas smaller pallets can be turned into office storage units and support for the tabletop.
Wall-mounted pallets can also be used as Murphy desks that fold back into the wall after work.
Utility cart
A utility cart is extremely versatile which makes for a good table substitute.
Rolling carts with flat top surfaces work best for this purpose.
Turn the top shelf into a desk, and use the bottom racks for storage and stationery.
Roll the cart into another room or into the wardrobe after work to store it away and clear up your space.
Ironing board
An ironing board is a serious alternative to a standing desk.
Ironing boards are light, portable, usually have adjustable height levels, and can be folded up after use.
This means a lightweight table for work that stows away easily.
Photos by lysley_tenorio (on the left) and upendthis (on the right)
With considerable length, ironing boards also turn into spacious desks with enough space to keep a laptop, books, and stationery side by side while working.
Consider a height-adjustable chair with this desk setup to give your feet some rest and to work comfortably.
Editorial Team
Kitchen counter
When space is at a premium, you can use a kitchen counter as a make-shift desk.
With a bit of effort, kitchen counters can become expansive desks with ample space for all your needs.
Look for a spot where the counter extends beyond the cabinets to sit comfortably.
You can designate a cabinet nearby for office storage and turn a drawer into a charging area for your devices.
Find out 21 practical ideas for turning your closet into a cloffice.
Side table
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best ones.
Short coffee tables, side tables, and end tables can be turned into laptop desks very easily.
Look for side tables with minimalistic designs, so that you can position your legs comfortably while working.
Hanging table
Turn a small balcony or terrace into a home office with hanging tables.
These desks hang onto railings for support and can be used as a laptop table in small spaces.
Consider buying two hanging tables to avoid coffee spillage
Use them indoors by hanging a table on a sturdy bed frame for a simple bedroom home office setup.
You can even choose a foldable hanging table to clear up the space after use.
Dining table
Dining tables are a tried and tested alternative to home office desks.
Even the smallest of dining tables can turn into a spacious and comfortable desk, especially with an office task chair.
The biggest drawback of using a dining table as a desk is having to clear the table at mealtimes (unless you’re buying a brand new desk — here’s a good guide from our friends at Buildremote.co)
The biggest benefit of the kitchen setup is a large open space and flexibility: you can slow cook food in an oven and update that Excel spreadsheet at the same time. Photos by Sauder
Consider creating a space to keep away your laptop and work supplies.
Utility carts and dedicated shelving units in the dining area might come in handy.
Assign a caddy for smaller items like notebooks, pens, and stationery, and you’ll find clearing your workspace a breeze.
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