If you recently found yourself working from home, you’ve probably also discovered how important it is to have a clear office zone. For optimal productivity, your work area should be away from the couch, especially when you’re easily distracted. If you’re dialing into conference calls you don’t want to be caught with Joe Exotic from Tiger King in the background. Once in a while, relaxing on the couch with your laptop is necessary, but if you need to spread out or require a monitor for your work, you might want to think about making some space for a small desk.
When you’re living in a small space you might not want to, or have, the real estate to designate an area to an office. Fun fact: Did you know that a desk can double as a “bar cart”? We found five desks under $200 that are highly functional and multipurpose, without breaking the bank. Cheers to that!
1. The Basic
This desk is anything but #basic. It is sleek and modern and does not overwhelm a small space. You can easily fit a monitor and laptop on the surface and the two drawers are great for storage. Stash your work in the drawers when the weekend hits and convert the desk to a bloody mary station for brunch with your besties.
Shop It: Alex Desk, $149 from IKEA
2. The Stowaway
If you’re temporarily working from home and aren’t very keen on permanently having a desk in your living space, this is a great solution for you. Try this small desk that folds down and neatly tucks under your couch for when life resumes and you’re back in the office.
Shop It: Cory Folding Desk, $189 from Urban Outfitters
3. The Minimalist
While this isn’t necessarily a desk, we are in love with the idea of a folding table (aka TV dinner tray) doing double duty. If you don’t have space for a desk, this chic one from CB2 allows you to work from the comfort of your couch. The table forces you to sit upright, which will save your back going numb. Bonus, on the weekend when you’ve had too many quaranitini’s you can binge on Shameless from the comfort of your couch without any mess.
Shop It: Novo Acrylic Folding Table, $149 from CB2
4. The Classic
This mid-century secretary desk stands out as decor and is clutch for a small space. Not only does it have multiple compartments for storage, but when you’re not working you can close the top and utilize the flat surface as a side table.
Shop It: Secretary Desk, $187 on sale from $250 from Worldmarket
5. The Chameleon
Getting a desk to blend in with your space can be difficult, but we found your solution. A leaning desk ladder has two shelves for your succulents or candles, and another that can double as a workstation or cocktail serving station. If you live in a studio, or have an awkward living space, this ladder desk does a great job at breaking up your space without killing the flow.
Shop It: Brown Syrna Ladder Desk, $178 from Wayfair
6. The Bonus
This certainly is not a desk, but if you just moved into an apartment, have extra space or are looking for an apartment refresh, this high top table with two stools doubles as a standing desk and provides great seating for when guests are allowed to come over again.
Shop It: Nora 3-Piece Pub Set, $199 from Novogratz
Now get back to work!
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