Throughout high school and college I did a fair bit of studying, but none of it happened at a desk. It took place on the couch, kitchen table, and an ancient armchair that is now stained from several coffee-related mishaps. I consider it a sacrifice to the gods of academia. I only very recently discovered the wonders of having a desk–as in, a space dedicated entirely to working. It’s amazing how much easier it is to focus when your brain knows “this is where we concentrate”. Don’t worry if you don’t have a whole room to dedicate to a home office. With all of the different sorts of desks out there, you can fit one into any lifestyle.
![Majesty Desk-Box, TOV-G5491 by TOV Furniture](https://homethang.com/blogimages/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-01-at-4.00.33-PM.png)
Desks are as versatile as the people who use them. Back in the nineties my mom did all the household accounting on a giant oaken roll-top desk stuffed with files and papers and junk mail. Nowadays a desk is often just a flat surface to put a laptop on. Also, a stable place for coffee cups so as to avoid disasters. That’s why it’s easier than ever to find a desk that suits your decor. This one would look great in a bedroom, and its small dimensions means it won’t take up too much floor space at all.
Shop Home Office Desks:
![Desks don't just belong in formal office settings. (By UrbanWood Goods)](https://homethang.com/blogimages/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-01-at-4.00.42-PM.png)
There are countless styles of desks, made of all sorts of materials. I like this weathered wooden look a lot, along with the exposed drawers. I am speaking entirely from anecdotal evidence here. But being surrounded by the natural world helps me feel much more inspired than being in a cubicle. I also like the double-desk idea here, perfect for people collaborating on a project, or just to work in companionable quiet.
On the other hand, not everyone has a zest for the vintage and slightly battered. A sleek, modern desk can also be a really cool look, fitting in well with a more contemporary decor. Think simple, clean designs that use basic shapes and materials well. A desk like this is no-frills, perfect for the worker who doesn’t want distractions. And glass-topped furniture in general is great for small rooms, since it creates the illusion of more space.
![Standing desks are steadily growing in popularity. (By Emily Winters)](https://homethang.com/blogimages/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-01-at-4.01.49-PM.png)
Finally, let me mention a desk idea that may seem a little counterintuitive: the standing desk. There has been a lot of talk recently about how awful sitting down all day is for you. Since so many modern jobs require people to do just that, having a space where you can work while staying on your feet is really valuable to both your health and your sanity. My dad stacks his laptop onto a box and a pile of books in order to stand while he works, but you can circumvent this rather precarious set-up by simply buying a taller desk. Also, maybe invest in a taller chair or stool to go with it, just in case you want to take a rest or really get down to business.
With the workforce moving toward more people than ever working at least partially from home, it’s incredibly helpful to have a space that you can dedicate to organization and focus. Speaking from personal experience–all furniture-blogger bias aside–it’s definitely made a difference in the quality of my work experience.