Best Student Desks to Fit Any Home Space

Shannon Quinn - November 30, 2020
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Best Student Desks to Fit Any Home Space
Photo: Credit: Shutterstock
Laptop stands are amazing. Credit: Soundance

25. Laptop Stands Make it Easy to Always Get the Best Angle During Zoom Meetings : $29.99

When you go on a Zoom or Skype call, you don’t want the person on the other end of the call to see an angle of your double chin. You want to have eye contact with the person as if you were having a true face-to-face conversation. On a desktop computer, it’s easy to do that. But with laptops, you either have to sit lower than the table, or prop it up somehow on a stack of books. That’s why this stand is a solution to the problem. You can finally have the eye level conversation you’re looking for. In some cases, this may even prevent you from purchasing a new desk, if this can help elevate your laptop on whatever you or your kids are currently using for work or school.

Technically, this isn’t a desk, so it may seem out of place on this list. But since I personally use this item on top of my desk in my everyday life, I was excited to put this laptop stand on the list. I love this so much, I bought one for everyone else in my house who also has to take meetings regularly. This can be an affordable gift to give someone for the holidays if you know that they’re taking a lot of Zoom meetings, and currently use stacks of books instead.

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This desk and shelf setup is perfect if you need extra storage. Credit: Ikea

24. The Ikea Kallax Work Station: $132.98

Yet another classic favorite from Ikea is the Kallax Workstation. It’s a cube shelf with a table built onto it, making a perfect setup for anyone who needs both a workspace and storage to keep school or work supplies. You can easily find storage bins and baskets at Target in nearly any color, and fill in the cubby holes if you want, too. This can be a great way to organize all of the brand new school supplies you probably purchased for your kids this year, and get them out of sight from other places in your home.

Besides being a great option for kids, it’s also perfect for adults working from home. I’ve seen some people use the shelves of this desk as a sort of room divider in studio apartments. If you put a lot of boxes, books, or products on the shelves, it can act almost like a screen to give you a tiny bit of privacy if you’re setting this up in the living room. This is also a desk I see a lot of small business owners give to their employees. It’s small enough to have two in the same room, should you need to create multiple workstations.

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This desk adjusts height. Credit: ShowMaven

23. This Desk Adjusts To Meet Your Child's Height : $102.99

One of the biggest downsides to buying one of the traditional student desks mentioned earlier is that they only come in one size. These work out well in elementary school, but kids quickly grow out of them as the years go on. If your child is tall for their age, they may already be dealing with the issue of sitting at a desk at school. It can be embarrassing to try to squeeze into a desk that’s too small for them, and it becomes difficult to concentrate on learning. Luckily, someone came up with this school desk and chair set that adjusts to the perfect height that you need.

We’re hoping that the current situation will all go back to normal in another year’s time, and that your kids will stay relatively the same size. But we also have no idea how long certain localities are going to keep closing their schools down. And some parents may choose to keep their kids home, even after things begin to shift back into normalcy. So this chair and desk can grow with your child over the next couple years before they’re ready to graduate to a more grown up desk.

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If you’re hosting a learning pod, you may want to consider sneeze guards. Credit: The Stand Up Desk Store

22. : $89.00

Earlier on this list, we mentioned how some people are creating a “learning pod” in their home. This is when parents take turns sharing the burden of homeschooling on different days of the week so that they can continue to go to work. This learning pod could be a small group of students from your extended family of siblings and cousins. Or, you could have a close knit group of friends and neighbors. In theory, this should be a safe way for kids to continue interacting with one another. Even if you stick with people you know, there is still a need to take precautions. These sneeze guards are made of clear plexiglass, so you can still see the students with some added protection.

This is yet another item that isn’t a desk, but might really benefit you if you decide to open a learning pod. Going forward, there is going to be a need for more child care facilities, and there might even be a boom in professional learning pod businesses. In places like New York City, there are already teachers who are taking advantage of the current world by offering a learning pod for busy adults who need to place their children somewhere safe while they go to work. Putting learning pods aside, this sneeze guard might even help your own kids. If one child has the cold or flu, this will still help them from spreading the illness to each other.

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This red and black desk is perfect for epic gamers. Credit: Yigobuy

21. Gamers Will Love This Epic Red and Black Desk : $105.99

We don’t want your kids to get too distracted from their school work, but there will eventually be plenty of time to stay indoors to game. This desk is perfect for gamers out there. It’s made of metal, and the desk itself should have tiny holes in it that are designed to improve airflow to keep their computer cool. There is also a headphone holder, as well as a drink holder off to the side. In terms of design, this desk sort of looks like a race car. It’s perfect for a teenage boy, because it will make his bedroom feel very cool. And instead of seeing the desk as something purely for schoolwork, he will love it because it also represents a source of fun.

If your kids are a fan of PewDiePie and already have one of those red and black gaming chairs. Stores like Staples also had the same chairs on sale for Black Friday, so you may have purchased one of those as well. If you’re one of the people who already bought the red and black chair, this would also be a great addition to the set for your child to open on Christmas morning. This desk should also last for years, and grow with your child well into High School and college.

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This adjustable desk has some extra features. Credit: Simbr

20. : $139.99

Earlier on this list, we already included two other traditional school desks. One was stationary, and another also adjusted for a child’s height. This one is another $40 more expensive than the other adjustable desk, because it comes with some additional features like a book stand and drink holder. One of the coolest features of this desk is that the desktop flips forward at an angle, up to 55 degrees. It’s designed to be more ergonomic in order to prevent slouching and back pain. If your child has scoliosis or other back issues, a desk like this might make a huge difference in their posture. My brother has scoliosis, and has experienced back issues his whole life. Personally, I wish a desk like this existed for him when he was a kid.

Like most things in life, you have to expect to pay a bit more money to get fancy items with extra features. Depending on your setup, the small differences might be huge, and it may be worth the extra money to you. For others, you may be able to make the cheaper desk work with what you already have around the house. This desk, and others like it, are included to give you the best idea of what’s available on the market right now. We want to be inclusive with every child’s needs.

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Credit: Guidecraft

19. This Multimedia Desk Works For Peak Organization : $259.95

This next desk is one of the most expensive on the list. However, the cost could be worth the investment, because it’s a piece of furniture that could potentially stay in your home for years. This desk could be great if you have multiple children, and can expect to pass it down to every child in the family. It’s made of real wood, painted an attractive blue color. Guidecraft also makes this same desk in multiple color options like gray, lavender, and white. The back of the desk includes a cork board and file organization, plus there are cubbies underneath for textbooks and school supplies. On the top of the desk, there is a wide enough ledge to stack books too, especially if you had heavy bookends to keep them securely in place.

The chair is meant for elementary school children. So obviously, your kids will eventually outgrow the chair. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t look very comfortable, either. You could easily swap it out for a different chair that’s more comfortable. Even if you take the chair away completely, it’s still a great piece of furniture. Since it’s made of real wood, you could sand it down and paint or stain it a different color someday, too. It’s actually a very attractive table to have in an office area.

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This table helps a lot when you can’t get out of bed. Credit: Uublik

18. This Bedside Desk is Perfect for Sick Days : $79.99

Let’s face it. There will be plenty of days over the next year when it’s difficult to get out of bed. If your boss is allowing you to make your own hours, it’s fine to work in your pajamas all day. And if you’re going through a period of unemployment, you can sleep in as much as you want. Or, God forbid, you might feel sick, and need to work from your room for two weeks. All of these reasons are why having a bedside desk is great. This is adjustable for height, so you may also be able to take this into the living room and sit on the couch while you work.

Personally, I feel tempted to get this. I already have a breakfast in bed style laptop stand, but the fact that this has legs on the floor and hangs over your lap is much more versatile. I can imagine myself using this to spend more time with the family on my laptop in front of the TV, instead of sitting in my office bedroom for hours at a time. It could also be really handy as a “just in case” item, should anyone in my household ever get sick. Hopefully there never comes a day when we need this, but you truly never know.

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This is a beautiful desk for crafting or doing homework. Credit: KidKraft

17. This White Desk With Organization is Adorable : $199.98

This is the sort of desk that you can call an investment piece. Once it’s set up, you’ll want to keep this in your child’s bedroom for a few years before passing it down to a younger sibling or cousin. Both the desk and the chair are made out of real wood, which makes it last years longer. The white desk comes with three drawers, as well as organizational slots along the back that are perfect for placing textbooks and notebooks. There is also a cork board along the backing, which is perfect for hanging notes, photographs, or to-do lists. This should be a perfect little setup for your elementary school kids to get ready to start homeschool. The corkboard makes it possible for them to decorate their space any way they like, which makes it a more cheerful environment for learning.

I love this next desk, because it looks like something out of Pottery Barn, but it’s actually available through Amazon Prime. It’s also very similar quality to the wooden desk we mentioned earlier on this list, but roughly $50 cheaper. The one downside of this desk is that it doesn’t come with as many cubbies for easy-to-reach storage. But with these drawers, it’s easy to put things away and keep messy school supplies out of sight, out of mind. Consider buying drawer inserts to keep items organized when they’re inside of the drawer, because kids tend to be messy.

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Some households will need a desk big enough for two. Credit: Tribesigns

16. This Large Table is a Desk Big Enough For Two People : $179.99

If you have more than one person working from home, things can get cramped pretty quickly. When there is a limited amount of space to set up a work space, this large table might be the best solution for you. It’s big enough to fit two computers or laptops on either side. For kids, this table gives plenty of space in case they need to put the laptop away and work on anything they want. As a parent, you might be able to sit on one side of the table and assist your kids on the other side, so that you can both get work done at the same time.

Obviously, the major downside to this table is that your kids might get distracted by one another, especially if they’re on a Zoom meeting with their teacher, and need to concentrate on the lesson. However, I can see this being perfect for kids to gather to do art projects, homework, and more. If this is being used in a learning pod situation, this might be a great place to set up a plastic sneeze guard to split the table down the middle. Another potential downside to this desk is that there isn’t any built-in storage. However, there are lots of solutions out there, like a rolling storage cart that might slide underneath the desk with ease.

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This desk has two tiers, and looks gorgeous. Credit: Tribesigns

15. This Desk Looks Elegant With Additional Shelving : $189.99

If you have your daughter’s bedroom decorated to look really glamorous and girly, this next desk just might fit in with your aesthetic. It’s white and gold, and comes with shelving both above and below the desk. This is perfect for storing a book collection, toys, knick knacks, and more. If your daughter’s bedroom and playroom is already full to the brim with your child’s belongings, something like this might be a good way to get rid of an existing bookshelf and replace it with this desk instead. Vertical storage solutions like this are a great way to keep items in one place without taking up square footage in the room with multiple pieces of furniture.

Something else that’s great about his desk is that it looks sophisticated enough for your child to grow with it. Even if your kid is still in middle school or high school, they could continue to use this through college. When it’s ready to be moved, you can unscrew the bolts and bring it into a college dorm or a first apartment. Adults who are working from home could totally use this desk, too. At nearly $200, it’s one of the most expensive desks on this list. But the fact that it looks so stylish and high quality means that once you have this, it should be useful for years to come.

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Simple, affordable, and adorable. Credit: Melissa & Doug

14. This Teeny Tiny Desk is Great For Preschoolers : $96.99

If you have a child in preschool or kindergarten, you might not need anything too big to last for a few years. And when you live in a small house or apartment, there might not be a lot of square footage for you to use, anyway. This table is small, and it lifts up so that your kids can keep all of their school supplies inside of the desk. It’s very similar to some of the traditional school desks that we mentioned before, but the major difference is that it’s made of wood. This means that it should potentially last a long longer than a desk that’s made of plastic.

Even beyond the time they spend homeschooling, it’s still a great little area for them to color, draw, and paint. Since it’s so tiny, this would be the sort of item you pass down to each child as they grow in and out of it. And when your family has grown out of it, you could give it to a cousin, or a friend who has just had children. Since it’s made of wood, this can also be sanded down and repainted to look good as new when it’s ready to move on to its next owner.

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Cut down on the space with this floating desk. Credit: PrePac

13. Built-In Floating Desks Are Perfect For Tight Spaces : $146.59

Are you cutting it close with the amount of space available in your home? This floating desk just might be the answer. This can be drilled directly into the wall, which keeps it off the floor and out of the way when you need it to. Just pull up a kitchen chair, and get to work. In the photo I’ve included, this floating desk is black. But there are people who sell this same desk in white, if that fits in better with your home. A desk like this could be installed in someone’s bedroom, or even put out in a common area like a kitchen or dining room. It comes with two cubby shelves on either side, as well as a shelf above that’s perfect for keeping books or photographs.

Compared to some of the other desks on the list, it’s the same cost as buying a standard desk. What I like about this is that if you live in a small place, it can eventually double as a little coffee nook, or an at-home bar. It can also become some other kind of floating storage, if you no longer want to use it as a desk. Since there are no legs, it should be easy to vacuum underneath and dust off the desk to keep it clean.

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This large table is perfect for two kids working together. Credit: Guidecraft Arts

12. This Table is Perfect For Two Kids Doing Arts and Crafts Together $299.95

This next option is a beautiful craft table with built-in storage for boxes, as well as cup holders for markers, pens, and other school supplies. If you have space in a playroom or basement, this can serve as the area where the kids can go to do their homework and craft projects, even if you have them sitting at the kitchen table for the Zoom meetings with their teachers. Since this is small, you can really only expect it to work out for elementary school students. Be sure to check the size measurements online before purchasing. Since this is one of the most expensive desks on this list, be sure it will fit in your space before you buy it!

Personally, if I had young kids entering preschool or kindergarten through elementary school, I would go for this table. It’s very similar to the large two-person desk I mentioned above, except that it’s designed for a much younger student. This is also the sort of furniture I would want in my house even if we weren’t forced to stay at home so much. There was a similar desk in an episode of The Home Edit when they remodeled the playroom for Neal Patrick Harris’ kids. A table like this really encourages kids to be artistic, and gives them an outlet to express their creativity.

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This adjustable desk takes it to the next level. Credit: WeChip

11. : $125.00

We already added two different height adjustable kid’s desks on this list so far, and this one looks remarkable similar to the others. So some of you might be wondering why this one is even necessary to include. But I just had to add a third, because of its extra features. There is an attachable light, the book holder is a teddy bear face, it has a headphones holder on the side, and the desk leans forward like a drafting table. The desk and chair both adjust to your child’s height so that they will always have a desk that fits them perfectly. Because of this feature, you should be able to pass it down to all of your kids, or give it to a friend once your child has outgrown it.

Like I said in the previous bullet point about the adjustable desktop, it could help for a child with back problems like scoliosis. Even if your child doesn’t have existing back issues, it will help to prevent them from slouching. Honestly, between this at the other ones mentioned before, it is just a matter of taste. In your home, you might already have a floor lamp that makes the light attachment pointless. How many features you think your kids need is up to you, and really depends on who you are as an individual.

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This masculine desk has a ton of storage. Credit: Two Maples

10. This Desk Has Storage Both Above and Below : $99.99

Earlier on this list, we already showed a beautiful white and gold desk with double storage shelves. This one is a nearly identical style desk, except that it is far more masculine with wood and black metal. Obviously, your gender doesn’t make a difference in which colors you prefer. Pick a desk that goes with your pre-existing home decor. This desk works out perfectly for anyone who needs some extra storage space, and it could potentially replace some of your existing furniture. A desk like this will also transition nicely from childhood through teenage years, if it lasts that long. And obviously, this desk is great for college students and working adults.

If you’re putting a desk like this in the bedroom, consider getting an iPad or Apple Watch charging station. It has enough space that it could be an entire multimedia center in your bedroom. With the shelves both above and below, it becomes the perfect place to display books, collectables, clocks, photos, and more. When you have the ability to customize your work space, it becomes a much more fun and happy place to sit down and work. That’s why I love the idea of a desk like this, because it leaves open so much opportunity for customization.

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Another sneeze guard option. Credit: Varwaneo

9. Sneeze Guards Are Great For Small Home Classroom Pods : $129.99

Earlier on this list, we already mentioned three-tiered sneeze guards for individual student desks. If you have a smaller group of people working or studying together, it might not be necessary. But when multiple people are working together at the same table, one large sneeze guard would suffice. Depending on your individual circumstances. consider getting this one, instead. This item is more necessary if you plan to have a learning pod or any other scenario where you invite people in from outside of your inner circle.

I can imagine this single pane sneeze guard working out if you have teenagers or older children who don’t need to stay in a small desk learning pod. Maybe a friend wants to come over for the day, or you need to babysit a neighbor’s kid while they run to the grocery store. It can give you a little bit of extra security knowing that your kids are safe behind a screen, on top of wearing face masks. Unfortunately, this item is around $130, so it’s the same price as one of these desks. This may not be necessary for a lot of people, but it could potentially be an extra precaution you might want in your home.

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This electric desk adjusts its height with the touch of a button. Credit: Flexispot

8. This Electric Standing Desk Adjusts With The Touch of a Button : $299.99

So far on this list, we gave a lot of options for children’s desks that adjust in height. But what about the adults? Many people experience the same problem of finding a desk that’s too short or tall for us. This desk changes height with the touch of a button. It even gets high enough where you could use it as a standing desk. Because of this, it should really be a one-size fits all sort of desk. If you’re planning to buy this for children, it just might be perfect for them to grow into for years to come. And if they feel antsy, they can adjust the desk to stand and get some energy out instead of sitting all day.

Consider purchasing a laptop stand that we mentioned earlier in this list, if you’re a tall adult who really wants to add some extra height on top of what this desk is already capable of. Just pay attention to the width of the desk before you buy it. I have a friend who purchased this in the past, and he needed to return it, because it wasn’t wide enough to fit a second monitor that he needed to complete his work. However, if you’re using a laptop, or your kids just need to use it to do some schoolwork with a textbook, it should be large enough to get everything done with ease.

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Yet another rolling standing desk. Credit: Seville

7. This Rolling Desk is Perfect For Working in the Living Room : $95.73

Earlier on this list, we showed a rolling desk that’s meant to hang over the top of a bed. This next desk is very similar, except that the bar is in the center of the table, rather than going off to the side. It’s perfect if you’re planning to use your laptop in the living room, or need some temporary tabletop space next to your existing desk. There is the option to adjust the height, so it should be able to work no matter how tall your other furniture may be. In the future, when it’s no longer necessary to work from home, I can imagine this table becoming useful in the garage, craft room, and so many other scenarios.

This is also a good option if you need to watch over your kids, and you want them to be nearby. No matter what room you happen to be in, your kids can be right there. Since this table has wheels, it can travel to different areas of the house. The obvious drawback to this table is that it is so small, you can’t realistically set up a permanent workspace here. I recommend only buying this as a secondary desk on top of a traditional dedicated work space.

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Looking for a standing desk? Credit: Siducal

6. Double Decker Standing Desks Help You Keep Fit While You Work : $79.99

With gyms closed or having limited hours, a lot of us are struggling not being able to get as much exercise as we once did. That’s why standing desks can be great. You can get your work done while standing up, which burns some extra calories. Earlier on this list, we showed a height adjustable desk that you could potentially stand with. However, I see the first desk as mostly sitting with the option to stand. With this one, I see it as mostly standing with the option to sit.

For all of my teens and early 20’s, I always worked jobs where I was required to stand or walk for several hours at a time. So when I began working at home full time, it was a difficult transition to keep sitting all of the time. If you resonate with that, this desk might be good for you. Besides the fact that it’s geared towards people who are trying to keep fit, it genuinely looks like a good setup to keep all of your computer accessories in one place. There is even a section to hold your computer tower, if you happen to be using a PC. Depending on your setup, you could stack a monitor on top, or simply move your laptop to the higher tier when you’re ready to stand.

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This faux marble table is very stylish. Credit: Novogratz

5. This Faux Marble Desk Can Serve Multiple Purposes : $123.24

This faux marble desk with brass hairpin legs is very trendy, and it would fit into a glamorously styled interior space. I love how this desk looks like it has a lot of legroom. There is a cubby space insert inside of the desk, which mimics the traditional school desk your kids are used to. It can be a perfect way to hide any textbooks, notebooks, pens, and paperwork inside of the desk to keep the top clean and tidy.

When things start to go back to normal, this could double as a hallway console table in the future if you no longer need it as a work desk. This would also work really well as a makeup table to get ready in the morning. Personally, I think this is a perfect desk if you have a teenage daughter who is looking to use this desk throughout middle school and high school. Obviously, it would also be great for college and well into adulthood, as well.

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A beautiful oval table. Credit: Nathan James Leighton

4. This Oval Table Makes a Very Stylish Desk : $279.03

If you want a piece of furniture that doubles as both a desk and a console table, this is it. It’s beautifully colored in white and gold, which fits in if you’re going for a glam look. There is just one drawer for storage, which is nice for putting away your pens and other supplies. I can imagine this going into a bedroom where you don’t necessarily have the space for a huge home office setup, but at least you now have a place to set up for Zoom meetings and writing emails.

The only potential downside to this table is that it may be too low to the ground if you’re an adult who’s trying to sit at it, and there isn’t much leg room, either. In the past, I used a vintage writing desk with a very small insert to put your legs. It became too uncomfortable once I started working on it full time. But for young girls, this could be a perfect furniture piece that will easily transition into her teenage and college years.

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For little kids, this Ikea table is great. Credit: Ikea

3. This Ikea Kid’s Table is Perfect for Toddler’s Craft Projects : $29.99

If you have toddlers, they might feel left out when they see their older siblings sitting down at their brand new desks. Even in the years before preschool, your children are still learning every single day. They’re learning about colors, shapes, textures, and emotions. So there is plenty of opportunity for them to have their own learning space. This kid’s table from Ikea is perfect for toddlers, and can double as a play area for drawing, coloring, and playing. Keep in mind that it’s so small, they really outgrow this by the time they’re ready to enter Kindergarten. For Preschoolers, you just might be able to get away with using this for a year before giving it to your friends and family who have recently had children.

We had one of these for my youngest brother, and he absolutely loved to sit there to have his meals, play video games, and so much more. On special occasions like Thanksgiving, it can become the kid’s table for the little ones who are the right size to fit in it. This desk is also great if you want to do an Ikea Hack and turn it into a lego table. Your kids would have hours of fun doing just that. If you haven’t already seen it, check out our Ikea Hacks for a Home Makeover On a Budget.

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This industrial style shelf doubles as a desk. Credit: Leaf Designer

2. This Industrial Style Shelf Doubles as a Desk : $149.99

This next desk is an interesting choice, especially if you’re really trying to keep a designer aesthetic to your home without bringing too much extra furniture in. It’s made from industrial black bars, and is essentially a bookshelf. But one of the shelves is larger, making it possible to sit down with a laptop. This is great if you live in a small apartment, or truly don’t want to get a desk and home office area set up. Once you take off the laptop, it goes back to looking like a cool industrial style shelf. The shelving provides storage space for you to keep any supplies you may need for work or school.

The obvious downside to this shelf is that it doesn’t offer a lot of width to have a work space. You can’t have two monitors or a lot of other accessories on such a small desk top. However, some people don’t need to work on their laptops for hours at a time. They might just need to occasionally have a Zoom meeting with their team, and they can move on with their day. I would really only recommend this to people who are looking for a stylish secondary setup, rather than their one and only desk.

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The classic Ikea table that many people use as a desk. Credit: Ikea

1. The Ikea Linnmon Adils Table is The Best Bang For Your Buck: $24.99

Last but not least is the Linnmon Adils Table from Ikea. I promised that I would share the secret of where to find the cheapest desk, and here it is! About a year ago, these tables were only $15 each. It was always cheap and easy to get a new desk from Ikea, even on the smallest budget. But once everyone on the planet was searching for a cheap desk, the price skyrocketed to $50, and has finally settled down to a comfortable $25. Even though the price has gone up by $10, it’s still the most affordable desk you can find on the market right now.

If you have an Ikea near you, this just might be the best solution to getting a desk for homeschooled kids, especially if you believe this setup is only temporary. And if you have more than one child, you can get one for each of your children for the cost of buying just one on Amazon. However, Ikea seems to have stopped shipping from their stores. So you can really only get this if you’re able to shop in person, and hoping they have it in stock. If you choose to go there, be safe, and good luck.

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