Not all offices have extra space. If you're fitting a home office into a spare room, equipping a satellite office, or adding an extra workstation in a smaller commercial lease, it can be difficult to find a small desk that does its job properly.

The following points outline what you should look for and where to begin…

Common Challenges With Small Offices

Small offices have their own particular set of problems. There is usually not enough room on the floor for a full-size desk, to say nothing of space in which to pull the chair back comfortably. Storage is the first thing to be given up, since anything other than the desk itself seems to be taking up valuable space.

Moreover, in shared or open areas, a desk that is too bulky can make the entire room seem cramped instead of functional. The solution isn't to settle for a smaller desk. Instead, choose one designed to perform well in a small space.

What to Look for in a Compact Desk

A compact desk isn't merely a shorter version of a standard desk. When choosing one, make sure the surface is deep enough to accommodate a monitor at the correct viewing distance, even if the total width is less. You should also examine the leg and frame design, as bulky framing underneath the desk can significantly reduce legroom on a small desk more so than on a larger one.

If you're working from a laptop rather than using a full desk setup, consider a Laptop Table; it's designed for mobile, space-conscious situations rather than trying to fit a full desk into a role it doesn't need to serve.

Desk Shapes That Save Space

When it comes to different office desk shapes, a straight desk is nearly always the best choice if you're looking for a small footprint. Unlike L-shaped or corner desks, which require clear space on two sides to be useful, a straight desk can sit right up against a wall, fit into an alcove, or sit beside another desk without taking up extra space.

Desks such as the Okidoki Straight Desk and the Novah Straight Desk have a neat, simple footprint while still providing a suitable work surface. Should you need to decide which shape is more appropriate for your area, our guide on L-Shaped vs Straight Desks looks at the various trade-offs in greater detail.

Storage-Smart Small Desks

One of the main frustrations among small offices is having to give up desk space for storage, which is why it's important to consider where all the items will actually be kept before making a purchase. A small desk with drawers built into its frame keeps stationery, chargers, and paper items within easy reach without requiring a separate unit that takes up floor space.

If the desk doesn't have drawers, the next best choice is a slim mobile pedestal that slides underneath, providing storage without increasing the floor space it occupies. In both cases, the aim is the same: to have everything accessible without making the desk any larger.

Modern Office's Compact Range

For a small office, you may need a full desk or something simpler if you are using a laptop, and our compact range includes models for both.

The Okidoki and Novah Straight Desks provide a proper desk while taking up little space, while the Laptop Table is designed for situations where a full-size desk isn't needed. Like all three models, they're designed to fit into tight spaces without reducing usable surface area.

If you're working with a small area and don't know where to begin, contact the Modern Office team for custom advice, or browse our full selection of desks and workstations to see what suits your space.

If standing occasionally is on your radar too, our Standing Desks: The Complete NZ Buyer's Guide covers what to look for, even in a smaller footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What desk is the best choice for a small office?
A straight desk is generally the most suitable option for a small office because it can be placed right up against a wall without requiring clear space on several sides. If you have limited floor space for a separate storage unit, choose one with built-in storage.

How much space is actually required by a desk?
As a general guideline, leave the depth needed to view the monitor from arm's length, and provide enough width for the chair to move back comfortably. A straight desk requires considerably less clearance than an L-shaped or corner desk.

Are compact desks less sturdy?
Not necessarily. A properly constructed compact desk is made from the same materials and has the same build quality as a larger desk; it's just smaller to fit a smaller space, not built to a lower standard.

Which storage options are suitable for a small desk?
Built-in drawers are the most space-efficient choice because they don't increase the desk's footprint, while a slim mobile pedestal that fits underneath is a suitable alternative when the desk doesn't have storage.

Can a small desk still be height adjustable?
Yes, height adjustment isn't limited to larger desks. Compact height-adjustable options exist for smaller spaces, so you don't have to give up the ability to stand during the day just because your footprint is tight.

Working with a Tight Footprint?

You don't have to compromise on comfort or function just because your space is limited. Modern Office's compact range is built to make the most of small footprints, from straight desks to laptop tables.

Get in touch with our team for tailored advice, or browse our full range of desks and workstations to see what fits your space.