These Stylish Floating Desks Make Us Like Mondays a Little More

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If there is one type of furniture that works just as well in a tiny nook as it does in a sprawling open-concept space, it’s floating desks. It works in small rooms because, as its name implies, it doesn't take up any floor space. And because it’s floating, it adds an element of visual interest that makes it work in a larger room. Basically, we’re saying that wall-mounted desks work in any kind of room, making them a good idea for just about anyone.

With plenty of people still working from home, if you’re still using your setup from the early days of 2020, it’s time to upgrade, and we can't recommend floating desks enough. So, what makes them so cool? The fact that, from afar, they really do look like they’re hovering at the perfect height, makes them some of our favorite pieces to recommend. Secondly, there are so many different options out there, including ones that are shaped like an L and squeeze into a corner, tiny ones that are basically easy-to-install shelves, and much bigger ones complete with tons of storage. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it here.

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Kinetic Wall-Mount Office Desk

We are going to kickstart our list with a very basic pick that should not be underestimated. For starters, the lack of drawers makes it easy to sit however you want in the chairs without knocking your knees into something hard. Second, the surface slides in and out, so if you want to see your screen better, feel free to move it closer without having to hold it. In terms of form, this comes in two sizes and two finishes.

Render L-Shaped Floating Desk

This L-shaped floating desk is for anyone with an awkward corner in a room too small to squeeze in a chair or bookshelf. Complete with two drawers and an open shelf, there is plenty of room to file away papers, staplers, scissors, and whatever else you may need on hand during the workday. Like the previous pick, this one also comes in various finishes, including oak (pictured), walnut, and charcoal. Personally, we love the look of a blonde wood, but to each their own. We also just want to add a styling tip: If you love the look of one of these finishes, but the wood in the rest of your space is a different color, do not let that deter you. Unlike metallic finishes, wood ones do not have to match to look good together. "I absolutely love this corner desk. It was fairly straightforward to assemble and turned out beautifully. I also purchased a floating nightstand and a standing storage piece to match," one reviewer noted.

Jolita Floating Desk

Technically, all floating desks can be small space-friendly, but this one really takes the cake because it folds up to take up basically no room at all. All you have to do is push the surface into the base, and when it clicks, it's locked in place. Plus, the two cabinet doors open to reveal a built-in corkboard, which is an at-home office must, if you ask us. "This is exactly as described! It arrived assembled, so I just had to mount it to the wall, which was super easy and fast. It is so sturdy too," a reviewer said.

Bedford Modular Desk

With this Pottery Barn corner desk, you can decide how much you want or don't want to build. Opt for just the floating corner piece if your home office is a tight squeeze, or copy the photo and snag a few file cabinets to create a more legit office setting.

Oglethorpe Floating Desk

All you really need is a solid desktop, a small shelf, and some cubbies for stowing your work supplies away. This floating desk features all three, plus it comes in six colors. The best part about this find, though, is that it features a cable management storage system cut out on the spacious 63-inch wide top, so you'll never have to deal with clutter.

Industrial Wooden Floating Desk

When we think of a traditional floating desk, something like this comes to mind. Not only is it made of solid pine, but it mounts to the wall on sturdy cast iron brackets, so just imagine how much you can do on this extremely durable desktop. It comes in six sizes, so depending on what you'll be using it for, you have plenty of options to consider.

Modern White Floating Desk

We love a simple floating desk with drawers—especially when it's on sale for $200 off. Because it's only 39.4 inches wide, you can stash this desk in pretty much any room with a little wall space to spare. The top, which may look prone to scratches, rest assured that the top is lacquered for extra protection.

USB Folding Wall Desk

The only downside to this folding wall-mounted desk is that it's almost sold out, so if you are in need of a space-saving solution to up your WFH game, this is a good find. Did we mention it includes two USB ports for charing all of your most essential devices. It also comes with slats to prop up your phone or iPad, cupholders, and pods for pens and pencils.

Ala Wall Mounted Desk

The desktop may look extremely thick, but that's because it's made up of two spacious and deep drawers, which are mounted to the slatted FSC-certified wooden panel. There's also a built-in LED light for late nights working from home. As for styling it, we suggest going with a stool you can tuck under the desktop or a low-back office chair.

White Wall-Mounted Computer Table Desk

At just under 40 inches wide, this sleek wall-mounted floating desk is perfect for small spaces because it's replete with cleverly hidden storage, including two cubbies and a closed drawer. Here's the thing, though: It weighs 40 pounds, so you may need another set of hands to mount it to the wall, but it can bear up to 80 pounds, so feel free to store all of your work must-haves on the tabletop, drawer, and cubbies.

Holgate Modular Floating Desk

This modular wall-mounted desk would look beautiful in any space and, at 28 inches wide, it will certainly fit. If you need a bit more storage space, opt for the two-shelf option for an extra $160. Plus, if you like the industrial design aesthetic, this wall-mounted style will go perfectly in your space.

What to Look for When Buying a Floating Desk

Floating desks are so useful for anyone who doesn't want to sacrifice too much floor space or resort to using their dining table as a makeshift workstation. That said, there are a lot of options out there, so if you're wondering what elements to consider before buying one, we've got you covered.

Size: Size is probably the most important factor because if you need to fit a whole lot on your desk throughout the workday, a spacious desk is a must. Otherwise, if all you need is your laptop, you can go with a smaller one. By the way, when we say "size" we are referring to both width and length. The height is totally up to you. Once you have your desk in your home, pull your office chair up to the wall and have someone hold it in place, adjusting it when it feels like its at the right level. Be sure to leave enough room to cross your legs at the knee! Nothing hurts more than forgetting the desk is there and swinging your knee right into it.

Storage: Storage is more of a preference than an essential, but if you have a lot of papers, books, files, or anything else you don't need to be looking at all day, having a place to keep them is nice. It also just leaves more room for things you do want on-hand during the workday, like a mug of coffee or a desk calendar.

Weight Capacity: Weight capacity refers to the amount of weight a desk can support on a regular basis before it starts to detach from the wall and collapse. If you're using a monitor with a laptop, you'll definitely need a floating desk able to support at least 20 pounds. If you'll just be using a laptop, anything with a capacity of under 20 pounds will certainly work. Keep in mind though, if you are going to put a lot of weight on your floating desk, you shouldn't mount the desk on any old wall because the added weight may cause it to tear—instead, mount it on a load-bearing wall.

Are Floating Desks a Good Idea?

The simple answer is yes, floating desks are always a good idea. The only reason they wouldn't work well is if you get the wrong one for your space. So, before you buy one, think about where you'll put it and how you'll use it. If you're going to use it five days a week with your laptop, monitor, and myriad miscellaneous work life goodies, you'll need a larger one with a big weight-bearing capacity and at least some storage. However, if you're going to spend a few hours everyday reading emails here and there, you may be able to get away with a smaller one with no storage. The best part about floating desks, no matter which kind you get, is that they're small space-friendly because they take up no floor space. If only we could figure out a floating office chair!

Why Trust House Beautiful?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and tapped her fellow editors to find the best floating desks on the market right now for House Beautiful readers. In addition, she read through every review, taking in the good and bad, to make sure only the floating desks with the most positive reviews make it on this list.

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