The 12 Best Wall-Mounted Desks of 2023
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Stylish yet practical ways to save space
The Spruce / Brian Kopinski
A wall-mounted desk—which as the name implies, attaches to the wall rather than resting on four legs—can be an elegant, space-saving design option for your home.
“Just like floating consoles and bathroom vanity cabinets, we love wall-mounted desks because they can make a space feel aerier and don’t take up a lot of space,” says Todd Howard Ezrin, principal at TOBE DesignGroup, an interior architecture and design firm. For instance, a wall-mounted desk is ideal if you have a small home office, or need to have a desk in your living room and want to be sure the space doesn’t look cramped.
To determine the best wall-mounted desks, we consulted design experts and considered the style, materials, weight capacity, and size of the many available options.
Best Overall: Wade Logan Oglethorpe Desk
Pros
Well designed, and doubles as a shelf when not used as desk
Budget-friendly
Ideal for small spaces
Cons
Installation can be challenging
Can be hard to use with monitor
Talk about a space saver! Our top pick for the best wall-mounted desk is this budget-friendly floating option from Wade Logan, which extends about nine inches out from your wall. This option is particularly ideal for a living or bedroom office desk since, when it’s not in use, it has the appearance of a decorative shelf.
Made with manufactured wood, this desk is available in a variety of finish options. With both concealed storage via cabinets with drop-down shelves along with an open shelf, it offers plenty of space to stash away desk items, such as a laptop or notebook, and a cable cut-out on the top allows for a neat appearance. The top shelf can accommodate 44 pounds of weight, while the shelf can handle 33 pounds. Since the desk does not have a lot of depth, it’s likely best used for occasional work, and or for use solely with a laptop, since there’s limited space for a keyboard, mouse, and other accessories.
Buyers’ opinions varied about the ease of installation, with many opting for a professional to manage the process and others noting the need for additional wall anchors.
Price at time of publish: $132
Dimensions: 9.05 x 62.99 x 11.81 inches | Material: Manufactured wood
Best Budget: Ikea Bjursta Wall-Mounted Drop-Leaf Table
Pros
Practical and flexible in terms of usage
Ideal for small spaces
Sturdy and high quality
Cons
Additional parts to purchase for installation
Installation can be tricky
Simple is the main attribute of this budget-friendly wall-mounted desk from IKEA. While you won’t get storage with it, this fold-down shelf offers flexibility—if you decide you don’t want to use it as a desk, it can serve as a shelf or a kitchen table.
It’s ideal for small spaces (you could even consider using it in a closet office in a pinch). Plus, this desk is appropriate for both adults and children to use. Buyers appreciate the desk’s sturdiness. Installation can be tricky—for one, it does not come with the screws to attach it to the wall. This is intentional, per IKEA, which recommends consulting with your hardware store to determine the best way to mount it to the wall.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 35 3/8 x 19 5/8 inches | Material: Particleboard, Steel
Best Splurge: Design Within Reach Pier Office
Pros
Flexible modular design
Appropriate for children or adults
Three color options
Cons
Cannot be used with monitor
Desk only supports 33 pounds
This Design Within Reach desk is a favorite of Ezrin, who appreciates the option to configure the desk to meet your specifications as well as the desk’s built-in shelving. This modular option offers the ability to add additional shelves, increase the desk’s length, and incorporate additional desktop surfaces.
It’s available in neutral colors, and also a black and mallard blue combination which Ezrin likes for its “pop of color.” Because of its modular design, the desk can be placed at the height of your choice (which makes it ideal for children). That said, given the small space for the desk, it’s not appropriate for use with a computer monitor. Also note that the desk can only support 33 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $1,590
Dimensions: 82.25 x 63.75 x 18 inches | Materials: Anodized aluminum and powder-coated steel
Best Folding: Urban Outfitters Murray Wall-Mounted Desk
Pros
Space-saving and stylish design
Contains storage
Easy installation
Cons
Can’t be used with a monitor
Pricier option
Another great small space option, this wall-mounted desk sold at Urban Outfitters has a Murphy bed-like vibe: when the desk portion is folded up, the unit looks like a cabinet. Along with the desk, which is sized for use with a notebook or laptop, there’s a two-door cabinet available above, which is convenient for storing desk items.
Buyers found the installation process easy and describe the unit as being sturdy. Due to the desk’s petite size, it won’t work well with a computer monitor or if you need to fully sprawl out on your desk.
Price at time of publish: $299
Dimensions: 28.11 x 6.23 x 26.69 inches | Material: Manufactured wood
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Best With Drawer: Modway Render Wall Mount Wood Office Desk
Pros
Includes drawers and keyboard tray
High weight capacity
Available in several colors
Cons
Lengthy installation process
Assembly required
Welcome mid-century modern style into your home with this desk, which features two drawers as well as a pull-out tray to house your keyboard. The top of the desk also includes modern touches, like a hole for cables. Depending on where you place it, this desk could be a great addition to your family’s command center.
The weight capacity for this desk is a hefty 228 pounds, so you won’t need to worry about resting your elbows on it while typing. Buyers caution that you can anticipate a lengthy installation process, so come prepared with patience.
Price at time of publish: $244
Dimensions: 9.5 x 60 x 15.5 inches | Material: Manufactured wood
Best L-Shaped: Southern Enterprises Wall Mounted Fold Out Convertible Desk
Pros
Space-saving Murphy desk
Easy to fold up and down
Sturdy
Cons
Installation instructions unclear
May need to drill additional holes
This wall-mounted desk folds out from the wall to create a Tetris-shaped L. The wall unit that holds the desk when it’s folded up includes adjustable shelves, slot organizers, and a corkboard panel. One advantage of this discreet desk is that when it’s opened out, it offers a lot of space, although it is most appropriate for use with a notebook or laptop (and does not have the capacity for a computer monitor).
We love this as a space-saving option that’s appropriate to use in a bedroom, living room, or even kitchen office. It’s easy to fold up and down as needed. Reviewers appreciate its Murphy bed-like attributes although some note the assembly instructions could be clearer and a few needed to drill additional holes to meet wall studs.
Price at time of publish: $178
Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 28.75 inches | Material: Birch veneer and medium density fiberboard
Best Under $100: Zimtown Wall Mounted Computer Desk
Pros
Many shelves and cubbies
Has a relatively high weight capacity
Easy assembly
Cons
Best to use your own anchors
Does not include keyboard tray
This floating desk is ideal for any spot in your home, offering an array of storage nooks, a large workspace, and a sleek design. It has a weight capacity of 66 pounds, so you won’t have to be stressed about resting your elbows on the workspace.
While reviewers praise the ease of assembly, some note that they purchased and used their own anchors during the installation process for a more secure mount. And while buyers largely liked the aesthetics of this unit, and praised it for being budget-friendly, several noted that it was frustrating to see the screws and hardware and not have a means to hide them. Given the price, and the overall functionality of this unit, we think that’s an acceptable sacrifice.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 39.37 x 42.13 x 19.69 inches | Material: Chipboard
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Best for Kids: Crate & Kids Mallory White Wood Wall-Mounted Kids Table
Pros
Playful, functional design
Can be used as play table or desk
Well sized for kids
Cons
Can be hard to assemble
Not a cheap option
Hailing from Crate & Barrel’s kids' line, this playfully designed wall-mounted desk offers a curved top, which is helpful for avoiding injuries. It can be mounted at the appropriate height for your child—and their chair—and can be used as either a play table or a desk.
Helpfully, since it may be used with art supplies, this desk can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth, although you’ll want to avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface. Reviewers love that the desk is appropriately sized for children and a child’s room. Note that some buyers struggled with the installation process.
Price at time of publish: $299
Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 22 inches | Material: Poplar wood and engineered wood
Best With Keyboard Tray: Wzhong Wall Floating Computer Desk
Pros
Includes sliding keyboard tray
Comes in multiple lengths
Easy to clean
Cons
Does not suit all wall types
2 people required for installation
Once you become accustomed to working with a monitor and keyboard tray, it can be hard to give up that ergonomic set-up. It doesn’t have to be off-limits, even with a wall-mounted desk—this versatile option offers a shelf suitable for a monitor, along with a keyboard tray that slides in smoothly and offers three installation positions.
You’ll need to pick your preferred size for this desk, which is available in three lengths. Assembly is required, but note that you’ll need two people to complete the task. And, be aware that this desk works with most common types of wall materials, such as drywall and plaster, but can’t be used if you have a cavity wall. Made from engineered wood, this desk has a painted surface for easy clean-up.
Price at time of publish: $129
Dimensions: 14.76 x 1.5 x 39 inches | Material: Plastic, Engineered Wood
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Best With Storage: FCH Ktaxon Wall Mounted Table
Pros
Budget-friendly
Has shelves and drawer
Easy assembly
Cons
Very small
May not have all pieces initially
There’s a lot to appreciate with this floating desk, starting with the ample storage space, which includes several cubbies and shelves, as well as a drawer. That’s particularly of note given the overall small size of this desk, which folds up into a unit that’s just 24 by 6 by 20 inches. Note that several reviewers were surprised by just how small the desk is, so consider the dimensions of the unit (both folded up and with the drop-down table down) carefully prior to purchase.
Each shelf can hold up to 12 pounds, while the table leaf can hold up to 35 pounds. Given all the storage, this wall-mounted desk makes just as much sense in the bathroom, where it can be used to lay out all your makeup in the morning, as in the living room, where it can double as a home office desk. Buyers found the installation easy, but note that some had missing pieces in their original delivery.
Price at time of publish: $65
Dimensions: 23.62 x 5.9 x 19.68 inches | Material: MDF Board & Metal
Best Adjustable: TheDeskStand WallStand Wall Mounted Standing Desk
Pros
Incredibly flexible, with shelf height adjustable
Shelves can be removed when not in use
Easy assembly
Cons
Not sized to naturally meet wall studs
Cannot hold a ton of weight
If you’re interested in flexibility when it comes to a wall-mounted desk, this one, available for sale on Etsy, has got your number: It offers light-weight, height-adjustable shelving so you can raise and lower the shelves to accommodate working while seated—or while standing. This adjustability is also ideal if two people who are different heights are sharing the desk, since each can adjust the shelf height to meet their needs.
Each of the two shelves that come with this desk can hold up to 44 pounds, and you can use the shelves for a monitor screen. You can easily remove the shelves when your workday is over. Reviewers call out the ease of installation as well as the beautiful design. That said, it would be helpful if the desk was sized at a width that accommodates the typical placement of wall studs.
Price at time of publish: $315
Dimensions: 30 x 33.9 x 22 inches | Material: Plywood, wood
Best for Small Spaces: Latitude Run Black Dylan-Mackie 15.75'' Desk
Pros
Compact
Sturdy and simple in design
Easy assembly and installation process
Cons
Requires two people to install
Limited color options
If you're in need of a small desk in a truly tight space, a fold-down option is ideal. This Latitude desk is petite in size even when expanded, with dimensions of just over a foot by around two feet. This is a simple option, but it can be used as a desk space or shelf, accommodating a laptop or notebook. Curved edges are a small yet practical design touch.
You can opt to mount this desk to your desired height, and it comes with the anchors, brackets, and screws you’ll need for installation. Overall, buyers found this desk easy to install, although note that some called out this isn’t a solo job and that two adults were required. The weight capacity for the desk is 50 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $67 for White
Dimensions: 0.5625 x 15.75 x 23.625 inches | Material: manufactured wood
Best for Corners: Manhattan Comfort Bradley Mid Century Modern Home Office Floating Corner Desk
Pros
Option to add legs
Includes keyboard tray
Fits in corner
Cons
Can be tricky to attach legs
A less sturdy option
This Manhattan Comfort floating desk fits smoothly in the corner of the room. It offers a mid-century modern aesthetic and includes a sliding keyboard tray, which can also be used as a drawer. While small in size, because of the keyboard tray and general design, this desk can be used with a desktop computer or monitor, as well as with a laptop. A small shelf at the top of the desk can be used to store desk items (think: pens, notebooks, and so on).
A bonus with this desk is that you can attach legs to it for further support and a slightly different aesthetic if you’d like. While it’s overall easy to assemble and install, some buyers found the legs challenging to attach. And note that this desk, which is made from MDP and MDF, will need careful attention during installation and use, since some reviewers point out it’s not the sturdiest option.
Price at time of publish: $118
Dimensions: 21.06 x 43.98 x 31.1 inches | Material: MDP and MDF
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Our top pick for a wall-mounted desk, the Wade Logan White Oglethorpe Desk, has an elegant appearance and doubles as a shelf when not in use as a desk, while also offering drawers to stash items and a budget-friendly price. But the best desk for you will suit your needs—if hiding away the desk is a priority, consider a fold-away or cabinet option, such as the Murray Wall-Mounted Desk. And, if a keyboard tray is a must, you’ll want to go for the Wzhong Wall Floating Computer Desk.
What to Look for in a Wall-Mounted Desk
“When purchasing a wall mounted desk, it is important to ensure the desk can accommodate all of the functions and equipment you expect to use,” says Cameron Johnson, CEO and founder of Nickson Living, a furniture rental company. That is, you’ll want a different type of desk if you plan to use it weekly to set up the family calendar than if you’ll use it daily as part of your home office.
Size and Weight
To determine the right size for a wall-mounted desk, think about how you plan to use it—you’ll need something larger, for instance, if you plan to use a computer monitor. “A good place to start regarding size is to roughly sketch out your ideal design and measure the amount of space everything will take (e.g. keyboard, mouse pad, monitor, desk lamp, etc.),” Johnson advises.
For a larger-sized desk, the Render Wall Mount Wood Office Desk is a great option, while if your plan is only occasional use with a laptop or table, the Bjursta is ideal.
“If you are unclear on what will go on the desk, a safe place to start is with a desk at least 48 inches wide and 18 inches deep,” Johnson notes.
In terms of weight, the way you’ll use the desk is again a key consideration. “If you are going to place heavy objects on the desk or shelves, you may want to install blocking in the wall for reinforcement,” Ezrin says.
If you do anticipate a lot of weight on the desk, the Render Wall Mount Wood Office Desk offers an astounding 200+ pounds of weight capacity.
Style and Design
Consider the overall aesthetic of your space, and how the desk will fit in both when it’s in use, and (if applicable) when it’s closed or cleared off. “When choosing style or material, it is important to consider the design of the broader room and attempt to secure a desk that will match and elevate the current design aesthetic,” Johnson says.
If clutter is your enemy, consider the Murray Wall-Mounted Desk or Southern Enterprises Wall Mounted Fold Out Convertible Desk, both of which can close up when not in use. Or, opt for the Bradley Black Floating Corner Desk with Keyboard Shelf to fit with a mid-century modern vibe.
Storage Options
“Storage in a wall-mounted desk tends to be minimal,” says Ezrin. Still, some have shelves, cubby holes, drawers, or keyboard shelves. If storage is a priority, consider the Design Within Reach Pier Office, which has ample shelving, or the Ktaxon Wall Mounted Table, which has many shelves along with a drawer.
And don’t forget about how you’ll deal with plugs and wiring with your wall-mounted desk, Johnson says. “Many desks will offer cord management systems or may even have integrated outlets and USB ports, allowing you to neatly install and charge your devices,” he says. Try the Render Wall Mount Wood Office Desk, which has a handy cord hole.
Mounting and Installation
When it comes to mounting and installation, you have options: Some units mount directly to the wall, while others are suspended from metal rails, Ezrin notes. Think about how you’ll be using the desk, and how much weight it’ll need to support.
“If you anticipate varying use cases and needs for your desk over time, then you may want to opt for a solution that provides as much flexibility as possible such as the ability to adjust the height of the desk and to add different components such as shelving or cabinets to the desk system,” Johnson says. The Design Within Reach Pier Office, for instance, allows you to add shelves, while the WallStand Standing Desk Wall Mounted Ergonomic Office With Adjustable Shelving allows you a lot of flexibility when it comes to desk height, without needing to adjust how the unit is mounted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can a wall-mounted desk hold?
This varies depending on style and installation. “As a general rule of thumb, a securely mounted desk should be able to support 40 to 50 pounds at a minimum,” Johnson says.
What is the ideal height for a wall-mounted desk?
Mount the desk at around 28 to 30 inches off the floor if you’re looking to sit at it, Johnson recommends. “That said, be sure to consider whether or not you prefer to stand at the desk in addition to your broader layout as an increased installation could make sense—chairs come in plenty of variations to accommodate nearly whatever height you select,” he adds.
Can I install a wall-mounted desk myself?
If you’re handy, you certainly can. But if you have reservations, consider reaching out to a handyperson, particularly if you’ll need to go beyond the items included in the package to properly support the desk. There’s no upside if you go through the labor to install the desk only to have it be unable to support the weight of a computer, tilt slightly, or have other issues.
What is the best material for a wall-mounted desk?
Look for materials that are both durable and lightweight like MDF, Johnson suggests. And think too about what appeals to your aesthetics along with how you’ll be using the desk. “You’ll most likely want a powder coated paint finish for durability. If the desk will only be used for occasional work, you can consider a painted wood finish,” Ezrin says.
Why Trust The Spruce?
In researching this article, Madeleine Burry drew on personal experience as a New Yorker frequently in need of small-space solutions. Burry has years of writing home-related content, including product round-ups for the Spruce. Cameron Johnson, CEO and founder of Nickson Living, and Todd Howard Ezrin, principal at TOBE DesignGroup, both shared insights and recommendations, which helped steer the items included in this list. Finally, Burry looked for well-reviewed options, and carefully considered the pros and cons highlighted by buyers.
