Desks are essential for both students and professionals working from home. Having a dedicated area that minimizes distractions is incredibly beneficial. While there are countless home office ideas available, what about those who don't have a dedicated office space? If your home's layout doesn't allow for an office, consider incorporating a built-in desk somewhere! Built-in desks are a sleek and well-designed way to maximize space and stay organized in your home. Whether it's a small corner in your living room, a kitchen nook, or even a blank wall in a kid's room, built-in desks can provide a practical and stylish workspace. In this article, we have curated a collection of 20 unique built-in desk ideas that are perfect for any space.
20 Brilliant Built-in Desk Ideas
I must admit, I have a soft spot for anything built-in, whether it's bookshelves or cozy nooks. But there's something particularly special about a built-in desk. It not only provides a functional workspace but also adds a touch of elegance to the room's decor. Some of the ideas I'm about to share are DIY projects that you can tackle yourself, while others serve as great sources of inspiration if you're considering adding a built-in desk to your home. So, let's dive in!
Built-In Wall Desk
A built-in desk that spans an entire wall, complete with shelves, is a fantastic way to add workspace without taking up too much floor space. This type of built-in is perfect for small areas like kitchen nooks or living rooms. Not only does it provide a functional workspace, but it also adds a stylish design accent. The shelves are ideal for displaying decor accents, books, or decorative vessels for storing office supplies.
Built-in Desk Ideas for Kids
Built-in desks for kids are a wonderful addition to any space. They provide an organized area for homework, as well as storage for books and trinkets. Not to mention, they encourage kids to stay organized, making it easier for you to clean up after their projects. Built-ins can be customized with colorful paint, and the green-gray hue of this particular built-in adds a fun touch to any child's room.
Contemporary Wood and White Built-in Desk with Cabinets
This built-in desk adds contrast and visual interest to any space with its dual-tone design. With white shelves on top and a medium white oak wood tone on the bottom, it adds depth to the room. What sets this desk apart is its versatility - it serves as both a functional workspace and a beautiful accent wall.
Family Work Station with Built-in Floating Desk
Image via Pretty Real Blog
I love how this built-in desk utilizes an otherwise awkward space, providing a functional workspace for the entire family. With a floating desk and two long shelves, this setup is perfect as a family command center or homework station. The open storage shelves and spacious desk make it easy for multiple people to work together. It's a smart use of space that maximizes productivity.
Built In Double Desk Ideas
Image via Purely Katie
If you have enough space and a need for it, a double desk is a fantastic option. A built-in desk that accommodates two people is great for families. This specific design features a long surface, plenty of shelves, and drawers, making it the perfect workspace for multiple individuals. The blue-green painted drawers add a beautiful contrast to the wood desktop.
Simple Yet Functional Built-in IKEA Desk
When it comes to DIY desks, it doesn't get much better than an IKEA hack. IKEA offers a wide range of basic pieces that can be customized to create a unique built-in desk. This simple and sleek design is perfect for those who prefer an understated workspace. With some creativity and a few IKEA items, you can have a custom built-in desk that fits your needs perfectly.
Inviting and Cozy Bookshelf With a Desk
Image via Jane at Home
One of the great things about built-in desks is the flexibility they offer in terms of design. You can easily incorporate a small desk area into a bookshelf wall like this. It's a fantastic way to create a cozy workspace within a stylish and functional space. Adding built-in shelves and a desk to your room is a simple way to create a personalized workspace. The warmth and coziness of this setup make it truly inviting.
Traditional Kitchen Desk
Image via Rebecca Farris
Although kitchen desks gained popularity in the 1980s, they still serve as functional choices for those who need a small dedicated workspace. A built-in kitchen desk typically matches the materials used in your kitchen, seamlessly blending with your cabinetry and countertops. This built-in desk nook fits perfectly in the space, offering a custom look while remaining practical.
Cheerful Lavender Workspace Built-in
Image via At Charlotte's House
When you think of built-in desks, traditional designs may come to mind. However, this gorgeous lavender built-in proves that contemporary styles are equally captivating. The wall-to-ceiling lavender design creates a stunning workspace, perfect for homework, remote work, or even crafting. It adds a beautiful touch of color and texture to any room. If you're looking for a built-in desk with added style, consider incorporating a bold shade of paint.
Built-in Window Desk
Image via Made by Carli
Don't let any space go to waste; instead, transform your dormer window into a built-in desk. This DIY project is a smart and affordable way to create a workspace with a view. With just a few resources, you can easily replicate this desk in your own home. It's a perfect little nook, especially for kids.
Modern Under The Stairs Built-in Workspace
Image via All Things With Purpose
Out of all the built-in desk ideas, this one is my personal favorite. It maximizes the often-ignored space under the stairs. By adding built-in cabinets, a chunky desk, and floating shelves, you not only gain plenty of storage but also create a stunning and unexpected workspace. This design is both practical and visually appealing.
Bold and Beautiful Corner Desk Idea
Image via Blue I Style
If you lack the space for a dedicated home office, consider tucking a built-in corner desk into your living area. This open-concept corner desk serves as a shared workspace, blending seamlessly with the rest of the room. The modern black paint adds a sleek and bold touch, while the L-shaped design provides ample desk space and storage. The chunky molding that extends to the ceiling gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance.
Classic Kitchen Desk / Bar Combo
Image via The Inspired Room
I'm a big fan of multi-functional spaces, and this built-in desk combines a kitchen and beverage bar. It's a smart setup that maximizes the use of space. The slightly offset desk height creates a clear separation between the two areas. This built-in desk nook is perfect for a small kitchen and provides a polished and custom look.
Loft Home Office With Built-In Wall Unit
Image via One Kings Lane
For those lucky enough to have a whole room to dedicate to a home office, you can create the office of your dreams with a built-in desk like this one. Forget traditional office furniture - opt for something sleek and stylish, like this beautiful home office desk with built-in cabinets and shelving. The marble desktop adds a touch of luxury, while the custom cabinets hide clutter and the floating shelves provide additional storage. Imagine how productive you could be in a space like this!
Moody Blue Built-in Double Desk Wall Unit
Image via Blue I Style
This gorgeous home office space showcases how a built-in desk can be more than just a piece of furniture - it can set the entire mood of the room. The moody blue painted shiplap and cabinetry, along with the wallpapered walls, create an inspiring and visually stunning home office. The cabinets down the center of the wall provide a clear separation and hidden storage, all while maintaining the overall beautiful design of the space.
Simple and Chic Desk Nook
Image via A House Full of Sunshine
This built-in desk nook is perfect for a bedroom. It showcases how stunning a simple workspace can be. The wallpaper, chunky wood tabletop, fluted drawer fronts, and floating shelves all work together to create a stylish and functional area. It's an excellent example of how minimalistic design can have a big impact.
Closet Office with a Floating Desk
Image via Made by Carli
A "cloffice" (closet office) is a creative way to add a workspace to your home without sacrificing space. This closet office is simple yet functional, featuring a beautiful DIY floating built-in desk as the centerpiece. It's paired with a desk filing cabinet and under-desk baskets for storage. With this setup, you can turn even the tiniest space into a productive workspace.
Wrapping Up Built-in Desk Ideas
Image via Jane at Home
By now, it should be clear that built-in desks are an excellent way to add a functional workspace to any room in your home. Whether you have limited space, a small nook, or an entire room to dedicate, these built-in desk ideas provide endless inspiration. From small DIY projects to full walls of built-in workspaces, there's a design that will work for your unique space. Let these ideas ignite your creativity and help you create the perfect built-in desk for your home!