How to optimize space on a small desk?

Do you also get the feeling that on a small desk, objects seem to accumulate at an accelerated pace? It happens completely out of our control, as though our things come alive as soon as we finish work. Is it possible to control this? Of course! The key word here is: optimization. A properly organized space, even a small one, will allow you to fit everything you need for work – the order will maintain itself. 

Keep what you need most

Optimizing the space on a small desk is best started with a careful selection. Think about which tools and accessories you really need for your daily work; what do you need to have within reach and sight at all times. Everything else can be safely stowed away in the nearest free cabinet, dresser, arranged on a bookcase, or any other place in your work space. This will not only make organizing your desk much easier, but also get rid of excess distractions, which in turn can help you become more productive and efficient.

Vertical organization

When you’re building a house and your plot of land is not big enough to comfortably accommodate it, you add a floor. The same is true for a desk: if it's too small to fit a tidy and functional horizontal organizational structure, then you need to build vertically, both up and down. Start by raising the screen to an ergonomic height – it’ll free up some space underneath. Our Desk Shelf will work best here, especially the Mini version, with a built-in modular drawer. It’s an ideal solution for small desks, as the drawers allow you to store miscellaneous items or most needed accessories, making your desk look even neater. Alternatively, if a laptop is all you need for work, you can use the Laptop Stand with space for some matching wooden trays of different sizes underneath.

Make use of the space under your desk

Although, admittedly, a small desk won’t offer much space underneath, you can still do quite a lot to improve organization and introduce order. First of all, make sure that the cables don't get tangled under your feet and spoil the aesthetics of your workspace: our under-desk cable organizers will make this task much easier. Secondly, both our Classic and Standing desks have enough space underneath to easily fit a small cabinet or bin, where you can store all documents, notes, accessories, or electronics you use only sporadically. 

Lighting without compromise

Good lighting is paramount to creating a comfortable and healthy work environment, but a standard desk often takes up the valuable centimeters of your small desk. To remedy that, consider some other creative solutions. For example, a lamp that clamps on the edge of a tabletop or a floor lamp placed beside your desk to illuminate the entire workspace will work great. If your desk faces the wall, think about mounting wall sconces at the right height.

Law and Tabletop order

In addition to the stacked, vertical structure on the desk, accessories that help you organize horizontally will also come in handy. Don’t overdo it – a few basic additions are enough. Start by getting trays for smaller items, notes, or writing utensils. Our OakyBlocks are an optimal solution – the small wooden modules with built-in magnets allow you to combine them in any configuration. When every little thing has its own designated place, a cluttered desk becomes a mere memory, without having to downsize your accessory collection.

Charging your phone is yet another important matter. Instead of chargers scattered all over the room and plugged into hard-to-reach outlets, consider installing the command center, or rather "charging center," on your desk. It could be a single wireless charger or a MagSafe iPhone stand, but if you use more devices on a daily basis, a multifunctional docking station, where you can charge two or even three different devices at the same time, would be best.

A small desk doesn't have to mean small potential at all – quite the opposite. Designed in a thoughtful way and equipped with practical accessories, it can become a true kingdom of productivity and creativity.