10 Modern Secretary Desks for Small Spaces

Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer based in New York City who covers interior design and lifestyle content. She is constantly on the hunt for eye-catching pieces to add to her space and believes that a home is never truly finished being styled.
updated Jan 3, 2024
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Home office with a wooden desk, red striped chair, framed photos, and potted plants on top.

Many of us don’t have the luxury of a separate home office — and our “private study” also happens to be our living room, bedroom, or hallway. For a work area that knows how to multitask, there’s no candidate better suited for the position than a secretary desk.

Flip open the top when you’re ready to get down to business, then fold it away in time for happy hour. The secretary desk is a perfect solution for small spaces or a stylish WFH setup. Here, we rounded up 10 of our favorites that we’re loving right now.

Mid-Century Mini Secretary
$499

How great is this stylish little desk from West Elm? Not only is it functional, but it's also perfect for those who are partial to mid-century modern design. It's petite enough to be tucked into even the tiniest corner of your studio and makes a sleek statement, plus you can use the top shelf for displaying small plants and decor.

$499 at West Elm
Barta Desk
$460$400

Yes, this extremely compact unit is actually a desk and measures less than nine inches deep when the tabletop is closed. The Barta Desk can turn any small space or nook into an office area. Just drop down the 34-inch wide tabletop and you've got a work space. Also, the desk includes several shelves and cabinets to store any office essentials or tech gear.

$400 at Wayfair
Mid-Century Fold Out Desk
$429

This Urban Outfitters desk has mid-century design elements, but with a bit of rustic flair that could work within a number of spaces. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s versatile, well-made, and likely to stick around for many years.

$429 at Urban Outfitters
Paignt Desk
$690$300

This Wayfair desk has more of the classic secretary style and comes with tons of storage. The five drawers keep essentials like chargers or documents nearby, but also tucked away so they're not an eyesore. Also, the paint design is slightly distressed to give a more rustic feel. Choose between neutrals like black and oak or a colorful teal.

$300 at Wayfair
Stanley Dresser Desk
$549

We love a versatile and functional piece of decor and that's exactly what you get with Urban Outfitter's Stanley dresser desk. It looks like a dresser, because it is, but the top drawer actually rolls out and folds down creating a work surface. There's even a convenient cut out in the back for any cords. The bottom drawers are quite deep and great for clothes or even bulky blankets and throws.

$549 at Urban Outfitters
Toulouse Secretary Desk
$1,699

This larger piece can also be used as a dresser and offers storage galore. While it’s an investment piece at over $1,000, it’s traditional and bound to stand the test of time. And how stunning is the stained gray finish?

$1,699 at Pottery Barn
Daisy Secretary Desk
$1,299

The West Elm Kids Daisy secretary desk could be suitable for a child, but adults can also appreciate the function and groovy style. The wave details at the top and bottom add a playful touch to the desk that's made from sustainably sourced wood. The drop-down panel measures 34 inches, providing more than enough space for a laptop. Also, the top shelf is perfect for any items you want on display while the bottom cabinet keeps things tucked away.

$1,299 at West Elm
Middlebrook Modern Hutch Cabinet with Pull-out Desk
$318

Don’t forget about your vertical space! This statement piece from Bed Bath & Beyond stands out for its height and sophisticated style. It’s a great buy for the size, and you’re likely to score an additional discount via the website, which frequently runs promos.

$318 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Regalia Secretary Desk
$174

Looking for a traditional, vintage-looking piece under $200? You can’t do better than this Target find, which also boasts rave reviews! Compact and unassuming, it’s a classic secretary desk that will stand the test of time.

$174 at Target
Christine Secretary Desk
$2,699$2,024

Looking for a piece that does it all? We’re loving this executive-friendly desk from Ballard Designs, which will make sitting down for a busy day of work feel much more pleasant! While expensive, this piece can also be used as a dresser, plus it has tons of extra storage space for all the little things you don’t want on display.

$2,024 at Ballard Designs

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