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Desks
Working at home needn’t be a drag. Spending the day (or even the odd power-hour) behind an elegant desk will take the grind out of your nine-to-five. And we think these are all up to the job.
Ashwicke Writing DeskGarden TradingI had a vintage table very similar to this for many years. It began as a dining table for two, then became a desk for one grown-up and a making table for two small boys. The point is that it’s a classic design, it’s made from wood and it’s the kind of thing you will use forever.
Hideaway Wall DeskBisleyThis wall-mounted desk is perfect for kids who don’t have to do that much work (primary) or for small spaces when an hour or two will suffice. Choose from a white or wooden case, and a choice of colours for the metal back panel. It has handy holes from which you can hang various accessories, such as a task lamp, a series of mini-shelves and even headphones (perfect for the inevitable Zoom).
Outline Desk BisleyAnother gem from Bisley. The Outline starts as a basic wooden desk and you can choose the colour of the powder coated steel frame but add a back panel or shelves to build it up into a complete home office. It is, as the name suggests, a simple outline for you to build what you need.
USMUSMUSM is a Swiss company that was created in the 60s to furnish a factory making ball bearings. The joy is that it all its pieces are adaptable and customisable. The colours are deliberately restricted so that however long you own it, you can be sure of an exact match with a new piece. Known more for commercial spaces, USM is moving into residential with its adaptable, durable and classic designs. Expensive but worth it.
Archivita Walnut Desk ModuleLa RedouteThis is the Le Redoute version of the Heal's String shelving system, which you can build up and adapt as you go along. It’s not entirely straightforward to work out what you need from the website (more’s the pity), but take the time to work it through and you can build a set that will sit along a full wall and give you loads of space and storage.
Aponi' BureauJointed + JointedA few years ago I met Sam Chen, the founder of Joined and Jointed, and I love his aesthetic. His diffusion line is where he teams up with up-and-coming as well as established designers to create beautifully made furniture. This bureau is a case in point. Closed, it is a rather lovely cabinet with decorative grain visible; open it, and it's a desk with storage, space to work and even a cork board for memos. You can also buy a mirror to transform it into a dressing table at the end of the day. An investment piece that will become a future heirloom.
Roll Desk by Ligne RosetHeal'sIt’s not always about hiding your desk. (These days, much like televisions, we all know we all have them, after all.) But it's worth investing in a beautiful piece of furniture that will do the job and look good, too. This curved desk is perfect for home, with its rounded edges and space for storage. Put the lamp on the top and there’s plenty of room to work as well as a hidden port for cables.
Hardy DeskAnother CountryA compact desk with a single drawer and rounded ends, this range was named after the poem Old Furniture by Thomas Hardy, as an ode to furniture being handed down through the generations. It’s a beautifully crafted design that will work as a dressing table and hall table as well if you move house or your needs change.
Reclaimed wooden deskEtsyThere's something very elegant and simple about this desk with its single drawer as the sole embellishment. You can choose the size (they will even alter it to fit specifically for your needs), so you can have it deeper or shallower depending on where you need it to go. A desk this minimal is surely an encouragement to work more tidily, or procrastinate in style.
Magosia Solid Walnut DeskLa RedouteOne of those valuable crossover pieces that will be useful for years and years. Use it (as I have here) as a dressing table that might make a place to WFH too. Move it into the sitting room to double up as a console table and desk. Or, finally, if you do have an office, it's made for in there and you can use it for a desktop computer and keep all your pads and pens together in the drawer. Another reason I like it? No brass tips on the legs. Yes, it's a pet hate – but they tend to look cheap and will date. This is simple, pared back classic and will stand the test of time.
