11 Floating Desks That Turn Any Small Space Into an Instant Office

Floating desks are so useful for anyone who doesn't want to sacrifice too much floor space or resort to using their dining table as a makeshift workstation. That said, there are a lot of options out there, so if you're wondering what elements to consider before buying one, we've got you covered.

Size: Size is probably the most important factor because if you need to fit a whole lot on your desk throughout the workday, a spacious desk is a must. Otherwise, if all you need is your laptop, you can go with a smaller one. By the way, when we say "size" we are referring to both width and length. The height is totally up to you. Once you have your desk in your home, pull your office chair up to the wall and have someone hold it in place, adjusting it when it feels like its at the right level. Be sure to leave enough room to cross your legs at the knee! Nothing hurts more than forgetting the desk is there and swinging your knee right into it.

Storage: Storage is more of a preference than an essential, but if you have a lot of papers, books, files, or anything else you don't need to be looking at all day, having a place to keep them is nice. It also just leaves more room for things you do want on-hand during the workday, like a mug of coffee or a desk calendar.

Weight Capacity: Weight capacity refers to the amount of weight a desk can support on a regular basis before it starts to detach from the wall and collapse. If you're using a monitor with a laptop, you'll definitely need a floating desk able to support at least 20 pounds. If you'll just be using a laptop, anything with a capacity of under 20 pounds will certainly work. Keep in mind though, if you are going to put a lot of weight on your floating desk, you shouldn't mount the desk on any old wall because the added weight may cause it to tear—instead, mount it on a load-bearing wall.

The simple answer is yes, floating desks are always a good idea. The only reason they wouldn't work well is if you get the wrong one for your space. So, before you buy one, think about where you'll put it and how you'll use it. If you're going to use it five days a week with your laptop, monitor, and myriad miscellaneous work life goodies, you'll need a larger one with a big weight-bearing capacity and at least some storage. However, if you're going to spend a few hours everyday reading emails here and there, you may be able to get away with a smaller one with no storage. The best part about floating desks, no matter which kind you get, is that they're small space-friendly because they take up no floor space. If only we could figure out a floating office chair!

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and tapped her fellow editors to find the best floating desks on the market right now for House Beautiful readers. In addition, she read through every review, taking in the good and bad, to make sure only the floating desks with the most positive reviews make it on this list.