But there are many cheaper but creative ways to designate certain areas of the home to transform them into work spaces.
Among other essentials, office desk is a requirement for a standard workstation. Instead of arranging a separate and expensive office setup, you can rely on several alternatives to a desk where you can implement creative ideas.
In this article, we have provided multiple options, from DIY tables to ironing boards, to use as space-saving and economical alternatives to a desk.
Alternatives to A Desk - Eight Cheap But Creative Ideas
If there is no office desk at your home, don’t worry. Various alternatives can prove brilliantly advantageous for you. You might have never thought of using an iron board as a desk, but it is a great way to utilize one item for multiple purposes. Below we have enlisted diverse cheap but creative alternatives to a desk.
Check them out to resolve your major concern about the home office desk.
Use A Lap Desk
As the name describes, you can place it on your lap to work wherever you are sitting. Some lap desks have raised legs that keep the laptop a little above your lap. Working in bed goes well with this type of desk.
Laptops usually get overheated, but at this desk, the risk reduces ten folds. Overheating is the most common problem with laptops if you do 90% of your work using them. This often leads to damaged components, slow and poorly functioning systems, and inefficient or dead batteries.
Floating Desk
A wall-mounted or floating desk is another great alternative to a desk. Its setup is quite similar to the shelf with some benefits. You can install it inside any room, and it has simple installation.
You might have already installed floating desks for plants and knickknacks, often used for work. You can save a lot of space, even in small rooms. If you have a sturdy floating desk, you can also place decor items on it along with working equipment.
Mobile Laptop Desk
If you are like me who can not sit at a fixed place to work and need different spots to work around the home, a mobile laptop desk is a perfect option for you. Some versions of these desks for desktops are now available in the market, where you can choose one based on your work moods.
You can work in the bedroom or set it in the living room if you need a large area for work. Want to enjoy the aesthetics of nature? You can place it in the backyard garden or balcony to enjoy enchanting sceneries.
Use Bookshelf As a Substitute
A bookshelf is a good alternative if you prefer working on a standing desk. The divided sections of the bookshelf can be designated for a workspace where you can place a laptop, diary, mouse, keyboard, and separate screen.
But what about books? Don’t worry; you can still place your books in other empty sections and adjust work files.
You get more benefits by using a bookshelf as a work desk, but standing for long hours can cause serious health issues. So there is a recommendation to use a high-rise work chair for the bookshelf desk.
Turn Utility Cart into Table
You might have never considered using a utility cart or a tea trolly as your professional work-from-home station. But the rollers provide mobility, and shelves give storage area, which combined give mobile work desk experience.
If you do not have one at home, you can get one at cheaper rates. You can place a laptop, work items, files, and snacks in that cart for an enjoyable work adventure.
Ironing Board
An iron board is obviously purposeful for ironing clothes, but it can also serve as a work desk where you can sit or stand to accomplish all office tasks. Its functions allow to raise it high or low to work while sitting or standing.
It is difficult to stay in one position for longer, especially when you continuously work. This is another best option among other alternatives to a desk which can also be used for ironing.
Kitchen Countertops
Sometimes, you have to utilize each empty nook or corner due to the scarcity of workspace at home. While other spaces have several benefits, kitchen countertops provide premium space for work.
Cabinets beneath the countertops are useful for storing work files and other equipment. Your creativity and productivity aren’t dependent on a spacious and expensive office environment. After finishing your house chores, you can simply go inside the kitchen and set up your devices to start work.
Side Tables & Dining Table
Side tables, coffee tables, and other empty benches at home are also great alternatives to a desk. To work, a side table can be placed anywhere, including the bedroom, living room, or outdoors.
You can use any table as an alternative to a work desk, even the dining table. Your closet for hanging clothes is also useful for acting as a work desk.
Can You Work From Home Without A Desk
You can rely on a mini desk, wall-mounted desk, tripod stand as a desk, balcony table as a desk, multi functional furniture, space beneath stairs, and any empty shelf.
Sitting vs standing at work 🪑 Alternatives to a sit and stand desk
FAQs
What makes a good home workstation?
A good workstation must have all the productive essentials to make the job easier and more fruitful. Having a quiet area, storage space, a comfortable sitting area, and good lighting are all important things that complete a proper workstation.
Why is an L-shaped desk considered a better option?
Are standing desks beneficial for health?
You can reduce back pain caused by working longer in a sitting position at a standing desk. But it depends on your time standing for work as it can get tiresome. Regarding productivity, employees who work on standing work are more productive than those who work sitting on their shifts.
Final Thoughts
Summarizing the alternatives to a desk, you must ensure working from home is fun and convenient. But you can also invest in some additional expenses to raise its level to an official home workstation.
It doesn’t matter if you are working on a dining table, bookshelf, closet, or ironing board. What matters is the storage area, sufficient lighting, comfy chairs, and some eye-pleasing sights to enhance productivity.
