The 7 Best Writing Desks (That Don’t Look Like Office Furniture)
Top pick
This hefty desk helps anchor a room’s overall look, especially if you’re into ’80s aesthetics.
Why it’s great
It’ll leave a big impression. Many of our picks were selected in part for their ability to blend in with existing room designs, but the Article Baarlo 58.5” Desk demands full attention. With its burly oval-shaped surface, perched atop two large columns (one circular, one narrow, but equally wide), this desk seems like it was plucked from the 1980s and given a modern polish.
It has more storage than any of our other picks. The round right-side column swings open, with a discreet handle, to reveal two roomy shelves, both around 13.5 inches in diameter. The top shelf is a little under a foot tall, and the bottom stands at 14 inches. The door fastens shut with magnets, so it closes with a satisfying, soft thud.
Columns, rather than legs, provide a stronger foundation. If wobbling is a concern, worry no more. This desk isn’t going anywhere. The surface isn’t quite as thick as it appears, due to a lip, but a support beam running from front to back on the underside adds additional strength. Adjustable gliders on the base of the columns ensure a level working field on uneven floors.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The cable port has issues. The hole in the surface’s grommet leads cables down through the cubbie and out another hole at the bottom of the column. While this helps keep cords out of sight, it also forces them to follow a strict downward path, which restricts their reach and slack. Unless you’ve got a power strip or electrical outlet right outside the bottom hole, you’re better off letting cords hang off the back of the surface. You might be tempted to keep a power strip inside the cubby, but the lack of ventilation may cause overheating, making this option unsafe.
The black finish easily reveals smudges. We love the sheen on the black finish that we tested, but noticed that smudges from freshly lotioned hands starkly stood out. They wiped away easily, but if you’re the type who constantly moisturizes, you might want to get this desk in a different finish, or buy a desk pad.
Key specs
Dimensions: 58.5 by 30 by 27.5 inches (width by height by depth)
Finishes: oak, smoked oak, black
Materials: solid oak, oak veneer, MDF, plywood
White-glove service: Yes, for $200. Alaska, Hawaii, and remote locations may incur additional charges. Front-door and in-room delivery options are also available. Article doesn’t ship to Puerto Rico.
Return policy and warranty: You can return it within 30 days of delivery. There is a one-year warranty from the delivery date against defects in materials and workmanship.
