Small Space Questions: Small Writing Desks

Hi Mary,

I do have a suggestion, if you’re up for thinking outside of the box a little.

It sounds like your desk is very narrow which got me thinking it’s possible you have a writing desk (as opposed to a basic computer desk). I realize I could be wrong but during my search I noticed that those are the measurements that seemed consistent with a lot of writing desks.

Nonetheless it led me to thinking about console and sofa tables. They provide the exact type of measurements that you’re looking for (46″L x 15″D).

So you could easily use those as a desk if you’re up for it. I also notated the height of most sofa tables and they seem to be around desk height as well. A nice standard height for a lot of writing desks seems to be 29″. You’ll find that a lot of sofa and console tables are also around this height.

South Hampton Console Table

If you like this idea and want to use a sofa/console table as a desk, of course it’s best to look for some that look as much like regular desks as possible.

If you decide you don’t mind this slight difference in appearence and you want to get one online, I would recommend you first go to a local store and check some out there. It will help you be sure that this idea isn’t too awkward for your tastes.

If it does suit your tastes, be certain to avoid sofa or console tables with second/bottom shelves—as those look like they won’t work as desks because the shelves will get in the way when you’re trying to sit at them.