Ideas + Advice

Shopping Basics

12 Best Writing Desks for Serious Wordsmiths

An essay for school. A manuscript for a publisher. A post for your blog. An email for a colleague. Whatever it is you need to write, the Best Writing Desks are designed to help you think straight and let the words flow smoothly. Because we so strongly believe in the power of stringing together a great sentence, we looped in interior designer Adrian Palacios to help us fine-tune this list. Keep reading to see the exact features he pinpoints that shouldn't be overlooked in a writer's choice of furniture. Then get to shopping and — hopefully — being all the closer to finishing your magnum opus.

Best Overall

1. Aberdeen Desk

Best Features: - USB - solid hardwood

Size: 66"W x 30"D x 31"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "This is one of those pieces that can take you from grad school to new home all the way to retirement. It's simple, stylish and the solid hardwood makes it durable for chaotic writing nights."

Featured Review: “I love this desk! It is perfect for daily office needs and big enough for projects. It is sturdy and well made. I could not be happier!” - Annit

Shop Aberdeen >
2. Alton Cherry Writing Desk

Best Feature: - storage drawers

Size: 52"W x 24"D x 30"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "For those who want to just write, this is the perfect desk to do that. It's sleek, focused and won't distract you with more functionality than you need."

Featured Review: “Looks just like picture! This desk looks much more expensive than the price! Love it” - Dedelu

Shop Alton Cherry >

Best for Focus

3. Whistler Desk

Best Feature: - storage drawers

Size: 63.78"W x 31.89"D x 30.91"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "I love that you can pair this with a removable file cabinet. As your business, creative and work needs fluctuate, the modular component makes this design a winner."

Featured Review: “The desk is well-built and very sturdy and was fairly easy to install. The only negative is it's pretty heavy and may require two people to assemble and move about.” - Dave4913

Shop Whistler >
4. Allen Writing Desk

Best Feature: - keyboard tray

Size: 66.93"W x 24.02"D x 29.53"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "More space is better in a desk, especially a writing desk. Whether you work with paper, computer or typewriter, this platform is wide and long enough to not cramp your style."

Featured Review: “Love this new desk! It is large enough for two computer screens with plenty of extra room.” - CJByers

Shop Allen >

Best for the Writer With Many Hats

5. Aberdeen Desk

Best Features: - farmhouse theme

Size: 66"W x 30"D x 31"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "Use the zoned drawer space to your advantage. Keep work-related items on the left, personal use items on the right, and reserve the middle drawer for pens, sticky notes and other objects that go both ways."

Featured Review:Very nice desk with a lot of storage. Farmhouse theme.” - Rey Canales

Shop Aberdeen >
6. Alton Cherry Writing Desk

Best Feature: - organizing compartments

Size: 52"W x 24"D x 30"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "The mid-century element makes this an easy design piece, so if you want to refresh a living room corner, place this there. If you're feeling more writerly later on, it works as a functional writing desk in a home office space. You can't go wrong with this one."

Featured Review: “Beautiful, very functional desk that's just the right size!” - Sam R TA

Shop Alton Cherry >

Best for Small Spaces

7. Whistler Desk

Best Feature: - minimalist frame

Size: 63.78"W x 31.89"D x 30.91"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "The straight lines and simple frame material lets this desk be pushed against a wall in clean style. Perfect for studios, bedrooms and small living rooms."

Featured Review: “Fantastic looking desk and everything about it is exactly what I wanted.” - NateH

Shop Whistler >
8. Alton Cherry Writing Desk

Best Feature: - small space-friendly

Size: 52"W x 24"D x 30"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "Go with the retro vibe! Add avocado-green desk accessories, a boho planter or a space-age desk clock. You'll feel inspired in past, present and future!"

Featured Review: “Love the desk, it is just what my office needed!!!!” - eener

Shop Alton Cherry >

Best Wood Writing Desk

9. Allen Writing Desk

Best Feature: - light wood

Size: 66.93"W x 24.02"D x 29.53"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "Call me crazy, but in an all-natural wood workspace, you can almost feel the energy from living trees. It's the best kind of motivation to get you to your word count goals."

Featured Review: “It is a beautiful light color wood desk and very good size for an office. It made my room look brighter.” - Kimberly01

Shop Allen >
10. Aberdeen Desk

Best Feature: - oak, birch + eucalyptus

Size: 66"W x 30"D x 31"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "To offset the farmhouse-rustic-practical-statement look of this, I recommend pairing it with a softer upholstered office chair. Plus, you'll need the comfort and support if you're going to go through with your writing project long-haul."

Featured Review: “I love that this desk can be rearranged. It makes it easy to fit in my office” - Abigator

Shop Aberdeen >

Most Stylish

11. Alton Cherry Writing Desk

Best Feature: - tapered legs

Size: 52"W x 24"D x 30"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "With this cherry wood, you can go in several directions. For focus in a home writing space, I recommend strong neutrals. Either bright white or black — to get a contrast going that's as sure and strong as your ideas."

Featured Review: “I love this desk. Large enough for all my stuff, but not ridiculous sized.” - Soap

Shop Alton Cherry >
12. Whistler Desk

Best Feature: - industrial look

Size: 63.78"W x 31.89"D x 30.91"H

How Adrian Recommends Using It: "Honestly? Keep it clear. The distressed wood, metal hardware and rustic color is all you need. Just add a chair, writing medium and your brimming imagination!"

Featured Review: “This desk was exactly what I was looking for. Clean and simple, plenty of drawer space and great quality!” - Allison V

Shop Whistler >

Transitional Writing Tables

Small Desks for Writing Workspaces

For a Serious Work Surface

Tabletop Functionality With Plenty of Space

Read the Latest

Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.