Dorm life can be exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant challenges is space management. With limited space, it can be challenging to find the right furniture that fits your needs. A desk is one of the essential pieces of furniture for any dorm room, as it serves as a workspace for studying, doing homework, and even as a vanity table.
When looking for a desk for your dorm room, several factors need to be considered. One of the most crucial factors is the size of the desk. With limited space, it’s essential to find a desk that is compact but still provides enough surface area for your needs. Another critical factor is the desk’s functionality. Some desks come with extra features such as drawers, shelves, and built-in lighting, which can be helpful in a dorm room where space is limited.
The material used to make the desk is also an important consideration. A desk made of sturdy materials such as metal or wood is ideal for durability and longevity. Additionally, the desk’s weight is also a factor to consider, especially if you plan on moving it around frequently.
We spent several hours researching and testing various desks to identify the best ones for dorm rooms. In this article, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best desks for dorms based on factors such as size, functionality, and material. Whether you’re looking for a desk to study, work, or relax on, we’ve got you covered.
Top 3 Best Desks for Dorms
Furinno JAYA Computer Study Desk
Tangkula White Folding Desk with 3 Drawers
DormCo The College Cube – Desk Bookshelf
As college students, we understand the importance of having a comfortable and functional workspace in our dorm rooms. A good desk can make studying and completing assignments much easier and more efficient. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best desks for dorms that are perfect for any student’s needs. From compact and space-saving to stylish and modern, these desks will not only enhance your dorm room decor but also provide a comfortable and practical workspace. Check out our top picks below.
Furinno JAYA Computer Study Desk
We highly recommend the Furinno JAYA Computer Study Desk for college students living in dorms or apartments with limited space. This desk is affordable, easy to assemble, and has ample storage space for books, computer accessories, and other items.
Pros
- The desk has a stylish design that is both functional and suitable for any room with limited space.
- Made with engineered wood and PVC tubes, it is sturdy on a flat surface and also eco-friendly.
- The desk is budget-friendly and features plenty of storage space with shelves on both sides.
Cons
- The desk is not very well made, and the material is not very sturdy.
- It is small and not suitable for schoolwork or other activities that require a lot of space.
- The desk is not very stable and may wobble if not assembled correctly.
The Furinno JAYA Computer Study Desk is a great option for college students who need a compact and functional desk for their dorm or apartment. The desk is easy to assemble and budget-friendly, and it has plenty of storage space for books, computer accessories, and other items. However, the desk is not very well made and may wobble if not assembled correctly. Overall, we recommend this desk for anyone looking for an affordable and functional option for their dorm or apartment.
Tangkula White Folding Desk with 3 Drawers
We highly recommend the Tangkula White Folding Desk with 3 Drawers for dorm rooms. This desk has a modern and simple design that can fit any decorating style. It is also versatile and can be used as a computer desk, a study desk, a side table, or a storage cabinet.
Pros
- The foldable design of this computer desk is unique and space-saving. You can adjust the size of the desk to place more things or put it into a small space according to your different needs. When you fold it up, it will become a storage cabinet or a small side table.
- The table top of this folding desk is made of high-quality MDF, which is waterproof and easy to clean, and it is also not easy to get scratches. The steel tube frame ensures that the table is very stable. Whether you need to put potted plants or a computer on the tabletop, it can meet all your daily use needs.
- This computer desk comes with three storage drawers where you can put all your frequently used essentials, including documents, stationery, and electronics. Three drawers of different heights allow you to sort your items and put them into different drawers, and also make it easy to find and get what you need.
Cons
- The wheels of this desk are flimsy and do not roll in the correct direction in unison.
- The “wood” materials of this desk are cheap quality. They’re particle board covered in a very thin layer of colored stretchy film.
- The legroom of this desk is not great.
We found the Tangkula White Folding Desk with 3 Drawers to be a great addition to any dorm room. It is a functional and convenient desk that is easy to assemble. The product is as advertised, and all the pieces for assembly are included, plus spare screws. However, we do not recommend this desk if you need a lot of legroom or if you have hard floors in the main area you use the desk, as the wheels are not very sturdy. Overall, we think this desk is a great value for the price and is perfect for dorm rooms or small apartments.
DormCo The College Cube – Desk Bookshelf – White Color
If you’re looking for a desk bookshelf for your dorm, the DormCo The College Cube is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Sturdy Particle Board Construction – Assembly Required, pieces screw together
- Many desks lack upper shelving, which is great for textbooks, office essentials, and displaying keepsakes.
- Made specifically to fit on top of desks! Leaves plenty of open surface space for your laptop to complete work
Cons
- It’s a little complex to put together. Make sure you screw the pieces in gently as you can strip the pressed wood easily. Might want two people, or don’t try putting it together after an exhausting move-in
- I like the size, but it’s particle board. It must have two people to hold the pieces while the other attaches it so the pieces do not pull screws out of the particle board. We made it work by reinforcing screws a
- Maybe it’s because I’ve put together a lot of furniture, or maybe I just happened to get a good batch, but I thought that this shelving was super easy to put together. I had no issues with misaligned
The DormCo, The College Cube, is a durable desk bookshelf made of particle board. It has four shelves and is lacquered for a modern look. Its overall dimensions are 37″W x 28.7″H x 9.5″D, and it is made specifically to fit on top of desks, leaving plenty of open surface space for your laptop and work.
The assembly might be a bit complex, but it’s worth it for the sturdy construction. The upper shelving is a great feature for keeping textbooks office essentials, and displaying keepsakes. However, the particle board material might not be as durable as other materials.
Overall, if you’re looking for a desk bookshelf that is easy to assemble and provides additional storage space, the DormCo The College Cube is a great option to consider.
Note: Product specifications and reviews are from Amazon.
Classic Dorm Desk Bookshelf – Sonoma
If you are looking for a functional and space-saving desk bookshelf for your dorm, the Classic Dorm Desk Bookshelf – Sonoma from DormCo is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The sturdy particleboard construction ensures durability, and the pieces screw together for easy assembly.
- The upper shelving provides ample space for storing books and other items, which is great for organization.
- The desk bookshelf is designed specifically to fit on top of college dorm desks, but it is also great for a home office.
Cons
- The overall dimensions (37″W x 9.5″D x 29″H) may not be suitable for larger items.
- The desk bookshelf requires assembly, which may take some time and effort.
- The desk bookshelf may not be suitable for those who prefer a minimalist look.
The Classic Dorm Desk Bookshelf – Sonoma is a great addition to any dorm or home office. The upper shelving provides ample space for storing books and other items, which is great for organization. The wide open pocket can fit a laptop or computer monitor, with storage above and to the side. The desk bookshelf is made of sturdy particle board construction, and the pieces screw together for easy assembly.
The desk bookshelf is designed specifically to fit on top of college dorm desks, but it is also great for a home office. The overall dimensions (37″W x 9.5″D x 29″H) are compact enough to fit in small spaces, but they may not be suitable for larger items. The desk bookshelf requires assembly, which may take some time and effort. However, the end result is a functional and space-saving desk bookshelf that can help keep your workspace organized.
Overall, if you are looking for a sturdy and functional desk bookshelf for your dorm or home office, the Classic Dorm Desk Bookshelf – Sonoma from DormCo is definitely worth considering.
Safdie Small Computer Space-Saver Writing 2 Storage Drawers-Sturdy Study, Work Table-Compact Home, Living, Dorm Room,Bedroom, Office Modern Student, Gamer Desk, One Size, Dark Taupe
If you’re looking for a versatile and compact desk that can fit in any small space, the Safdie Small Computer Space-Saver Writing Desk is a great option.
Pros
- This desk has a versatile design that can be used as a gaming table, office table, art desk, crafting table, or makeup desk.
- With two drawers, this desk provides ample storage space for your books, headphones, and stationery.
- The compact size of this desk makes it perfect for small rooms, dorm rooms, or offices.
Cons
- Some users may find this desk to be a bit lightweight.
- The drawers are made of fabric, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- Assembly is required, which may be a bit challenging for some users.
This small computer desk is made of durable engineered wood, which makes it both solid and scratch-resistant. It has a sleek finish that blends well with any type of room décor, and it’s offered in a trendy dark taupe color.
The desk measures 31.75 inches wide x 18 inches deep x 29 inches high, and it weighs just 33.4 pounds. It’s easy to move from room to room, and it comes with a cable management tray to keep your cords organized.
Overall, we would recommend the Safdie Small Computer Space-Saver Writing Desk to anyone who needs a compact and versatile desk for their small space. It’s a great option for students, office workers, writers, teachers, gamers, or crafts lovers who are looking for a functional desk that combines style with functionality.
Tangkula Folding Computer Desk Wheeled Home Office Furniture with 3 Drawers Laptop Desk Writing Table Portable Dorm Apartment Space Saving Compact Desk for Small Spaces Beige
If you are looking for a space-saving, versatile, and stylish computer desk, the Tangkula Folding Computer Desk is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The foldable design of the desk saves a lot of space, making it perfect for dorms and small apartments.
- The desk is made of high-quality MDF material and has a solid metal frame, ensuring durability and sturdiness.
- The desk comes with three large drawers that provide ample storage space for all your daily necessities.
Cons
- The desk may not be suitable for heavy-duty use as it has a weight capacity of 150 lbs.
- The desk may not be comfortable for taller individuals as it has a height of 29 inches.
- The desk requires assembly, which may take some time and effort.
The Tangkula Folding Computer Desk is a great choice for students or anyone who needs a compact and functional desk. The desk has a modern and elegant design that fits well with any home decor. The desk is also multi-functional, providing ample storage space, and can be used as a computer desk, side table, locker, or cabinet.
The desk is easy to install and comes with detailed instructions. The desk is also easy to clean, and you can wipe dirty stains easily from the surface with a wet cloth. The desk is equipped with six wheels, making it easy to move around, and three of them are lockable, ensuring stability when in use.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a space-saving and functional computer desk, the Tangkula Folding Computer Desk is an excellent choice. With its unique foldable design, ample storage space, and sturdy construction, this desk is perfect for dorms, apartments, or any small living space.
The College Cube – Dorm Desk Bookshelf – Rustic
If you’re looking for a sturdy and practical desk bookshelf for your dorm, The College Cube by DormCo is a great choice.
Pros
- Sturdy particle board construction – Pieces screw together (Assembly Required)
- Many desks lack upper shelving, which is great for storing books and organization
- Made specifically to fit on top of college dorm desks – it is also great for home office!
Cons
- Some customers reported wobbling
- The color may be slightly different than expected
- Some challenges with putting it together due to picture-only directions
We recently purchased The College Cube for our dorm and were impressed with the sturdiness of the particle board construction. The desk bookshelf was easy to assemble, with pieces that screw together. It’s also designed to fit on top of college dorm desks perfectly, providing additional storage space for books and other items.
One of the biggest advantages of The College Cube is the upper shelving, which many desks lack. This feature is perfect for storing books and other items, keeping them organized and easily accessible. The wide center space allows for open workspace and room for a laptop, with storage cube shelves up top.
While some customers reported wobbling, we did not experience any issues with stability. However, the color may be slightly different than expected, as some customers reported that it has a greenish tint rather than a gray one. Additionally, the picture-only directions may pose some challenges during assembly.
Overall, if you’re looking for a practical and sturdy desk bookshelf for your dorm or home office, The College Cube by DormCo is definitely worth considering.
Lufeiya Small Computer Desk with 2 Drawers for Bedroom, 31 Inch Home Office Desk with Storage Fabric Drawer and Bag, Study Writing Table for Small Spaces, Rustic Brown Rustic Brown 31.5″
If you’re looking for a small desk that can fit in tight spaces, the Lufeiya Small Computer Desk with 2 Drawers for Bedroom might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The vintage style design adds a touch of elegance to any room.
- The desk is made of thick P2 particle wood board with scratch-resistant, anti-collision, and waterproof features, ensuring durability and longevity.
- The desk is easy to assemble and comes with a detailed instruction manual and tool.
Cons
- The desk is small and might not be suitable for people who need a lot of desk space.
- The drawers are made of fabric, which might not be as durable as wooden drawers.
- The desk might not be as sturdy as larger desks.
This desk is perfect for students, teens, and kids who need a small desk for their bedroom. The desk is also a great choice as a makeup table with drawers. The 2-tier fabric open drawers provide plenty of room for storage and organization, making it easy to keep your workspace tidy and clutter-free.
The desk’s sturdy structure is ensured by extra fixed steel brackets and adjustable leg pads that provide greater stability. The non-slip and anti-scratch protectors under the legs also protect your floor from scratching and reduce noises when moving the desk.
Overall, we recommend the Lufeiya Small Computer Desk with 2 Drawers for Bedroom for anyone who needs a small, stylish, and functional desk for their dorm room or bedroom.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a desk for your dorm, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Space
The size of your desk is crucial, especially in a dorm room where space is limited. You want to make sure that the desk you select fits comfortably in your room without taking up too much space. Consider the size of your laptop or computer, as well as any other items you plan to keep on your desk, such as textbooks, notebooks, or a lamp.
Storage
Storage is another important factor to consider when selecting a desk for your dorm. Look for a desk with drawers or shelves to keep your items organized and easily accessible. Some desks even have built-in bookshelves or cabinets, which can be a great space-saving solution.
Style and Design
While functionality is key, you also want to choose a desk that fits your personal style and design preferences. Consider the color, material, and overall aesthetic of the desk to ensure that it complements your dorm room décor.
Price
Price is always a consideration when making a purchase, and desks for dorms are no exception. Look for a desk that fits within your budget, but don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price. Remember, a good desk is an investment that will last throughout your college years.
In summary, when selecting a desk for your dorm, consider the size and space, storage options, style and design, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a desk that meets your needs and fits your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good desk options for small dorm rooms?
When it comes to small dorm rooms, it’s important to choose a desk that won’t take up too much space. Some good options include a wall-mounted desk, a corner desk, or a compact desk with built-in storage. These types of desks can help maximize space in a small dorm room while still providing a functional workspace.
What should I consider when choosing a desk for my dorm room?
When choosing a desk for your dorm room, consider factors such as size, storage, and style. Make sure the desk fits comfortably in your room and has enough storage for your needs. Additionally, consider the style of the desk and how it will fit in with the overall look and feel of your dorm room.
How much space should a dorm desk have?
A dorm desk should have enough space to comfortably fit a laptop or computer, textbooks, and any other necessary study materials. It’s also important to consider any additional storage needs, such as drawers or shelves, when determining how much space a dorm desk should have.
What are some good ways to organize a dorm desk?
Some good ways to organize a dorm desk include using desk organizers, such as file holders and pencil cups, to keep supplies in order. Additionally, using a bulletin board or whiteboard can help keep important notes and reminders in view. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean and declutter the desk to maintain a functional workspace.
Is it necessary to have a desk in a college dorm?
While it’s not necessarily required to have a desk in a college dorm, having a designated workspace can help improve productivity and focus. Additionally, having a desk can provide a space to study and complete assignments without distractions.
What are some affordable and durable college desk options?
Some affordable and durable college desk options include basic wooden desks, metal frame desks, and plastic folding desks. These types of desks are often reasonably priced and can withstand the wear and tear of college life. It’s important to choose a desk that is both affordable and durable to ensure it will last throughout your college years.