If your kids have taken over your kitchen table with their books, papers, and school supplies, it’s time to reclaim your space and create a work area designed just for them. The first item they’ll need: a great desk. This staple can make all of the difference during homework time, aiding them in focus and in comfort.

　　“What we’ve found in workplaces is that we need a heads-down space to focus – the same goes for our kids! If you put your kids right in the center of the home they’re bound to get distracted,” says Dan Mazzarini, an interior designer and the creative director of home decor site ARCHIVE. “Set your kid up for success with a dedicated workspace to ace their school work.”

　　A kid’s desk is also a place where they can get creative with arts and crafts, their hobbies, and even gaming – hopefully after they finish their homework. Read on for our reviews of the best desk for kids where they can work and play.

　　What to Consider

　　To find the best kids' desk for your child that works in their space, here’s what you should consider:

　　Size

　　Not all desks are created equal, and a desk that may work for your toddler won’t be a good fit for your teen. Be sure to look at the dimensions before purchasing a desk. If you’re looking for a desk that your child can grow into, look for one that is adjustable, or consider changing out the chair once their height changes. A higher profile chair can help a younger child reach the workspace of a taller desk, and as they grow, a lower profile chair gives them extra leg room. Also, be aware of where you're placing the desk, making sure there's room to move around it. Many of us have bought furniture too big for the space — and it's really irritating.

　　Storage

　　If you think a simple tabletop will do for your child, think again. “Kids need storage and plenty of space to work on,” says Mazzarini. “Look for an asymmetrical desk with at least a side of drawers and a nice long top to spread out with their laptop, tablets, books, pencils, and paper.” If you want to hide clutter, make sure there are drawers and cabinets on the desk. But if you want everything to be easily accessible for your child while they work, opt for a desk that has plenty of space with cubbies or open shelves.

　　Features

　　From high-tech features like charging ports for electronics to low-tech features like a cupholder, consider what is most important for your child to have while they work and make sure the desk you choose has those features. Mazzarini says there are a few must-haves he looks for when designing a workspace for kids. “These days, an integrated power source is a huge plus to keep laptops and tablets powered up. Good lighting is important for kids, too, with their eyes strained throughout the day.” And while some desks come with a chair, make sure it’s a good fit for your child. “A desk is only as good as its chair is comfortable. Pick out a nice ergonomic chair to work in with adjustable height that gives them a bit of flexibility as they grow.”

　　Durability

　　Look for a desk that is made out of durable materials and is easy to clean. Since you can expect your child will be doing a lot more than just their homework at the desk (like playing with their toys and arts and crafts), you’ll want a desk that can withstand normal child’s play. If you are placing the desk in your child’s room, make sure that it’s anchored to the wall to avoid any injuries.

　　How We Selected

　　To help you choose the best desk for your child, we spoke to interior design expert Mazzarini, who offered tips and advice on what to look for and what to avoid when buying a desk for kids of different ages. We also researched and read through reviews from the most popular desks on the market. Finally, we looked at things that are important to parents: durability, price, and size, as well as kids: features, colors, and comfort.

　　

　　

　　1Best Overall

　　Mack & Milo Thure Art Desk

　　ProsCons

　　

　　Takes up more space than others on the listWhether your kids need a space to be creative or to cram for a test, this desk gives them a spot to create, work, and play. With large storage bins on each side, deep bookshelves, and an extra large workspace, this desk is a great option for younger and older kids.

　　This kids' desk can be pushed against a wall, placed under a vaulted bed, or extended into a room, creating a divide between their living space and the desk space. Plus, it comes in three different finishes, so it can easily blend in with the existing furniture.

　　Its space-conserving design takes into account the needs and organizational style of children, giving them easy access to what they need and keeping it in view but still in its own space. The combination of the bins and bookcase with the large work area is what makes this our pick for best overall.

　　

Pros

Sturdy

Compact size for smaller spaces

Lots of storage despite sizeCons

Doesn’t come with a chair

“The more expensive desk is not necessarily the best option. The most important thing to consider is quality material,” says Mazzarini. While this desk won’t break the bank, it does offer a sturdy option for kids to work.

Its small footprint makes it easy to slide this desk into their bedroom or the corner of the living room. One major plus? Kids can store their school supplies on the open-air shelves at the bottom of the desk.

Parents laud just how durable this desk is, noting that even teens with multiple devices aren't destroying the desk.

Key Specs

Dimensions

Dimensions Colors Materials

18.9" x 27.5" x 32"

Black, brown, pink, white, and vintage

Engineered wood

　　

　　3Best for Elementary School Kids

　　Guidecraft Kids Media Desk and Chair Set

　　Pros

　　

　　Comes in fun colors

　　

　　Comes with a chair and a cork bulletin boardCons

　　

　　Corkboard may need reinforced so it doesn’t slide downFor a little desk, this one really has a big personality. From the fun color options to the corkboard-lined hutch, and the matching chair, this desk creates a homework zone that’s perfect for elementary-aged kids.

　　They can store their supplies in the cubbies and even display their artwork on the corkboard. While it’s small in size, it looks like a full-grown desk that will make kids feel important when they sit down to do their work.

　　Parents note just how much their kids love the style, and how much they love the ease of assembly and practicality of the desk.

　　Key Specs

　　

Dimensions	40'' X 44'' X 24''
Colors	Pink, gray, teal, lavender, navy, and white
Materials	Manufactured wood

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　　4Best Corner Desk

　　UTEX Kids Wooden Study Desk

　　Pros

　　

　　Maximizes small spaces

　　

　　Has a large workspaceCons

　　

　　No drawers but open cubbies insteadSometimes finding space in your kid’s room for a desk and chair seems like an impossible task. That’s why this corner desk, perfectly sized for elementary-aged kids, is a life-changing option.

　　While it doesn’t have drawers, there are a few cubbies to store kids’ supplies and the workspace is large enough for kids to color, do homework, and play. The set comes with a coordinating chair and it slides completely under the desk to save even more space when not in use.

　　Key Specs

　　

Dimensions	27" x 27" x 38"
Color	White
Materials	Engineered wood

　　

　　

　　5Best for Older Kids

　　Pottery Barn Teen Hampton Smart Storage Desk

　　Pros

　　

　　Comes in a variety of finishes

　　

　　Has four built-in outletsCons

　　

　　You’ll have to pay more to add a hutchWhen it comes to teens, their desk requirements are very particular, and this desk checks all the boxes. It’s a great-looking desk that can be a landing spot for all of their school supplies.

　　It has two built-in outlets and two USB ports so they can charge all of their electronics in one place, and in the back, there are cord cutouts so teens can keep their cords organized and not a tangled mess. No matter the vibe of their room — there’s a finish that matches, with six colors in total.

　　This is a desk they could use from junior high through college and beyond. It's a solidly built desk made for real-life use, with a grown-up style. Pottery Barn also has a white-glove delivery service that makes the whole process smooth and easy.

　　Key Specs

　　

Dimensions	57"x 20.5"x 30"
Colors	White, fog, espresso, black, grey, and navy
Material	Wood

　　

　　6Best Desk for Studious Gamers

　　MOTPK Gaming Desk

　　Pros

　　

　　A great size for big kids and teens

　　

　　Doubles as a gaming deskCons

　　

　　Fun gaming features might distract from school workFor kids who want to do some gaming when their homework is done, this desk is perfect for pulling double duty. There’s plenty of space for their laptop, books, and supplies as well as all of their gaming gear.

　　When their work is done and it’s time to play, turn on the led strip lights that flash seven colors and have 13 different light modes. Reviewers note that it's not just the cool factor in play, either. The fact that it stands up to things like the weight of a gaming monitor and giant cats who act like jerks, makes it a great choice.

　　Key Specs

　　

Dimensions	23" x 39" x 29.5"
Color	Black
Materials	Metal

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　　7Best Lap Desk

　　USPHAROS Laptop Desk

　　Pros

　　

　　Offers flexibility

　　

　　Has a tablet holder, storage drawer, and a cup holderCons

　　

　　While sturdy, on soft surfaces (like a bed) the desk will wobbleSometimes after a long day at school, tackling homework while sitting at a traditional desk in a stiff chair is hard. For kids who need to move and change spots while they work, a lap desk is a must-have.

　　This popular foldable lap desk lets kids move from the floor to the kitchen table to their bed, and back again. It has spots to hold tablets and a sliding drawer to hold all of their supplies, even when they're on the move.

　　Our parenting editor Cat Bowen had this very desk for quite some time, and her kids loved it. She says that "it was so useful and sturdy right up until we dropped a box that contained a bed onto it, and even then, it was only bent."

　　Key Specs

　　

Dimensions	15.75" x 23.6" x 10.8"
Colors	Black, blue, pink, green, beige, and white
Materials	Engineered wood

　　

　　

　　8Best for Toddlers and Preschoolers

　　Melissa & Doug Wooden Lift-Top Desk and Chair

　　Pros

　　

　　Hidden storage

　　

　　Easy to cleanCons

　　

　　Kids will only use it for a short timeIf you thought Melissa & Doug only made awesome wooden toys, you’ve been missing out. This perfectly sized toddler and preschool desk has a simple construction but has everything your little one needs in a desk.

　　It’s sturdy, comes with a chair, it wipes down easily (even if kids get creative with markers and crayons), and the desktop lifts to reveal hidden storage. Even though your little one won’t stay little for very long, if they need a pint-sized desk, this one is a wonderful option.

　　Bowen has also evaluated this desk in person and has spoken with owners who approve. She's particularly impressed with the joinings and the hardware, noting that Melissa and Doug really did the work to cover them so little fingers don't get scraped.

　　Key Specs

　　

Dimensions	16.15" x 23.6" x 23.25"
Color	White
Materials	Wood

　　

　　9Grows With Your Child

　　Diroan Kids Functional Desk and Chair Set

　　Pros

　　

　　Comes with adjustable chair, desk, and lamp

　　

　　Desktop tilts so kids can find a comfortable position to workCons

　　

　　Fingers could get pinched if kids are adjusting the desk or chairThe thing about kids is that they just keep growing. That means the toddler-sized desk that fits them now may be way too small in just a few months. The solution? A desk that grows with your child and is fully adjustable.

　　Not only does this desk come with an adjustable chair, adjustable light, and a desktop that tilts so kids can find the most comfortable spot to work, but the desk legs can be raised up so your kids can get more leg room under the desk. While this is a great option for preschool and elementary-aged kids, it probably won’t work for your teens.

　　Key Specs

　　

Dimensions	26.2" x 14.3" x (21.3"-30" height)
Colors	Pink, grey, and blue
Material	MDF and steel

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　　10Best Floating Desk

　　Prepac Floating Desk

　　Pros

　　

　　Great for small spaces

　　

　　Can be closed up when not being usedCons

　　

　　Not renter-friendlyIf you’re short on space but still want to create a dedicated area for your child to do their homework, a floating desk is a great option. No, it doesn’t actually float, but it does attach to the wall meaning it won’t take up precious floor space.

　　With plenty of work and storage space, this floating desk has plenty of room for kids to stash all of their homework supplies so they can sit down and get to work.

　　When the desk isn't in use it makes for a great place to put things that they use every day and don't want to forget like glasses and phone chargers, especially if the desk is beside the door to their room.

　　Key Specs

　　

Dimensions	19.75"D x 42.25"W x 39.5"H
Colors	White, black, and espresso
Material	Engineered Wood