As more people work from home, finding a viable workspace can become a true challenge. However, adding a kitchen desk is a smart way to add home office functionality to your cooking space.
If you’ve considered bringing a functional desk into your kitchen, explore these unique ideas that will give your kitchen the extra functionality you need to accomplish any task.
Install a Desk Space Directly Next to the Kitchen Cabinets
This cozy desk area is installed right next to the kitchen cabinets, and the upper cabinets give you extra storage for things like paperwork and office supplies. Notice how the color of the desk matches the rest of the dark grey cabinetry to give the space a seamless look.
Removing some lower cabinets and installing a simple desktop is a smart way to get a workspace without having to add anything new, except perhaps another electrical outlet for a laptop or personal computer.
Styled by Annaleena and photographed by Jesper Florbrant for ESNY
Add Kitchen Desks Next to a Sunny Window
This built-in desk’s strategic placement right next to a window makes it a great place to work. Slender drawers built into the desk give you a convenient spot for a keyboard, pens, or pads of paper.
A small stool provides simple seating, and the desk’s location against the wall and next to a window prevents it from taking up additional valuable floor space.
Interior design by Fyra (in collaboration with Studio BonBon Architects, photographed by Riikka Kantinkoski
Place Your Desk Against a Wall
This large, open kitchen has ample space along one wall, so adding a table or desk here makes sense. Note how a pair of folding chairs is hanging on the wall to cut clutter, but still gives some options for extra seating whenever it’s needed.
The black table and lamp with a black fabric shade tie into the modern black and white theme of the kitchen so the work area doesn’t disrupt the overall design. A nice desk chair upholstered in gold velvet adds a touch of color and helps to delineate the desk area from the rest of the space.
via Entrance Makleri
Create a Cubby For a Convenient Workspace
In this kitchen, the desk area is centrally located for the whole family to use, making it an ideal spot to pay bills or as a place for the kids to do some evening homework. The simple design features a couple of simple white shelves above the desk for decorative accessories, and a wooden stool provides quick seating.
Add a power strip or a charging station for smartphones and laptops to give this simple kitchen desk even more functionality.
via Alvhem
Use a Folding Desk to Free Up Space
This kitchen desk design features a simple black folding desk or table that can easily be put away whenever you need to create more space. A unique rail system with clips gives you a versatile spot to hang paperwork, photos, or to-do lists.
A half wall separates the kitchen desk from the rest of the room, while still allowing an open area where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee or get some important work done.
via Alvhem
Place a Tiny Desk In a Free Area
There’s just enough blank wall space in this kitchen for a tiny desk and chair. Note how the desk chair matches the dining chairs, which means the homeowner likely uses them interchangeably as needed.
If you don’t have a lot of paperwork and mostly use a computer for work, this option gives you just enough space to get things accomplished in the kitchen.
Styled by Studio Cuvier for Alvhem
Add Floating Shelves for More Functionality
This small kitchen desk area features floating shelves that are perfect for open storage or displaying framed pictures or small collectibles. Nestled in a cubby against the wall, this built-in desk gives you just enough knee space to work without sacrificing comfort and ergonomics.
The open shelving is a nice touch, and it’s also a great spot to sort your mail or as a place to add some stylish baskets for more organization.
via Fantastic Frank
Build a Custom Desk Into Your Kitchen Cabinets
This beautiful L-shaped desk is a perfect place for working, and it matches the other counters and cabinetry made of the same material and colors to create a cohesive look. Note how the desk is placed directly underneath a window for natural light and workspace with a view.
An abundance of drawers adds tons of storage and keeps everything neat. The matching white stool is a nice finishing touch and tucks neatly underneath the desk when not in use.
via Kvänum
Use Vintage Furniture As a Kitchen Desk
Rather than building anything into the existing kitchen, this designer chose to use a piece of vintage furniture for the desk and chair. Everything is conveniently located near the back door, so you can easily take a stroll and sit outside whenever you need a break, some extra sunlight, or fresh air.
A woven pendant light hangs directly above the vintage desk for extra light at night, and every element works with the other to give the space a sense of creativity and timeless style.
via DeVol Kitchens
Incorporate Contrasting Colors
Note how the desk area here is made of dark walnut wood, while the surrounding cabinets feature a much lighter hue. This simple design trick is a smart way to visually and physically separate the desk area from the rest of the room. It’s also large enough to add a bulletin board or a computer here for even more functionality.
via Ferm Living
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Adding some under-cabinet lighting makes this kitchen desk area bright and inviting, and it also helps you see more clearly while working. The darker paint color adds bold contrast against the stark white colors of the walls and ceiling.
You can easily use the upper cabinetry for handy home office storage, or keep cups and mugs hidden away and out of sight. Note how there is also a wall outlet by the desk for a table lamp, laptop, and other electronics.
via Plum Living
Use a Slab of Wood to Create An Instant Desk
A simple slab of wood and some brackets attached right above the radiator and below a sunny window instantly create a small yet workable home office in this space. This example proves you don’t need to have a ton of floor space to design a place for working, reading, or homework.
Rather than cluttering up your kitchen island, you can install a simple desk like this on the other side of the kitchen, along with a small chair or stool to help with sitting down as you get quick tasks done without creating more clutter.
Styled by Livin Deco, photographed by Krister Engström via Kvarteret Makleri