Small Secretary Desk for Small Spaces

Before we get to the specific factors to keep in mind while looking for a secretary desk, it’s important to create a checklist of what’s important to you. Secretary desks have many features, and they come in different sizes too and different designs.

So, what is the most important thing to you? Is it the desk space, the storage options offered by the desk, the aesthetic or décor value, or the vintage and modern appeal that the desk brings to your space?

Either way, you need to decide what works best for you and that way, it will be easier to find the desk that you want.

Size

Just like with any other piece of furniture, size is a huge factor when buying secretary desks. Keep in mind that secretary desks are supposed to be accent furniture pieces. In other words, they are not meant to be the main center of attention in a room. It’s actually because of this that they are more compact and smaller than normal office desks.

Secretary desks are placed along the wall or in one corner of the room or home office. Start by measuring the wall along which the desk will be placed. After that, get a secretary desk that fits at most a third of that wall. You can place it in one corner or just in the middle of the wall.

Storage

Versatility in furniture design has become a huge thing these days. It’s not just about getting a desk to work on. You also want to get a desk that comes with ample storage and a great design. In this day and age, we are always running out of space to put our stuff.

Any piece of furniture that comes in must help address that problem in some way. This is why you must consider the storage capacity that you will need from secretary desks.

• Do you need large drawers to store documents?
• Will small drawers or cubbies for stationery items come in handy?
• Will a keyboard tray be useful?
• Do you need a shelf to store your laptop when not in use?
• Do you need space for the printer?

You will need to answer all these questions before buying the desk. Ultimately, you want to buy a secretary desk that offers plenty of storage without necessarily taking a lot of space at home.

The aesthetic value of the secretary desk is also very important. You are not just buying a workspace here. The desk will become an integral part of your décor and must, therefore, have that appeal.

There are several things to consider when choosing the design and finishing.

• What is your existing décor scheme? In case you have a modern décor with a little bit of flair, consider getting modern secretary desks. White finished desks with gold or brass accents will bring a vibrant appeal to a modern home décor scheme.
• Pay attention to the wall paint. If your home has bold bright colors on the wall, consider going for neutral desks. This works best if you are going to place the desk on the foyer or hallway.
• Secretary desks can offer great accent value to bare walls, too. For example, a walnut or natural grain finished desk will add immense character to a bold and brightly colored wall.
• Check the intricate patterns and craftsmanship on the desk. Does it feature extra unique carvings? Is the desk handcrafted? In most cases, handcrafted desks tend to be unique. They bring a certain authentic décor appeal that you won’t get with machine produced desks.

Material

Traditionally, secretary desks are constructed from wood. Wood is readily available and can easily be customized to meet various design tastes. But you can still find desks made from metal, laminate, and even plastic.

In case you are looking for something elegant and classy, you have to choose wood. It’s such a versatile material that can blend into any décor easily. Besides, even though wood is not nearly as strong as metal, it’s still durable. With the right maintenance, it can last for years.

Height

The height of your secretary desk is determined by the kind of storage it has. In most cases, the extra vertical space will often feature shelves or additional drawers. However, if you are going to pick taller desks, at least make sure they have an open shelving design at the top. This will be a great display platform for your antiques, art, and even books, and the piece will appear less bulky.

Additionally, if you are picking a shorter desk, make sure it has a usable countertop. You can place a vase there or use that space for displaying your precious stuff.

As for the** height of the work surface**, most are *28" to 30"*, which is an optimal height for people between 5'8" and 5'10" tall, provided they use a conventional task chair.

Your priorities when choosing a material for a secretary desk should be weight, strength, and durability. If you'll be changing your space frequently, you'll benefit from a unit that is compact or can easily come apart. It's ideal for this type of furniture to be lightweight, so you can pick it up and move it around without breaking a sweat. Also, checking weight loads will be a good idea if you'll be using your new secretary desk for a heavy-duty purpose.

• Steel - Secretary desks made of steel require low maintenance. They also offer expectational storage, a professional look, and durability. What's more, they happen to be your most affordable options. There are several different colors and designs available, making steel secretary desks excellent when you're matching existing furniture to your new addition.
• Laminate - Laminate secretary desks are popular for furnishing offices and administrative spaces. They're highly customizable via accessories including various file pedestals and keyboard trays.
• Veneer and Solid Wood - When they're properly maintained, secretary desks made of veneer or solid wood offer security and durability over decades. They are perfect for traditionalists as well as people who want to achieve a timeless and vintage look inside their offices. Wood veneer is very popular due to widespread availability. As for the price, it will be depending on which type of wood you select.

When choosing between several different secretary desks for small spaces, it's important that you select the material that's best suited to your needs and budget. Understanding the material of a secretary desk will provide you with an insight regarding its pricing and suitable environments. The traditional secretary desk is made of hardwood. However, it's easy to nick, a bit expensive, and can be heavy. If you love wood's look but you're not willing to spend a lot of money on a desk, then consider wood veneer.

To increase the functionality of a secretary desk, you might want to consider adding additional parts to it. If you're seeking for more storage out of your secretary desk, you can get it from file and drawer cabinets matched with bookcases, and keyboard trays. By incorporating a special feature to your secretary desk, you'll be able to ensure your desk caters to your specific needs.

The guide above should help you determine the most important features of your desk so that you can pick something that works for you in the end.