Giving up the dining table or even your own desk to hordes of homework seems like a simple enough plan. Until it needs tidying away, that is. Commence the battle against the growing homework piles that seem to scatter across the house. In a bid to reclaim your home and give your kids a proper space to work from, why not get them their own children's desk?
Not only will it provide a dedicated space for all those school supplies, but it is also sure to help your kids concentrate and learn while at home. They probably find it just as infuriating not having a grown-up desk of their own. Not to mention, siblings and parents distracting them when they just want to get the chore of homework over and done with.
We’ve brought together some fantastic children's desks that’ll be loved and appreciated by kids and parents alike.
At what age do they need a children's desk?
While it's not a necessity, you can set children up with their own desk, even from 18 months old. This can provide a space for them to play, craft, and even snack at - talk about versatile!
However, a children's desk will prove even more beneficial when your kids head to school and should provide practical space for them to work at. Giving a child their own desk will not only help them concentrate and stay motivated, but it will also promote independence and encourage good posture and sitting habits.
Ideally, you should look for desks that are a minimum of 80cm - 120cm in width to give them sufficient surface area. But, of course, this will be dependent on the space you have in your home. If you want their desk to last them throughout the school years, from Primary to Secondary, the larger the size, the better. Our writer still has her homework desk in her family home from over 15 years ago - and it's still being used to this day!
Our selection of the best children's desks comes in a range of sizes and budgets to suit all families.
Best homework desks
1 of 12Habitat Kids Brooklyn 2 Drawer Desk
Available in white and grey, this sturdy wooden desk is a great size for childrens’ bedrooms and can be used as both a homework desk or a dressing table. It has two roomy drawers for storing all their favourite stationery and workbooks, and parents have found it surprisingly easy to put together – just a one-person job! This desk is a part of the Brooklyn bedroom furniture collection, so you could even get pieces to match if you’re looking to kit out their whole room.
Pros:
• Slimline design
• Matching pieces available
• Storage drawers
Cons:
• Drawers could be more substantial
Size: H76 x W100 x D55cm
Material: Pine and MDF
Weight: 19kg
Promising review: “Bought this for ten-year-old daughter, perfect size, well-built, really happy with purchase. Paid same price for a grey desk from another store and it was awful, no comparison.”
2 of 12Adil Child's Retro Vintage Style Desk
We love this homework desk, not just for its 60s vintage feel design, but also because of the rounded corners – perfect for accident-prone children. Available in colours grey, white, and grey-green, the trendy retro desk has a storage compartment and a drawer, both of which are reversible so you can position it on whichever side of the desk suits your kid. This should prove handy if your child is left-handed and would prefer to access their homework equipment from that side too.
Pros:
• Stylish
• Different colours available
• Reversible storage compartment
Cons:
• Colour may not be as expected
Size: H75 x W110 x D55cm
Material: Pine and MDF
Weight: 30kg
Promising review: “Very happy with this gorgeous desk from La Redoute! it looks stunning , great design and lovely colour! My daughter and me are very pleased with it. In fact, I am considering getting another one in white colour!”
3 of 12little home at John Lewis Raise Children's Desk
The Raise Children’s Desk from little home at John Lewis is a little more simple but it provides a neat and functional desk that will actually grow with your child. The contemporary design will add a pop of colour to their room and the desk itself is height adjustable offering three fixed positions from 59-73cm in height. They’ll be able to use it from their early years all the way through into their teens. It is only 58cm in width, so not optimal, but a great long-lasting pick for smaller spaces.
Pros:
• Compact
• Adjustable height positions
• Grows with them
Cons:
• No reviews yet
Size: H73 x W58
Material: Oak, Ask, and MDF
Weight: 26.5kg
4 of 12Great Little Trading Co.Tall Whittington Desk
The Tall Whittington Desk is a classic, and while drawer space may be limited compared to others on this list, the desk instead comes with smart, space-efficient storage shelves, a useful noticeboard, and an opening for cables. Available in white, this desk is suitable for kids aged five and over (and adults!), but there is a Junior Whittington Desk with shorter legs for younger ages. We think any kid will feel extra grown-up with this in their room.
Pros:
• Compact
• Storage shelves
• Comes with a handy noticeboard
Cons:
• Limited drawer space
Size: H72 x W90 x D60cm
Material: Solid wood and MDF
Promising review: “Such great quality, very easy to follow instructions. This desk will grow with our 4 year old, she absolutely loves it and so do we.”
5 of 12Habitat Kids Pagnell 3 Drawers Desk
If your kid is constantly running out of storage space, this desk has ample to keep them covered. Sturdy, smart, and simple, this desk available in a choice of white or grey provides plenty of space for them to do their homework, store their books and stationary, as well as play, game, and get creative. As a part of Argos’ Pagnell collection, you can get matching bedroom furniture to match and this desk in particular has been recommended by 90 per cent of buyers.
Pros:
• Lots of drawer space
• Matching pieces available
• Different colour choices
Cons:
• Building instructions could have been clearer
Size: H71.5 x W100 x D48.5cm
Material: Particleboard and MDF
Weight: 26.5kg
Promising review: “This desk is perfect for my daughter’s room, didn’t want anything expensive as she gets make up, nail varnish etc on it anyway. Easy assembly for 2 people, very sturdy and looks great.”
6 of 12SMÅSTAD Desk
IKEA is renowned for its versatile, contemporary, and affordable furniture – so it was a must to include when finding the best homework desks. The SMÅSTAD desk will give your child a little cubby to work from, ideal for minimising distractions and giving them a little privacy to work in. It’s not short on storage either with three compartments and two drawers, available in a bunch of colours to suit your child’s favourite colour or room décor.
Pros:
• Lots of drawer space
• Different colour choices
• Sustainable materials
Cons:
• We couldn't think of any
Size: H100 x W90 x D79cm
Material: Fibreboard and fibreboard
Promising review: "Perfect for me, right size and sturdy, and straight forward instructions."
7 of 12Wells Fold Away Desk by Nest
If you’re really limited on space and want your kid to be able to make the most of the floor space they have, this desk folds away into a neat box on the wall with a handy blackboard front for them to doodle and keep notes on. When folded down, it reveals a neat little desktop, a mini noticeboard, and shelving for all their knick-knacks and stationery. Available in black or white, this desk also comes with a two-year guarantee.
Pros:
• Folds way for convenience
• Includes a blackboard
• Can still be used while folded
Cons:
• No reviews yet
Size: H154.4 x W90 x D50.2cm
Material: MDF
8 of 12Habitat Kids Camden 3 Drawers Desk
Part of the Camden collection, this homework desk has been built with kids in mind to cope with everyday use. It provides the perfect space for them to concentrate, get creative, write, draw, and learn, with three good-sized drawers for them to store all their bits and bobs neatly away. Available with pink, white, or grey drawer colours, they’ll look forward to getting down to business on this.
Pros:
• Different colours available
• Matching pieces available
• Substantial drawers
Cons:
• Not much leg room
Size: H70.5 x W91.3 x D42.6cm
Material: FSC certified wood effect
Weight: 21kg
Promising review: “Bought this as a first desk for my 6 year old son. Although I have been using it as my home office for a while. It’s a good size. Easy to assemble and looks great.”
9 of 12Great Little Trading Co. Atlas Desk
This sturdy desk from The Great Little Trading Company with solid wooden legs and MDF desktop will see your child through their teenage years, and even into adulthood. Classically designed in white, it has a practical, wide drawer for storage and two cubby compartments for storing books and homework must-haves. Having these spaces to hand will help to keep their workspace clutter-free – a clear space for a clear mind and no distractions!
Pros:
• Funky design
• Good storage space
• Matching chair available
Cons:
• Expensive
Size: H75 x W120 x D60cm
Material: Solid wood and MDF
Promising review: “This has made a little girl very happy. Great it has some storage and very robust.”
10 of 12MICKE Desk
This desk is the most popular and highly rated by customers on IKEA, and we can see why! It’s ideal for smaller spaces due to its compact size, and while it’s not as wide as others, the clever design at the back and hole for cables will help keep the space, and desk, free from off putting messy cables. It’s clean and simple with a drawer, and super affordable too. If you want to increase your desk space or storage options, IKEA recommends combining it with other desks or drawer units. Available in black, white, and oak effect.
Pros:
• Compact
• Slimline design
• Storage drawer
Cons:
• Can't put tape or stickers on as will effect the wood finish
Size: H75 x W73 x D50cm
Material: Particleboard and fibreboard
Weight: 14.48kg
Promising review: “This desk is the perfect size for my son's boxroom. It looks smart and the drawer can fit more in than I thought it would! Quite easy to put together but not quick.”
11 of 12Buton Vintage Wood & Metal School Desk and Chair
This desk from La Redoute is designed just like the old wood and metal school desks and comes with a matching chair included. With simple lines, curved edges for safety and a vintage feel. This compact set will definitely set the back-to-school tone that will hopefully get them in the mood to concentrate and try their best!
Pros:
• Compact
• Great design
• Storage shelf
Cons:
• Sturdiness
Size: H65 x W70 x D45cm
Material: Metal and birch plywood
Promising review: “This is a great looking desk for my daughters bedroom. It was easy to put together and although I thought it was going to be too small it is actually a great size for my nearly 9 year old.”
12 of 12Loft Compact Desk
Available in white or natural, this one is for the big kids and teens looking for a modern and stylish desk to fit in a smaller space. Crafted from sustainable wood for a contemporary feel, it has a handy slimline shelf so monitors and laptops can be placed at a comfortable viewing height, great for your child’s posture and general comfort. M&S also offer a 10-year guarantee so you can trust the sturdy build and make sure it lasts as long as your child needs it.
Pros:
• Compact
• Sustainable wood
• Sturdiness
Cons:
• May mark easily
Size: H81 x W90 x D50cm
Material: Melamime and MDF
Promising review: “Comes very easy to assemble by one person. The finish is great and round edges so good if you have kids. Wood is a lovely finish. The white came with a slight mark on it but didn’t bother me as the rest of the finish was great. So clever how furniture is put together these days.”