A New Age of Virtual Schooling
The pandemic has been particularly difficult for parents in areas where schools have moved to online learning. Working from home and dealing with your children's virtual schooling at the same time is a veritable balancing act in which you're bound to drop a few balls now and again. Making the experience even more challenging, it can be downright impossible to re-create a classroom environment in the home, especially when life feels so out of whack. But the right desk can make a big difference in helping kids stay focused and keeping them in a school-oriented mindset. A desk with real kid appeal, like the ones that follow, can let you turn a small corner of your home into an improvised classroom that will delight your child—and remind you that it's only temporary.
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Modern simplicity
Crate and Barrel's Paxson desk is an excellent addition to a child's bedroom or playroom. The simple, clean design makes the desk easy to incorporate into almost any decor. A convenient drawer is perfect for storing pencils, pens, and other school supplies, and an open shelf can hold a laptop computer or any variety of notebooks, textbooks, and other reading material. Available from Crate and Barrel .
Cute as a button
This retro-style lift-top desk from Melissa & Doug is ideal for small spaces. The affordable set, appropriate for children ages 3 through 8, comes with a matching chair, so it's a great fit for parents on a budget or uninterested in making a study space a permanent fixture. Thanks to its wipeable surface, the desk is also great for doing arts and crafts. Available on Amazon .
Fit for all ages
Though not strictly for kids, this industrial-style desk would be great for a teen study space. It folds up easily, so it can be set up for online learning then stashed away for family time, making it a flexible choice for use in a small or shared room. It's stylish enough to blend into any living space, and it’s waterproof, so it's well protected from accidental spills and splashes. Available on Amazon .
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Smart design for small spaces
The clean, compact Micke desk is narrow enough to squeeze into tight spaces—for instance, a closet that’s been transformed into a makeshift study. If you have more space and want a little more permanence, combine it with other pieces from the series, including a desktop add-on and a file storage unit. A cable outlet keeps cords hidden from curious hands, and the surface is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. Available from Ikea .
Wall-mounted space saver
This clever wall-mounted desk doubles as a bookshelf. It can handle up to 66 pounds of weight, which is more than enough for a laptop and an assortment of books or craft supplies. The desk offers plenty of storage space and a handy cord outlet, and you can mount it at the perfect height for your little (or not-so-little) learner. This is a wonderful way to carve out a small study space for a kid without having to sacrifice floor space. Available on Amazon .
Flexible portability
Not every child can tolerate sitting at a desk for hours on end. For those who prefer working on the floor, the Surf Portable Lap Desk provides a versatile surface for taking notes or using a laptop. It's an excellent option for families who require flexibility in their work spaces, and its budget price point makes the desk an attractive alternative for parents trying to hold down costs. The desk has been Greenguard Gold certified, which means that a third-party tester has determined that it meets rigorous chemical emissions standards. Available on Amazon .
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Attractive storage solution
In nonpandemic times, kids typically store most of their supplies at school. But now, in the absence of cubbies and lockers, those supplies have invariably ended up strewn across the home. The Little Seeds 4-Drawer Desk features a classic design and ample storage for school and craft supplies. Parents can pair the desk with matching pieces in the same series for a cohesive look. Available on Bed Bath & Beyond .
Sophisticated and sleek
The Hampshire Desk is small in stature but big on charm. This timeless, durable piece is made of solid wood and features two drawers for storage. If you're planning a kid’s room makeover, the desk coordinates with other Hampshire Collection pieces. (It’s available in White or Olive Green.) Available from Crate and Barrel .
Eco-friendly and adjustable
The environmentally-friendly UNICOO desk is made of 100 percent bamboo. It comes with a chair, and it’s equipped with a hutch for storing books, pencil holders, and knickknacks. Both the desk and chair are height adjustable, so they can grow with the child. (It’s sized for kids ages 3 through 10.) Available on Amazon .
Customizable space
Enlist the help of the PÅHL desk to build a kid's Zoom-friendly work space. Integrated cord management keeps wayward wires neat and tidy, so the desk area stays clean and distraction-free. The desk also adjusts to accommodate your growing child—select from three different heights. Note that the entire unit must be placed against the wall to avoid the risk of tipping. Available from Ikea .
Don't Miss!
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