The work-from-home life appears here to stay, it appears, but what’s the most productive way to get the job done? Finding the right space for a home office can be tricky. And let’s face it – that couch looks pretty comfy. What you need is a lap desk – a compact and functional surface with room for a laptop and other tools. We’ve found several lap desks we recommend.
Portable and padded
Sometimes simplicity is best. This lap desk from Huanuo can accommodate a laptop up to 15.6 inches wide. The built-in wrist pad is a nice touch (plus, it keeps the computer from sliding off the desk). Extra pockets on the side provide additional storage space for smaller items. Note: If you’re using an external mouse, the PC needs to be no wider than 14 inches.
Buy: HUANUO Lap Laptop Desk
Lots of features
Granted, the unique pink finish originally caught our eye, but five other colors are available if you’re not that adventurous. Truth be told, the built-in mouse pad is the big winner here, especially if you’re using an optical mouse. It has room for laptops up to 15.6-inches wide. A device ledge keeps your computer in place. If you think lap desks are a recent phenomenon, here’s some perspective: The idea of a portable or lap desk dates back to medieval and renaissance times. Even Henry VIII was known to use a fancy portable writing desk.
Buy: LapGear Home Office Lap Desk with Device Ledge, Mouse Pad, and Phone Holder
Plenty of options
This desk from LapGear offers a spot to hold a smartphone horizontally but also a good spot for small tablets. The main surface can accommodate a laptop up to 15.6-inches wide – apparently, that’s pretty common – and comes with a device ledge to keep it in place. The real standout feature here is the designer fabric available for the cushion. If this were the 17th century, these desks would largely be used only by traveling gentlemen or their valets.
Buy: LapGear Designer Lap Desk with Phone Holder and Device Ledge
Multifunctional choice
This lap desk from Saiji is the first one we’ve recommended that doesn’t offer the traditional cushion bottom. Instead, two table legs offer up to five different heights while two clamps can adjust the surface angle up to 36 degrees. When you’re not using it for work, it makes a good book stand, drawing table, or even a surface for serving a meal. Best of all: It can accommodate a laptop up to 18-inches wide.
Buy: SAIJI Adjustable Bed Desk for Laptop
Durable pick
The wood surface and metal legs of this lap desk from VebaCidi mean it’ll stand the test of time. Extra features include a storage drawer, cupholder, and a slot for tablets or phones. Though portable lap desks may have fallen out of favor in the 19th century with the arrival of affordable furniture, there’s always a place in the modern home for a helpful accessory like this.
Buy: Lap Desk with Storage Drawer, Holders for Cup and Tablet
