We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Upgrade your WFH space with these chic desks.

Many of us now have a hybrid working approach and require an appropriate home-office setup. While lounging around on your sofa as you answer emails certainly has its benefits, having a dedicated working space in your home offers a whole range of benefits, from keeping you organised to helping you switch off on those precious out of office days. For small space dwellers, especially, investing in a ladder shelf desk might be a good bet.

These desks tend to utilise height rather than width and usually come with two or three additional shelves above the desktop. This helps you claw back precious wall space for all your bits and bobs without compromising on style. After all, carving out a chic home office is also a great opportunity to demonstrate your design flair and create an aesthetically pleasing workspace you’ll enjoy spending time in.

We’ve found plenty of stylish ladder shelf desks to shop on the high street with our edit ranging from super-chic options from Oliver Bonas and Swoon Editions to more affordable pieces from Wayfair and Dunelm. There’s plenty to choose from for every interior scheme so, whether you’re looking for a space-saving slimline number, something to slot into an unused corner, or a classic mid-century style desk, there should be something here to suit. Scroll down to see our picks of the best ladder shelf desks to shop in 2022.

With its acacia hardwood and opulent brass finishing, this mid-century style desk is a great example of how practicality does not have to be at the expense of style.

Dimensions: W75cm x H180cm x D47cm

Simple and classic, this lovely wooden desk with metal hardware will add a sophisticated touch to your home office.

Dimensions: W71cm x H194cm x D46cm

Super durable, this solid oak desk has a slender frame that will easily fit into small workspaces. Store loose papers and stationary in the drawers to keep mess at a minimum. The white colouring is very classic, too.

Dimensions: W83cm x H160cm x D50cm

This shelf desk is perfect for minimalist interior schemes. It comes with two slim shelves, making it ideal for small rooms where space is at a premium.

Dimensions: W90cm x H185cm x D45cm

Crafted from darkly stained mango wood, this gorgeous freestanding shelf desk features a handy hidden extendable table for your keyboard that slides out of sight when not in use. With its brass rail and two storage drawers, it’s a stunning design that will give your space a stylish upgrade. It can double up as a pretty dressing table, too.

Dimensions: W100cm x H180cm x D45cm

Simple, slim, and sleek, this desk is a great backdrop for your laptop and has enough space for office supplies, books and some small plants too.

Dimensions: W83cm x H195cm x D60cm

Modern and sleek, this lovely wooden desk will add some elegance to your workspace. The mocha-toned wood and matte black finish makes it ideal for modern schemes. With a generous desktop, two shelves and a handy blackboard for notes, there’s plenty of space for all your bits and pieces. It’s currently 60% off, making it great value, as well.

Dimensions: W91.5cm x H183cm x D50cm

Ladder desks are ideal for renters, giving you extra shelf space with no drilling required. This solid oak piece from Marks and Spencer features a spacious drawer for concealing clutter, along with two shelves for papers and decorative objects.

Dimensions: W85cm x H185cm x D60 cm

This ladder shelf desk will take up minimal space in your home thanks to its slimline design. The simple white design will create a clean, Scandi vibe in your home office.

Dimensions: W65cm x H179.5cm x D40cm

This innovative vintage desk has been upcycled from a bunk bed ladder, making a lovely rustic piece that will add character to any room. It’s very slimline, so if you live in a studio or bijou flat and just want somewhere to pop your laptop during working hours (and can’t face cluttering up your kitchen table yet again), this is ideal.

Dimensions: W38cm x H160cm x D50cm

How gorgeous is this desk? Crafted from a solid wood frame in a grey oak finish, it’s a really spacious option with beautiful dovetailed drawers and chunky pewter handles. Add some books and plants for a pop of colour and you’re good to go.

Dimensions: W101cm x H190cm x D47cm

This clever ladder desk will fit neatly into a corner; a bonus when you need to claw back precious space in small rooms. The sleek, slender frame paired with a dark wood effect makes it feel super premium, despite the relatively low price point for the size. It has two shelves, a large desk area and an extra shelf, giving you plenty of room for your laptop, plus some plants and trinkets for styling.

Dimensions: W70cm x H162cm x D50cm