The best L-shaped computer desks can be a great solution for a home office or studio, providing more room to work and store things. The best L desks can handily fit into a corner, making an efficient use of space, and they can be especially helpful if you use multiple monitors, a laptop with an external screen or peripherals like a printer, scanner or graphics tablet. Some also have storage, with drawers, cupboards or shelves helping you get even more out of the space.
If you have a larger studio or office, you can even put two L-shaped desks together to create a U-shape desk and surround yourself with your tools. But which to go for? There are a lot of options and prices and quality vary. That's why we've picked our own selection of the best L-shaped computer desks at different price points based on our reviewers' experiences and online customer reviews.
We've evaluated each L desk for build quality and finish, versatility, storage options, useful features and value. We've included a couple of L-shaped standing desks too. These can help with posture. The availability of the best L-shaped desks varies depending on location, so we'll start with the best L desks in the US, and then move on to the best L-shaped computer desks in the UK.
If you don't have the space for an L-shaped desk, see our picks of the best desks in general. Or if you want an option that might be able to help your posture without you having to buy a whole new piece of furniture, see our pick of the best standing desk converters and the best office chairs for back pain.
The best L-shaped computer desks: US
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We rate this as the best L-shaped computer desk overall in the US when balancing price, size, versatility and features. Not all L desks come with storage space, but this desk has built-in shelves for stowing things that you need to keep at hand's reach. It also has an in-built power strip with four plugs and two USB ports, so it's perfect for a multiple-monitor setup.
There are three colours to choose from, so you can choose the best design for your office space. With its minimalistic design, it should fit into a range of different environments. And since it comes in two parts, if you ever get bored of the L-shape, you can readjust your desk and transform it into one long desk (if you have the space).
Need to accommodate lots of monitors? This Casaottima L-Shaped Gaming Desk should happily hold three or even four of them. It also comes with a monitor shelf that can be fitted to either side; perfect for putting a laptop at eye-level without the need for a laptop stand. The Casaottima's X-shaped frame provides plenty of stable support and looks great, while the desktop is waterproof, scratch and heat-resistant and designed for durability.
It does require assembly and quite a number of parts that need to be put together – you'll want to check they're all present before you start since a couple of people have mentioned missing pieces, but the company was quick to send out a replacement in these cases. Perhaps best of all, this is also one of the cheapest L-shaped computer desks in our list. The recommended retail price is under $130, and we've seen some decent discounts.
The vast majority of L-shaped computer desks on the market are of the tradition fixed, sit down variety, but there are a few standing L-shaped desks available. Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular because of concerns about the negative effects of too much sitting. A fixed standing L-shaped desk may not be practical since you probably won't want to stand all day, but the Brödan Electric Standing L Desk is a fairly rare example of an L-shaped desk that offers the best of both worlds: you can both sit and stand because the height can be adjusted.
When we reviewed it, we found the desk was big and bulky, and it's fairly expensive too, but after using it for a month, our reviewer was convinced by its premium build and ergonomics. We found the motor to be efficient and quiet for adjusting between the three preset heights and there are some nice details like desktop power ports to make life just a little bit easier.
See our full Brödan Electric Standing L Desk review for more details.
We've mentioned that a lot of L-shaped computer desks don't come with storage options. This is a fine balance to get right, and it often involves a trade off. No storage under the desk itself means more leg room throughout the whole desk, so that you can sit under any part of it. However, one big benefit of an L desk is making the most of space, and drawers or other storage options can really help with that.
We think this Sauder Northcott L-Shaped Computer Desk strikes a good balance. It's smaller than some L-shaped computer desks, making it ideal for most homes, and we found the built-in drawers with differing sizes useful for keeping documents and accessories at hand. The lower drawer is designed to be big enough to accommodate legal-size hanging files.
The desk is finished on all sides, including behind the drawers, so you can choose either side as your primary desk space or even put the desk in the centre of a room. The one drawback is that there are only two colour options: white or black.
Balancing a versatile wooden design with farmhouse-style accents, this rustic but sturdy wooden desk will offer you all the space you could need to complete your home office, whether you're gaming or working. There is enough space for at least three monitors and the desk itself will look just as great sat in the center of the room as it will in the corner. That's because the back is fully finished, so it doesn't need to be pressed against any wall in your home.
Choose from pine, oak, hickory, or a washed grey for different designs, and while there are no drawers or shelves, there is plenty of space to move your chair around the entire surface of the desk or add some shelving units underneath the 30-inch clearance.
The Teraves Reversible L-Shaped Desk is wonderfully versatile. Its reversible design means that you can set it up to match the layout of your studio, and it comes with a pair of open shelves that you can use for storage. As a handy extra it also comes with a floor stand for your computer; ideal if you prefer to work with a tower PC rather than an iMac or laptop.
The desk can hold up to 110lbs, which should be more than enough for all your kit, and it's available in either black oak or dark teak.
Treat your studio to a bit of luxury with this solid and imposing Sauder Palladia L-Shaped Desk. Made from environmentally-friendly engineered wood, it's loaded with features including a storage area for a tower PC, a slide-out shelf for your keyboard, plus extra drawers including a full-size file drawer for stashing important documents.
It's available in three finishes: vintage oak, wind oak and cherry, and while it's one of the most expensive options here, it's definitely worth it if you want to give your work area a touch of class.
The best L-shaped computer desks: UK
The SHW Vista Corner Desk might look like a regular L-shaped desk, but it actually divides into three sections so it can be assembled in a small space. If you work in an apartment and don't like the thought of heaving a huge piece of furniture up the stairs, this is the L-shaped desk for you.
Its smoked tempered glass top is a thing of beauty, and there's even a foot rest bar to help you sit more comfortably. You'll need to dedicate some time to screwing the sections together, but the results are worth the effort. A great-looking desk for designers with limited space.
If your everyday design work involves some heavy equipment (a Mac Pro and multiple monitors, for example), you might not feel entirely comfortable trusting a glass desk with the tools of your trade. The Office Hippo Ideal Corner Desk is built for exactly that kind of weightlifting, and is rated to support loads up to 80kg. It comes with an impressive five-year warranty as well, and the top is heat- and stain-resistant (ideal for coffee addicts). Not the most stylish, perhaps, but it won't let you down.
A standing desk is a good option if you're concerned about your posture and want to try to spend less time sitting down. There aren't a huge number of standing L-desk options around, but we found this motorised option from Brödan to be a very pleasant desk to use, offering all the space you want from an L desk but with the added flexibility of motorised height adjustment with 3 preset settings.
We found the desk to be big and heavy, but that also speaks for its quality. Ergonomically, it's a pleasure to use, and the electric motor is quiet and efficient. There are some nice touches like cable management and plug sockets, but note that as a US import it comes with US sockets, so you'll need adapters to be able to use this benefit.
See our full Brödan Electric Standing L Desk review for more details.
As we mentioned, there aren't many standing L-shaped computer desks on the market, but this FEZIBO desk is another good option. Again, It's quite pricey, but the triple electric motor system makes adjusting from sitting to standing positions very smooth. There are three buttons to quickly choose preset heights between 70cm and 120cm, so you don't have to use it only for standing.
It doesn't offer as much space as some L-shaped desks, but what extra space it does offer against a standard desk can be invaluable if you work with two screens or a laptop and a monitor. And while there are no cupboards or shelves, there are hooks that you can use to hang headphones and bags, for example. There's also a cable management tray, and casters make it easy to move the desk around without scratching the floor.
The John Lewis & Partners Abacus Corner Desk is a budget-friendly option that will slot neatly into the corner of the room. It is made of FSC-Certified oak and has four generous shelves at either side of the desk.
While it's not included, you can buy an Abacus keyboard drawer to store your laptop or keyboard when not in use. This desk is also compatible with a wide range of John Lewis & Partners' home office furniture, so if you want to kit out your entire space, it's a smart choice. There is only one colour on offer, but the oak veneer is practical without looking too utilitarian.
If you want a sturdy corner desk that can make the most of a small amount of space, the Habitat Pepper Corner Desk is a nice option. It doesn't provide a huge surface area to work on but it's just about large enough to accommodate say a laptop together with a monitor of up to around 32-inches. Its relatively compact size and four adjustable shelves and cable access help to make the most of the small amount of space.
Habitat's got a name for smart, clever design and the price here is good value while not being so cheap that you're getting poor quality. The shelves can be useful for those that find they need space to keep bits and bobs to stop their desk becoming cluttered, and the whiteboard is a nice touch for making notes. It's recommended that two people assemble it, but we think it can be managed by one person alone.
Not everyone will appreciate the rustic-industrial look of this minimalist L-shaped desk, but it will look just at home in the right office or studio. The clean lines and space-saving design make it practical and convenient for saving space, and you can easily put two together to create U-shaped desk if you need a big workspace. At under £90, the price is great, and it's received some great reviews too, with customers attesting to its sturdiness.
How should I choose the best L-shaped computer desk?
The first thing to do to choose the best L-shaped desk for you is to decide what you need it do. Some people want an L-shaped desk that can support several monitors, while others will use it for gaming. This difference might influence the size and the look of the ideal option for you. You also need to think about how much additional gear you have to store. Cupboards and shelves can be useful for storing accessories, cables, books and more.
How big are the best L-shaped desks?
L-shaped desks are generally designed to fit into a 90-degree corner, but their size can vary a lot. The best L-shaped desks in our selection range from around 80cm to 140cm in length, so it's important to check the measurements for the space where you want to place your desk to make sure you get the dimensions.
And don't only consider the length and depth. One thing that is often overlooked is the height of the desk and leg clearance. If you don't have an adjustable chair, then it might be a good idea to measure the height of your legs in your chair to make sure that it will fit comfortably under the desk.
How should I measure for an L-shaped computer desk?
Because of the unusual shape of an L-shaped desk, it can be tricky to take measurements to check if it'll fit in your space. We recommend clearing plenty of space in the area where you are hoping to put your desk. Once the area is clear, simply use the dimensions we've provided for you to see if the desk of your choice will fit. Remember to also measure the height, especially if you plan to put your desk below a windowsill or shelves.
It's also important to make sure you know which side of the desk you will be predominantly working on. It's no good buying a desk with plenty of storage options, only to realise that they're in the way of where you're hoping to put your legs!
Read more:
- The best office chair
- Infographic: 10 essential desk exercises for designers
- 7 factors that make an office chair ergonomic
