Woodlyn Folding Desk Shelf from Urban Outfitters presents a clever idea for an improvised workspace that takes virtually no room when not in use. Perfectly functional as a shelf, the piece can be unfolded to provide a writing (or typing) surface. Available for purchase here.
Standing desks are all the rage these days and this clever contribution to the trend by Humble Works is worth a mention. I love the flexibility of this design. Thanks to the multiple slots, anyone can find the correct position for the monitor and keyboard shelves in relation to their eye level and overall height. The piece folds flat when not in use.
Here is a notable Kickstarted that is already a go. The Edge kneeling desk is a portable workspace that you can store anywhere and pull up in seconds. A major win for small spaces! The piece can be used as a regular desk or an easel for artwork, and can accommodate most body sizes. The kneeling seat has been designed to improve posture and reduce neck, back and shoulder pain. Watch the video to see it in action. Pledge to get yours here.
https://youtu.be/VfVxBpAnNiI
Hub27 is a compact wall-mounted workspace from ErgotronHome, and it gets my thumbs up for being totally shoebox friendly. The piece has many functions, it can work as storage, charging station for your devices, or a mini standing desk for some light computing. Thanks to the multitude of pockets and compartments, it can hold and protect your tech and tech-related paraphernalia in a small and unobtrusive unit. The surface can be adjusted to your desired height, and the glass cover can double as a dry erase board. Solid thinking. Available for purchase here.
LEVIT8 is a noteworthy (and already fully funded) Kickstarter campaign that was launched by three Singapore-based designers. We all know about the benefits of standing up while working at the computer, and LEVIT8 offers you just that. Just unfold it atop of your actual desk (or any other working surface) and change your posture at will. Made from lightweight durable material, it is as big as a magazine, so you can easily travel and commute with it. Instant want.
Simply called Library, this happy modular shelving system by Penghao Shan has a lot to offer to a limited space. The design is based on a simple principle: a leaning construction gets more stable as you put more wight on it. A wooden frame is the base of the shelving unit. You can use your freedom of expression to attach containers, a desk component, or shelves. Infinitely adjustable, Library can also be quickly disassembled and stored flat.
St. Louis based design studio Artifox has unveiled two space-saving items that compliment each other beautifully – desk and bike rack. Designers call their creations ‘artifacts’, emphasizing the uniqueness of their design: “We believe that as our world changes – so should the spaces we live in. That’s why we’re dedicated to the evolution of modern artifacts – adapting them for your life.” Both pieces are offered in the choice of walnut or maple wood. The desk comes in two heights, sitting and standing. It also features two-level cord control (compartment for your outlets and fasteners for keeping the remaining visible cordage neat), built-in docking for your devices, writable surface, adjustable legs, and a hook for your bag or headphones. The minimalist rack is made to look equally good with or without a bike. Both pieces are available for purchase here.
Cologne based design studio Kaschkasch created this space-saving beauty, called Fju. When folded down it serves as a small workspace. Folded up Fju changes it‘s appearance and transforms into a slim storage shelf. Fantastic.
Duotable is a new creation of Michael Hilgers, the man who gave the world this beautiful space-saving desk. The new table is a hybrid, made specifically for us, shoebox dwellers. It can be used as a 4-person dinner table, then transformed into a functional homeoffice by simply flipping a table half. Duotable hides a sizable storage compartment inside, ideal for your papers, writing materials, books and gizmos. I also love the cable slot, running on the back. This design has already landed the prestigious Interior Innovation Award 2015. I am not surprised.
Here is another notable product launching campaign – Portable Lap Desk Installation No.1 by Yois Design. In spite of its unusually long name, the product itself is very compact and small space friendly. The desk doesn’t have legs. Instead it sits on a set of wall mounted brackets. As a user, you have the freedom to install the brackets at any height you prefer, to use it whether sitting or standing. Neat. You can also move around with the desk, use the groove in its surface for your phone or tablet, and, when done, store the desk flat against the wall. Available for purchase through the currently running Kickstarter campaign.