Mid-century desks for small apartments: How to choose one that fits, works and looks great

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Plywood desk with matching shelving unit in vintage mid-century apartment

The Best Mid-Century Desks for Small Apartments — Compact, Custom, Timeless

Some apartments are small. Some are just... tight. But none of them deserve an ugly desk.

Mid-century walnut desk setup with drawers and iMac in small apartment workspace

If you're working from home, studying, or simply need a spot to sit down with your laptop, a desk should be more than just functional. It should feel like part of your home.

And that's where mid-century modern desks come in. Clean lines, slim silhouettes, functional storage — and just enough character to make a room feel intentional, not improvised.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a desk that fits a small space, works for your routine, and looks like it was made for your home (because it can be). Whether you’re hunting for a narrow writing desk for small spaces or a full L-shape workstation with storage, you’ll find real options here.

Why mid-century modern desks work for small spaces

Mid-century design was born in times of smaller homes, smarter layouts, and multifunctional living. That’s why its principles are perfect for today’s urban apartments — and even more so if you're dealing with odd corners or minimal square footage.

  • Slim profiles: No bulky ornaments, just refined form that doesn't hog the room.

Minimalist black plywood desk with slim profile and matte finish

  • Open space under the top: Gives a visual lift, and room for your feet (or a storage basket).

Open under-desk space with minimalist accessories on black plywood top

  • Built-in storage: Drawers and shelves that blend in, not stand out.

  • Custom sizing: Especially when you can adjust width and depth — even for a narrow desk for small apartment needs.

With the right desk, even a tiny living room corner can become a beautiful, productive home office.

Best desk types for small apartments

At Plywood Project, we offer fully customisable desks you can build your way. Whether you want something minimal or packed with features, these mid-century inspired styles work beautifully in compact interiors:

1. Simple top-only desks

Light wood minimalist desk with stool and open structure

Minimalist, open, elegant. Ideal if you want something light and modern — or just a narrow desk for a small home office.

Great for:

  • Students or remote workers with a laptop

  • Floating desk setups by the window

  • Paired with a statement chair or lamp

2. Desks with drawers under the top

Compact mid-century desk with drawers
Clean lines and hidden storage — just right

Keeps your essentials close but hidden. No clutter, just clean lines. A classic choice for a tidy workspace.

Perfect if:

  • You need room for notebooks, chargers, pens

  • You want a more “complete” desk feel without going bulky

3. Desks with side panel drawers or cabinets

Grey mid-century style desk with drawers in bright studio setting

Need more storage? Go for a full side box on the right or left. These modern desks with drawers for apartments give you space for files, tech gear, or even snacks (no judgment).

Especially good for:

  • Compact work-from-home setups

  • Living rooms doubling as offices

4. L-shape desks for corners

Make the most of unused corners. L-shape desks let you work wide, while still fitting in. A great compact desk for corner space.

Real-life inspiration: Sara from Brooklyn turned a tight corner in her flat into a stunning workspace with a customised L-shape desk (Model 11), drawers and shelves. Delivered flat-pack, assembled solo.

5. Standing desks (yes, still stylish)

Want to stay active? Go for a standing setup with mid-century style. You can design it to look nothing like those clunky office ones.

Good choice if:

  • You want to break up long sitting hours

  • You’re creating a multi-purpose area (work + yoga? we’ve seen it)

6. Desks with upper shelves (like our Maxi)

Desk with modular upper shelves and greenery in mid-century style interior

Shelves above the desk = display + extra storage. Great for books, décor, plants.

Use it when:

  • You need vertical storage

  • You want to create a focal point on your wall

  • You’re styling a hybrid of desk and display

Customise it to fit your space perfectly

One of the biggest perks of buying direct from a studio like ours? You don’t have to settle. Every desk is made to order, so it fits your space — and your life.

You can:

  • Choose the exact width and depth, from extra compact to generous

  • Decide where you want drawers, shelves or panels

  • Pick your wood stain or transparent finish

  • Add details like cable cut-outs, custom shelf height, even repositioning components

  • Create a truly made to measure desk that doesn’t look like an office cast-off

Style tips: How to make a small desk feel big

Good design isn’t just what you buy — it’s how you use it. Here’s how to create a workspace that feels bigger than it is:

  • Keep the surroundings light: White or pale walls make wood furniture pop.

  • Add greenery: A small plant softens the setup.

  • Use wall-mounted lighting: Frees up your desk space.

  • Match with mid-century chair: Slim legs, comfy seat, visual balance.

  • Think vertical: Shelves or pinboards above your desk draw the eye up.

Pro tip: Place your desk near a window if possible. Natural light transforms how the space feels — and boosts focus.

Plywood desk with matching shelving unit in vintage mid-century apartment

Shop desks that work in small spaces

Explore our full collection of desks — all customisable, all mid-century inspired.

→ See all desks at Plywood Project

Need help designing the perfect setup? We’re just a message away.

You don’t need a big apartment to work beautifully. Just a desk that gets it right.

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