Work from your couch (or patio) with these ingenious lap desks

Chained to your desk? No bother

Three lap desks on pastel background
(Image credit: Future)

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," goes the old adage. And it's right — just watch The Shining. Sure, we often need to get our heads down and crack on, delivering presentations, revising for our finals, or hopping on Zoom calls, but there's no need to set up camp in the office or library. These days, our workspace can be a little more flexible, whether that's a chic WFH setup, complete with a cute desk, or a hybrid work schedule that has you in the office a couple of days a week and working from your dining table the rest of the time. 

Of course, no matter how cushy our home office or study station is, sometimes, the allure of the couch or garden is all too much — especially when things are brightening up. Fortunately, there's a solution. Enter the lap desk, an ingenious invention that almost makes us love working 5 days a week.

Quick Menu:
1. Lap desks with storage
2. Lap desk pillows
3. Portable lap desks

Designed so that you can sit somewhere soft or outside without straining your neck, the lap desk comes in a variety of styles, from pillow to portable, plus designs with handy storage features. As such, there's a lot to choose from. That's why I've done the honors and whittled it down to a tight pick, using shoppers' honest reviews to pinpoint only products worth your while. Expect nothing less than four stars and rave reviews from these pieces. Now, enough chat — let's get into it.

The best lap desks to buy

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The prices below were correct at the time of publishing.

Lap desks with storage

Lap desks are often compact, designed to save as much space as possible. However, there's no reason you can't opt for something with a little extra in the way of drawers or storage pockets.

Lap desk pillows

Now that working from home is the norm for so many, there's a lot to be said about work-from-home comforts. Which is why these cushioned delights are a must in any hybrid worker or dorm-dwelling students' roster.

Portable lap desks

As any modern-day professional or student can attest, work can happen anywhere, and so, being able to log on, email, or study from any given coordinates is a must. Fortunately, these easy-to-carry picks have your back.

FAQs

Are lap desks good for you?

Absolutely! In this day and age, many of us work from home, so why not enjoy the full benefits of that package? There's a science behind it as well. "Lap desks can be a great resource when working from home," says chiropractor Dr. Matthew Cavanaugh. "It provides an ergonomically sound surface to work on by keeping your shoulders, elbows, and wrists in the proper position as opposed to having your computer sit directly on your lap." In other words, your neck and back will face less strain. Consider this your sign to buy one stat.

Is a lap desk worth it?

If you work from home a lot, it certainly is. As outlined by chiropractor Dr. Matthew Cavanaugh above, it offers a way to work from your lap while reducing the strain on your back and back. As he puts it, "Lap desks are an excellent choice for improving postural health when working from home, and they are well worth the money when you find the right one for you." Finding your perfect one is of course easy when the glut of options has been whittled down to a stylish pick like mine. So, get stuck in.

Where to buy a lap desk

Not yet found your must-have lap desk? Don't fret. We've listed the top retailers to try below, where you're sure to find the perfect match.

How we chose these standing desks

When it comes to honest opinions, there are none quite like those of shoppers. That's why when sourcing the products in this list, we took the time to read and check the reviews and ratings given, so you can be sure you're getting something other buyers loved. While we haven't tested each and every product ourselves just yet, you can rest assured that the shoppers' verdict never lies. Oh, and it goes without saying that, like everything we recommend, these were picked for practicality, style, and their genuine improvement on a user's life 

Joseph Bobowicz
Freelance Contributor

Working across digital and print publications, Joseph Bobowicz is a London-born writer obsessed with books, culture, and all things new. When he's not writing about fashion for i-D and the Independent, he's out sourcing the best homewares to incorporate into any humble abode, fixer-upper, or first-time buy alike.