A great desk sets the tone for your day – it’s a place to sip coffee and come up with your best ideas as well as keeping you comfortable and focused for powering through deep work.
Whether you’re setting up a home office or looking for a sit-stand desk to ease aches and pains, or just need more room to spread out, the end of the financial year is the smart time to choose a new desk, as you could claim it on your tax return.
We’ve rounded up the best desks for every budget, space and style.
Need to Know: Claiming Your Desk at Tax Time
If you work from home, you may be able to claim your desk, chair or other furniture as a tax deduction. Items $300 or less can be claimed immediately, while items over $300 are claimed over time based on how they depreciate in value. If you’re using furniture for both work and private use, you can only claim the work-related portion. Hold onto your receipts and keep records of when you use these items.
Not sure where you stand? Talk to a registered tax agent or contact the Australian Taxation Office before lodging your return.
Looking For an All Rounder? Try the Chatham Electric Sit Stand Desk Black
Dimensions: 1200mm (W) x 600mm (D) x 730mm to 1180mm (H)
Colours: Black; also comes in White
Approximate assembly time: 45 minutes
If you work from home, and want comfort and ergonomics, this desk is hard to beat. The electric height adjustment lets you switch between sitting and standing at the touch of a button, and the scratch-resistant desktop is built for daily use to keep it looking sharp. Its 1200mm by 600mm surface and sturdy steel frame holds up to 50kg, so you’ll have plenty of capacity for dual monitors or other computer accessories – and your large daily coffee.
Looking For a Stylish Sit-Stand Desk? Try the Helsinki Electric Sit Stand Desk 1200mm Walnut/White
Dimensions: 1200mm (W) x 700mm (D) x 710mm to 1160mm (H)
Colours: Walnut/White; also comes in White/Black
Approximate assembly time: 40 minutes
Looks do matter when it comes to home office furniture and the Helsinki’s walnut finish and clean Scandi design will elevate and calm your space. The electric height adjustment (with three memory presets) will lock in your ideal position for both sitting and standing, meaning no fussing with height when you need to switch work modes. The built-in wireless charger, stationery drawer and cable management will also help you keep things tidy so you can focus on your to-do list.
SEE ALSO: The Best Office Chairs for Work and Home This EOFY
Looking For a Minimalist Desk? Try the Contour Home Office Study 1400mm High Gloss Desk
Dimensions: 1400mm (W) x 600mm (D) x 750mm (H)
Colours: White and Chrome; also comes in Black Woodgrain
Approximate assembly time: 30 minutes
The Otto Contour desk brings a sleek, clean look to any home office or workspace. At 1400mm wide, there’s room for a monitor, laptop and notebook. The contemporary loop-leg design ensures plenty of surface space, legroom and stability, while the scratch-resistant finish will ward off everyday marks. Pair with the matching three-drawer pedestal for extra storage.
Looking For an Affordable Sit-Stand Desk? Try the Chatham Manual Sit Stand Desk White
Dimensions: 1200mm (W) x 600mm (D) x 750mm to 1200mm (H)
Colours: White
Approximate assembly time: 25 minutes
Straightforward and great value at just $169, the Otto Chatham desk uses a simple lever system to adjust the height without any cords or motors to worry about. The desk can be folded away neatly when not in use, making it an ideal pick for smaller spaces. The scratch-resistant melamine surface handles daily use well, and it can support up to 80kg.
Looking For a Medium-Sized Desk? Try the Stockholm 3 Drawer 1400mm Desk Oak Black
Dimensions: 1400mm (W) x 600mm (D) x 740mm (H)
Colour: Walnut/Black; also available in Oak/Black
Approximate assembly time: 65 minutes
Stylish and practical, the Otto Stockholm desk has two built-in stationery drawers and a filing drawer that fits both A4 and foolscap suspension files to help keep your workspace – and mind – tidy and organised. The scratch-resistant melamine finish means it’ll look great even after months of use, whilst the powder-coated steel frame ensures it’s built to last. If you’re after more storage, complete your workspace with the Stockholm 8 Cube Bookcase for a classic, coordinated look.
Looking For a Heavy-Duty Sit-Stand Desk? Try the Stilford S2 Electric Sit Stand Desk 1500mm White/White
Dimensions: 1500mm (W) x 750mm (D) x 720mm to 1230mm (H)
Colours: White; also available in White/Walnut, White/Oak, Black/White, Black/Walnut, Black/Oak
Approximate assembly time: 50 minutes
With its durable construction and 120kg weight capacity, this business-grade sit-stand desk is built for daily use in busy offices, making it a smart choice for small businesses outfitting multiple team members. Smart anti-collision sensors stop the desk if it bumps into anything, three memory presets save your favourite heights and there’s a USB port on the control panel for convenient device charging. If you need even more desktop space, the Stilford S2 range also includes a longer 1800mm option and a corner desk version.
Looking For a Modern-Style Desk? Try the Reine 2 Drawer 1400mm High Gloss White Desk
Dimensions: 1400mm (W) x 600mm (D) x 765mm (H)
Colour: White
Approximate assembly time: 60 minutes
The Otto Reine’s sleek high-gloss finish and curved corners will add a sophisticated touch to any workspace. At 1400mm wide and a capacity of 50kg, there’s plenty of room to spread out. Two built-in drawers keep documents and stationery at hand but neatly tucked out of sight, and the scratch-resistant finish will ensure it stays looking sharp even with daily use.
Looking For a Gaming-Style Desk? Try the Eureka Wing-Shaped Sit Stand Desk White
Dimensions: 1827mm (W) x 760mm (D) x 750mm to 1220mm (H)
Colours: Maple White; also available in Black
Approximate assembly time: 2.5 hours
Made for gaming, streaming and everything in between, the Eureka desk will keep you on your A-game while you work from home. The 100kg-capacity wing shape desktop puts your gear within easy reach across multiple screens and the dual motor system shifts easily between sitting and standing. When you’re getting in the zone for work, the LED-lit shelves will help you set the mood, and the heat and water-resistant surface will handle whatever you throw at it.
Looking For a Desk With Built-In Shelving? Try the Otto Arundale Side Shelf Desk 1200mm Black/Oak
Dimensions: 1200mm (W) x 650mm (D) x 1200mm (shelf height) / 750mm (desk height)
Colours: Black/Oak
Approximate assembly time: 60 minutes
Everything you need is within arm’s reach with the Otto Arundale desk. The large desk space gives you ample space to work or study, while the side shelving unit sets this desk apart for storing books, notebooks and stationery. The shelves can be positioned on either the left or right side to suit your setup, and a built-in cable management tray helps keep cords out of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Is the Best Ergonomic Desk Height?
A: The ideal desk height for most people is between 680mm and 720mm, with your elbows at a 90-degree angle when seated. An adjustable sit-stand desk takes away the guesswork completely, letting you adjust throughout the day for better comfort and posture.
Q: What’s the Best Work Desk for Small Spaces?
A corner desk makes smart use of tighter spaces without sacrificing surface area. Look for designs with built-in storage to help keep your setup clutter free.
Q: Are Sit-Stand Desks Actually Worth It?
A: Yes, especially if you do long hours. They can reduce back pain, boost energy and improve your focus. A sit-stand desk is one of the best home office investments.
Q: What Are Some On-Trend Desk Designs Right Now?
A: Scandinavian wooden desks are popular for their use of natural materials and a minimalist design. They look just as good on a video call as they do in person. Pair with the right desk accessories and you’ve got a setup worth showing off.
This is general information only and does not constitute taxation or legal advice. Other requirements under the tax law apply. Seek professional financial and/or legal advice to determine the right outcomes for your business or individual needs.
