A desk shelf can prevent a messy workspace, which can be distracting and uncomfortable and can cause your train of thought to be disrupted. Allocating space on your table for a desk shelf, also known as a desk shelf organizer or desk shelf riser, can keep your table clean, and it can be used for displaying room decor as well!
As a student or office worker, placing pens, notebooks, and other accessories in one central "station" allows you to have a cleaner area. You can also use a desk shelf for monitors, laptops, or printers. This article will share a buying guide, reviewed by registered interior designer Alyssa Jean Rosalem, and a top ten list to help you narrow down your options and find the best desk shelf for you.
Quick List - Top Desk Shelves
IDr. Alyssa Jean Rosalem is a Registered and Licensed Interior Designer in the Philippines. With 7 years of experience in the field, she is committed to bringing a unique, vibrant perspective and aesthetically pleasing design while enhancing the quality of life and culture of the occupants. Alyssa stays up to date with the latest trends and knowledge in the field of Interior & Architecture. She is passionate about learning new creative thinking skills and making a difference by sharing her understanding of designing a space.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Make sure to check the height of your table and assess if your chosen desk shelf can fit. Take note of any objects above your table that may get in the way of the desk shelf, such as appliances or windows. Any item that is already hanging on the wall should be considered in determining the size of shelves that you can use.
Measuring the width and length of your desk also ensures that the shelf you're planning to buy will not take up all the space on your table. Lastly, be sure to assess the durability of your table. If your table is wobbly or old, you can try desk shelves that can be mounted on the wall.
Wall-mounted shelves are great additional storage with a minimalist style. It should be mounted 550 - 600 mm from the surface of your desk and should have a minimum depth of 300 mm for book shelving.
Because your table contains a variety of items in different sizes, it is essential to consider which shelves will make it appear more organized. You can choose from the regular desktop shelves, under-desk shelves, and floating shelves.
Desktop shelves consist of small compartments for folders, pencils, and notebooks. Because these are placed on top of the table, they can carry heavier items, such as printers and books. Desktop shelves are very dependable for storing your daily necessities because you can see and access them right away.
Some desktop shelves also include extra features like tissue holders and small drawers for storing paperclips and sticky notes. These are often made of laminated wood and are available in a wider range of colors that can easily match your table.
Try to match your desk shelf finish with your tabletop to have a seamless look.
If you already have a bunch of items sitting on top of your table, you might want to consider having under-desk shelves. Often in the form of a basket, you can slide, hang, or attach it under the table. This way, you'll have more working space on your desk.
However, unlike desktop shelves, these shelves typically have just one compartment. These are usually made of metal, making them durable and not prone to moisture damage.
Your under-desk shelving should not take up your leg space underneath the table. It could be installed on one side of your desk or both sides as long as you consider the standard leg space height, which is around 500-700 mm.
Floating and hanging shelves are ideal for students who have a small desk at home. You can maximize the vertical space by mounting shelves on your wall. Take note that these shelves can only accommodate a limited number of supplies and aren't built for carrying heavy objects.
These are often installed through adhesive tapes or by drilling holes. Choose your location carefully because the holes from drilling are permanent. If you are renting, make sure drilling is allowed in your contract, and do so cautiously.
The safest floating shelves are installed with brackets drilled into your wall. There are specific screws available for concrete walls to dry walls. Always ask the hardware stores because most screws that come with your DIY shelf set are only applicable for concrete walls.
There are a variety of desk shelves available on the market. You can pick from wooden, metal, and plastic ones. Read on to know which type of material suits your needs the most.
Desk shelves are typically made of wood. Those made of solid wood are more durable and long-lasting, but they are more expensive. Meanwhile, engineered woods, like MDF or medium-density fiberboard, are now commonly used in cabinetry, furniture, and molding. They are smoother and are often laminated or veneered.
Laminated shelves are easier to maintain, scratch-resistant, waterproof, and will retain their appearance for years. Unlike veneers, which must be polished on a regular basis to keep their appearance - laminates only require regular cleaning, preferably using a microfiber cloth.
Laminated MDF shelvings are cheaper and easy to maintain and have a variety of design finishes that could match your tabletop.
Meanwhile, metal ensures durability and stability because all parts are tightly connected to one another. Aside from that, steel shelves are waterproof and give a more modern look on your desk. Take note, however, that they are prone to corrosion.
Red oxide metal primer should be painted on metal shelvings first before applying your chosen color finish - it's a protective coating that prevents rust formation on ferrous metal surfaces exposed to humidity and air.
Wood and metal shelves are more common than plastic ones. This is because plastic materials can only carry lightweight objects, as compared to wood and metal, which can carry heavier items. However, plastic shelves can be cheaper and can still be durable, making them a budget-friendly option.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TOKED Wood Desktop Printer Stand | ![]() | A Space for Your Printes and Books | |
2 | Finelife Office Simple Assembly Desk Cabine | ![]() | Create a Supplies Station on Your Desk | |
3 | Small Desk Bookshelf | ![]() | Customizable Design That Works Best for a Corner Wall | |
4 | Under Shelf Table Storage | ![]() | Keep Your Clutter Hidden With Under-the-Shelf Storage | |
5 | Nordic Style Desktop Shelf | ![]() | Add a Decorative Touch to Your Desk | |
6 | Wall-Mounted Metal Shelf | ![]() | Install a Floating Shelf for Additional Storage | |
7 | Printer Rack and Storage | ![]() | Multi-Tiered Shelf for the Mini Office | |
8 | Multi-layer File Organizer | ![]() | For Students Who Need Organized Files | |
9 | Desk Organizer | ![]() | A Shelf for Those Who Like Simpler Designs | |
10 | Wooden Desk Organizer | ![]() | A Two-Tier Wooden Shelf for Smaller Tables |
This desktop shelf is perfect for storing appliances, books, and files on your desk. Made with a heavy-duty MDF board and iron frame, this can handle bigger and heavier objects such as printers and even stacks of books. It also has space underneath that you can use when working on your laptop or tablet.
Buyers say it is truly sturdy and easy to assemble. Plus, its waterproof and rustproof surface will ensure that it lasts for a long time. This durable and high-quality shelf can help you have a clean and organized workspace, all at an affordable price.
This two-tier shelf is ideal for anyone who needs to have a more organized table. It is big enough to keep a few books, a pen holder, and even a small fan. If you're a student who needs to keep pens and notebooks stacked in one place, this is a great choice.
It comes with a stable white metal frame that can match any bedroom or dorm room. If you have a home office, it can also easily fit on any desk. Reviewers have said that it is sturdy and easy to assemble. Plus, you can stack these shelves together for more storage space!
Do you need a desk shelf that can be placed in a corner? This is the desk shelf you've been looking for! Its customizable design allows you to make better use of the available tablespace. This is also ideal for storing your collectibles and smaller organizers, allowing you to save on a lot of space.
Since it is made of laminated MDF wood, it is waterproof, heat resistant, and scratch-resistant, making it truly durable. It is also suitable for use in any room of the house. One user recommended this shelf because it is easy to assemble and appears to be sturdy enough to hold their coffee corner accessories.
This iron rack is an under-desk shelf that is ideal for people whose tables are already occupied by work from home or online learning supplies. Since it's a multipurpose shelf, it can be hung over a table, a wardrobe, a kitchen cabinet, a locker, or anything with a partition no thicker than 3.1 cm.
Because it is made of metal, you can expect it to be sturdy enough to carry a few heavy accessories. Additionally, it's large enough to hold a ream of bond paper or some of your gadgets. You can also choose between white and black to match your desk or cabinets.
Do you want a Scandinavian-inspired shelf? This Nordic-style desk shelf is the perfect pair to decor pieces on your desk. You can display your fragrances, figurines, skincare products, and books due to the shelf's adjustable height. This also has 3 removable layers and can also serve as a decorative plate for your small trinkets.
This shelf is made of an iron panel, so you can expect it to carry heavier items without deforming the structure. Because of its collapsible design, this shelf can be easily moved to any room of the house. When compared to other shelves, one reviewer praised this shelf for its ease of arrangement.
Do you love having a clutter-free table but you don't have the table space for a desktop shelf? This rustic floating shelf is what you need. By simply mounting it on the wall with the included adhesive hooks, this shelf can be used for small plants, jewelry, and frames. You can also use it to store lightweight school supplies.
This floating shelf is available in 3 different sizes. Plus, it is made of Paulownia wood, which guarantees that this floating shelf is lightweight but is strong enough to support slightly heavier items. Most importantly, it is resistant to fungal rots, except for surface molds.
Is your printer taking up too much space on your desk, making work difficult? Worry no more as this desk shelf is specifically designed to carry heavy items such as your printer, fax machine, or scanner. It is available in 2 designs, which both feature 3 to 4 compartments for sorting your supplies.
This would be very useful for teachers who print materials for their students, as well as for students who make their own reviewers and prefer to have them on hand. The compartment at the bottom part of the shelf could also be used to store extra bond paper reams and books.
This desk shelf is the solution to your strewn-about folders, which have been cluttering and taking up space on your table. Made with an MDF board, its surface is very easy to clean. It also has different compartments that are ideal for storing almost all of your work or school necessities, such as clear books and planners.
Aside from that, it has two pencil holders for storing pens or highlighters, as well as a tissue holder for convenient access. Customers praised the shelf's high-quality materials and were happy to have more organized tables. However, they noted that the board is on the thinner side, thus, placing heavy objects should be avoided.
This desk shelf is ideal for anyone aiming for a more minimalist look in their room. Not only does it keep your things organized, it also makes your room look cleaner because of its transparent color which can match any wall or desk.
Its strong acrylic plastic material and stainless steel legs ensure that the shelf remains durable and stable, even as you stack two to three of them together. Thus, you can place many things on the shelf, from food staples to skincare products. It also has anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties, making this last for a long time.
If you have a desk on the smaller side, this wooden shelf might be the best choice. It has two levels - both wide enough to store things on your table like penholders, notebooks, iPads, and even potted plants! As it is almost square in shape, you can place it in any corner or side of your desk and still have enough working space.
Made with reclaimed wood, you can opt for a mahogany or a lighter natural shade. Many reviewers have praised the quality of its build. You can easily get yourself a clearer working area with this affordable but sturdy wooden desk organizer.
Desk shelves allow you to fully utilize your space for having extra storage for your work equipment and also allow you to add decorative pieces that can improve the aesthetic of your desk setup. Just make sure to buy the highest quality material, not by its appearance only.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by registered interior designer Alyssa Jean Rosalem.
First is to find your best spot with some privacy, away from the traffic and noise. Choose good lighting, natural light, or artificial light. Invest in your equipment, such as a high-quality desk, an ergonomic chair, durable storage, and your work essentials.
Organize your convenient outlets and cord situations, and put up drawers where you can hide away your unsettling cords. Always prioritize your comfort and your desk organization for efficient and fruitful work.
Only put what is needed and maintain tidiness. Arrange those pieces according to your liking, after working or before your work starts. Looking at a messy desk shelf can affect your work energy, so it should really start within yourself.
It actually depends on your preference. But having your desk directly against a window can cause distractions and too much natural light and heat, especially with our country's humidity. You can place it a little far away from the window or perpendicular to it so you can still have indirect lighting.
Placing your desk against a wall if you don't have any space could be efficient, you can put up wall shelvings for additional storage while having privacy and little to no distractions.
Are you looking for more organization items you can use for other parts of your home? Check out the articles below for more of our buying guides and product recommendations. Find what you need for your kitchen, closet, or bathroom to make them more spacious.
Author: Jennylyn D. Salao
Re-editor: B. Fajardo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors in collaboration with the expert featured in the article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: TOKED|Wood Desktop Printer Stand
No. 2: Finelife|Office Simple Assembly Desk Cabine
No. 3: |Small Desk Bookshelf
No. 4: |Under Shelf Table Storage
No. 5: |Nordic Style Desktop Shelf
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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