Tag Archives: desks

Pipeline desk concept puts an interesting literal spin on your workflow

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Minimalist furniture is the trend these days, especially if they come as flat-packed merchandise from the likes of IKEA. While there is something refreshing about clean and simple surfaces, some take issue with how some of these also simply lack personality, charm, or impact. That’s not always true, of course, and how appealing a minimalist design might be is definitely a bit subjective. There are ways to give a piece of furniture a bit more character without going overboard with extraneous embellishments. This peculiar desk, for example, definitely makes an impact with its pipe-filled body, almost creating a visual metaphor for how desk designs could help or impede your productivity, a.k.a. your flow.

Designer: Jing-Cyuan Tang

A row of pipes is probably the last thing you’d want to use as a work desk. Never mind the image of working on top of a radiator; the cylindrical bars of the pipes would theoretically mean not being able to write legibly or draw straight lines. Of course, wedging a flat wooden board in the middle of those pipes easily fixes that problem, and what you get is a desk that’s not only functional but will also make you the talk of the town.

Metal pipes have always been associated with an industrial aesthetic, leaving no ambiguity to their utilitarian purposes. Stacking these many and creating a whole piece of furniture from them definitely helps send that message across. Admittedly, it’s a style that’s not going to appeal to everyone, and some might even feel uncomfortable looking at the ribbed surfaces everywhere. No one will deny, however, that it makes for a very interesting design.

It would have been trivial to just bend the pipes in such a way to create legs and a desktop, but Work Flow balances both form and function in a way that’s just as interesting as its appearance. Of of the pipes bend away from the others, creating nooks and slots to hold bags, books, and other items. There are also longer “deviations” that serve as shelves for computer peripherals or even a space for a furry friend.

Admittedly, such a desk design would have plenty of drawbacks, particularly when keeping it clean and tidy. The grooves in between pipes would be the perfect place to gather dust and lose small items, so it might be an impractical design for some households in some locales. Then again, those same curves could be utilized to hold thin items or be the foundations to stick other objects into, creating a modular system by accident.

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Modular table pivots to turn from work desk to dining table to social space

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The past years’ new work-from-home arrangements made people realize how limited their options are when it comes to setting up a dedicated working space. This problem, however, isn’t new to those occupying smaller places, like just renting a room or living in single-person households. More often than not, the same table they use for eating is one they’d use for doing other kinds of work or vice versa. It’s terribly easy to make that happen by keeping the table’s surface clean, but it doesn’t leave much room for flexibility, much less for aesthetics. This table design concept turns this multi-purpose setup into something like a puzzle game, where pieces fit into different places, depending on what you want to use the furniture for.

Designer: Hyun Ju Ko

Modular desks and expanding tables are nothing new, but they have become even more popular as people try to rethink their use of one of the most common pieces of furniture in homes. Ideally, you would have different places for work and eating, but that’s a luxury not everyone can afford when floor space is at a premium. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t have distinct modes using the same table, and the FTP design concept does exactly that by making you turn just one part to go from working to eating or maybe both.

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Short for “Finding Turn Point,” the FTP table looks like a regular rectangular piece of furniture, except for a half-circle that seems embedded in its top. That orange circle isn’t just visually distinct from the rest of the black table, it is actually a separate part that can be moved around and away from the rest of the table. Moving this shape around and changing its position becomes both a symbol and a ritual that can help your mind shift to a different kind of activity, whichever one you decide to associate with its position.

For example, you can use the table either as a desk or a dining table when the half-circle is flushed perfectly because you might want to have access to a whole and unbroken surface. Turn it to the left or right, and you can have something like an equivalent of a corner desk, where you can place different, unrelated materials on different sides. You can also pull out that part of the table and put it against any edge, extending the table’s reach for another person to join you at work or for meals.

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Of course, you aren’t exactly getting more table space, just moving things around to accommodate different activities and tools, from laptops to tableware. In the absence of separate tables for different purposes, the modular and shape-changing design can be a good cue to help your mind changes modes as well, setting up invisible yet palpable boundaries between work and personal life without losing precious floor space to another piece of furniture.

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Foldable cardboard desk is a sustainable but funny way to work anywhere

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The new hybrid work life has made it more popular to work anywhere you can put down a laptop, whether it’s on a desk or an actual lap. While that might be the easiest way to work away from home or the office, it isn’t always the most comfortable or the most feasible. Sometimes, you might not even have a table available for use, or those tables are too cramped for all of your work tools. In times like those, you might end up wishing you could always carry your own worktable where ever you go, and this lightweight foldable desk offers that possibility, and it’s kind on the planet as well. That is if you don’t mind looking a little odd in the process of carrying and working on cardboard.

Designer: Refold

There is definitely something liberating in being able to choose your work area, but that also comes with its own problems. You can’t literally work anywhere you want because there might not be enough space on a table or no tables at all. Laptops these days don’t really work on laps, at least not comfortably. You can take a foldable desk along with you, but most of those are heavy, awkward, cramped, or all of the above.

Refold solves all of that, except perhaps the awkwardness, using a material that is familiar to many DIY projects: cardboard. With just a few pieces that can fold down into a relatively thin rectangle, you can have a standing desk or a sitting desk, or both; anywhere there’s space for you to set up your ad hoc workspace. Yes, you will get amused or even judging looks while carrying a large canvas and setting up a cardboard desk, but you’ll be the envy of those same people when you show off how you can work peacefully in the middle of nature anytime you wish.

Of course, most of the incredulity will stem from the choice of cardboard as the one and only material for the desk since it doesn’t exactly have a good reputation for durability. Fortunately, that’s not the case here, with a triple-weaved, cross-paneled design that allows the table to hold a laptop, a monitor, and more. Cardboard isn’t also good with liquids, but an optional waterproof top gives you some peace of mind while also giving the desk a distinct white accent.

Admittedly, the Refold desk’s novelty won’t appeal to everyone, but it definitely looks like a more sustainable option for those that do find themselves trying to set up a desk outdoors. That said, it can also be used indoors as well, either to provide a unique aesthetic or to have a space-saving desk that you can assemble and disassemble in just minutes. Not only is it good exercise for your body, it can also act as a “bookend” to start and end your work day.

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Top 10 desk designs to create the perfect productivity-enhancing workspace

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I spend a substantial amount of my day on my desk, typing away to glory. Most of the time I also end up eating my meals on it! And binge-watching on Netflix as well. And I’m sure that’s the case with most of us, since working from home became the new norm, and our home offices became our new hang-out spots. But having a great desk is really important! Simply a ‘good’ desk won’t do either. A great desk helps us work comfortably and effectively. It puts us in the right mindset, helping us achieve our daily productivity goals and checkmark all the tasks on our to-do list! Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design! And good looks are an added bonus. And finding a desk that does all of the above can be a Herculean task. But worry not! We’ve curated a collection of innovative, highly functional, and aesthetically pleasing desk designs, that will end your hunt for a great desk once and for all! From an IKEA-worthy minimal foldaway desk to a convertible standing desk that doesn’t use motors to change forms  – there’s a perfect desk in here for everyone.

1. The Flow Wall Desk

The Flow Wall Desk is a great piece of office furniture for those spaces that aren’t quite large. It’s the kind of furniture piece that is both functional and decorative, but at the same time maintains a rather simple design philosophy and is sustainable as well!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Flow Wall Desk is something that might be able to fit all of those requirements for a piece of furniture. When “stored” and folded up, it looks like a piece of art on your wall with its minimalist, geometric shapes. Initially, it’s a flat canvas and when you unfold it, it looks like a “spiraling caterpillar” and you realize that it is turning into a desk where you can work, read, or write in your journal.

What we like

  • Multifunctional design
  • Sustainable
  • Features a flatpack form

What we dislike

  • Folding and unfolding the desk whenever you need to use it means we can’t have a constant setup

2. The Axis Desk

With this more mechanical standing desk concept, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthier working lifestyle without breaking your back or your bank.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Axis concept uses a simple axis mechanism, hence the name, to move the larger desk surface up or down as needed. As a bonus, part of the desk actually remains in position and is a good place to put items you’re less likely to move, like supplies or desk organizers. It can even be a temporary bookshelf that stays in the back of your desk when sitting or beneath the table when standing.

What we like

  • The simplicity of this system means that manufacturers can keep the number of parts and materials down to a minimum
  • Sustainable materials can be used since it has no need for electronics or even plastics
  • Replacement parts could be easier to purchase, too, presuming owners themselves can’t make those out of standardized design

What we dislike

  • It’s still a concept!

3. teenage engineering Field Desk


Modular furniture, however, also brings its own kind of complexity, especially since it might lock you down into a specific way of doing things or storing your stuff. teenage engineering, better known for its funky-looking electronic music products, is offering a solution that its own workforce uses, providing nothing but the framework to which modules can attach later on as the owner sees fit.

Why is it noteworthy?

This table is the very same table that teenage engineering uses, so there has to be some trick to its simplicity. That trick is what it calls its “field rail system,” an open-ended range of interconnecting aluminum rails that enables attaching modules or additional parts to a piece of furniture like the field desk.

What we like

  • Allows their employees to design their own workspace according to their needs and tastes
  • All rails and clamps are made with 75% recycled aluminum by Scandinavian manufacturer Hydro

What we dislike

  • Not much to look at

4. The Flip Desk


An excellent desk is imperative for a productivity-conducing office space. Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design. And with the space constraint issues that most modern houses face today, we can also add ‘space-saving’ to the checklist. And one such design I recently came across is the Flip Desk!

Why is it noteworthy?

The issue of space constraint is really a major one in the contemporary apartments of today. Hence, having a dedicated workstation that not only amps up your everyday productivity but also manages to consume a minimum amount of space in your home. And this is where the Flip Desk jumps right in. Designed by Zurich-based designer Charles O. Job for the Dutch design brand Vij5, this minimal and sturdy desk promises to take up zero floor space.

What we like

  • Space-saving design
  • Minimal and contemporary aesthetics
  • IKEA-inspired aesthetics

What we dislike

  • The desk does not offer any aesthetic solutions for when the desk is closed

5. The Diag Desk


The Diag Desk is a minimalist, modern desk built to optimize desk space while incorporating storage elements like removable leather compartments. When it comes to desks, the simpler the better. Desks that are rooted in simplicity, either through a minimalist approach or by embracing Scandinavian aesthetics, typically offer a lot of practicality while maintaining a stripped-down design.

Why is it noteworthy?

Considering its minimalist build, more space can be devoted to the desk’s tabletop, where most of the desk’s purpose is reserved. The Diag Desk from Polish designer Marek Błażucki is one kind of minimalist design that integrates storage systems into its build, ensuring that users have ample desk space while still keeping their necessary stationery within arm’s reach.

What we like

  • Integrates ample storage systems into its build
  • Ensures stationery doesn’t fall off

What we dislike

  • There are a lot of visually similar desks on the market

6. The Eleven Desk

Eleven Desk Details

Concept Eleven Desk
Eleven isn’t just a number or that fictional character from a TV series. Eleven can soon be known as a special desk designed to make working from home more fun and productive.

Why is it noteworthy?

The desk looks sturdy with the table top’s thickness and the legs. It has enough areas for everything you need for work. The table surface can accommodate your laptop, keyboard, monitor, and mouse. In addition, there is ample area for your books, documents, pens, and a mug. Underneath, there are hooks where you can hang your bag and headphones, plus another level for more stuff.

What we like

  • The desk is ideal for those who have a lot of stuff and needs some organizing to help them finish tasks on time
  • The table is buildable, which means you can quickly assemble this thing

What we dislike

  • The Eleven Desk is still a prototype

7. The Program

Named the “Program” this modular desk is ideal for creative individuals who love the freedom of organizing their desks as per their needs. Depending on the task at hand or the kind of tools required, the desk comes equipped with various cubbyholes and hanging spaces for you to get creative, literally!

Why is it noteworthy?

The different storage modules can be suitable for storing files, documents, or even your favorite magazines or sketches. In addition, the desk has a large storage box and a two-part table to further extend the modularity aspect. I find the design an eclectic mix of structure yet chaos – it has enough options to create an organized workspace or to embrace the chaos – it gives you the freedom to make your desk setup work for you.

What we like

  • Multiple and innovative storage modules
  • We can collapse the Program’s desk section and make it a display for all your hanged memorabilia

What we dislike

  • Limited to only creative individuals

8. The Spiky Desk Concept

This Spiky Desk Concept for a work table and also a display table may not be as storage-friendly as some of the ones that we previously covered but it does serve as more than just a place where you put things on top. It doesn’t really have spikes as the name might suggest but the storage space underneath does have some uniquely shaped structures. They’re more triangles than spikes and they serve as a textured place to place some of your office supplies.

Why is it noteworthy?

The place under the main surface area is not that huge but can be used to store things like pens, rulers, scissors, and other office supplies, at least in the parts with triangular-shaped spaces. These spaces are on the left and right sides of the table. In the middle is a flat surface where you can place things like your books, notebooks, documents, or even your laptop when you need to take a break and stop using it.

What we like

  • Functions as a work table and a display table

What we dislike

  • The table is pretty big, so it won’t fit into small spaces
  • It’s still a concept!

9. The Zedo Desk

Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design. One such desk I recently came across is the Zedo Desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed by Paolo Pampanoni for the workplace furniture brand Narbutas, the Zedo desk is great to bring some personality and character into a dreary old corporate office. It can be used as an individual desk or linked together with multiple other Zedo desks. The flexible desk system has distinct metal parts, and colorful accessories to help you create a desk space according to your personal taste and requirements.

What we like

  • As ideal as Zedo is for office space, it could also work great in your home office
  • You can team it up with the Polytone-L chair, which is also by Narbutas

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the Zedo Desk are strictly minimal – adding individuality will be a task

10. The Asytron

ASTYRON Lightweight Transforming Furniture Release

ASTYRON Lightweight Transforming Furniture Information

The Asytron is a lightweight transforming furniture item designed by two industrial designers from Germany. This mobile workspace is made using a light construction method. The design aims to solve several issues digital nomads face and those that spend most of their long hours in the home office or a coworking space.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Asytron answers many concerns as it is dynamic, flexible, ergonomic, and even aesthetically pleasing. It’s a desk and chair in one but can be folded together to save precious space. It’s ideal for flexible offices and coworking spaces as you can easily assemble, pack, and transport the item.

What we like

  • Truly lightweight
  • Comes with a cushioning formation inspired by automotive racing seats
  • Integrated features include a USB cable reel, USB multi-hub,
    and inductive charging station for wireless charging

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

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Foldable stool and desk concept is a low-cost solution to school furniture problems

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While most people recognize education as a basic human right, the painful truth is that, just like many other rights, it isn’t universally available everywhere. There is always a resource problem, from books to teachers to even rooms to hold classes in. While that last one might sound superficial compared to the lack of books, a good and comfortable environment can go a long way in improving children’s reception to lessons. In some cases, a permanent classroom isn’t even an option, so makeshift rooms are the only recourse. Of course, that still requires proper desks and chairs for use, but you don’t have to go overboard with these. While cheap plastic furniture sounds like the easiest solution, this design concept shows an alternative that isn’t only more sustainable but also more flexible when it comes to storage and portability as well.

Designer: Claudio Larcher

In areas with no fixed rooms designated as classrooms, being able to move around or clear out desks and chairs is just as important as having school furniture at all. Typical tables and chairs are single solid pieces that are difficult to move around, not to mention keeping them in storage. A good portion of time is wasted in setting and cleaning up such rooms, presuming they even have rooms or furniture. Even simple school furniture can be expensive, and cheap plastic options have hidden costs that actually make them more expensive in the long run.

Paco y Paco is a design concept that tries to check all the right boxes for a low-cost school furniture solution that is also sustainable and, to some extent, fun. Both the desk and the stool share the same basic shape of wooden planks connected in a row. The basic idea is for these to fold into trapezoidal form, with the two sides serving as legs while the middle one is the actual tabletop or seat. When no longer in use, they can lay flat for easier carrying and storage until their next use.

The design of the furniture is also quite interesting in how it uses ropes as the primary mechanism to fold or collapse the two. Many people, kids included, will be familiar with such cords used to loosen or tighten bags. A wooden ball acts as the stopper to keep the knot from slipping, while metal grommets keep the rope from fraying. With perhaps the exception of the rope, the entire desk and chair could be made from 100% sustainable materials that can be easily made or procured anywhere.

It’s probably arguable whether such a furniture design is going to be comfortable, but for schools or villages with meager budgets, it’s definitely better than nothing. Perhaps a bigger question is the stability of the design, especially the chair, given how a rope is probably the only thing that will keep it from collapsing beneath a child’s weight.

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teenage engineering field desk has an industrial guise that belies its flexibility

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Some people need simple, clean tables to work on, while others require containers, sections, and additional parts that you might not find in common desks. It’s difficult to design for the lowest common denominator without severely compromising on other things, which is why modular desks and desk accessories have become more popular lately. Modular furniture, however, also brings its own kind of complexity, especially since it might lock you down into a specific way of doing things or storing your stuff. teenage engineering, better known for its funky-looking electronic music products, is offering a solution that its own workforce uses, providing nothing but the framework to which modules can attach later on as the owner sees fit.

Designer: teenage engineering

The field desk might not look like much at first glance, embracing a completely industrial aesthetic that perfectly fits teenage engineering’s name and distinctive design language. It basically looks like a frame of metal legs and trusses, topped by thick plywood for the desktop. That’s definitely an accurate description of the materials that make up this table, but that completely undersells the power that lies hidden in plain sight.

This table is the very same table that teenage engineering uses, so there has to be some trick to its simplicity. That trick is what it calls its “field rail system,” an open-ended range of interconnecting aluminum rails that enables attaching modules or additional parts to a piece of furniture like the field desk. This is what gives this otherwise ultra-minimalist desk its appeal at teenage engineering’s own HQ, allowing their employees to design their own workspace according to their needs and tastes.

At the moment, there are no ready-made field rail modules that can attach to this desk, but teenage engineering promises they will come soon. That, however, doesn’t stop anyone from creating their attachment designed around standard m5 screws. That is part of the beauty of the field desk’s flexibility, giving anyone the freedom to add what they want and change it as the years go by. Presuming they know how to make such parts on their own, of course.

The field desk’s appeal is further elevated by its sustainability and longevity. All rails and clamps are made with 75% recycled aluminum by Scandinavian manufacturer Hydro, while the tabletop is made from double-sided Formica birch plywood. This means that if the surface is starting to show its age with scratches and stains, simply turn it over and use the other side. With its flexibility and durability, the teenage engineering field desk is designed to grow with you and last a long time, which is probably for the best given its $1,599 price tag.

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This IKEA-worthy minimal fold-away workdesk is inspired by the design of laptops

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I spend a substantial amount of my day on my desk, typing away to glory. Most of the time I also end up eating my meals on it. And binge-watching on Netflix as well. And I’m sure that’s the case with most of us, since working from home became the new norm, and our home offices became our new hang-out spots. But having a great desk is really important. Simply a ‘good’ desk won’t do either. A great desk helps us work comfortably and effectively. It puts us in the right mindset, helping us achieve our daily productivity goals and checkmark all the tasks on our to-do list. Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design. And with the space constraint issues that most modern houses face today, we can also add ‘space-saving’ to the checklist. And one such design I recently came across is the Flip Desk!

Designer: Charles O. Job for Vij5

The issue of space constraint is really a major one in the contemporary apartments of today. Hence, having a dedicated workstation that not only amps up your everyday productivity but also manages to consume a minimum amount of space in your home is always an excellent idea. And this is where the Flip Desk jumps right in. Designed by Zurich-based designer Charles O. Job for the Dutch design brand Vij5, this minimal and sturdy desk promises to take up zero floor space.

The Flip Desk is a super compact and fold-away workstation served in an elegant and eye-catching packaging. Inspired by the design of a laptop, the desk folds and unfolds, creating a flexible and practical workdesk as and when needed! You simply flip it open to unveil a nifty storage organizer, as well as a compact worktop supported by a specially designed wooden hinge. Both the organizer and the worktop function seamlessly together to create a practical and functional workspace. The organizer can accommodate all kinds of items such as a laptop, notepads, magazines, stationery, and other writing utensils.

Once you’re done using the Flip desk, you can fold the desk, and it magnetically stays shut, hiding the clutter that the storage organizer holds, and maintaining the otherwise minimal and clean appearance of the furniture piece. The Flip Desk is an excellent open if you’re looking for a handy yet flexible workdesk that can be hidden away when needed! It is ideal for tiny homes, and modern apartments with minimum floor space.

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Flip is a desk that offers a lazy way to tidy up in a flash

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Getting a desk clean and tidy can be a very tough job, especially when work or study gets the better of us. Putting things where they should be is one thing, but removing things that shouldn’t be there in the first place can be bothersome if you’re in a hurry. That rush is most often the reason why “stuff” piles up on our desk until they become an insurmountable pile that needs to be cleaned up in a jiffy. There’s really no graceful way to do that, so this desk design simply throws all caution to the wind in what is effectively the equivalent of sweeping the dust under the rug.

Designers: Park Hyeongwoo, Jung Jaepil

Clearing a desk of foreign objects that don’t belong there could require a few trips to cabinets or even the kitchen. That might be OK if you have something like a portable tray you can put all those things into and make your round only once. That’s almost never the case, though, leaving you scrambling if a visitor is coming over and you need to clean up the disk instantly.

Flip is a desk concept that puts a rather comical twist to that situation with a design that could actually work, depending on what’s commonly on your desk. At first glance, it almost looks like a plain, minimalist desk with a sheet of metal for the top and powder-coated tubes for the legs. That is until you look below and see the sheet of Oxford fabric hanging underneath.

The concept behind the desk’s “cleanup feature” is simple and borderline ridiculous. In an “emergency” where you need to instantly clear the desk, you pull the Velcro straps and release the buckles that keep the sheet stretched and almost unseen beneath the table. This causes the sheet to move backward and form something akin to a basket near the back. Simply flip the desk and watch your stuff fall into the fabric.

Of course, this only works if there’s nothing that will break among your things. Fortunately, there is a shelf near the rear for putting laptops, mugs, and other valuables you’d rather not come crashing down. It is an admittedly funny way to clean up the desk, and it’s probably not going to be too effective for more discerning guests. Of course, it’s not a serious design anyway, but it does give a rather humorous spin to the act of flipping the table in exasperation, especially from trying to tidy up your desk in less than a minute.

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This gorgeous desk will dominate any room with its mid-century design

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Minimalism never meant small, though many products that espouse that design philosophy do tend to minimize the space they occupy. When it comes to desks and work tables, there has also been a trend to lean more towards space efficiency, especially since offices and homes often have limited space for large furniture. There are instances, however, when a desk does need to be the focal point of a room, especially in offices that are designed around a single person’s work or presence. If you have enough space for it, this wood and glass protractor desk will definitely be an eye-catching piece thanks to its clean, minimalist design that makes the desk seem to be magically floating on air.

Designer: Kardiel

Based on the original by Italian architect and designer Carlo Mollino, the 1949 Protractor Desk combines a mid-century aesthetic with modern design techniques to create a piece of architectural art worthy of becoming the centerpiece of any office or room. It uses very simple forms yet has an air of sophistication to it through its use of fine materials and organic lines.

Although it is literally the most minimal part of the piece, the mid-century Protractor Desk’s unbelievably thin legs immediately catch your attention, puzzling the mind on how it is able to hold the glass tabletop aloft at all. Shaped like a boomerang or an opened compass, the wooden beams form intersecting and contrasting lines that give the table a dynamic character. The horizontal beam has oblong cutouts that give the illusion of an invisible frame. There is very little to obscure your view beneath the desk, leaving ample room for a chair to slide into.

Of course, its airy appearance is just an illusion, and the desk’s fine legs on one side are balanced by a slatted wooden cube that is home to five drawers. Four stainless steel bolts connect the box to the end of the wooden beam. Its solid and simpler form provides a sharp contrast to the thin legs on the opposite side, providing both visual and structural balance to the desk. Opposite the box is an open-faced single pull-out drawer that seemingly floats in the air, supported only by two steel rods. This reinforces the table’s almost ethereal design, which complements and contrasts the earthy tones of its wooden body.

The 1949 Protractor Desk is definitely long by regular desk measures, about 98.4 inches long to be precise. You’ll need to reserve a lot of space for this piece of furniture, but given its dominating presence and eye-catching design, it’s one that you’ll want to really stand out anyway.

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Ignite Desk separates work and personal life in a simple yet effective way

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It’s probably arguable that many of us spend the majority of our waking moments in front of desks and tables, whether it’s for work, play, or anything in between. The desk, in particular, has long been associated with working, studying, or other kinds of activities that require a flat surface, and the desk’s core design hasn’t changed much until recently. Limited room space has given birth to modular desk designs, while work-from-home arrangements caused multi-purpose desks to flourish. Even as the world settles down into the cadence of a “new normal,” the need to separate work from other activities at home hasn’t gone away. This customizable desk has a design that respects that separation of concerns, and it implements this in a beautifully minimalist manner.

Designer: Subi Hahn

The same desk can be used for almost anything, of course, and you’re free to configure it the way you like or need things to be. Switching between different modes or kinds of work, however, can be tedious and cumbersome, especially if you use different specialized tools for the job. The amount of work needed to keep your desk organized and tidy can be daunting and disheartening, so most will eventually end up with a cluttered desk that just mixes everything together.

The simplest solution that doesn’t involve buying a new desk is to just cover your work desk when you’re done and uncover it again the next day. The Ignite Desk concept design borrows that idea but expands it to make the same desk usable for two different purposes. In its “neutral” state, the backboard is unfolded over the entire desk, providing a flat and clean surface you can use for activities like reading, playing, or even eating.

To put the Ignite Desk in its “active” state, simply push and fold the backboard to the rear, revealing the second-level work space underneath. Rather than just a simple tabletop, it provides a few sections and customizable modules that let you set up your workstation according to your job and needs. There are containers for stationery and accessories, for example, as well as a wireless charging pad. There are hidden power outlets for your devices as well as movable dividers to really personalize your setup.

The Ignite Desk doesn’t have a sophisticated mechanism, and its design is practically to cover the real work desk with another desk. At the same time, however, it creates a clear yet flexible division between the desk you use for work with the desk that you can use for everything else. Even if you don’t actually use this “neutral” mode desk, it still encourages creating a sort of ritual where you put a start and an end to your work hours, letting you allocate time for the rest of your life and, hopefully, leave enough room to ignite your creativity and the time for work finally does arrive.

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