The need for an ergonomic study space has skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic, as more people than ever before are working and studying from home. A wall mounted desk is a shelf-like platform attached to a wall which can bear heavy weight. Wall mounted desks need to be able to support the weight of working materials, computers, and the person using them as they lean or rest their arms on the desk.

Wall mounted desks are one of the most effective space saving setups. A wall mounted or floating desk will not impose on limited floor space and lacks bulk, making the room they are placed in feel larger and more open. They are also often retractable or can be folded back up, so when the desk is not in use it can be tucked neatly away. Attractive, convenient and space efficient, floating desks have a huge number of benefits including:

• Affordable
• Stylish
• Saves space
• Simple to DIY
• Can be easily hidden
• Cuts down on bulk
• Multi-purpose
• Varied sizes and styles

However, there are a few disadvantages to floating desks. The main disadvantage of wall mounted desks is that they are not as strong as traditional desks and therefore cannot support the same weight. Generally, floating desks can only support a laptop and a few papers. There are a few workarounds with this in terms of design, placement, and materials used – but it is certainly something to consider.

Another disadvantage is that once installed, wall mounted desks are very difficult to move (whereas you can just pick up and move a traditional standing desk). If you decide on a floating desk, you will have to make sure you are absolutely certain on where to put it, because moving it even years later can be a big ordeal.

Wall mounted floating desks are becoming rapidly more popular in Australia as the concern for space efficiency grows more prominent. Part of the reason for the upward trend is that people are getting more settled into the working from home life and need a sustainable home workplace for the foreseeable future. Floating desks help with this because of their flexibility, mostly because they provide an area of clear separation from home life and working life.

So, what style of hanging desks are people purchasing right now? Here are ten examples of the cleverest wall mounted desk suppliers and products ready for purchase in Australia right now.

Wall desks you can buy online: The ten best floating desk ideas and options in Australia

10. Light Timber & White Sylvaine Wall Desk

Price: $114.00

Available: here

The perfect option for a space conscious home office, this desk by Temple and Webster is toned with soft neutrals to blend with any décor. This desk is made from a plywood and ash veneer table with a powder coated carbon steel frame to ensure durability and strength. Perfect for a small bedroom or living room space, this is the ideal desk to create a healthy work-life balance for those working or studying from home.

09. Punt Stockholm Wall Desk

Price: Varies with customization

Available: here

The Stockholm Wall Desk by Mario Ruiz is a designer floating desk which won the Red Dot 2015 award for intelligent design. A minimalist desk with drawers to cut down on clutter, this desk is perfect for a living room or corner office. It is highly customizable and comes in many different colours, sizes and styles. The height of the accompanying shelf is also adjustable.

08. Wall Mounted Computer Desk Drop-Leaf Table in black

Price: $99.95

Available: here

For a modern look, consider this stylish black foldable floating cabinet available at Mydeal. With sectioned shelves and a drop-down workspace, this contemporary desk provides you with the opportunity to display décor items such as small statues and flowers, but also tuck the office away when the day is done.

07. Linnmon

Price: $35

Available: here

Undoubtedly the king of affordable furniture, Ikea offers the cheapest floating desk on this list at just $35. With a clean, simple design, this white-stained oak desk plank is 100×60 cm – the perfect size for a minimalist home office desk. Available in natural wood, dark grey and white colours, this floating desk is perfect for any décor. Attaching might be a tricky DIY job, but consult your local Bunnings for advice on the best shelving units to attach this desktop to the wall.

06. Simply City Hanging Desk – Recycled Teak

Price: $944

Available: here

For a natural wooden look, try this hovering ladder desk with shelves. With a lightweight yet strong solid teak construction, this dark floating desk has an air of sophistication perfect for a living room or bedroom corner. It tones beautifully with dark colours such as a moody green or deep burgundy.

05. Multi-purpose wall mounted folding desk

Price: $171.46

Available: here

When it comes to an efficient use of space, there is nothing more ergonomic than a foldable dining table. This particular table at AliExpress is practically invisible when folded back into the wall. You can decorate the underside of the table with art or a chalkboard so that when it is tucked back up it appears to simply be decoration.

04. Modern Style Mounted Computer Desk

Price: $245

Available: here

This stylish modern floating desk with storage is a great way to organise a heavy duty home office without sacrificing any floor space. With multiple shelves and a floating cabinet, clutter is easily organised and stored out of sight. This is perfect for someone who works at home regularly and likes to keep their notes well-organised.

03. Reversible computer desk

Price: $211.37

Available: here

For those who work mostly on a laptop, a floating desk needn’t be any larger than the average computer size with space for a few knickknacks. This Wall mounted desk shelf is perfect for the minimalist who does everything on their laptop. When not in use for work, it can be a display shelf for plants, art, and other decorative items.

02. DIY Ikea EKBY ALEX shelf corner desk

Price: Varies depending on your tools and materials (shelves $99 each)

Available: here

For a gorgeous and unique setup, consider using this DIY floating corner desk hack with two floating shelves from Ikea.

01. Folk Ladder Desk

Price: $590.75

Available: here

This ladder shelving desk by Norm Architects is the perfect way to section off an office space within a home. It creates a sense of structure and environment that will promote productivity and limit distractions. A contemporary and stylish addition to any home, this wall mounted ladder desk is a high quality product with an inventive design.

For more ideas on how to style a home office, see here.