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  4. 10 Best Kids' Desks UK 2024 | Hartleys, Argos and More
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10 Best Kids' Desks UK 2024 | Hartleys, Argos and More

Carving out a space in your home for your child to sit, do their homework and play is a great way of giving them their own area to learn and grow. Lots of desks designed for adults don't take into account kids' smaller size, so by getting one that is specially designed for them, you avoid this problem and give them something which feels properly theirs. 


Desks act as a space to work, write and draw, but they also offer storage space in the form of drawers and shelves and can even double up as dressing tables. Whether your child's bedroom is large or small, and no matter how old they are, Amazon, Argos, John Lewis and eBay all have options to fit the bill, the ten best of which we've reviewed in this article.

Last updated 26/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Kids' Desk in the UK - Buying Guide

Convincing your child to sit down at their desk can be a challenge, so you don't want any additional factors like a bad working area that will make this an even less appealing prospect. By finding a desk that is comfortable and suits their needs, you'll make them much happier to sit down and get to work, and we're here to show you how to do it. 

1

Check That the Size of Desk Is Right for Your Child and Your Home

The size and orientation of a desk are important for a number of reasons. The first of these is that a desk needs to fit into the space available and slot into a room with style, with the other reason being the need for the desk to fit the child that will be using it. 

Make Sure the Desk Will Fit in the Space You Have

Make Sure the Desk Will Fit in the Space You Have

To check that the desk is suitable for the space you have available, you'll need to have a look at its dimensions and see how they measure up. There is a huge range of desk sizes, so it is definitely not a case of one size fits all.

 

Normally, dimensions are labelled as H x W x D, equating to the height, the width and the depth in centimetres. Desks will be made bigger by having extra storage, but if all you have space for is a desk which can only fit a book or laptop on it, those options are out there. 

Some Desks Will Let You Know the Ages for Which They're Suitable

Some Desks Will Let You Know the Ages for Which They're Suitable

Dimensions are crucial for working out if you have enough space for a desk, but they are also a good indicator of whether they will fit your child. The main measurement to consult when trying to figure out a desk's suitability is its height


Conveniently, a lot of desks will state the age range to which they are most suited, taking the hassle of having to measure your child and comparing that with the desk out of the equation. Some are even adjustable, so you can change the desk height as they grow. 


For younger children and toddlers, a desk should be around 50-60 cm in height, but for older children, they can be much higher at around 75 cm and above. 

2

Different Materials Will Give You a Different Look

When it comes to kids' desks, you have a choice of two materials: wood and plastic. You might already know what look you want and what qualities you need, but here is a breakdown of some of the things to consider. 

Wood Has an Appealing, Traditional Look

Wood Has an Appealing, Traditional Look

Wood is more traditional and is generally considered the more attractive option. It is heavier, and therefore harder to manoeuvre, but better for older kids. 


Solid wood of a high quality, like pine and birch, is sometimes used, but the most common wooden materials you'll see are MDF and engineered wood. These are cheaper and lighter, but are still strong and have that all-important wooden look. 

Plastic Is Easy to Clean

Plastic Is Easy to Clean

Choosing a plastic desk has a number of benefits. They are much easier to wipe down and get clean than wooden desks, a welcome quality if your kid can get a bit carried away with the felt tips. 


They are also lighter and easier to transport from room to room, allowing you to easily supervise their activities. The brighter colours of plastic desks might appeal to youngsters, but the look is less charming and timeless than the wooden alternative.

3

Desks With Shelves and Drawers Provide Extra Storage Space

Desks With Shelves and Drawers Provide Extra Storage Space

While it can simply be somewhere to sit and work, a desk can also be a perfect piece of furniture to provide extra storage. You could use draws and shelves to store desk-related things, or you might even use them to store clothes and other knick-knacks when everywhere else is full.


For a storage option that offers the most effective use of space and keeps things looking tidy, go for a lift-top desk, a style you might recognise from school days gone by or from American TV shows. As you might expect, the top of the desk lifts up to reveal a space for putting your child's things in, and they can be easily accessed and put away at the end of each session. 

4

A Chair Could Be Included, but It May Not Be the Most Comfortable Option

A Chair Could Be Included, but It May Not Be the Most Comfortable Option

This might be a guide to kids' desks, but often desks for children come with a chair to match, and we're not complaining! These chairs can just be a simple stool, in which case you might want to look into getting something that is more supportive.


On the other end of the spectrum, some desks come with very supportive chairs that are even adjustable to adapt with the changeable height of a desk. Getting a chair thrown in does make the overall price of setting up a workspace cheaper, but do bear in mind that buying one separately means you can get one of a better quality. 

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Top 10 Best Kids' Desks in the UK

A place to work, some space to store – they're all things to take into account when choosing a desk for your child. Whatever you're looking for, in this countdown of our favourites we've found options that will suit all children of all ages, whether they're 2 years old or 12. 
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Great Little Trading Co

Tall Whittington Desk

Great Little Trading Co Tall Whittington Desk 1

£225.00

High

A Beautiful Desk That Ticks All the Boxes

2

Hadaiis

Kids Desk and Chair Set

Hadaiis Kids Desk and Chair Set 1

£89.99

Mid

A Desk That Lets You Draw, Read, Paint and Write

3

Melissa & Doug

Wooden Lift-Top Desk & Chair

Melissa & Doug Wooden Lift-Top Desk & Chair 1

£97.55

Mid

Go Old-School With an Old School Desk

4

Sebastianee

Kids Desk and Chair Set

Sebastianee Kids Desk and Chair Set 1

£110.99

Mid

A Desk That Will Grow With Your Child

5

Premier Housewares

Children's Table and Chair Set

Premier Housewares Children's Table and Chair Set 1

£64.03

Low Mid

A Lift-Top Desk in a Versatile White Colour

6

Hartleys

Kids White Storage Desk

Hartleys Kids White Storage Desk  1

£74.99

Mid

Storage Isn't Lacking in This Desk

7

Great Little Trading Co

Fleming Children's Study Desk

Great Little Trading Co Fleming Children's Study Desk 1

£215.00

High

This Sleek Desk Will Work Well for Older Kids

8

Chicos

My Adjustable Desk

Chicos My Adjustable Desk 1

£44.18

Low

Let Your Little One Scribble Away to Their Heart's Content

9

Argos Home

Mia 2 Drawer Desk

Argos Home Mia 2 Drawer Desk 1

£85.00

Mid

A Charming Desk With Simplistic Style

10

Emall Life

Multifunctional Children's Armchair

Emall Life Multifunctional Children's Armchair 1

£79.00

Mid

A Desk That Transforms Into an Armchair

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Great Little Trading CoTall Whittington Desk

Tall Whittington Desk 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Tall Whittington Desk 2
Source:johnlewis.com
Tall Whittington Desk 3
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£225.00
High
Reference price
£225.00
High

A Beautiful Desk That Ticks All the Boxes

This desk not only has a gorgeous design, but it is also extremely practical for a number of reasons. The back on the desk makes it feel like a really special place to work, and the built-in corkboard gives you somewhere for your child to stick up all their important notices. 


A combination of a drawer and shelves means you can hide away some of the stuff you don't want on display while still being able to put other bits and bobs in full view. This desk, although high thanks to the back, it not too big or too small, so will work well in most spaces. A real all-round winner in our eyes!

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No.2

HadaiisKids Desk and Chair Set

Kids Desk and Chair Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Kids Desk and Chair Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£89.99
Mid
Reference price
£89.99
Mid

A Desk That Lets You Draw, Read, Paint and Write

This desk offers superb adaptability. No matter what your child's age or the activity they're doing, they can adjust the desk to fit them. The desk and chair can move up and down, but that isn't the limit to this product's capabilities. 


The desk can be angled to suit whatever your child finds comfortable or whatever works with the activity they're doing, and underneath the desk is lots of space for storing stationery and equipment. If that amount of storage still doesn't cut it, there is also a hook to hang a bag and a cup holder for their favourite drink. 

No.3

Melissa & DougWooden Lift-Top Desk & Chair

Wooden Lift-Top Desk & Chair 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Wooden Lift-Top Desk & Chair 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£97.55
Mid
Reference price
£97.55
Mid

Go Old-School With an Old School Desk

This gorgeously-crafted wooden desk has the feel of a school desk from days gone by, but is not so traditional that it would look out of place in a modern house. The chair included is safe and secure and has a back which will support your child as they work. 


Lifting the desk top uncovers the large amount of storage space hidden underneath, and the slight lip at the back will stop pens and paper slipping off the desk, keeping everything nicely in place. There's a range of matching furniture pieces available too, should you be planning on refreshing your child's whole room. 

No.4

SebastianeeKids Desk and Chair Set

Kids Desk and Chair Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Kids Desk and Chair Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Kids Desk and Chair Set 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£110.99
Mid
Reference price
£110.99
Mid

A Desk That Will Grow With Your Child

Children are constantly growing and it can be hard to keep up. This desk makes keeping up extremely simple, with both the desk and the chair being adjustable. It can be made to suit children as young as 3 and as old as 14, so it can be there for them for most of their young lives.


For quick storage, there is an easily-accessible shelf, although you'll need to be careful your children don't throw anything too far back as it's not always easy to see what you've shoved in there! We don't want any homework going missing...

No.5

Premier HousewaresChildren's Table and Chair Set

Children's Table and Chair Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Children's Table and Chair Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£64.03
Low Mid
Reference price
£64.03
Low Mid

A Lift-Top Desk in a Versatile White Colour

For a tidy way of storing all of your kid's schoolwork and bits and pieces from various hobbies, go for a desk like this one. The lift-top design is so easy to operate and your child will have no excuse for not clearing up after they've used it. 


Though it is available in several finishes, this white colour means it will look at home in most rooms. Plus, it comes with a perfectly-matching stool that can you can slide under to keep out the way. It might not be the most comfortable seat, but it will work fine for younger kids. 

No.6

HartleysKids White Storage Desk

Kids White Storage Desk  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Kids White Storage Desk  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£74.99
Mid
Reference price
£74.99
Mid

Storage Isn't Lacking in This Desk

Do you always find that there's never enough space to store everything away neatly in your house? Well, you're in luck, because this desk comes with six huge drawers to fill with your or your child's stuff. The work surface of this desk is very large, so there will be plenty of space to work.


A side effect of all this space, however, is that you do end up with rather a large desk to try and fit in your house, which might not be possible for those working with smaller houses and rooms. 

No.7

Great Little Trading CoFleming Children's Study Desk

Fleming Children's Study Desk 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Fleming Children's Study Desk 2
Source:johnlewis.com
Fleming Children's Study Desk 3
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£215.00
High
Reference price
£215.00
High

This Sleek Desk Will Work Well for Older Kids

The sleek design of this desk means it will slide into any maturing child's room and look like it belongs. It comes with two good-sized drawers for storing books and stationery, but if you want pens to be more accessible, there are holes at the back of the desk that act as pen holders


The solid birch material will make this desk brilliantly sturdy, but it is quite basic and perhaps too sophisticated and grown-up for some children. Smaller kids might also struggle with the thickness of the desk which could force their arms to sit higher than they would ideally like. 

No.8

ChicosMy Adjustable Desk

My Adjustable Desk 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
My Adjustable Desk 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£44.18
Low
Reference price
£44.18
Low

Let Your Little One Scribble Away to Their Heart's Content

With this product, you get a desk space and stool all built into one. Designed with younger kids in mind, it is a great space for colouring and painting and the plastic material makes it easy to wipe off any felt-tip marks or paint stains.


It will be convenient at times to have the desk and stool attached, but there might be occasions where your child wants to adjust their position and they won't be able to. This desk is very much for young kids only, and as a result, it is very plastic-looking and not the most stylish of choices.

No.9

Argos HomeMia 2 Drawer Desk

Mia 2 Drawer Desk 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Mia 2 Drawer Desk 2
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£85.00
Mid
Reference price
£85.00
Mid

A Charming Desk With Simplistic Style

Going for a simple white desk means that it will go in most rooms. This desk has a standard shape and is not too big, but still has plenty of surface space for books, laptops and other desk essentials. Considering it is made in part from solid pine, it is one of the cheaper top-quality options


With their charming heart detailing, the two drawers on this desk are pretty and useful, but they are quite small. And although the heart might appeal to some, it might make others – particularly some boys – less enthusiastic. 

No.10

Emall LifeMultifunctional Children's Armchair

Multifunctional Children's Armchair 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Multifunctional Children's Armchair 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£79.00
Mid
Reference price
£79.00
Mid

A Desk That Transforms Into an Armchair

If your child is still young but needs a place to read, colour or paint, this fun desk and chair combo could be the answer. Suitable for little ones under 5, this desk magically transforms into a comfy armchair with a simple manoeuvring of the desk, so easily that a toddler could manage it. 


The drawback of a desk like this is that it has no storage, so books and pens will have to go elsewhere, and while it's fine for basic activities, the faux leather material is not the best work surface for writing. 

Get Your Kids Ready to Learn

Get Your Kids Ready to Learn

Sitting down and studying takes motivation and enthusiasm, but it also takes the right kit. To make sure your child is ready for all of their schoolwork, have a read of some of our related guides that will take you through what to look for when buying the essentials. 

Summary

While we can't promise that your child will be rushing to do their homework as a result of buying them a new desk, we can guarantee that the whole thing will be a more pleasant experience for them. And, who knows, maybe a comfortable space to study and play will be just the inspiration they need to hit the books? 


Author: Emma Cramp

Top 5 Kids' Desks

No. 1: Great Little Trading CoTall Whittington Desk

No. 2: HadaiisKids Desk and Chair Set

No. 3: Melissa & DougWooden Lift-Top Desk & Chair

No. 4: SebastianeeKids Desk and Chair Set

No. 5: Premier HousewaresChildren's Table and Chair Set

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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