Ask A Designer: Double-Duty Desks

Q. I need a desk for an at-home office. It will be in my living room, so I want it to look stylish when not in use.

— D.B., via email (To submit your own question, see our Ask A Designer™ page.)

A. Incorporating a work zone into a living space is a common concern for small-space dwellers. Luckily, there are tons of good-looking models available! These three are quite clean-lined, so they don’t have much in the way of storage — but I think this helps them integrate into a living area.

1. Pottery Barn’s Ava wood desk in Antique White has a barely there glass top and classic X-base, and could easily be reimagined as a console if your needs change.
2. If you like the look of vintage, try the Risom desk from Design Within Reach. Made from walnut with a black leather top, it has a compact footprint and a drawer for key supplies.
3. Crate & Barrel’s oak Sentry II worktable has a slim profile that won’t interrupt sight lines. It could also do double-duty as a small dining table.

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Clockwise from top: Sleek contemporary, Crate & Barrel; vintage mod, Design Within Reach; classic country, Pottery Barn.