The Very Best Lap Desks
Let’s face it: A rainy day spent working from home can often become a day spent working from bed. But if you’re planning on working (or scrolling or streaming) semi-horizontally, you need to save your back from aches and buy a lap desk. They’re portable, so you can make a desk of any spot, and can be used for reading, eating, and jotting down notes from the comfort of, well, anywhere that’s comfortable. To find out the best lap desks to buy, we spoke to people who regularly type, scroll, and write physical notes using a lap desk.
Summary of items we will discuss in this buying guide :
LapGear Home-Office Lap Desk With Device Ledge, Mouse Pad, and Phone Holder
Creative Tops Cushioned Lap Tray
LAPGEAR Designer Lap Desk
Sofia + Sam Multitasking Memory-Foam Lap Desk
LapGear Media Bed Tray With Phone Holder
Songmics Bamboo Laptop Desk Serving Bed Tray Breakfast Table
Our top picks :
LapGear Home-Office Lap Desk With Device Ledge, Mouse Pad, and Phone Holder
This has been the Strategist’s go-to lap desk for over four years, thanks to the recommendation of former Strategist tech writer Jordan Bowman. He used the LapGear for years, “and it’s especially nice to have while watching YouTube videos or working while lying around the house,” he wrote. The desk’s built-in cushion nestles on your lap and keeps everything balanced. Bowman particularly likes the cell-phone tray, which props your phone up alongside your laptop. For me, the best feature is the mouse pad. As someone who’d often just grab an old magazine to use as a mouse pad, it feels like a luxury. I have the espresso shade (to match my desk’s color scheme), but the lap desk is available in six shades, from silver carbon to a pretty pink. It’s big enough to comfortably fit a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.
Creative Tops Cushioned Lap Tray
Issy Sampson, deputy digital showbiz editor at News UK, always dreamed about a job for which she could work from bed. “It turns out in practice, it’s actually really hard. Issues include my overheating laptop burning my legs or sliding off my legging-clad lap as I furiously type on deadline,” she wrote. After using a makeshift lap desk (i.e., perching her laptop on a breadboard), she decided to invest in the real thing. Her pick — which like the LapGear desk also comes in a marbly option — leaves enough room for a laptop with a screen between 13 and 16 inches wide, and the entire thing is cushioned for extra comfort as you work. “When I first waved my new ‘desk’ down the camera at a team catch-up meeting the following week, everyone mocked me,” says Sampson. “But since then, 7 out of my 14-strong team have secretly contacted me to admit they’ve done the same thing.”
LAPGEAR Designer Lap Desk
Dimensions: 17.75 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep | Cushioned
Sofia + Sam Multitasking Memory-Foam Lap Desk
“Even if you’ve got a plush office setup at home, I recommend getting a lap desk because there are going to be those times you feel like working in bed or on the couch,” says Sarah Brown, Violet Grey’s executive director. The desk she uses from Sofia + Sam has all the bells and whistles: an LED lamp, a memory-foam cushion, a cushioned rest for your wrist, and an extending slot that can hold a phone and a mouse. But there’s no opening to feed a phone charger through, so you’ll have to make sure your device is charged before getting comfortable. It’s big enough to fit a 13- or 15-inch laptop and has a little slot for a tablet in case you’re more of an iPad worker.
LapGear Media Bed Tray With Phone Holder
Architectural designer and blogger Sade Akinsanya has been using a version of this classic lap tray for years. It’s a multitasker that she says she reaches for “when I want to work from bed, when I want to eat and watch Netflix, when I want to photograph something.” The desk’s 3-inch legs slot comfortably over your body when you’re lying down, and at 21 inches wide, the desk can fit larger laptops or smaller models along with a notepad. It has a stand for propping up a phone and a tablet, so you can stream on your phone as you snack in bed — but, again, there’s no slot through which to feed a phone charger.
Songmics Bamboo Laptop Desk Serving Bed Tray Breakfast Table
Meredith Talusan, author of the memoir Fairest, uses a similar wood lap desk with legs. Her favorite of them all, which she takes with her on holiday, is from Songmics. “I like that it tilts and has that piece of wood that stops your laptop from falling down and even has a little drawer to keep your stuff in,” Talusan says. The desk has a few cutout holes to prevent your laptop from overheating. Also, the tiltable desk brings your laptop or tablet up to eye level, saving you some neck strain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, optimizing your workspace and comfort is effortlessly achieved with the very best lap desks featured in this guide. As you embark on the journey to enhance your productivity and relaxation in various settings, it's crucial to consider the following critical points before making a buying choice:
- Surface Area and Size:
- Determine the ideal surface area and size of the lap desk. Whether you need a compact design for on-the-go use or a larger surface for multitasking, selecting a lap desk that suits your needs ensures comfort and functionality.
- Material and Construction:
- Assess the material and construction of the lap desk. Opt for high-quality materials such as durable wood, lightweight aluminum, or comfortable foam padding, ensuring longevity and a comfortable user experience.
- Ventilation and Heat Dissipation:
- Prioritize lap desks with built-in ventilation or heat dissipation features. Adequate airflow prevents overheating of devices such as laptops, providing a comfortable and safe working environment.
- Adjustability and Ergonomics:
- Check for adjustability and ergonomic features. Lap desks with adjustable angles, height options, or built-in wrist rests contribute to a more ergonomic and personalized workspace, reducing strain during extended use.
- Storage Compartments and Organization:
- Consider lap desks with storage compartments or organizational features. Built-in storage for pens, notepads, or electronic accessories ensures that your essentials are easily accessible, promoting a clutter-free workspace.
- Versatility and Multi-Functionality:
- Explore lap desks with versatile functions. Some lap desks come with additional features like built-in mouse pads, LED lights, or cup holders, providing extra convenience and enhancing the desk's overall functionality.
- Portability and Lightweight Design:
- Ensure portability and a lightweight design. Lap desks that are easy to carry, foldable, or have a handle make it convenient to create a comfortable workspace wherever you go, whether it's at home, in the office, or while traveling.
- Non-Slip and Stability Features:
- Check for non-slip and stability features. Lap desks with anti-skid surfaces or adjustable straps ensure that the desk stays securely in place, preventing accidental slips or movement during use.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews:
- Research the brand reputation and read customer reviews. Feedback from other lap desk users provides valuable insights into the durability, functionality, and overall satisfaction with the chosen lap desk.
- Budget and Value for Money:
- Determine your budget and seek value for money. The very best lap desks offer a balance between affordability and quality, ensuring that you can create a comfortable and efficient workspace without overspending.
By keeping these critical points in mind, you can confidently choose the lap desk that aligns with your specific preferences and enhances your working or leisure experience. The featured lap desks not only excel in these aspects but also provide a variety of options to suit different usage scenarios, styles, and user preferences. Elevate your comfort and productivity with a top-notch lap desk that seamlessly integrates with your dynamic lifestyle.
