Hideaway desks can't be beat when it comes to small spaces, and chain stores are recognizing this demand. The inclusion of computer enhancements makes many of these slim packages even more appealing, with cable management, data ports and USB hubs for your clutter free computing convenience.
Incognito Ebony Compact Office by Crate and Barrel ($999)
This dark ash cabinet is my favorite of the bunch, with trunk styling and plenty of hidden compartments. Cord management, printer shelf and file drawer keep things organized and from the exterior, you'd never know this is a home office.
Mayfair Steamer Secretary Trunk in Vintage Cigar Leather by Restoration Hardware ($2995)
Unique is an understatement: This huge leather steamer trunk houses a full desktop computer, multiple file boxes, all set on lockable casters. Accented with over 3,000 hand-hammered brass nailheads, every detail is attended to. Complete with pull-down desktop, cubbies, wire management and bookshelves.
Graham Secretary Desk with Smart Technology by Pottery Barn ($799.00)
Available in both white and mahogany stain, this secretary desk has the best data ports of the bunch with two electrical receptacles, a telephone jack, a data jack and two USB ports. Fold-down front keeps your clutter hidden from view.
Verona Cabinet Desk and Halloway Secretary Desk by World Market ($249.99)
Both of World Market's petite desks are more modest in size and price, both offering hidden desks within a cabinet. Neither include the computer clutter saving additions from the others above but for the price, you could always grab some Ikea cord management and DIY.
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When I saw chain stores in the title I though of Walmart, not West Elm and Crate and Barrel. If someone with a small space could afford $999 for a desk couldn't they just save that money as a down payment on a larger apartment/house?
@Kh�¼rt --
Trish has it right -
Some of us prefer to live in the city, do not own an automobile, and don't see the need for more space much less the hassles and dubious benefits of ownership...
...yet we don't have a problem with spending $999 or more on a quality piece of furniture.
Trish and Bepsf, true there are many reasons why people live in smaller places and yes, there are a lot of people who drop big money on furniture and their decorations. However, I agree with Trish in that the title of this article is a little bit misleading in using the term "chain stores". Although a couple of these desks are cute I think they're way overpriced for what you get but then these are "high end" chain stores.
SOMEONE needs to make one of these, with WAY more desk-estate and WAY sexier.
I bought number one when it first came out the price was $800, it was so popular that C&B jacked the price up to $1000. Pottery Barn did that with our dresser too. I bought that @ $799 and that went up to $950.
We wouldn't spend that much usually but it was more out of desperation. This thing stores everything in a tight space. When we had our second child we lost a room and needed to contain everything in another room. With this unit we were able to get rid of a larger desk, a filing cabinet, and store our printer out of the way. It has drawers for all of our office supplies and checkbook and other related ort. Plus it closes nicely when not in use. It was worth the extra expense.
I am selling the Incognito desk if anyone is interested. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/fuo/1672811701.html
It's a very good piece for someone with limited space, but I'm replacing it with a larger workspace.
Man, that giant luggage one is just awesome. Not sure if I'd want a giant steamer trunk lurking in the room, but I love the idea of having an entire office that you can just close and not think about.