This Ingenious Etsy Desk Takes Up Practically No Space in My Tiny Apartment
Since the start of the age of working from home, I have put off turning any part of my apartment into a home office. First of all, I simply do not have the room. Second, if I did somehow find space for a small desk and chair, anything I saw that was within my budget seemed either too big or, frankly, unsightly. Then one day, Etsy’s algorithm struck me with this Murphy-style drop down table. Nearly two years later, I can finally say I have the comfortable, practical, attractive work-from-home set-up I never thought possible.
My roommate, Meryl, and I decided to pull the trigger on this guy, figuring we could both work on our laptops on either side at any given time. With the cost split between us, it would be a steal. We also needed a desk stat — working from the floor on our coffee table or folded like pretzels in armchairs was no longer working. The desk arrived in two weeks from Lithuania where the talented woodworkers behind Good Mood Woods are based. And in 2021? It already felt like magic. I was nervous to mount it myself, but too excited to wait for Meryl or watch a TaskRabbit get all the glory. Luckily, it came pre-assembled in two pieces, the measurements of which were all exact, and it ended up taking me all of 10 minutes to mount. This includes the time I spent perfecting the right angle between the legs and table, which I used an ottoman and a ton of books to do. In the end, while I’m pleased with my work, I’d call this a two-person job if you want to make sure everything’s exact.
The table comes in three finishes: oiled, varnished, and unfinished. Since we opted for the oiled version, which I felt would give it that finished look and some protection without too much shine, I gave it a quick clean and wood oil rub down before getting straight to work. Choosing a finish, to me, leaves room for the creativity I crave when it comes to permanent fixtures in the home. I like to refinish and even paint my furniture all the time, and the light wood when oiled or unfinished makes this an option. That said, I may never paint this piece — it’s too good as it is to hide the details or personality of the wood. Now, this drop-down table is both a centerpiece and a functional part of my home.
When we’re not using it for morning coffee catch-ups or as an all-day work station, it smoothly folds back up and stays put with help from two knobs which spin into place and hold the desk flush with the wall. We even use the catcher with these knobs as a small shelf which holds a plant and some essential oils. So whether or not the table’s in use, the wall mounting details still have a purpose. I’ve already whipped out the Etsy page at two parties and showed off my beautiful drop-down desk like a proud new parent. For the sake of us all, I’m taking my rave review off the streets and putting it right here. You’re welcome!
Buy: Good Mood Woods Drop-Down Desk, $326.48