10 Best Study Tables: A university student’s favourite study desks

Like many other students, I spend hours hunched over a study desk - both at school and at home - making it one of the most utilised pieces furniture in our lives. As an avid procrastinator, even the smallest distractions like a shaky table or a dropped pen can derail my focus, which is why a well-chosen study desk setup is crucial to me. Here are my personal preferences and recommendations for the best study desks in Singapore, from a student heading to university.

10 Best Study Desks in Singapore

IKEA TROTTEN Desk, $329

Best Standing Desk

On average, Singaporean students spend approximately 50 hours studying weekly, which is more than a 9 to 5 job. Consequently, it's important to get a correct study desk height to reduce back and neck aches, and to ensure proper posture.

However, did you know that the proper study desk height varies on whether you're writing or using a laptop? When writing, your arm should be bent at a right angle about your elbow, but when typing, your laptop should be on eye level.

One way to circumvent bad posture is to buy an adjustable chair, but most chairs are of a fixed height and might not work for everyone. But you can ensure an optimal desk height with the TROTTEN IKEA desk, with an additional benefit of standing while working.

I won't bore you with the 101 benefits of a standing desk - lowered back pain, fatigue, blah blah blah. But I can say that, especially for muggers that spend all day at their desk, and who frequently switch between writing and typing, the TROTTEN IKEA standing desk may be a worthwhile investment.

It's currently the most affordable standing desk in Singapore, and while otherwise pretty basic in design, makes up for it through ergonomic benefits.

IKEA is known for its affordable and reliable furniture pieces that are famously build-it-yourself! A go-to for anyone looking to furnish their new home, it makes the top ten of nearly every furniture listicle.

Order the TROTTEN Desk starting from $329 from IKEA.

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FortyTwo Auliffe 1.2M Study Desk With Shelf Set, $329

Best Study Desk with Shelf

Having storage space as a student is very important, especially for students like me who prefer to keep physical notes and textbooks (I've had to buy cardboard boxes from IKEA to store my stacks of ring binders under my desk). With the Auliffe study desk, plenty of storage comes with the attached shelves and under-desk drawer, giving ample space to store all your files in an easily accessible spot while you're studying.

I'd recommend putting it in a different orientation from the picture, though, where the bookshelf does not block natural lighting. My desk is sat facing the window (though that does cause some issue with outside noise and having to personalise curtains), but if you're a night owl who thrives on table lamps instead, do what works for you.

Also, do take note that the height of the table is 75cm, but the space under the table is 61cm to allocate space for the drawers. While I love my drawers, if I were any taller I would not have any legroom due to them. And if you're most comfortable with your legs crossed, you should probably scrap drawers altogether.

(You might want to measure the height of your knees when sitting before committing to tables with drawers, though drawers are an absolute time saver when it comes to whipping out materials.)

FortyTwo is another reliable and aesthetic furniture seller in Singapore, with a 4.7 star rating out of over two thousand reviews. They boast a good customer service experience, and stylish and up-to-date designs.

Order the Auliffe 1.2M Study Desk With Shelf Set starting from $329 from FortyTwo.

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IKEA ALEX Desk, $179

Best Study Desk for Laptop Users

If your study desk set up is anything like mine, with a table lamp, laptop charger, phone/headphones charger, and a wifi router, you'll be familiar with the unsightly tangle of wires that accompany it. That's why for frequent tech users, I'd recommend the IKEA ALEX Desk, which has the prime feature of a storage space just for your cables.

Coupled with two storage drawers under the table, the ALEX Desk is also perfect for stowing away laptops and study materials when not in use. Coming in four colours, white, black, grey-turquoise, and stained oak, this desk will fit the decor of any room, and is a perfectly affordable option for a study desk.

Do take note that the space under the table is 65cm due to the drawers, and while that is personally enough for me to sit and even cross my legs, if you're particularly tall, you might want to pop by your closest IKEA to give it a test. Generally, the IKEA seats should fit their desks like a glove, and the matching sets look better anyway.

Also, if you're prone to having clutter on your table pressed against the wall like I am (pencil holders, memorabilia, a globe, and a tissue box), you might want to think twice before getting this desk. To access the wires, the flap of the storage compartment lifts upwards, which means the space above has to be clear of any items.

This IKEA ALEX Desk has a five star review on the IKEA website, but don't mix it up with it's brother, another IKEA desk named LAGKAPTEN/ALEX with a one star review.

Order the IKEA ALEX Desk starting from $179 from IKEA.

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JIJI EMELDA L-SHAPE Desktop Table, $119.97

Best L-Shaped Desk

Though not a common sight, I'm a big advocate for L-shaped desks, especially for multitaskers (though anyone can enjoy the benefits).

When exam season is coming up, and you have several subjects to cram for, nothing is more time consuming than marking the page where you left off, closing your textbook, stowing it away, and finally taking out the next subject to study for. Especially if there are multiple subjects being tested on the same day, I'm having all my notes sprawled out on the floor like a makeshift carpet the night before.

Even if you're doing homework for a single subject, an L-shaped desk saves plenty of time. Have your notes on one side and your assignment on the other, and simply swivel your head to look between them, saving yourself the page flipping. Long desks can't compete with those the shape of an L.

Additionally, if it's not exam season, I like to mentally compartmentalise my desk into personal and work space, where I do my work on one side, and my personal projects on the other. It makes me less distracted when I do work at the same desk, and adds another benefit to the L-shaped study desk.

The only possible L of an L-shaped desk would be its space consumption - but if you spend majority of your time studying and sleeping, it's a worthwhile price to pay.

Order the EMELDA L-SHAPE Desktop Table starting from $119.97 from Jiji.sg.

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IKEA SMÅSTAD Desk, $284

Best Study Desk for Kids

Up until secondary school, I studied on a serving cart (I didn't realise it was a serving cart) because I kept dropping my pencils and it broke whenever it rolled off the table and onto the floor.

If that sounds like your child, you might want to invest in an IKEA SMÅSTAD Desk (or a serving cart - they're pretty effective too). Apart from the raised sides, the SMÅSTAD also include drawers and shelves for storage of books and stationary.

If you have a particularly artistic kid, they can paste their favourite drawings on the headboard too. Or if your kid is always forgetful, a couple of sticky notes at eye-level may help them remember what they need to be doing. And kids that are easily distracted might be more inclined to focus when facing the tiny cubicle, where all their toys are out of sight and out of mind.

Not to worry if your kid is an early-bloomer, the dimensions of the desk can fit even me, so I'm doubtful that they'll outgrow it any time soon. I was surprised to find that the SMÅSTAD desks offers more legroom than some of the other desks meant for adults on this list.

Coming in 7 different colours and one extra unique design, the SMÅSTAD desk is perfect for any kid (and tween!). It also doesn't take up too much space, at 90cm x 79cm in area, giving your kids ample liberty to have a play corner in their room too.

Order the SMÅSTAD Desk starting from $284 from IKEA.

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HipVan Bradford Study Console Table 1m, $79.90

Best Minimalist Study Desk

The Bradford Study Console Table is one of the most affordable options available on the market, and I would recommend this over a random $30 desk found anywhere else. Though the lack of storage would be a personal issue, if you're going for a minimalist look, this is the desk to get.

Firstly, at 1m by 45cm, and at 75cm tall, this table has ample space and elbow room to do your work on. 45cm in breadth is enough to accommodate an A4 textbook or worksheet with space to put your pencil case or knickknacks against the wall, and 1m in breadth allows for multiple worksheets and open textbooks to be open simultaneously.

Those dimensions also provide a long, sleek look enhanced by the thin metal framing and minimal but modern design. Many 1m long tables are typically around 60cm in breadth, and I find that such boxy measurements makes those type of desks look less elegant and more like a dining table.

Also, the entire table is very slim, which I think looks more stylish than a thick, heavy wood table. The Bradford Desk is only 8.8kg in weight, making it easy to move and rearrange quietly during those 2am room redecoration phases (I know it's not just me). Though it might not be the most durable, if you don't abuse your study desk, it should be completely fine, and its 4.5 star review make it one of the more popular options on HipVan.

Order the Bradford Study Console Table 1m starting from $79.90 from HipVan.

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URBAN MOOD PISAN Modern Vanity Table Set, $399

Best Desk and Vanity

Who says you can't be both pretty and smart? Sorry to all the boy parents reading this list, but as a teenage girl, this is an obligatory desk to mention. (Boys can have vanities too, maybe ask your son if he's interested).

Minimalist and adorable, this desktop is made of glass, which is provides a perfectly smooth surface to write on. With a desk of 80cm by 40cm, there's ample space to have all your books and notes around as you study, and the side drawer can also be used as a surface to prop up your stationary or study drink.

The transparent tabletop holds both advantages and disadvantages - it may be a hassle to clean, but you can slide your notes into your drawer and study while you cry (just kidding). Though it might be harder to hide a messy drawer, if you're organised or would like to show off your extensive Mildliner collection, this desk is for you.

Order the PISAN Modern Vanity Table Set, $399 starting from $399 from URBAN MOOD.

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FortyTwo Cecia Dual Extendable Study Desk, $289

Best Study Desk for 2

I don't share a room with my sister but even I want this desk. With multiple permutations of arrangement, your kids can choose how they want their study set up to be like with their sibling.

The tables can be pushed together for a seamless table top, or pulled apart for extra surface space, or even arranged in an L-shape if one of them might soon move out.

With shelves on both desks and a communal drawer in the middle, both children will have their own space in the shared study room. Though do take note that it's 2.40m in length when pushed together, so the layout of the room might be highly dependent on the desk.

Order the Cecia Dual Extendable Study Desk starting from $289 from FortyTwo.

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Nitori SPACE SAVING DESK RB001 93 WW, $249

Best Space Saving Study Desk

It's no secret that houses in Singapore are small, and to some people, saving floor space whenever you can is important. Academics may not be that important to everyone, and having space for other interests in your child's bedroom can also be an important priority.

The Nitori Space Saving Desk is 93cm by 50cm - perfectly ample space to study, while not taking up too much space that can be otherwise used. 93 by 50 cm might not sound like a lot, but it's much larger than a standard school table of 56cm x 51cm.

Essentially, Nitori's space saving table can support three A4 papers laid out side by side, which is enough for a textbook and a worksheet simultaneously, and an additional 20cm above it to put your pencil case or bubble tea. There is no need worry about it being too small.

Additionally, the shelves on top can be used to store other materials - they can be textbooks and files, or personal items you'd like to display like trinkets and picture frames. Smaller shelves can also be added to the metal frame on the back of the desk, perfect for pencil holders and clocks.

Order the SPACE SAVING DESK RB001 93 WW starting from $249 from Nitori.

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Bed and Basics Yohann Study Table, $558

Best Study Desk with Storage

Though a little pricey, this study desk is definitely a worthy investment for any bookish student. With five drawers and a shelf, there's plenty of space to store all of your materials within arm's reach, making studying multiple subjects easy and convenient. Keep your desk neat and tidy by putting your books and essays out of sight, and pull them out again when needed in a blink.

The long 145cm table is also a plus point. It is also perfect for multitaskers. Usually, when studying I have multiple notes and worksheets sprawled across my table for just a single chapter, and most of my friends do, too. Having a long table makes studying just that bit more practical, and I would highly recommend it if you have the space and means.

Though, if your study set up is largely digital, there's little need for this form of storage and desk space. Unless there's something else you're planning to store, I think you'd be better off buying a memory stick. With no space for wires to run, this desk might look a little messy for digitalised set ups.

Also, if you're planning to store items in the drawers that you won't use when you're at the desk, I'd suggest just buying a separate drawer - there's nothing more annoying than bending down or moving a chair to get your items. It's only highly convenient when you're already sitting down at the desk, otherwise it's quite a hassle!

Order the Yohann Study Table starting from $558 from Bed and Basics.

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