If you’re trying to build a home studio for yourself, the studio desk will be the heart of your ship.

Choosing the right desk is as vital as any other part of assembling your musical lair. There are many factors to consider, and you shouldn’t compromise at all, as a great desk can you help feel productive and that can sometimes help keep the inspiration going.

To have the best possible outcome from your mixing session, you need to have the most optimal, comfortable, and balanced work environment. The proper desk answers all those needs and allows you to create the best work possible. 

Different criterion can be used to select the best studio desk that works for you. It's honestly quite a subjective answer because we all work in different ways and also we all work in different genres. For example, perhaps you use more outboard gear and need a space for this on your desk. Well, that will inhibit your decision.

Here’s a list of things I think you should consider before buying a desk. The first point to consider is the size of your space; how much can you fit in your studio? How much space do you want the desk to take? A simple idea is to use masking tape and mock out, in your room, how big and where you might like your desk to be.

You should also consider gear space. Different desks have different components. Keyboard space, monitor lifts or space, and outboard units are a couple of the things you should be thinking of. 

A nice and spacious tabletop space can definitely make a difference in your experience. Depending on the variety of things you use, such as USB hubs, mice, pics, and even coffee cups, you can choose a desk with enough tabletop space. 

Build quality and material cannot be overlooked too. A desk of premium material can heavily affect the process of assembling your home studio. And last but not least, I would suggest having a stylish working setup. The presence of an aesthetically pleasing setup will provide you with a sense of competence and professionalism, making it an even better place to create some magic. This is a big one for me! I want to feel inspired every time I walk into the studio. Well, at least when it's clean.

Considering all these criteria, I’ve gathered a list of desks most suitable for your home studio.

1. WS7500 Workstation | On-Stage

If you have a small home studio, the WS7500 workstation is a great investment for beginners. This little studio workstation packs a lot of ergonomic features to maximize your comfort and productivity.

The basic desk has a 43-inch main surface, a 39-inch shelf above it for monitors and screens, and a slide-out keyboard tray. 

The frame is solid and understated so that it won't look out of place in your space. Although it lacks rack space, the setup can be expanded with additional On-Stage components, making it ideal for use in smaller venues. Additionally, On-Stage has incorporated wood and steel, making it a sturdy and reliable desk. This 48-key workstation is one of the best deals out there, considering its high-quality construction and the low price tag of just $253.

Let's talk about subjectivity for a second. For instance, this desk wouldn't be good for me for a couple of reasons. It's too small for me, I'd like to have a bigger desk in my personal home studio. Second, I'm not inspired by the look and feel of this desk. It's totally subjective. You might really like it, that's what I'm listing it.

2. Studio RTA Producer Station

The Studio RTA Producer Station is a highly recommended studio desk for the non-professional market and offers great value for money. Although its appearance may be simple, it is extremely adaptable. The desk is generously sized and includes features such as rack spacing, slide-out shelving, and a raised section for monitors. It is an ideal choice for those with ample space and equipment. 

Studio RTA is a well-known studio furniture brand that has considered even the most minor details. The desk offers a significant amount of space, making it especially useful for those with a dual-screen setup.

The primary work surface on this desk is very spacious, measuring 72 inches in length and 30 inches in depth. In addition, the raised section of the desk is almost 67 inches long and can accommodate a large display and two near-field monitors. The desk also includes a retractable keyboard tray, a small amount of shelving for extra storage, and an impressive 48U of rack space. With its extensive features, this desk offers excellent value for its price of $660 and can easily accommodate all of your equipment. 

3. Platform Studio Desk | Output

The Platform Studio Desk is a high-end studio desk designed and manufactured by the American music technology company Output. The desk is specifically designed for music producers, audio engineers, and other audio professionals who require a comfortable, ergonomic, and practical workspace.

This desk is made from high-quality materials, including a solid wood frame and a durable steel base. The desktop is made from a sleek, matte black finish that is both stylish and functional. The desk also features a number of user-friendly features that make it an ideal choice for music production.

One of the key features of the Platform Studio Desk is its ample workspace. The desk is large enough to accommodate a computer, audio interface, MIDI controller, and a variety of other equipment. The desk also features a built-in cable management system, which helps keep cables organized and out of the way.

Another important feature of the Platform Studio Desk is its ergonomic design. The desk is designed with a curved front edge, which provides a comfortable and natural position for the user's arms and wrists. This helps to prevent fatigue and strain during long hours of work.

It also features a number of additional features that make it an ideal choice for music production. These include a built-in keyboard tray, a utility shelf for storing equipment, 9U of rack space, and a monitor shelf that can be adjusted to accommodate different-sized monitors.

With its ample workspace, cable management system, and ergonomic design, the Platform Studio Desk is an ideal choice for any music professional who values comfort, functionality, and style, and I highly recommend opting for it as it also comes at a reasonable price starting at $699.

4. Custom Solid Wood | UPLIFT

The Custom Solid Wood standing desk is a high-quality, handcrafted standing desk manufactured by UPLIFT, a leading manufacturer of ergonomic office furniture. The standing desk is made from sustainably sourced solid wood and is available in a variety of finishes and sizes to suit the needs of any workspace.

The Custom Solid Wood standing desk goes big on its durability. It’s made from solid wood, which is known for its strength and longevity. The wood is carefully selected and handcrafted to ensure that each desk is of the highest quality and will last for years.

Customizability is the brand’s most renowned attribute. You can choose from a variety of wood species, including maple, walnut, and cherry, as well as a range of finishes and sizes to suit your individual needs. This allows you to create a unique, personalized workspace that reflects your style and personality.

In addition to its durability and customizability, it is also designed with ergonomics in mind. The desk is adjustable to a range of heights, allowing you to find the perfect position for your individual needs. The desktop is available in standard and contoured shapes, providing a comfortable and natural position for your arms and wrists. This helps to prevent fatigue and strain during long hours of work.

Again, it's all about subjectivity, I don't like standing and producing. Mostly because I want to easily access my guitar, play the keyboard and I don't like doing this things standing up. I go for a walk instead.

This desk also features a smooth, easy-to-clean surface resistant to scratches and stains. This makes it an ideal choice for any workspace, whether it be a home office or a commercial setting. You can customize your own desk with prices starting at $1999.

5. Gustav | SessionDesk

Gustav, from Sessiondesk's Basic Series, may be considered an entry-level option, but it's anything but dull.

This is a top-of-the-line studio desk that boasts 18 units of rack space divided into two 9-unit bays, integrated cable management, built-in platforms for nearfield monitors, and a generously sized tabletop with ample depth to accommodate a large display without being uncomfortably close.

Remember when I said it depends on what type of producer or engineer you are? For example, this desk would not be a good fit if you didn't have any hardware gear.

This desk offers features similar to those of the Dual 15L Argosy Console but is priced at half the cost. It includes 18 units of outboard space and shelves for studio monitors and is constructed using a distinctive wooden-polyplex material.

The centre table is adjustable for maximum comfort, and while the base desk does not come with a keyboard tray, one can be purchased separately. This one is on the higher end with a $1,820 price tag.

Final Thoughts On The Best Home Studio Desks

With the numerous options available in the market, it's essential to consider factors such as size, ergonomics, durability, and storage capacity when making a purchase.

Whether you opt for a custom-built desk or a ready-made one, the right home studio desk can help you maximize your creativity and productivity and ultimately achieve your artistic goals, whether it’s turning your ideas into songs or covering another artist’s songs.

Above all this, I also want to stress the importance of skill > equipment. For example, I used an Ikea kitchen desk for three years before upgrading. I always say this, treat yourself to a new piece of equipment when you feel like your skills have improved and you deserve it. For example, I've always wanted to get a custom desk but these range from 8,000 to 10,000 dollars. Maybe I will one day when I think I've deserved it.

For now, you can check out a list of my home studio equipment here. I try to keep it updated regularly. If you're interested in me helping you out on your music journey then I suggest you subscribe to my YouTube Channel.