Ways to organize your desk

In need of a desk refresh? Whether it’s back-to-school time or just time to unlearn an old habit, check out our desk organization ideas. Boxes, magnets and shelves can help clean your desk, so your mind’s clear and ready to work.

A white desk showing clean desk ideas like a letter tray for papers and tablets, boxes for storage and cord control and a glass vase for pens

An organized study area for a child that uses a white and green PÅHL desk, a desk shelf unit and see-through boxes with lids to easily store small stuff.

Maximize space. Use add-on shelves or a hutch for display, storage and a clearer worktop. If there’s room in the desk’s legs, use it! Mix stackable, see-through boxes with lids for easy-to-lose tiny things, and sturdy paper boxes for bigger stuff. Bonus: This child’s desk actually adjusts to adult height.

Desk organization ideas like drawer inserts, magnetic containers and a painted wall calendar shown in and above a grey desk with two drawers.

An organized desk without drawers in white and light wood with a shelf above it and lots of boxes, jars and vases for storage.

Go overboard. Create space to contain everything by surrounding your desk with shelves. Use solid-coloured, matching boxes to hide things away. Glass vases and jars can show off a few lovelies. Add in accessories, like a letter tray, to sort your papers and hold your tablet.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by

Interior designer: Carine de Mol
Photographer: Daniel Wester
Writer: Marissa Frayer

Ways to organize your desk

You might also like

Wonder walls

How to compose a pattern symphony

Plywood power