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Declutter Your Workspace With the Best Under Desk Drawers

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Declutter Your Workspace With the Best Under Desk Drawers

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Buying Guide: Under Desk Drawer

If you’re using a desk that doesn’t come with an under desk drawer, then you’re being robbed of valuable storage space. An under desk drawer plays an important role in keeping things organized, letting you store things like files, stationery, writing utensils, and more that would otherwise be left lying on top of your desk. Things can easily get lost when left out, and the constant clutter can also have a negative impact on your productivity. Since you’re looking for one, you probably already know that these days it’s possible to install an individual drawer beneath your desk. These drawers come in a wide range of styles and sizes to suit your various utility needs, and today we’ll be taking a look at the highest-rated under desk drawers of 2023. This list can help you narrow down your choices, and you can also use the included buyer’s guide to identify the right product for your needs.

Under desk drawers can be very convenient, but it’s not always easy to figure out which one is right for you. If you want to step up your desk’s organizational game, whether at home or work, check out this guide to help you find the most suitable under desk drawer in 2023:

Choosing the Right Under Desk Drawer for Your Workspace 

An under desk drawer is useful for storing your laptop, stationery, keyboard, or any other desk supplies inside. The one you choose greatly depends on the size of the drawer, the clearance under your desk, as well as the drawer’s mounting mechanism. Let’s look at these factors in detail: 

Drawer size  

Size is the most important consideration when it comes to choosing an under desk drawer. Not only does size dictate the things you’ll be able to place inside, but the drawer should also be compatible with your desk’s dimensions. A drawer that’s too big will awkwardly stick out from underneath your desk, while one that’s too small might not accommodate all of your things. With this in mind, the size of the under desk drawer you choose should not only match your desk, but it should also offer a good amount of space for storage purposes. 

Clearance under your desk

The clearance underneath your desk is another important factor you should pay attention to wh shopping for under desk drawers. While perusing your options, prioritize drawers that offer enough room for your legs after installation. Many low-profile designs will fit under your desk without being too intrusive, but measuring the space beneath your desk can give you a better idea of the under desk drawer height you should look for.

Mounting mechanism 

Under desk drawers feature a wide variety of mounting mechanisms — from stick-on designs to screws and clamps, there are many ways to mount an under desk drawer. If possible, you should go for a screw-on model, as these hold firmly when in use. Stick-on under desk drawers are by far the most unreliable, as their low weight capacity makes them quite susceptible to falling off when in use. 

Build Your Own Under Desk Drawer

If ready-made under desk drawers just don’t cut it for you, you can look into making one of these devices for yourself. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:
  • ¼ inch plywood 
  • 1×3 dimensional lumber 
  • 1×4 dimensional lumber 
  • Drawer slides 
Besides these, you’ll also need tools like a jigsaw, a nailer, and some basic hand tools. Here’s a step-by-step account of how to make a DIY under desk drawer:

Size the drawer

Measure the space under your desk and cut a piece of plywood into your desired size. 

Build the frame

Take the 1×3 lumber and cut the frame parts to match the size of the plywood. Glue and nail the frame parts over the plywood to shape the drawer. 

Finish the drawer 

Since you’re going to install it under your desk, the drawer should ideally match the desk’s finish. Paint or polish the drawer so that it matches your desk. 

Attach the drawer slides

Cut two pieces of 1×4 lumber into the same size as the drawer’s sides — these are the drawer supports. Take a drawer slide and hold it flush against the bottom end of the drawer support and screw it in to attach it. Pull it out to expose the mounting holes, position them on the front of the drawer, and secure them in with screws. Pull it out and screw the slide to the drawer’s back end, and make sure to test it to see how it’s working. 

Mount the assembly 

Stick some double-face tape on the upper edges of the drawer supports and place the assembly on the under desk drawer. Once you’re happy with the positioning, screw it through the desk. 

Install the drawer pull

The last step of this DIY project is to install a drawer pull. Take the handle or tab of your choosing and screw it on from the inside.

01 NYCCO Under Desk Drawer

The NYCCO Under Desk Drawer boasts sturdy, one-piece metal construction that’s topped off with a black matte finish. It’s divided into five various-sized compartments to help you neatly organize the contents of your drawer, and mounting the whole thing to your desk is a breeze.

This under desk drawer comes complete with slides, brackets, and screws so that you don’t have to make any additional purchases to install it — simple screw in the brackets and slide the drawer into position. The smooth ball-bearing slides make it easy to open and close, and its two-inch height means that it won’t intrude too much on your leg room. This under desk drawer is our top pick because of its solid construction, ease of installation, and lots of storage space.

Pros

  • Durable one-piece construction 
  • Various-sized compartments for convenient organization
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Some may find it too shallow
NYCCO Under Desk Drawer

02 COZYWELL Under Desk Drawer

Our next pick is a compact and versatile under desk drawer from COZYWELL. Its lead-free, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic construction is attractive and features smooth surfaces and corners, and even better is that it’s easy to install.

This under desk drawer incorporates four strong self-adhesive tapes along the top that help it securely cling to the underside of your desk, and you can even mount it on a variety of other furniture items, including cabinets, nightstands, and more. Its six-pound weight capacity means it can reliably hold various large and small items without falling off, and you can pick this under desk drawer up in white and black color options.

Pros

  • Made from safe, non-toxic materials 
  • High weight capacity 
  • Durable, wear-resistant design

Cons

  • Adhesives can wear out after some time
COZYWELL Under Desk Drawer

03 S Stand Up Desk Under Desk Drawer

If you happen to use a standing desk as your workstation, then this under desk drawer from S Stand Up Desk might just be the perfect fit. It features sturdy alloy steel construction for durability and long-lasting performance, and its large dimensions mean that this drawer can hold office accessories as well as your personal belongings.

This under desk drawer boasts a 15-pound capacity which means it can hold heavier items without the risk of deforming under their weight, and sliding it open and closed is smooth and easy thanks to its impressive rolling tracks. Not only is this under desk drawer nice in and of itself, but it’s also backed by a five-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Pros

  • Constructed with heavy-duty materials
  • Smooth sliding movement 
  • Discreet design won’t look out of place

Cons

  • Does not fully extend
S Stand Up Desk Under Desk Drawer

04 Gome Under Desk Drawer

Installing an under desk drawer can be challenging, as you have to make sure the holes are drilled correctly so that it slides smoothly. This under desk drawer from Gome, though, greatly simplifies the installation procedure, because instead of smaller mounting brackets, this drawer has hangers on both sides that make it pretty easy to install.

This under desk drawer is made from high-quality stainless steel and features smooth sliding tracks for effortless opening and closing. Its high weight capacity of up to 12 lbs and ample storage space make it an excellent choice for various purposes, and with your purchase, you’ll even receive two handy pen holders, one light pink and one light green.

Pros

  • Installation is a breeze 
  • Suitable for standing and sitting workstations
  • Waterproof, easy-to-clean design

Cons

  • Pricier than other options
Gome Under Desk Drawer

05 Qline Under Desk Drawer

Our next pick is a great choice if you constantly find yourself searching high and low for office supplies. The Qline Under Desk Drawer features five separate compartments to store various items large and small, and you can use it as the ultimate organizer to gather all your office supplies in one easy-to-reach place.

This under desk drawer is made from sturdy plastic and features smooth ball-bearing slides. It comes complete with all necessary installation accessories (including hardware and brackets), and its black color blends well with most desktops, making for a pleasant, professional look, whether you’re using this under desk drawer at home or in the office.

Pros

  • Sturdy, lightweight construction 
  • Smooth edges reduce chances of injury 
  • Offers various organizational options

Cons

  • Some may not like its plastic construction
Qline Under Desk Drawer

People Also Asked

What should I put in an under desk drawer?

Many people store office supplies like pencils, binder clips, pens, staplers, and more inside their under desk drawers. You can also use them to place your laptop, wireless keyboard, or personal items, such as your keys or wallet, inside.

Does a desk need drawers?

No, a desk doesn’t necessarily need drawers, but having them can greatly help in organizing your workspace. You can use under desk drawers to place your office supplies, paperwork, personal items, and anything else that’s cluttering your desk inside.

How do you clean an under desk drawer?

Cleaning an under desk drawer is fairly easy. You should start by emptying the drawer of its contents. Once it’s empty, get a vacuum and remove all dust and debris, then take a soft cloth and use it to wipe the drawer with a cleaner. Next, sort the contents — keep what’s important and get rid of anything you don’t need. Dust everything, organize them, and put it all back inside your clean under desk drawer.

Denise McNamara

Jul 22, 2022

85 Articles Published

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