Finish
Matt lacquer looks soft and hides fingerprints. Gloss is easy to wipe but shows scratches. Melamine and laminate are the most hard-wearing for daily use, and painted solid wood can be touched up.
White desks that brighten a small room
A white desk takes up less visual space than wood or black, which is why it suits box rooms, bedrooms and the corner of a living room. It reflects light from the window onto the work surface, and it goes with almost any chair.
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Buying guide
How to choose a white desk
White is not one finish. The surface you choose decides how the desk looks after a year of mugs, elbows and laptop chargers.
Size
For a small room, 100 to 120 cm wide and 50 to 60 cm deep fits a laptop and a lamp. Add 20 cm of width for a monitor. Wall-mounted and ladder designs save floor space in the smallest rooms.
Cleaning
On white desks, use a soft cloth with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid. Avoid abrasive pads, which dull matt finishes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you keep a white desk clean?
Wipe it weekly with a soft damp cloth and a drop of washing-up liquid, and use a desk mat under the mouse and keyboard to protect the most used area.
What colour chair goes with a white desk?
Almost any. Light oak or grey fabric keeps the look soft, black gives contrast and a coloured chair adds one bright note.
Which size desk suits a small room?
100 to 120 cm wide and 50 to 60 cm deep, with around 90 cm free behind it for the chair.
How do you remove stains from a white desk?
Try a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water on a soft cloth, then rinse. Test on a hidden spot first, especially on matt lacquer.
See also
All home officeRooms:Home office