9 Sustainable Office Desks (That Aren’t From IKEA)
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’re going to keep it real with you: We didn’t expect to use our home offices like this. But now that we have, we’re considering upgrading our desks to maximize our productivity and comfort, and we think you might be too!
If you’re also on the hunt for a new desk that is maybe a step up from IKEA, check out these sustainable options with local manufacturing, responsibly sourced materials, and low or neutral carbon emissions. Top it off with a comfy and eco-conscious desk chair, and you’ll be good to go.
And of course, if these aren’t your style, maybe renting or going secondhand is.
1. Avocado
Made In | Los Angeles
Sustainable Features | Climate Neutral certified, GREENGUARD Gold certified, FSC certified, sustainable solid wood, nontoxic materials
Starting At | $2999
Avocado’s Mid-Century Modern Desk is here to elevate your office space with its angular silhouette, soft-close drawers and timeless charm. Made with responsibly-sourced solid wood (for its long-lasting and resilient appeal) in Avocado’s FSC-certified Los Angeles woodshop, this desk is designed for longevity and durability for years to come. Safety is of utmost importance, with the desk being Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL, meaning no VOC’s and phthalates. For environmentally-friendly living, you can’t get any better!
Use code GOODTRADE at checkout to save 10% sitewide at Avocado through 1/8/2024.
2. Work From Home Desks
Made In | Torrance, CA
Sustainable Features | FSC certified birch, EPA certified for low emissions
Starting at | $349
Work From Home Desks is the ergonomic, easy, and effective setup you need to get right to work, wherever home is (without any tools!). Crafted just outside of Los Angeles with FSC certified birch timber, each adjustable desk is slim and simple yet exceptionally sturdy, holding up to 100 pounds of equipment. You can also find larger or kid-sized desks and accessories like a laptop lifter or shelf to best fit your needs.
3. Inside Weather
Made In | Northern California
Sustainable Features | FSC certified wood, recycled and renewable packaging, non-toxic finishes, recyclable packaging, carbon-neutral orders
Starting At | $549
Are you looking for a desk with a specific shape, leg style, *and* finish, without spending thousands on a fully custom build? Let us introduce you to Inside Weather, a made-to-order furniture company crafting gorgeous pieces in the USA. We love that the brand uses only FSC certified wood that is sourced responsibly according to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s requirements, and maintains many other nontoxic and sustainable certifications. You can also find furniture for the rest of your home here—it’s worth the wait knowing that each piece is made especially for you. (Or head to the lightly-loved sale section!)
4. Masaya & Co.
Made In | Nicaragua
Sustainable Features | Sustainably harvested wood, 100 trees planted for every item sold, eco-friendly production, low-VOC finish
Starting At | $890
Masaya & Co. is a sustainable furniture brand from the heart of Nicaragua. With a focus on thoughtful design, artisan craftsmanship, and reforestation, the brand plants 100 trees across the country for every item old. The minimalist desks come in a number of wood swatches, all of which are dried on-site at the team’s facility in Managua. So not only are these desks gorgeous, but they’re an intentional investment in communities, too.
5. West Elm
Made In | Vietnam, Indonesia, China, or India
Sustainable Features | FSC certified wood, GREENGUARD Gold certified, water-based finish, Fair Trade Certified options
Starting At | $155
West Elm’s line of Fair Trade Certified desks perfectly blend style and sustainability. They’re made with responsibly sourced materials, including FSC certified wood, by workers in safe, fair working conditions across Asia. Finished with a water-based stain, these mid-century style desks are stunning natural and neutral options for any home office. We especially love the ones that come with additional storage!
6. Flexispot
Made In | China & Vietnam
Sustainable Features | FSC certified, recycled materials, natural materials, gives back
Starting At | $140
Flexispot’s commitment to wellness and productivity in the workplace is seen through their line of ergonomic desks and workstations. The brand carries a large selection of height-adjustable, drawer and L-shaped standing desks in a number of sizes, materials and prices that fit any budget. Made from recyclable, recycled and upcycled materials including wood from sustainably managed forests, Flexispot ensures they limit their carbon footprint even when producing premium products. We especially love the high-tech desk control options that display your favorite height settings and the embedded charging ports for ease of use.
7. RLDH
Made In | Escondido, CA
Sustainable Features | Made-to-order, carbon-neutral shipping
Starting At | $134
Rodolfo Lozano launched RLDH in Southern California after seeing his design dreams come to life on his renovated home, his son’s crib, and a successful Kickstarter. Today, RLDH’s scaffolds and standing desks are made-to-order using high-quality maple and birch, tailored to your specific height and computer. Consider one of these desks or scaffolds if you’re not quite ready to purchase a new desk but want to switch to standing work. (And enjoy carbon-neutral shipping!)
8. Woodmancote Retro
Made In | Gloucestershire, UK
Sustainable Features | Upcycled & salvaged materials, locally made, made-to-order
Starting At | £575
If you’re in the UK and hope to bring some color to your space, we love Woodmancote Retro’s A-Frame Trestle Desk. Inspired by a mid-century aesthetic, each eclectic desk is customized with your choice of wood, color, and even tabletop size so it can fit wherever you need. The wood is locally salvaged and the team is dedicated to working with local artisans within a circular economy whenever possible. Once it arrives, it’ll be ready in seconds with just a regular groove; no major tools, nails, or screws to worry about.
9. Koskela
Made In | Melbourne, Australia
Sustainable Features | Responsibly sourced materials, certified B Corp, GECA certified, gives back
Starting At | $515 AUD
Koskela became the first furniture brand in Australia to be named a certified B Corp, and its values shine through. Whenever possible, Koskela sources from Indigenous businesses, gives back to the Rainforest Rescue, and goes through hoops to earn the Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) Certification. We’re big fans of the Jacinda Folding Desk (named after New Zealand PM Jacinda Arden), a compact, clean, and collapsible table that works anytime, anywhere. Plus, if and when you no longer work from home, you can keep it safely stored for years to come!
Featured image from Inside Weather
