The best wooden desk organizer

With all the various supplies that people need to keep at their desk, it's no wonder it often becomes cluttered. Unfortunately, a cluttered desk is bad for both productivity and your state of mind. You can nip that problem in the bud though with a good desktop organizer.

Desk organizers come in a variety of materials, but few are as aesthetically pleasing as the wooden models. Depending on the type of wood and the finish, wooden desk organizers can look modern or rustic and fit in with nearly any kind of decor style.

When choosing an organizer, one of the most important aspects to consider is the size and layout of the various compartments, as these will determine what you can store in it. If you think your storage needs may change over time, you can opt for a customizable model like the Ikee Design Large Extendable Wooden Desktop Organizer.

What to know before you buy a wooden desk organizer
Organization and productivity
While many people may claim to have a system to their mess, study after study has shown a clear link between organization and productivity. When your desk is organized, you’ll never waste time searching for documents or office supplies since you’ll always know exactly where they are. Having a messy, unorganized desk can also increase stress because it gives the impression there is more work to be done than there actually is. Not only that, it can lead to assignments accidentally falling through the cracks.

Something as simple as adding an organizer to your desk is an ideal way to combat all of these issues. It will help you keep your desk clean and clutter-free, so you can focus on the work that needs completing.

Space and storage
When choosing a wooden desk organizer, you want to consider both the amount and kinds of storage it offers, as well as the size of your desk and its available space. It is important that your organizer offers enough capacity, the right kind for your needs. Otherwise, it won’t serve its purpose well. At the same time, it needs to be the right size for your desk. The last thing you want is to purchase an organizer that is so large that it encroaches on your working space since this can also hinder your productivity.

Aesthetics
Those purchasing desk organizers that are wooden do so because of the aesthetics. This means you shouldn't settle for any old wooden model you find. Instead, take the time to choose one with style and finish that appeals to you. You can find black and white models with a contemporary look, rustic options with a natural or distressed finish and everything in between.

Wooden desk organizer features
Shelves
Depending on their size, and whether they are vertical or horizontal, shelves can be used to store anything from books and documents to plants, small decorations and various office supplies, like staplers or calculators.

Drawers
Like shelves, the size of the drawer dictates how you can use it. Small drawers are good for pens, pencils, scissors and similar small office supplies, while larger drawers may be able to accommodate paperwork, a tablet and other bigger items. You should note that many organizers have drawers that are divided into several smaller compartments, which are ideal for paperclips, thumbtacks, rubber bands and the like.

If choosing a desk organizer with drawers, look for ones that have a knob, cutout or some other way to easily grasp the drawers when opening them. You may also want to opt for a model that has label holders on the front of the drawers.

Open-top compartments
Open-top compartments are handy for a variety of items, depending on their size and shape. Generally, they are good for holding items you want quick access to and don’t mind keeping out in full view of others, like pens and pencils or sticky pads.

Device holders
Some wooden desk organizers feature dedicated device holders. These should be lined with a soft material that won’t potentially scratch your device, and they may or may not have a cable pass-through, so you can charge your devices while inside of them.

Wooden desk organizer cost
Wooden desk organizers can be found for as little as $15 and up to $75 or more for larger models or those made from expensive woods.

Wooden desk organizer FAQ
Are wooden desk organizers eco-friendly?
A. There is no cut-and-dry answer to this because it depends on the type of wood it is made from. Certain woods, like bamboo and pine, grow quickly, which makes them a sustainable option and better for the environment. Other woods that grow more slowly, such as mahogany and oak, tend to be less eco-friendly because they take longer to replace. It is also important where the wood comes from since certain countries place more emphasis on protecting their forests. If you want to be sure you are purchasing a wooden desk organizer that was made following sustainable practices, look for one with the Forestry Stewardship Council logo.

Are some types of wood more durable than others?
A. Yes. Every species of wood has different properties, which results in some being stronger and more durable than others. As a good rule of thumb, hardwood species are going to be more durable and offer more longevity than softwood species.