Ikea Desk – MICKE, MALM & BEKANT Compared

Choosing a desk for a home office can be a surprisingly complex decision. With dozens of models, varying sizes, and a wide price range, the options from IKEA alone can feel overwhelming. This guide focuses on the three most popular and frequently compared models in the UK: the MICKE, the MALM, and the BEKANT. This article breaks down what each desk does well, where it falls short, and which one is the best fit for your specific needs, whether you are a student, a remote worker, or a gamer.

The IKEA desk range dominates the affordable home office market in the UK, offering solutions from compact student desks to electric standing workstations. But with no side-by-side comparison on the official website, many buyers end up guessing. This article provides a clear, fact-based comparison to help you make an informed purchase.

Which IKEA Desk Is Best for a Home Office?

The answer depends heavily on your available space, budget, and how you plan to use the desk. The three most frequently discussed models—MICKE, MALM, and BEKANT—each serve a distinct purpose. Below is an overview of their core specifications and best use cases.

Quick Overview: MICKE, MALM, and BEKANT

Key Insights Before You Buy

• MICKE desks are the most affordable and include integrated storage, but are smaller (105×50 cm).
• MALM desks offer a larger work surface and a pull-out panel for extra space, making them good for dual monitors.
• For standing desks, BEKANT is the most popular and supports height adjustment; IDÅSEN is a premium alternative.
• IKEA desks generally lack pre-drilled holes for cable management – many users add their own.
• The ALEX drawer unit + LINNMON tabletop combination is a DIY favourite and highly customisable.

Key Facts at a Glance

MICKE vs MALM: Key Differences

The MICKE and MALM desks are two of IKEA’s most popular fixed-height desks, but they are designed for different users. The MICKE is built for compact practicality. It features a smaller footprint (105×50 cm) and comes with built-in drawers and a cable outlet, making it ideal for a bedroom, a small flat, or a student room. As noted in a detailed comparison, the MICKE is repeatedly described as the best fit for a small space or budget home office.

The MALM, on the other hand, is a cleaner-looking standard desk. It offers a larger work surface (120×60 cm) and a distinctive pull-out panel that can be used for additional workspace or as a keyboard tray. However, the MALM has limited integrated organization compared to the MICKE. For simple setups and laptop users who want a minimalist look, the MALM is a strong choice, but it is not a standing desk.

IKEA Desks with Drawers: Pros and Cons

Many buyers wonder if desks with built-in drawers are worth the extra cost. The MICKE is the prime example of an IKEA desk with integrated storage. Its advantages are clear: it saves floor space by combining the desk and storage unit, and it keeps supplies tidy and out of sight. The downside is that the drawer space limits legroom slightly, and the overall desk footprint is fixed. For those who prefer a larger, open desktop, the MALM’s pull-out panel or a separate drawer unit like the ALEX system offers more flexibility.

Best IKEA Desk for Small Spaces

If you are looking for the best IKEA desk for a small room, the MICKE is the most clearly recommended option from the available research. Its compact dimensions and built-in storage make it an efficient solution for tight corners or bedrooms. For an even smaller option, the LINNMON tabletop can be paired with simple legs to create a minimal setup, though it lacks storage. The BEKANT, while available in smaller sizes, is better suited for users who need a larger work surface and standing flexibility.

Does IKEA Sell Standing Desks?

Yes, IKEA offers several standing desk models. The most well-known and widely reviewed is the BEKANT, which is an electric sit/stand desk. It is the only one of the three main models (MICKE, MALM, BEKANT) that is a true standing desk with electric height adjustment. Other options include the SKARSTA (manual crank) and the IDÅSEN (a premium electric model with a solid wood top).

IKEA Standing Desk Options (BEKANT, SKARSTA, IDÅSEN)

The BEKANT is the most popular electric standing desk from IKEA. According to one comprehensive review, it is height-adjustable from about 65 to 125 cm and includes a removable webbing or cable net under the desk for cable management. The SKARSTA is a manual alternative that requires a hand crank, which is cheaper but less convenient. The IDÅSEN is the premium choice, offering a more stable frame, a solid wood top, and a higher weight capacity. For a gaming or dual-monitor setup, the BEKANT is generally considered the strongest of the three in terms of ergonomics and cable handling.

Average Price Range for IKEA Desks in the UK

Pricing for IKEA desks in the UK varies significantly by model. As a general guide, the MICKE desk falls in the £50–£100 range, the MALM desk ranges from £70–£120, and the BEKANT is priced between £200–£400. The LINNMON tabletop alone can be as low as £25. It is important to note that stock levels fluctuate, and specific colour or combination availability may vary by store. For the most current UK prices, checking the official IKEA UK website is recommended, as US-based reviews cited prices like $399 or $489 for the BEKANT, which may not reflect UK pricing.

Colours and Finishes Available

IKEA desks come in a range of colours, not just black or white. The MICKE and MALM lines are available in classic white and black, and in some cases, an oak effect or grey finish. The BEKANT offers a wider selection of desktop colours and frame finishes. New colour options, such as oak effect and grey, were added to the MICKE line in 2023. While white is the most popular finish, buyers have several options to match their decor.

How to Assemble an IKEA Desk Quickly?

All IKEA desks come flat-packed and require assembly. Assembly time depends heavily on the model and the user’s experience. For the BEKANT, one reviewer reported a clear manual and completing assembly in about 35 minutes. The MICKE, with its drawers, typically takes longer, while the MALM is relatively straightforward. Larger desks may require two people.

Assembly Tips for IKEA MICKE and MALM

• Lay out all parts and hardware before starting. IKEA manuals are visual and easy to follow.
• Use the provided Allen key, but a power screwdriver with a hex bit will significantly speed up the process.
• For the MICKE, assembling the drawer runners correctly is the most time-consuming step. Patience is key.
• For the MALM, the pull-out panel mechanism can be fiddly. Ensure it slides freely before tightening all screws.

Using an IKEA Desk for Gaming: Considerations

Yes, an IKEA desk can be used for a gaming setup. For a dual-monitor or multi-equipment gaming station, the BEKANT is the strongest option among the three due to its larger size, better ergonomics, and cable handling. However, some users report wobble at standing height, which can be an issue for intense gaming. The MICKE wins on compact practicality for a single-monitor build, while the MALM is a middle ground for simple desktop gaming. If you choose a BEKANT for gaming, be prepared for potential stability trade-offs.

Timeline: IKEA Desk Development

1. 2020: The remote work surge significantly increases demand for IKEA desks. Models like the MICKE and MALM often go out of stock.
2. 2022: IKEA launches an updated version of the BEKANT desk with an improved motor and more eco-friendly materials.
3. 2023: New colour options, including an oak effect and grey, are added to the popular MICKE desk line.
4. 2025: Currently, IKEA continues to offer desks with built-in wireless charging options on select models, expanding functionality.

Established Facts and Open Questions

Context: The IKEA Desk Market in the UK

IKEA desks dominate the affordable home office furniture market in the UK, competing with brands like Argos and Wayfair. Their popularity is driven by a balance of price, design, and availability. However, a common complaint across many reviews is the lack of included cable management. While the BEKANT addresses this with its under-desk net, other models require aftermarket solutions that cost little but add effort. Many users also build custom setups using IKEA components (like the ALEX drawer unit combined with a KARLBY countertop), which are not sold as a single desk. It is important to clarify that these DIY combinations are not official products and may have compatibility issues.

Sources and Further Reading

This analysis draws from several sources. The primary source for dimensions, prices, and features is the IKEA UK – Home Office Desks page. Independent reviews from sources like Anders Noren and Reverent Geek provide real-world user perspectives. Community advice is often found on Reddit r/IKEA. For consumer reports, independent bodies like Which? UK are a valuable resource. For readers in the UK who may be claiming a desk as a business expense, the UK Government – Home Working Tax Relief page is relevant.

MICKE is the best fit for a small space or budget home office, MALM is a cleaner-looking standard desk with limited integrated organization, and BEKANT is the only one of the three that is a true standing desk with electric height adjustment.

— Comparison source

For a gaming or dual-monitor setup, BEKANT is generally the strongest of the three in ergonomics and cable handling, while MICKE wins on compact practicality.

— Review summary

Summary: Which IKEA Desk Should You Choose?

For a small home office or a student room, the MICKE desk offers the best value with its built-in storage and compact size. For a minimalist, standard desk for a laptop or single monitor, the MALM provides a clean look and a larger surface. For anyone who needs the flexibility to alternate between sitting and standing, the BEKANT is the only true standing desk of the three. It is also the strongest choice for larger gaming or dual-monitor setups. Before buying, confirm current 2025 UK prices and stock on the official website. For more details on setting up your home office, see our comparison Canon G7X Mark II – Comprehensive Buying Guide 2025 or our buyer’s guide on the De’Longhi Coffee Machine – Complete UK Buyer’s Guide 2025 for other essential home office gear.

Frequently Asked Questions