Yahoo Finance Best cushioned lap desks for work and gaming in comfort
Ask any long-term freelancer and they'll tell you; one of the greatest things about working from home is the flexibility and freedom it offers.
No longer do you have to gaze wistfully out of an office windows on sunny days - you can simply up sticks and relocate to your garden or a local park, getting fresh air and vitamin D without affecting your output.
However it can be uncomfortable - not to mention horrendous for your posture - to balance your screen on the ground. That’s where a cushioned lap tray comes into its own. Like a wheeled shopping trolley, lap trays were once deemed firmly OAP territory. But like the trolley, younger shoppers are starting to appreciate the silver lining in products designed for silver-haired citizens.
Your nana might use a cushioned lap tray to enjoy her tea in front of Corrie, but it’s also perfect as a makeshift lap desk when you don’t have space for a work station in the traditional sense.
Granted, they're rather odd-looking - typically a flat surface with a squidgy undercarriage - but what you sacrifice in looks you'll make up for in comfort and work efficiency.
Typically backed with a cushion or beanbag-style stuffing, the lap desks are comfortable to perch on your thighs and will protect you from the heat of your machine. Many come with thoughtful compartments, slots and drawers for small office supplies (or ahem, snacks) that you need close to hand.
See our favourites below
HUANUO Cushioned Lap Desk, Built in Mouse Pad ans Wrist Pad
Available for free delivery to Amazon Prime members, this lap desk from Huanuo is larger than average to allow you to store all your work essentials in one place. It comes with dedicated spaces for tablets, pens and pencils and your phone as well as a laptop and mouse pad.
The angled cushion underside gives your wrists a more natural typing position while also protecting your thighs and knees from any heat emanating from your devices. There’s even a handle on the top edge to allow you to carry the desk around easily. Supports a 15-inch screen laptop.
£47.99 | Amazon *On sale from £54.99
Belkin F8N143 Portable Lap Desk for Laptops up to 18.4 inch
Measuring 44.5 x 34.5 x 4 cm, this lap tray from Belkin is one of the top rated products in its category on Amazon. It can comfortably accommodate laptops with screen sizes up to 15 inches and it's angled, making it more comfortable to type and reducing neck strain. The sturdy top is covered in anti-slip finishing, so there’s no worry about your device slipping and sliding on its surface.
Bosign Mini Non-Slip Wood Lap Tray, Natural/Olive
A soft bean bag cushion topped with a willow wood top, this Scandinavian designed lap tray is as comfortable to use for breakfast in bed as it is for checking your email. The top feels rock solid yet you can cross your legs beneath it without disturbing anything on the surface. What’s more, the ergonomic grip handles means you can move to a new location when the mood takes you. Cushion cover is removable and machine washable.
Spillane Laptop Stand
There’s no chance of losing this bright pink lap desk - not only will the eye catching shade make it easy to spot in an instant, but it comes with a built-in LED lamp too giving it a distinctive look. With curved edges, an ergonomic design and a soft undercarriage complete with a small concealed storage pouch, it’s a comfortable and practical lap desk to work with for tasks big and small. There’s even a cup holder for drinks or pens! Great for general laptop use as well as drawing or reading on the sofa, in the car or in bed.
While size isn't everything, when it comes to lap desks we believe it really matters - which is why our Best badge goes to HUANUO's Laptop Tray. Measuring more than 50cm across, there's more than enough room for your laptop, tablet, phone and a new other office supplies too. A thoughtful design that will prove to be an invaluable home working accessory.
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