We Tested (and Rated!) All the Desks and Sideboards at Blu Dot — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
You probably have a retailer in mind whose furniture you’ve always admired from afar but have held out on actually purchasing. It can be hard to make this determination, especially if you’re not able to view the furniture in person. Luckily, you have our Personal Shopper series at your disposal. In the series, we visit the brick-and-mortar stores of your favorite home retailers, including Burrow, Pottery Barn, Ashley, West Elm, and others to test the furniture and decor. After our visit, we provide a detailed breakdown of which sofa, dresser, or desk is best for your space. In the process, we look out for elements that speak to a piece’s durability and whether it would suit, for example, high-traffic households, homes with pets or kids, or apartments with limited space.
For one of our visits, we went to Blu Dot. You might’ve already seen our rundowns of the brand’s sofas, coffee tables, and accent chairs, so you know that the brand prioritizes the functionality of its furniture just as much as its good looks. This installment focuses on Blu Dot’s desks and sideboards. Because there weren’t very many models on display in either category, we’ve grouped them into one post. Both a desk and a sideboard can help significantly boost the efficiency of a living room or home office, so check out the specifications of each one below to determine which one is best for your space.
Why Blu Dot?
Blu Dot’s furniture is beautiful, yes, but we also appreciate the brand’s dedication to thoughtful design. In fact, the company was founded by designers, and every piece is sketched in the team’s Minneapolis studio before being brought to life. Blu Dot also prioritizes sustainability by both using high-quality materials and rigorously testing furniture to prevent damage and, in turn, waste. Should you invest in a piece from the brand, you’ll find that it evolves with your lifestyle, regardless of what’s on trend. As a result, when you shop Blu Dot, you can rest assured that you’ll own and love your new piece for many years to come.
The Desks
Best Desk for Small Spaces: Stash Desk
Most Stylish Desk: Cant Desk
Best Desk for Dedicated Home Offices: Tabloid Desk
Most Versatile Desk: Open Plan Large Desk
The Criteria
We judged every Blu Dot desk in-store based on the following five criteria, giving each category an average rating between 1 and 5. These scores helped us determine who the desk suits best.
Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., detailing, dark wood) or more contemporary (i.e., sleek, light wood)? Does it work with a range of different decor styles?
Storage Capacity: Does the desk have drawers? If so, how many, and how big are they? Does it have shelves or extra storage?
Space Requirements: How much space does the desk take up? Does it require a lot of horizontal floor space, or is it relatively compact? Is its surface expansive or narrow?
Surface Area: How big is the desktop? Does it offer enough space to work, store supplies, and even display some decor? Or is there just enough space for your laptop and a coffee?
Durability: Does the desk stain or scuff easily? Is it made from fragile materials? Do you have to use coasters? Would it age well with regular use?
Every Editor-Tested Desk at Blu Dot
Best Desk for Small Spaces: Stash Desk
Stash Desk
Blu Dot
$476 (was $595)
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What impressed us: The compact silhouette and rounded edges.
If you’ve seen any of AT’s house tours, you’ve probably noticed that small-space dwellers will make use of every square inch of space, and they usually employ pieces like the Stash desk to do so. At under 42 inches long, this is easily one of the most narrow desks we’ve seen IRL, but its smooth surface still gives you enough space to work. A small side drawer similarly houses just the essentials, like chargers, pens, and maybe a couple of snacks. If you want, you could supplement the desk by placing some drawers underneath or perhaps an organizer up top. The Stash also caught our eye because its angled front legs meet the back legs to create a triangular base, which sets the desk apart from your basic table. It’s simple, but it’ll still give your bedroom or work corner a fun flair thanks to its thoughtful design.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
42 inches long, 24 inches wide, 29 inches high
Oak veneer top with solid wood legs
Available in 7 finishes
Most Stylish Desk: Cant Desk
Cant Desk
Blu Dot
$792 (was $990)
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What impressed us: The pop of green and two-tiered desktop.
One thing you’ll quickly come to learn about Blu Dot is that its furniture designers are masters at adding pops of color to their designs, regardless of which category we’re talking about. The Cant desk is a great example. We spotted it sitting up against a wall while looking at something else; its sage-green extension instantly stands out without being too in-your-face. In addition to looking cool, the green part is actually a perforated, powder-coated steel shelf that gives you a dash of storage space, which is nice because the Cant desk doesn’t have drawers. You can, of course, use the built-in shelf to store practical items, like a desk lamp, but it would also make a great display case for photos and other mementos. You’ll find the steel part a cinch to wipe down, but really, this entire piece is pretty low-maintenance. It’s the next best thing to a dining table and vanity if you don’t have space for those items.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
42 inches long, 25 inches wide, 34 inches high
Oak veneer desktop, solid wood legs, and powder-coated steel accents
Available in 2 finishes
Best Desk for Dedicated Home Offices: Tabloid Desk
Tabloid Desk
Blu Dot
$1,116 (was $1,395)
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What impressed us: The two-toned design and wide drawer.
If you’re one of those people who works best in an environment with zero distractions, you’ll love the Tabloid desk’s no-frills, almost corporate-looking design. The loudest thing about it is its two-toned finish; aside from that, it has everything you need for a productive work or study sesh. (The three-sided extender around the surface almost reminds us of a privacy screen.) That includes one wide drawer, as well as a smaller one next to it that’s a perfect holding spot for your phone. And, if you can’t already tell from the picture, the Tabloid gives you plenty of legroom, so you can stretch out and feel comfortable even if you’re toiling away for hours at a time. We also love the hidden cord management compartment toward the back of the desktop. Every bit of this no-nonsense desk is as clean and practical as can be.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
52 inches long, 26 inches wide, 33 inches high
Wooden frame, linoleum surface, and powder-coated steel legs
Available in 3 finishes
Most Versatile Desk: Open Plan Large Desk
Open Plan Large Desk
Blu Dot
$1,036 (was $1,295)
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What impressed us: The light oak finish and sparse frame.
The Open Plan desk might appear every bit as austere as the Tabloid desk, but once you dress it up with some plants and framed photos, it’ll look right at home. Its brown wooden finish prevents the design from looking too cold, regardless of whether you opt for the walnut or the white oak. You’ll find the wood to feel slightly textured, which adds some character to this otherwise understated pick. Our only gripe is that the Open Plan doesn’t offer much storage space. We thought all three sections under its surface were drawers, but as it turns out, only the middle section actually pulls out. As a result, we would recommend this desk to someone who already has separate shelves in their office, as well as someone who likes to do everything from the same spot, whether that’s working, reading, eating, or streaming. The Open Plan might not have a lot of drawer space, but its expansive surface almost makes up for that.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
54 inches long, 25 inches wide, 30 inches high
Wooden frame with oak or walnut veneer
Available in 2 finishes
The Sideboards
Best Sideboard for General Storage: Open Plan Long and Low Bookcase with Storage
Most Stylish Sideboard: Murmur 2 Door/2 Drawer Console
Most Versatile Sideboard: Peek 2 Door/2 Drawer Console
Best Sideboard for Media Storage: Dang 2 Door/2 Drawer Console
Best Sideboard with Mixed Materials: Series 11 2 Door/2 Drawer Console
Best Sideboard for Small Spaces: Superchoice 1 Door/3 Drawer Credenza
The Criteria
We judged every Blu Dot sideboard in-store based on the following five criteria, giving each category an average rating between 1 and 5. These scores helped us determine who the sideboard suits best.
Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., detailing, dark wood) or more contemporary (i.e., sleek, light wood)? Does it work with a range of different decor styles?
Storage Capacity: How much storage space does the sideboard offer? Can it store a variety of different items? Does it have a mixed variety of storage options (e.g. drawers, shelves, cabinets)?
Space Requirements: How much space does the sideboard take up? Does it require a lot of horizontal floor space, or is it relatively compact? How tall is it?
Versatility: Can the sideboard be used for a variety of purposes? Can it double as a bookshelf or media console? Does its design help with cord management? How well does it conceal clutter?
Durability: Does the sideboard stain or scuff easily? Is it made from fragile materials? Do you have to use coasters? Would it age well with regular use?
Every Editor-Tested Sideboard at Blu Dot
Best Sideboard for General Storage: Open Plan Long and Low Bookcase with Storage
Open Plan Long and Low Bookcase with Storage
Blu Dot
$956 (was $1,195)
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What impressed us: The sleek design and display shelves.
We want to preface this section by noting that not every piece listed here is technically a sideboard; this first one is a bookcase, for example. But some of the key purposes of a sideboard include storage and displaying decor, and each model checks both of those boxes. The Open Plan bookcase is actually great for both; it offers two long shelves up top that can display far more than books. Use them to show off souvenirs, pottery, flowers, and any number of beautiful things. As for your less visually appealing stuff, like streaming accessories and extra table linens, that can all go in the cabinets below. Another thing to note is the Open Plan’s low profile, which is stated in its name. Unlike most bookcases, this one likely won’t even come up to your hip. Because of this, we suggest placing it up against your sofa as opposed to against a wall. Its angular lines and refined silhouette allow your most treasured decor pieces to truly shine.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
80 inches long, 13 inches wide, 26 inches high
Wood with white oak, walnut, or black on oak veneers
Available in 3 sizes
Available in 3 finishes
Most Stylish Sideboard: Murmur 2 Door/2 Drawer Console
Murmur 2 Door / 2 Drawer Console
Blu Dot
$2,796 (was $3,495)
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What impressed us: The fluted drawers and cabinets and gold-toned drawer pulls.
If we had to pick a favorite storage solution out of everything Blu Dot’s showroom had to offer, it would definitely be the Murmur console, and we’re certain you can guess why. Its fluted drawers and cabinet doors are breathtaking in real life, and we’re not being hyperbolic. The drawer pulls are even cooler — they’re gold in color and molded to fit the shape of your finger. They are a tad trickier to pull than a basic handle or knob, but they’re worth it if you ask us. Like Blu Dot’s other media consoles, this one features handy cord escapes at the back of its cabinets. Each shelf and drawer is 10” tall, meaning the interior offers ample storage space for books, dishware, office supplies, tech devices, and more. No matter how jam-packed the inside of the console gets, its exterior will always remain beautiful. Just imagine how good it would look adorned with some pottery and pampas grass!
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
80 inches long, 22 inches wide, 29 inches high
Solid walnut or oak wood
Available in 2 sizes
Available in 2 finishes
Most Versatile Sideboard: Peek 2 Door/2 Drawer Console
Peek 2 Door / 2 Drawer Console
Blu Dot
$1,996 (was $2,495)
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What impressed us: The black steel legs and cord management escapes.
The first thing we noticed about the Peek console was its tall steel legs, which make it look more elevated (literally) than the other pieces we viewed — even though it’s technically not. The black powder-coated base contrasts nicely against the light oak wood. We do wish we could see the dark olive finish in person because it looks so streamlined, but you really can’t go wrong no matter which color you choose. Like the previous console, this one has cord escape cutouts and unique cabinet and drawer pulls. Well, they’re not so much pulls as they are round holes, meaning you never have to fumble with a faulty knob to get one of the doors open. Because the Peek has two wide drawers right in the middle, it has a longer, more lithe appearance than some of the other consoles we looked at without actually taking up more space. As a result, we think it’ll make your media room look bigger while also hiding bulky entertainment equipment in the process.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
70 inches long, 19 inches wide, 28 inches high
Walnut or white oak veneers over wood and powder-coated steel legs
Available in 3 sizes
Available in 3 finishes
Best Sideboard for Media Storage: Dang 2 Door/2 Drawer Console
Dang 2 Door / 2 Drawer Console
Blu Dot
$2,316 (was $2,895)
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What impressed us: The perforated door fronts and angled base.
After seeing a number of media consoles, most of which fall into the same modern design category, it’s easy to get them mixed up. But the Dang remains fresh in our minds because of a few notable features. First off, it has perforated steel panels on its cabinet doors, which is one of the most ingenious details we’ve seen on a media console. Thanks to this feature, you can hide speakers, gaming consoles, and other devices inside the cabinets so they don’t detract from your interior’s aesthetic. But you’ll still be able to hear your music or whatever else you’re streaming. We were also taken in by the console’s angled base, which is made of steel. The rest of the console is made of wood, so we thought the legs were an eye-catching element. Finally, we like that Blu Dot once again isn’t afraid to play around with color. The Dang is available in five different colors and wood finishes, including a muted gray and charming navy that serve as nice departures from your typical brown, black, or white.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
82 inches long, 20 inches wide, 31 inches high
Wooden frame, steel door fronts, and a powder-coated steel base
Available in 4 sizes
Available in 5 finishes
Best Sideboard with Mixed Materials: Series 11 2 Door/2 Drawer Console
Series 11 2 Door / 2 Drawer Console
Blu Dot
$2,316 (was $2,895)
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What impressed us: The minimalist appearance and pop of stainless steel.
At once futuristic and mid-century, the Series 11 console is a nice option if you don’t want your main storage piece to be the focal point of your living area. If you’d rather show off your velvet sofa or decor-filled bookshelf, this console sits demurely out of the way while also keeping tech and miscellaneous home items concealed. But make no mistake — this is no dowdy piece of IKEA furniture. Expertly crafted from wood and stainless steel, the Series 11 sports a pleasant paneled veneer design with a pop of silver at the base. As for its unusual drawer pulls, are those even a surprise at this point? Instead of contrasting pulls, you get ones that blend in with the rest of the frame and close quietly and softly, which only adds to the console’s sleek, low-key vibe. In essence, this pick will grow with you as your taste evolves, allowing you to experiment with new styles while remaining timeless and trend-proof. In that regard, it’s one of the easiest furniture purchases you can make.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
84 inches long, 21 inches wide, 27 inches high
Walnut or oak veneer over wooden frame with stainless steel or powder-coated base
Available in 2 sizes
Available in 2 finishes
Best Sideboard for Small Spaces: Superchoice 1 Door/3 Drawer Credenza
Superchoice 1 Door / 3 Drawer Credenza
Blu Dot
$876 (was $1,095)
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What impressed us: The small footprint and ample storage space.
Technically, all of the sideboards we viewed offered plenty of storage space — that’s kind of their whole reason for existing, after all. But the Superchoice credenza packs a punch because it holds a lot for its small size. Before we felt its smooth wooden surface, we thought it was made of metal because of its matte finish. Because of this detail, it almost has the look of a filing cabinet, albeit a stylish one. This piece also forgoes traditional drawer pulls in favor of a soft-close ledge on each drawer and the door on the opposite side. We think the Superchoice would make a wonderful addition to smaller spaces like a home office or even a kids’ room. Although we saw it in the white color, we’re even more intrigued by the gray-green and putty color options.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
54 inches long, 19 inches wide, 28 inches high
Wooden frame
Available in 3 sizes
Available in 3 finishes
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
