A Conscious Alternative

This desk is handmade from a maker based in the USA. It’s crafted from Pacific Northwest reclaimed wood. According to the artisan, each piece of reclaimed wood is sanded, finished and/or stained uniquely to fit the character of the wood. Also, because the wood is reclaimed, and therefore often appears weathered and with a texture, you’ll get to experience the natural grain, knots and grooves of the wood. You want your furniture to have a life story to it — at least I do! The dark perimeter of the desk also gives it a unique, modern and minimalist feel.

A Conscious Alternative

This is a simple, old school work desk. It kind of has an old-timey, antique aesthetic to it. JM & Sons uses locally sourced wood materials, salvaged from tumbledown barns. They’re based out of Toronto and try to bring the feel of handcrafted furniture to their modern and classical furniture designs. Something a bit special about this desk, is that is has a storage compartment under the work area. It’s kind of reminiscent of the classic school desks.

A Conscious Alternative

This desk also balances the old-school, classic look and feel with a modern and minimalist aesthetic. The makers of this desk are home furnishings professionals based in Brooklyn, USA. To make their reclaimed wood furniture, they source locally and design and handcraft their creations in-house. They also note on their site that — in addition to using locally sourced solid wood — their artisans employ durable materials and finishes without toxins and allergens. All of which helps to make their products sustainable and environmentally conscious. For example, because their finishes are formaldehyde free, it helps to create a healthier indoor air environment.

A Conscious Alternative

I really like the geometric design of this desk. The sharp angles reflect the feeling of some urban, modern architecture. I mean, they say it was inspired by NYC’s Alphabet City! I also like that this desk was designed with storage areas under the main working area, and that is has multiple dimensions in one uniform piece. The desk itself is made from solid grain wood, which means it’s durable and won’t scratch easily.

A Conscious Alternative

This last desk is a bit pricey. It costs just under $2,500. The reasons it’s priced relatively high is because it’s a handmade piece, and because it’s crafted from reclaimed, solid Oak wood. The frame of the desk is made with industrial steel, which gives it structural integrity and longevity. I like the minimalist look — no frills, just basic squares and rectangles.