Can a fold‑away desk finally tame your jungle of cables — and still look chic in a London studio?
Clutter kills focus. A tidy fold‑away workstation can SAVE SPACE and sharpen your day. Small desks don’t need messy cables or wobbling monitors.
Imagine a wall‑mounted Murphy desk that hides your power strip and a sleek monitor arm that tucks everything away. Practical, stylish and perfect for small UK flats — no more tripping over leads or moving your setup to make room for guests.
Top Picks









Invision MX200 Heavy‑Duty Monitor Arm
A premium, UK‑designed monitor arm offering strong build quality and silky adjustments that genuinely save desk space. Excellent for serious home workers or creatives who want a reliable VESA mount with tidy cable routing.
Purpose and overview
The Invision MX200 is aimed at professionals and serious home workers who need a dependable, ergonomic mounting solution for medium to large monitors. Designed in the UK, it focuses on durability, smooth movement and user wellbeing—particularly useful when combined with space‑saving furniture such as a wall‑mounted Murphy desk panel.
Key features and benefits
Because the arm helps position screens at correct eye height, it supports better posture during long remote‑working sessions. Pair it with a fold‑down desk surface to maintain an uncluttered look when you need to close your workspace. The integrated cable channels make it easy to guide power and display cables into the back of a Murphy desk cabinet or trunking system.
Limitations and practical tips
The unit’s weight and solid construction mean installation may need two people or a stable temporary support while clamping. Measure desk thickness and clearance for swing radius before purchase—some dual‑monitor arrangements require a taller mast or alternative configuration. Despite the premium price, its longevity and build quality tend to justify the investment for daily users.
Who it suits
Professionals and home office users who value ergonomic adjustments and long‑term reliability. Search for "Invision MX200 monitor arm UK" or "VESA monitor arm for Murphy desk panel" to compare fitments and installation accessories.
Minimalist Hidden Wall‑Mounted Murphy Desk
A stylish wall cabinet that transforms into a sturdy fold‑down workstation with internal storage and tablet docking. It’s ideal for small UK homes where space is premium and a polished look matters.
Purpose and overview
This large minimalist Murphy desk is designed to convert a wall into a compact, usable workstation that tucks away when not required. It’s perfect for small flats, kitchens, entryways and children’s rooms where a fold‑down desk gives you a practical surface without permanently sacrificing floor space.
Key features and benefits
The internal organisation pockets and shelves make it easy to hide a compact monitor or small laptop while routing cables through the back into a discreet trunking channel. For home workers using "space saving Murphy desk panels", this unit balances function and design—it looks like a tidy wall organiser when folded up.
Limitations and practical tips
Because it’s wall‑mounted, safe installation is vital—locate studs or use appropriate fixings for studless walls common in older UK properties. Assembly and mounting are simpler with a second pair of hands, particularly for the larger size. The white finish is contemporary but can show marks; consider a wipeable finish or position it away from food prep zones if used in a kitchen.
Who it suits
Urban dwellers and remote workers who want a polished, fold‑away workstation. When researching, use long‑tail searches like "wall mounted folding desk for small flat UK" or "Murphy desk panel with cable management" to find matching accessories and installation guides.
Detachable Under‑desk Felt Cable Tray Kit
A robust, foldable under‑desk tray that clamps on without drilling and includes magnetic holders and ties for organised routing. Great for hiding power strips from children and pets while preserving access for maintenance.
Purpose and overview
This under‑desk cable management tray is designed for people who want a secure, no‑damage solution to stow power strips and adaptors under a folding or wall desk. The combination of a thickened metal frame and a detachable felt liner makes it both sturdy and neat—perfect when converting a small alcove into a compact home office.
Key features and benefits
This tray is an excellent companion to a Murphy desk panel: clamp it to the underside to keep plugs and heavy adaptors out of sight and reach. The magnetic holders help route charging cables around metal desk legs or frames while the felt liner protects cables and reduces rattle.
Limitations and practical tips
Check desk clearance before ordering—clamps can interfere with shallow drawers or modesty panels. Felt traps dust, so expect occasional cleaning; the removable design makes this straightforward. For very heavy power bricks, position them close to a desk leg or add extra fixing points to reduce stress on the clamp.
Who it suits
Home office users and gamers seeking a renter‑friendly option for hidden cable storage. Use UK search phrases like "under desk cable organiser no drill UK" or "folding desk cable tray for Murphy desk" to find compatible clamp sizes and additional mounting accessories.
9‑Piece Self‑Adhesive Cable Trunking Kit
A versatile trunking system that makes routing cables along walls and behind monitors straightforward. Supplied connectors and a generous total length let you plan neat runs for a Murphy desk or media wall.
Purpose and overview
This 3.5m cable trunking kit is aimed at tidyers who want a clean external run for monitor, TV and desk cables on a wall or within a Murphy desk cabinet. The open‑slot design allows cables to be inserted without major disassembly, which is handy when servicing a fold‑down workstation in a small UK flat.
Key features and benefits
This trunking is particularly useful when you need to guide monitor arm cables from a bracket through the wall to a recessed socket, or to hide power and HDMI runs behind a wall‑mounted Murphy desk panel. Paint the trunking to match a white or coloured desk face for a seamless look.
Limitations and practical tips
The slim 4cm width is great for small cables and data leads, but large power bricks may not fit easily; plan routes so adaptors sit near sockets or inside a dedicated tray. Adhesive is strong—if you expect to reconfigure often, fix with screws or use temporary mounting tape during trials. For long runs, plan joint positions to avoid visible seams when the desk is folded.
Who it suits
Ideal for homeowners and landlords wanting a tidy cable routing solution for wall‑mounted desks, TVs and Murphy desk panels. Use long‑tail searches like "desk cable trunking for wall mounted desk UK" to find compatible clips, paint and sealing kits.
Mokani Self‑Adhesive Under‑desk Raceway
A low-cost, high-capacity raceway that keeps multiple leads tucked away without drilling. Ideal for renters and anyone seeking a tidy under‑desk cable solution with strong adhesive backing.
Purpose and overview
This economical under‑desk cable raceway is designed for anyone wanting a quick, no‑fuss way to hide cables beneath a Murphy desk panel or floating workstation. It comes as a multi‑pack of 15.7in sections with an open J‑profile that makes adding or removing wires straightforward—useful when you rearrange a small UK flat or compact home office.
Key features and benefits
The combination of capacity and ease means you can consolidate monitor, lamp and USB charger cables into one tidy run beneath a fold‑down Murphy desk panel. For example, fit a few sections behind a wall‑mounted desk panel to route monitor arm cabling cleanly into a cable trunking line.
Limitations and practical tips
Installation is best on smooth, non‑porous surfaces—painted wood, tiles or laminate desks. On rough or freshly painted walls the adhesive may be less reliable; consider using small screws or a stronger grab adhesive where drilling is acceptable. Expect a utilitarian finish: it hides clutter effectively but it won’t be a decorative feature. For heavy power bricks or multi‑sockets, add extra adhesive spots or combine with a small tray to prevent sagging.
Who it suits
A great pick for renters, students and anyone building a compact home office with space‑saving furniture like a Murphy desk. Use search terms such as "under desk cable organiser UK" or "no drill cable tray for fold down desk" when shopping to find matching accessories and adhesive options.
Emuca Rectangular Aluminium Cable Cover
A neatly finished aluminium cable cover that provides a professional aperture on desks and furniture. It’s robust, discreet and ideal for bespoke Murphy desk builds or reclaimed timber tabletops.
Purpose and overview
This rectangular aluminium cable cover from Emuca offers a tidy, premium way to route cables through a desk or wall cabinet panel. Its 269x80mm outer dimension makes it suitable for multiple USB, power and display cables on a single run—handy for an integrated Murphy desk where cables need to pass through a fold‑down surface cleanly.
Key features and benefits
The aluminium construction is particularly well suited to visible installations where aesthetics matter, such as a white or oak Murphy desk panel in a living room. The folding lid avoids cables spilling out when the desk is folded up, giving a neat closed face.
Limitations and practical tips
You will need an accurate cut‑out and possibly a file to deburr any sharp lid edges. Measure twice and cut once; a router or jigsaw with a template gives the best finish. If you’re routing many thick adaptors, consider a slightly larger grommet or combine with a small internal recess beneath the panel to park bulky bricks out of sight.
Who it suits
Carpenters, DIYers and homeowners creating a polished fold‑away workstation. Search terms like "aluminium cable grommet for fold down desk UK" will return compatible mounting kits and templates for installation.
Emuca Recessed Rectangular Cable Organizer
A compact recessed grommet that allows varied cable sizes to pass through and hides connectors neatly. A smart white painted finish suits modern interiors and makes it ideal for a fold‑away Murphy desk.
Purpose and overview
This recessed Emuca cable organiser is aimed at those who need a clean pass‑through for a small number of assorted cables on a desk or wall‑mounted desk cabinet. Its 160x80mm outer size is compact yet large enough for multiple thin leads and an occasional adapter head.
Key features and benefits
The recess helps keep the surface of a fold‑down desk tidy—when the Murphy panel is closed, cables remain concealed behind the lid. It’s a good choice when you need a discreet, practical solution without a large visible aperture.
Limitations and practical tips
The painted lid can show signs of wear over time—choose a location away from abrasive use if possible. Installation needs an accurate cut‑out; using a template and router will give the neatest result. For very frequent cable changes, a larger metal grommet with a more robust lid might be preferable.
Who it suits
People installing compact fold‑away workstations or bespoke furniture who want a subtle cable pass. Use specific searches such as "recessed cable grommet for Murphy desk UK" to find matching mounting tools and spare covers.
Flow Fire Retractable Under‑desk Tray
A sturdy, extendable tray that adapts to different desk widths and stores power strips neatly out of sight. It’s a practical solution for tidying larger adapters beneath a fold‑down wall desk.
Purpose and overview
This retractable under‑desk tray is built for users who need a flexible solution to stow power strips and transformers under a desk or Murphy panel. Its adjustable length makes it especially useful when desks are moved or swapped, a common scenario in compact UK homes where furniture must be versatile.
Key features and benefits
The extendable design is handy when you want to shift a power strip slightly to the left or right within a fold‑down desk without changing mountings. Many reviewers praise the supplied accessories which aid a tidy finish: use small adhesive clips to anchor individual charger leads along the inside edge of a Murphy desk compartment.
Limitations and practical tips
While very useful, the tray’s width may not accept a very large multi‑socket tower without placing it on its edge; measure your adaptors before buying. Some buyers found incomplete hardware in packs—inspect contents on arrival and contact the seller promptly if items are missing. The clamp design is broadly renter‑friendly but check clearance for drawers or desk modesty panels.
Who it suits
Users needing an adaptable under‑desk solution for power and adapter storage, especially those fitting out a fold‑away desk or small home studio. Look up "retractable under desk cable tray UK" alongside measurements of your power bricks for a good fit.
BONTEC Gas‑Spring Single Monitor Arm
A cost‑effective gas‑spring arm that frees desk space and offers broad tilt, swivel and rotation. Performance is solid for most 13–32in monitors, though larger or heavier ultrawide screens may push its limits.
Purpose and overview
This gas‑spring single arm aims to liberate desk space beneath a Murphy desk panel or compact tabletop. It supports monitors between 13–32in (claimed up to 9kg) and includes both clamp and grommet mounting—handy for adapting to slim fold‑down desks or thicker solid tops commonly found in UK homes.
Key features and benefits
The arm is a straightforward way to create an ergonomic workspace: raise the monitor for standing tasks or fold it away when using a Murphy panel as a writing surface. For a two‑monitor setup, use two arms or pair with a compact single‑arm layout to maximise desk flexibility.
Limitations and practical tips
While well‑priced, the arm can show wobble when loaded with very large curved ultrawide monitors—users with 34in displays report being at the edge of its capability. If you plan to mount heavier displays, check the VESA pattern, monitor weight and consider a sturdier dual‑arm solution. During installation, feed cables through the management channel before final assembly—removing the cable cover can be tricky once the screen is mounted.
Who it suits
Budget‑conscious buyers who want a clean, ergonomic setup on a space‑saving wall desk or compact home office. Search for "gas spring monitor arm VESA 75 100 UK" when comparing mount options for specific monitor weights and sizes.
Final Thoughts
Best overall for ergonomic, space-saving setups: Invision MX200 Heavy‑Duty Monitor Arm — Expert rating 9/10
Best for compact modern apartments: Minimalist Hidden Wall‑Mounted Murphy Desk — Expert rating 8.8/10
Quick pairing suggestion: for a tidy, professional fold‑away workstation combine the Invision MX200 with the Minimalist Hidden Wall‑Mounted Murphy Desk and add a Detachable Under‑desk Felt Cable Tray for power strips. This combo gives ergonomic monitor positioning, hidden cables and a clutter‑free small flat setup that’s trending now in UK space‑saving furniture.

