Designing the XL Desk Shelf
The desk shelf system is our classic workspace solution—we originally designed it in 2017, but we're always thinking about it, always playing with ways to improve it. Here we talk through our decision to go for the gusto and design the desk shelf, XL.
Power Users
Like any good product design story, this one begins with an unmet need. We have power users who have a lot of gear, a lot of desk space, or both. The thing about things is that they’re hard to wrangle. We needed to make a power shelf to rise to the occasion. Or in this case, stretch to the occasion.
![Small medium and large desk trays with varying sizes compartments, pulled out from a maple desk shelf.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=11163df1e9f6e7f7ecbc2960d4a78ab3 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=3376a5e417b7679e08352ae2cc49fdbb 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a5b0709903a0bf563209edbcab4cd8e3 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=b1f9808007a668f6a87013d29a6306a9 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=7aaa94ff8794b2ebee0076cabb5179b8 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=4f18a7007efb6cc59c1348b071f33f80 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=5d2a4d3a5d75d399bbe0ce3f761ba48a 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=3ab3b4b39613919b779afb80d46444c1 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=aa98444007bdfff56a5ed3b6019ee46f 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=b830ea999937a9b2a139e10f4a243cb8 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=4684b9c315cb42296d61d43f5d6a86b4 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FcoverB-desk-tray-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=de0921f2572efa3b73535c345fcdaddf 3000w)
Because even though we considered stacking shelves and adding height, we went with elongation, a decision that allowed us to check several boxes at once. More on that later.
Bringing it Back
When we redesigned the original desk shelf, we made the difficult decision to get rid of the garage space.
![None](https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 200w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 300w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 700w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 900w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 1100w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 1300w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 1500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 1800w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 2250w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 2500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/GMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-A2.gif 3000w)
This enabled us to put a full-length second shelf in, but it was a hard trade-off.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
KEN TOMITA (Grovemade Co-Founder): It’s always a little painful to take something away.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=44be4df449b9e222bcf444376355aca7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=1aa7f233707327de750efb3acdc81e54 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=2ab40399ad5e05ac60aa59613dc7df1d 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=fce466501e506cc99367b1c06f740a25 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=0a83d6cce681c9c554eabfd7b6c54425 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=3b79a17a1dca558d812d72a79fe6af6a 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=1998f08efba41a4e67d7dc65f3585049 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=5112896fc4da043a87bb843b761c18b6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=1118c57f8fa2a7ce35a4aec48ed58ae8 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=4a56a298eb6d867a516f4f2b61970ee7 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=f175f87f2c0f79c1ccb14f90aae0b8c4 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=b44a3179bd50099fb783080001d6031c 3000w)
SEAN KELLY (Lead Designer): So we were always thinking about how we could bring that space back.
We realized that the XL shelf gave us an opportunity to do it. It felt good to come back to that open end and close the loop, bringing us full circle to a desk shelf that allows both Space and Shelf to exist.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
KEN TOMITA (Grovemade Co-Founder): This new one has the best of both worlds. And the proportions are even better visually.
Size Up
So what did we do to nail the design?
As usual we set our parameters. This shelf had to work on a 60-inch desk, which is one of the most common sizes we see.
As usual we set our parameters. This shelf had to work on a 60-inch desk, which is one of the most common sizes we see.
![None](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=a4768574b0d3570f36e99cc524d179dc 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=e6022105b8cde62b9bc47364fa4133fb 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=ac7810785728590fd7be7c653d6ec575 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=aaf75db568e2d6c8b86c8ebf29e8fcfe 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=4731b40e17143df1bf9230e9f654ec77 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=973bd330a6c4520253a3839d6d76db81 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=1157d7d80305f8b3a526703959b01f45 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=eb45b1a42aa0104c50fcca6a1fc45d6c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=3e08b9fa4539dfbc0ca3bd336cc5d588 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=ba753957f16006d784fb6f7cbf7a038f 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=f02b3e6fa44408739a374b940bded1e2 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=3b8090606b51913a096bbdb34a9268eb 3000w)
It also needed to fit in with the Desk Shelf System identity, a requirement that ended up being pretty straightforward to meet.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
KEN TOMITA (Grovemade Co-Founder): Usually we can’t make something bigger and call it good. It looks weird. But the XL stayed proportional, with a symmetry in layout, and asymmetry in function.
As we ran through prototypes, we found that we could lengthen the shelf without having to fully redesign the whole thing. The XL carries the same aesthetic and DNA as the others.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=44be4df449b9e222bcf444376355aca7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=1aa7f233707327de750efb3acdc81e54 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=2ab40399ad5e05ac60aa59613dc7df1d 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=fce466501e506cc99367b1c06f740a25 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=0a83d6cce681c9c554eabfd7b6c54425 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=3b79a17a1dca558d812d72a79fe6af6a 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=1998f08efba41a4e67d7dc65f3585049 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=5112896fc4da043a87bb843b761c18b6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=1118c57f8fa2a7ce35a4aec48ed58ae8 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=4a56a298eb6d867a516f4f2b61970ee7 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=f175f87f2c0f79c1ccb14f90aae0b8c4 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=b44a3179bd50099fb783080001d6031c 3000w)
The shelf is a house and the double garage is the addition.
SEAN KELLY
Lead Product Designer
Like we noted earlier, we did consider bigger changes. Creating a higher, stacked shelf for example. But this brought in additional complications and didn’t pack as much visual punch for us as the longer desk shelf did.
It’s a graceful silhouette that almost floats on the desk, not least thanks to the wings that we spent a good amount of energy getting just right.
Plus, did we mention the double garage? The garage is back everyone!
Plus, did we mention the double garage? The garage is back everyone!
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=d6995c2b18f4bb75efac2c6d42735950 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=16ffc321d519404bb8f302e911f77764 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a65bb7f527b3000ae9bf8e7ff132bdf8 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=625650ed1058724fef7dbd5c653b2f11 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=36501f22395bfcf281f50e491400a9ec 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=8bdb8c848d8df0c6cd56e9efc5b021a8 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=b2cbbf95410c17284420146d4f600815 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=7cfe3fc4ac1ef21a4d6d130e2f9af6e6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=a7ff968842010b7a2697a35e3cef95b5 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=8fdb201416123b604599dc1af6664f15 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=68f1a2470a3a67cd02bbb8411a8a1863 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-H3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=0783cf61bc6aa9abe847ab2e32c35533 3000w)
Fun Things
One thing we love about designing products? The surprises that arise when you put them into use.
For example, the Mac Studio fits *just* perfectly into the garage. Sean’s X-Acto pencil sharpener also fits just perfectly. He keeps it tucked in there all day, everyday.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=99c530e1a73056991e1b13f24db3c07a 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=411f7f232636e2f6fe8769f32252445d 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=ffaebf5a68dbc28dac41cc8c1ede32c9 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=1b6f8252ad42e9678d70db6d12e53e49 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=abb51f07e2ebd77a6d1e2265e4a7f54e 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=bbdbda11501feb8ad25c2eb77de787c0 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=920365911367b0ec6728990dd039f8ed 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=9691d547955a9ea621b260795f67c8ae 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=acb8d178eb9e8fe71023b2a0aeec10f2 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=763e0e2f64cd7f9562542ec39f119c77 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=bd103fece87ad8756944b7da705f6e7a 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-maple-XL-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=461e494f46a440a33682776a2b9b1cd3 3000w)
And that’s just the garage. The shelf as a whole holds up well for all sorts of devices, and plenty of them. Your ultra-wide monitor looks proportional on there, with ample space left for speakers, or phone docks, or plants, or a combination of them.
![None](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=a1e24362f0165104cbea490c4616f4c4 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=0f1d126c4bb6f6046949c4ac48874712 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=7338927e8caa0dec4061c983e184eede 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=468a8c95b7c7e4c99872b88fd74e68d9 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=50dc24954227d229f4de22220f4a972a 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=07471eea906bf3839c47e96b38ae0702 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=2887378beca2c933e7d331fc300e6b61 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=ebf12fc7d12af0c4946f44fdeecd91a8 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=8ed245536d60aae3931c0aa249db15d3 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=c272ad90678f9662e25b55161aaa003a 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=1ff79ae7ddd7ad9a92acf31bd0702e2d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0300-design-of-XL-shelf-GalC-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=8ccc772e681ad69965d1932d884097c7 3000w)
Every End is a Beginning
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
I’d recommend it for anyone with a big enough space. And if you have a 72-inch desk, I’d highly recommend it for a knockout shelf-to-desk ratio.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
We feel attached to it and all its lengthy versatility. And still, there’s forever the prospect of tinkering, flexing. Changing the lines here, adding some curves there. In short, let’s all stay tuned!
Shop the Desk Shelf System
Whatever size you need for your workspace—pair it with a desk pad and a tray for a jazzy workspace trio.