The New Desk Shelf
We launched the original desk shelf in 2017—now, five years later, the fully redesigned system is here. Read on to learn how we designed the new desk shelf system, and what makes it shine.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=f6c1a8765f544398e978ecd90a90f5f5 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=99e7f61293e898584b752a9f55815019 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=54041c432bb68a50e7e18d9e2b91e03e 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=a15286937a1cebd249449962aba663e8 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=ce04af8fa9bf186d0ac5ba92f2e003fb 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=5295ad85670be7e151c77726dc9d6ed4 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=ef85a739a27e2b22ce4d5941b5ffce03 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=3510ffec83b0b8654fcae44dc3659c60 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=aa88ebe6e6b33709f449aed246b89134 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-maple-desk-shelf-galB-A10.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=d56f97f94ab94ea2b6928dba3e638ad4 2250w)
Everyone Needs More Storage
Let's start with storage. Our design process starts with observation—and our observations showed that people need more storage. We modified the integrated aluminum shelf to span the full width between the legs, more than tripling the shelf space.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=0fed1db8c96806ae6bf2167d0aecd60b 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=e832f526aa394629f2e2d4394e95fd9e 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f6056939c3363359b10fbf9ff656e60e 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=24dc32f8570cfa9ca77bddfeb7aaf9f0 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=cafa8ae039439bac59d5db5aca88a227 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=2a8474aab0ea2a4df1ef9a8951db0022 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=b9a40e9eeb413c30371e8beeeeb528ed 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=342ecc979b60575c7e47057f4104b7a3 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=5cdfb5e575b41d7d075033f707afd66b 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0231-desk-shelf-redesign-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=13b47e83dea1576270bfbbbf7d9160b5 2250w)
A huge increase! But each step in product design is a careful dance of tradeoffs—add one thing, take another away. In this case, we struggled to balance this with the reduced clearance under the shelf.
![](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)
We agonized over the tradeoff. In the end, we trusted our observations of how people used the shelf to inform the decision.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
A Fluid Flow
As we extended the shelf, we shifted to a two-legged design. Again, this was driven by observation—removing the leg creates a full width garage to slide your desk pad, keyboard and mouse in and out—but it also aligned with our vision for the small and medium shelves (read on!).
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=257b725b411a0be9b1a96cc3fd7887eb 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=8db3d08dc285e558925b8d003c9a8cb3 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=9467feda6359b280097db01232b661be 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=d6e17e1f0a49816318776c87487a0210 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=66529b1dfd5dc0ec93826c5a9913a22a 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=b29fef4454d319ac03f509913ffc4275 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=b6d4087292586016c166acea0cefc2f1 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=f8883fb735753f833abfc0b4e096cac3 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=b568ef919c96cc9bc12f245c25742cb4 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-M1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=ccdb78c57cde5ac6715db5a50f3df2ee 2250w)
Above the metal shelf, we added a narrow post that secures the shelf to the wood top, provides subtle asymmetric energy, and gives you a simple compartment that's just the right size for our desk tray to slide in and out.
Pro tip: Ken uses multiple trays across the metal shelf—an optimized, multi-part storage and organization solution!
Cords, Managed
![](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)
SEAN KELLY (Lead Designer): The visual clutter is the problem—but creating a solution requires dealing with the huge diversity of cords and devices and layouts people have. It's a tough design problem.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=b3e6a8023fa22b86c9eb534ec50756e8 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=922a82780ea312e18701062f5598924d 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=992016762a24ef372f322189c6f51a60 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=8fa01e6585f5c5a0dec711b4fa21293f 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=e9468b5e6f12740bdf837518e6cf56e8 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=484e9ac32dda89ec58c73ca14d480751 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=fe2becfeb0964cec90411e7e7236d743 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=42372f000e2585f39f3e3ab7f8fe4aa7 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=5b4c2a2bc4abae6111f2683b6c1b998a 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-walnut-desk-shelf-galB-K1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=19ba5b24af3f8174e8b57b99e556c183 2250w)
Our approach was to create a simple, flexible solution. We originally designed a bent curve at the back of the shelf as a way to control how far things can be pushed back—the tray now snuggly bumps the back when it's fully slid in. Then we tweaked the geometry to also deftly manage your cords by creating a narrow channel to guide them. It can accommodate any and all cord configurations—centered, left justified, right justified. It's a gently organizing fix which creates a clean look from the back.
Cutting the Chamfer
Next, we considered the legs: we increased the depth to again create more storage space on the metal shelf. This allowed us to explore the interaction between the cork and the deep chamfered edge of the shelf. The legs now cut through the face and back of the shelf, highlighting the detailed level of craftsmanship.
![](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%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)
It's a playful cutout—breaking the chamfered plane like that makes for a really interesting energy, something I played with in my days as a furniture designer.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
All of the Above, Sized Down
We’d always planned to design smaller sizes. Customer feedback on the original desk shelf gave us the direction to get there. So we jumped in, thinking, “how hard can a size change be?”
![](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)
KEN TOMITA (Co-Founder): We always think designing a new size is going to be easy. Just scale it down and boom.
But it’s never easy! The small and medium shelves were no exception. Every proportion mattered. Shrinking the total length of the shelf meant adjusting the amount of wood that extends past the cork leg, finding the right spacing between the legs, making sure we didn’t give up too much storage space.
We sketched and prototyped with wild abandon. We adjusted lengths down to the centimeter and stacked all three sizes, one on top of the other, to see how they related to each other. Sean spent hours at the hacksaw, chopping pieces out of the large desk shelf and gluing it back together.
![](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)
The small, medium and large needed to interact with each other in a logical way.
SEAN KELLY
Lead Product Designer
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=6af642bb13a1fd0fbbad99dac6418d38 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=fb8b67ab9bcbd9e30b79c3d918ead1e4 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=0fb5fdfe9c6078acffaa4755038338f6 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=f87af9f8e33a07b7351c6ee08a5e918a 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=c784ec7de32374ce916ad445d2663a87 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=2fce9a20f0e60ebda86169fea1ba30b5 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=195177947ce5c230d91c58d50d4e0146 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=f6f293b0e2cbf6655d5f9c2a367f8773 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=d1c772551503fc2486bf74dce8920bc8 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-solid-walnut-medium-galB-A6.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=30c7f9b7ca4aa040ff95fd07b731efb7 2250w)
Listen to the User
We knew from our research that putting a laptop on the desk shelf set the screen too far far back, making it unreachable. By designing smaller shelf options we opened up a world of modularity, and utility. A laptop could be on one shelf, ready to be pulled closer, and a monitor set back on another. A person could have three small desk shelves on one desk, each for a different use, or set up a couple shelves in an L shape, or stack them.
![](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)
We’re giving our customers the tools so they can make their setup the best for their work.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
Up to that point, we hadn’t fully appreciated how useful it would be to have these building blocks for the desk. We were striving to make a product that would let customers reach that next level of customized workflow.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=aa3ee016403417edfbe27d89f5797cd8 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=ee9539e172696d174f188658c5188fac 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=26b22900ed8fe46eac91a2bb1ba19d48 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=f6af1b5e63d6800523caf3636336f717 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=32e0fe2980c419e238962d9782a184d8 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=9c874fbf6f29ac51c3ecddd6a34e8bef 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=68098b89abde23ae0af4f349b78ea183 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=33161172d3b6a27350f15336ce8c69ea 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=52ba3f4744bf2d344948dbe870e19063 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-desk-shelf-lineup-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=99f73e765dd79cd26687d7dc9c64ae90 2250w)
Design Meets Manufacturing
We’d changed the large desk shelf from a three to a two-leg design in order to accommodate the smaller sizes, where three legs would look odd and cramped. At first though, we tried to keep the three legs on the large shelf, and then size the small and medium so that the same aluminum shelves on the large could be slotted into the small and medium. It would be a cool interchangeability, and a much easier manufacturing process.
But the sizes we’d need to make it work just didn’t look right. We accepted trickier manufacturing, and stuck with a two-legged design through and through.
But the sizes we’d need to make it work just didn’t look right. We accepted trickier manufacturing, and stuck with a two-legged design through and through.
Always Get Better
After intense iteration, we had a set we loved. Each shelf played well with the other, and all of them upped the storage and utility game. We believe that incremental improvement is real—the workspace evolves, your needs evolve, and our products evolve.
We’ve waited a long time to offer these shelves. We finished designing them three years ago. Then the pandemic hit, and supply chain delays and shortages prevented us from moving forward with a launch. But they’re all here at last, and we’re pumped.
We’ve waited a long time to offer these shelves. We finished designing them three years ago. Then the pandemic hit, and supply chain delays and shortages prevented us from moving forward with a launch. But they’re all here at last, and we’re pumped.
![](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)
KEN TOMITA (Co-Founder): It’s infinitely better having the small and medium options.
![](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)
SEAN KELLY (Lead Designer): I like the medium because it opens up space on the desk for other things. I want the medium.
Shop the New Desk Shelf
Pair the new shelf with a desk tray and desk pad for a complete workspace solution.