As a professional furniture designer and self-proclaimed picky shopper, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the perfect desk. You want something stylish, sturdy, functional, and within budget. For many, IKEA is the go-to spot for affordable home office furniture. Two of their most popular desks are the Lagkapten and the Linnmon. But what sets these desks apart? And which one is the best fit for your needs?
I‘ve thoroughly researched and compared the Lagkapten and Linnmon desks to help you make an informed decision. We‘ll cover everything from materials and durability to customization options and assembly tips. Plus, I‘ll share some lesser-known details about IKEA‘s sustainability practices and how their desks stack up against competitors.
Whether you‘re outfitting your first home office or upgrading your current setup, this comprehensive guide will help you decide if the Lagkapten or Linnmon desk deserves a spot in your space. Let‘s dive in!
Desk Specs Comparison
First, let‘s break down the key specifications of the Lagkapten and Linnmon desks:
Lagkapten Desk
- Materials: Particleboard core with honeycomb paper filling, fiberboard top layer, and acrylic paint finish. Plastic edging. Underside covered in paper.
- Sizes Available: 47 1⁄4 x 23 5/8" (120 x 60 cm), 55 1/8 x 23 5/8" (140 x 60 cm), 78 3/4 x 23 5/8" (200 x 60 cm)
- Colors: White, light grey, black, oak effect, dark grey, white stained oak effect
- Weight Capacity: Evenly distributed, the Lagkapten can hold 100 lbs (45 kg)
- Price Range: $49.99 – $99.99
Linnmon Desk
- Materials: Thin particleboard core with honeycomb paper filling, fiberboard top, and acrylic paint finish. Painted MDF edging. Paper underside.
- Sizes Available: 39 3/8 x 23 5/8" (100 x 60 cm), 47 1/4 x 23 5/8" (120 x 60 cm), 59 x 29 1/2" (150 x 75 cm)
- Colors: White, black, light grey
- Weight Capacity: Evenly distributed, the Linnmon can hold 85 lbs (38 kg)
- Price Range: $35.99 – $54.99
Right off the bat, we can see that both desks use similar particleboard construction with a fiberboard top and acrylic paint finish. This is standard for most of IKEA‘s budget-friendly desks. The honeycomb filling keeps them lightweight but also less sturdy than solid wood or metal.
One key difference is the edging. The Lagkapten‘s plastic edging is more durable than the Linnmon‘s painted MDF. Over time, the Linnmon‘s edges can chip while the Lagkapten‘s should maintain a clean, smooth look. The Lagkapten also has a slightly higher weight capacity than the Linnmon. Those extra 15 lbs could make a difference if you have heavy computer equipment or tend to pile books and papers on your desk.
Size-wise, the Lagkapten offers an extra-large 78 3/4" option that the Linnmon does not. However, the Linnmon‘s 59 x 29 1/2" desk is both wider and deeper than the Lagkapten‘s largest size. So if you want maximum surface area, the Linnmon is the way to go.
The Lagkapten has double the color options of the Linnmon, including trendy picks like the oak effect and white stained oak. But both have your basic white, black, and grey to match any space.
IKEA Desk Comparisons & Alternatives
Within IKEA‘s large selection of desks, the Lagkapten and Linnmon are most comparable to the Adils, Thyge, and Olov desks. These all share a similar particleboard construction and customizable leg options at a low price point.
However, if you‘re looking for a sturdier, higher-end desk from IKEA, you might consider the Bekant, Idasen, or Skarsta lines. These desks offer better materials like solid wood, metal, and tempered glass for a more professional look and feel. They also boast features like adjustable heights and built-in cable management. Of course, they come at a higher price tag, ranging from $200-$600+.
Outside of IKEA, popular alternatives to the Lagkapten and Linnmon desks include the Zinus Jennifer Modern Studio Collection Soho Desk and the SHW Home Office 55-Inch Large Computer Desk. These desks have a similar modern, minimalist style at budget prices. However, they lack the customization options that IKEA provides.
For a sturdier, more long-lasting investment, you might look at higher-end standing desks like the Uplift V2 or the Fully Jarvis. These desks offer height adjustability, solid wood or bamboo desktops, and warranties up to 10+ years. But be prepared to spend $500+ on these premium picks.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
One factor that‘s important to consider beyond just price and function is the environmental impact of your desk. IKEA has made some admirable strides in sustainability, but there‘s still room for improvement.
According to their 2020 sustainability report, IKEA used 1.83 million tons of particleboard in 2019, 43% of which came from recycled materials. They aim to reach 100% recyclable and renewable wood in their furniture by 2030. IKEA has also phased out hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde from their particleboard desks.
However, critics argue that IKEA‘s particleboard furniture is not built to last and often ends up in landfills. The Lagkapten and Linnmon are relatively inexpensive and lightweight, which is great for those on a budget or who move frequently. But they may not hold up as long as solid wood or metal desks.
IKEA does offer a generous return policy (up to 1 year for unused items, up to 180 days for opened or assembled products). They also provide replacement parts to extend the life of their furniture. But ultimately, the disposable nature of particleboard desks is not the most eco-friendly choice.
If sustainability is a top priority for you, look for IKEA desks made with solid wood or bamboo like the Idasen or Hilver desks. You can also shop secondhand for used IKEA desks to reduce waste. And if you do purchase a Lagkapten or Linnmon, try to maximize its lifespan with proper care and consider ways to recycle or donate it when you‘re done.
Assembly & Customization Tips
Now that you‘ve got all the details on the Lagkapten vs Linnmon, you might be wondering about the assembly process. IKEA is known for their flat-pack furniture that requires some DIY skills. But with a little patience and preparation, you can easily put together your own desk.
Some tips for assembling IKEA desks:
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Read through the instructions fully before starting and make sure you have all the necessary tools (usually just an Allen wrench, which is included).
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Take an inventory of all the pieces and hardware before beginning. If anything is missing or damaged, contact IKEA customer service for a replacement.
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Build your desk in the room where you plan to use it, as it may be heavy and awkward to move once assembled.
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If you‘re using the Lagkapten or Linnmon desktop with adjustable legs like the Olov or Adils, make sure all the legs are screwed in tightly and evenly. Give the desk a wobble test before putting anything heavy on it.
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The Linnmon desktop is hollow inside, so it‘s not recommended to drill into it for mounted shelves or accessories. The Lagkapten is a bit sturdier for modifications.
One of the biggest perks of IKEA desks is the ability to customize them to your space and needs. The Lagkapten and Linnmon desktops can be mixed and matched with a variety of legs, trestles, and drawer units.
Some popular add-ons for the Lagkapten and Linnmon include:
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Alex Drawer Unit on Casters: This rolling cabinet fits perfectly under either desk, providing deep storage and a clean, seamless look. Prices range from $99 for the small size to $129 for the larger option.
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Adils Legs: These basic metal legs are the most budget-friendly option for the Lagkapten and Linnmon. At just $4 each, you can get a set of legs for under $20. They come in white, silver, and black.
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Oddvald Trestles: For a more rustic, industrial look, try a set of these solid pine trestles. They‘re $14.99 each and can be painted or stained to match your style.
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Gerton Tabletop: If you want a larger, sturdier surface than the Lagkapten or Linnmon, consider using the solid beech Gerton tabletop. At 61 x 29 1/2" and 1 1/8" thick, it‘s a big upgrade for $115.
With these add-ons and a little creativity, you can build a desk that looks custom-made for your space. I‘ve seen some impressive DIY transformations of the Lagkapten and Linnmon desks out there.
Real Customer Reviews & Experiences
Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s see what real customers have to say about the Lagkapten and Linnmon desks.
Here are a few snippets from genuine reviews on IKEA‘s website and Reddit:
On the Lagkapten desk:
- "I love this desk! Easy to put together and very sturdy. I have the 59" one paired with two of the Alex drawer units. Looks very sleek and clean." – Sarah, 5 stars on IKEA.com
- "For this price point, the Lagkapten desk is incredibly sturdy and looks fairly high end. The particleboard is lightweight but still strong enough for my needs as a college student." – u/IKEAfan on Reddit
On the Linnmon desk:
- "You can‘t beat the price of the Linnmon desk. It‘s not the fanciest, but it gets the job done. I‘ve had mine for over a year and it‘s held up well with daily use." – James, 4 stars on IKEA.com
- "If you‘re on a tight budget, the Linnmon is great. It‘s definitely lightweight and a bit wobbly, but it works for my small space. I recommend using the Adils legs for stability." – u/DesksForDays on Reddit
Of course, no product is perfect. Some common complaints about the Lagkapten and Linnmon include:
- The particleboard construction feels cheap or flimsy compared to solid wood
- The desktops can sag in the middle if not properly supported
- Some had difficulty getting all the legs to screw in evenly
- The lighter colors show dirt and scuffs more easily
- The veneer coating can chip or peel over time
From my experience and research, the Lagkapten and Linnmon desks meet or exceed expectations for their price point. Most customers are pleasantly surprised by the simple Scandi style and sturdiness-to-cost ratio. Like any budget furniture, they have their limitations. But treated with care and paired with the right add-ons, they can look and function like a much more expensive piece.
Final Verdict: Lagkapten vs Linnmon
So which desk comes out on top in the battle of Lagkapten vs Linnmon? The truth is, there‘s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right desk for you ultimately depends on your budget, space, and needs.
But here‘s my take as a furniture expert and selective shopper:
Choose the Lagkapten if:
- You want the sturdiness and durability of thicker laminate and plastic edging
- You need a larger desk option or more surface area
- You prefer a wider selection of on-trend colors
- You can afford to spend a bit more (~$20-$40) than the Linnmon
Choose the Linnmon if:
- Getting the lowest price point is your top priority
- You like lighter, slimmer desk designs
- You don‘t need acres of surface area
- You‘re okay with a desk that feels a bit less robust
The Bottom Line
Both the Lagkapten and Linnmon offer excellent value for their price. They‘re stylish, functional, and endlessly adaptable with IKEA‘s wide range of leg and storage options. While not heirloom-quality furniture, they‘re more than sturdy enough for typical home office use.
If this will be your forever desk, it might be worth investing in the slightly higher-quality Lagkapten. The thicker particleboard and plastic edging should hold up better over time. But if you just need an attractive, no-frills workspace without breaking the bank, the Linnmon is a solid pick.
No matter which desk you choose, you‘ll want to follow IKEA‘s assembly and care instructions for the best experience. And don‘t forget to accessorize with an ergonomic office chair, good lighting, and some trendy desk decor. With the right setup, you might find yourself checking office furniture sites a little less often (but no promises).
I hope this in-depth guide has given you the information and inspiration you need to choose your perfect IKEA desk. Happy workspace crafting!
