As a woman, with clothes, I vote for the smaller desk.

With everyone now using lap tops, tablets and even smart phones to do their computing, I don't think desks need to be as large as they used to be. I'm a man but I vote for the 3' desk and the 4'8" wardrobe.

Who will be using the space? Is it for the two of you, or a rental, or a sale?

It is for rental. I had the whole recess earmarked for storage and my joiner put in a stud wall with two doors on for access. I believe that you can never have too much storage. Small spaces can look very cluttered. My partner on the other hand feels that a desk is essential. (We have WiFi so even a router isn't essential).

I'd say no desk, big closet! I guess it depends on what you're using it for. A kids room, a desk is a nice homework spot. An office? Sure, throw a desk in. But otherwise, I dont know anyone that uses a desk on a day to day basis (ie not a child, or work from home person). Everyone else uses laptops, either at the sofa, dining table etc.

I'd go for the desk myself, but I'm not really a clothes person. Is there anyplace to install a drop-down desk that could be used when needed and put away when not?

How about hiding a pullout table option in a wardrobe like this...

So this is for a rental? Not worth a divorce surely? I like premiers idea of a desk incorporated in a cupboard. So if a renter doesn't want to use it as a desk, they can use it as extra storage.

I like the wardrobe idea above but if I had to choose between the two, DEFINITELY the closet. If it's a rental especially. Not everyone will want or need a desk but ppl always need storage and are impressed with closet space. They are going to think about closets, they won't exactly think about a desk unless they are coming from a dorm room ; )

Bump

Going through this same thing myself so I understand! He wants desk and I don't. Who needs a desk? So if you must agree to desk, the smaller the better! I am thinking console table or the like so at least it doesn't look like office. Good Luck!

Closet only all the way!

Remind him he would have been further ahead if he had given in to you originally since so many people are saying closet only. Happy wife, happy life....

I vote for closet/storage anytime over a desk. Some kind of desk can always be purchased/made if needed.

We never work at our desks. Laptops all over the house. So definitely I vote for storage--all of it.

And do t disregard the impact of iPads and tablets

Many thanks to all you Houzzers! With your input, a straw poll at work and influence from me the Great Silverback has accepted the storage over desk space idea. As many of you have said laptops etc rule and we can always provide a fold out table for anyone who wants one. Next part of the project is the "Secret Sink" in the kitchen space. I may even get bold and put up some pictures!!