Reading the Spec Sheet

A folded projection describes how far a closed desk extends from the wall. It does not indicate the usable surface depth when the unit is open. When planning a home workspace, checking the folded wall projection, the open total projection, and the actual work surface on a specific model’s spec sheet is necessary to determine if your equipment fits.

Small wooden table with crossed folding legs standing open near a blank wall, its top empty.
A small wooden table with crossed folding legs stands open near a blank wall, its surface empty.
Small wooden table with crossed folding legs holding a silver laptop, white cup, and small plant near a wall.
A silver laptop, white cup, and small plant rest on a small wooden table with crossed folding legs near a wall.
Overhead view of a blank open notebook and a cup of dark drink on a broad wooden tabletop.
An open blank notebook and a cup filled with a dark drink sit on a broad wooden tabletop, viewed from above.
Shallow wooden wall-mounted desk open in a spare room with a chair below, small objects on the surface, and clear floor space in front.
A shallow wooden wall-mounted desk is open in a spare room, with a chair positioned below, small objects on the surface, and clear floor space in front.
Close view of a blank spiral notebook and black pen on a wooden tabletop with one corner and a dark supporting leg visible.
A blank spiral notebook and black pen lie on a wooden tabletop, showing one corner and a dark supporting leg.

Vari Hideaway Desk Measurements

The Vari Hideaway Desk Spec Sheet (2025) lists a total width of 32 inches (81.5 cm). When closed, the total depth—or folded projection—is 4 inches (10 cm). When open, the total depth reaches 21 3/4 inches (55.5 cm). The sheet also notes a total surface depth of 21 inches as a separate label. Crucially, the actual desktop width is 31 1/2 inches (80 cm) and the desktop depth is 18 1/2 inches (47 cm). This desktop depth is the true usable work surface; it must not be substituted with the total surface depth or the open projection. The unit is wall mounted and requires studs for installation.

Carstens Mini WALLAdesk Measurements

The Carstens Mini WALLAdesk manufacturer page provides a different scale. Its folded dimensions are 17.25 inches wide, 13.5 inches high, and 2.75 inches deep. When open, the overall depth becomes 12.75 inches with a height of 11.5 inches. The actual work surface measures 16.875 inches wide by 10.625 inches deep. The manufacturer describes this as a small wall-mounted, healthcare-oriented product that can also be used at home. Installation hardware is not included, and the mounting method depends on the specific wall construction.

Comparing Projections and Surfaces

The Vari closed projection is 4 inches compared to the Carstens folded depth of 2.75 inches. However, their work surfaces differ significantly: 31.5 by 18.5 inches versus 16.875 by 10.625 inches. A narrower folded projection cannot tell a buyer whether a laptop or notebook will fit once the desk is deployed. Always measure the stated desktop depth against your equipment footprint. If you use accessories, compare their base size against these work-surface measurements using our guide on laptop stand footprint. Additionally, consult our notes on monitor arm clamp usage only if the specific desk edge and mounting structure are verified as compatible, as not all folding desks accept a clamp.