Thanks OKLOUISE, I think we will go down the suggested route. IKEA was not much cheaper for the desk once installed anyway. The IKEA handlefree wardrobes will come in much cheaper than the alternative but look pretty good for what we want and will leave a space of about 5 cm at either end of the room after allowing for the skirting boards, which is just enough to clean occasionally. I just need to check that IKEA's shade of white is not too dissimilar to the deck colour I want and then I should be good to go. I am hoping the floor is not too uneven as that could cause them to have gaps between? (Any ideas if that is a problem?) My only other worry is that IKEA white laminates used to turn yellow quickly, but I am hoping they have improved on that front in recent years. Thanks again, your advice is always good!

Remove red shelves and build in a wall of fitted shelving on that left hand wall, extending right in along the side of the desk. I notice the filing cabinets are at either end of the desk - can they be moved to the right hand end so as not to be blocking the storage area you will have created. In fact once you have the extra shelves you may be able to get rid of one of the filing cabinets. Place the printer and extra equipment on the shelves where they cross the end of the desk, and you have all the rest of the wall for dedicated storage for books, files, rubbish bin, containers for EVERYTHING, appropriately labelled, this may help hubby to keep things tidier, eg a container for all the cords and connections, another for USBs, appropriately labeled, Lots of file boxes or other appropriate storage containers on the shelves. Install plenty of electrical sockets, or fit that power board UNDER the desk, out of the way. A charging station would be useful. Stack of fresh paper for the printer, bin for rubbish - having EASY access to EVERYTHING is the answer. And yes, hide all those cables! Wireless gadgets if possible! My desk has a half-depth shelf under it, in front of my knees, which has the printer and spare paper stacked on it. Works just fine, out of the way and accessible.

I think I would look for an older style in a dark timber , I think anything else may look out of place.

Can you give me a picture on what to look for light colour timber top white or black legs would like maybe a draw or two thank you