The IKEA Bekant is the modern, flexible successor to the classic Galant, while the now-discontinued Galant series remains a sought-after workhorse for its legendary durability. Bekant offers sleek styling and sit/stand functionality for today's home offices, whereas the Galant is a traditionally styled desk known for its robust construction, deep work surfaces, and stability.
Here's everything you need to know to decide between buying a new Bekant or hunting down a secondhand Galant for your workspace.
IKEA Bekant Desk
The Bekant is IKEA's go-to office system, designed for modern workspaces with a focus on ergonomics and minimalist style. It’s widely popular for its clean lines and its widely available electric sit/stand options, making it an affordable entry point for anyone looking to create a more active work setup.
- What it is: A modular series of office desks, storage, and accessories known for its streamlined design and height-adjustable options.
- Key features: Electric sit/stand models, manual crank adjustable desks, various tabletop sizes and colors, and an included cable management net underneath.
- Price: Ranges from about $150 for a basic model to over $400 for larger electric sit/stand versions.
- Style: Modern minimalist with clean lines, suited for contemporary, Scandinavian, and minimalist decor perfectly.
- Materials/Construction: Particleboard or fiberboard tops with a melamine finish or wood veneer, paired with a powder-coated steel underframe and legs.
- Pros: Affordable electric sit/stand option. Sleek, contemporary design fits modern homes. Easy to find and purchase new. Available in multiple sizes to fit different spaces. The under-desk cable management net is a useful included feature.
- Cons: Some users report a minor wobble with sit/stand models at max height. Generally considered less sturdy than its Galant predecessor. The tabletop material can be less durable than older IKEA desks.
The Bekant is ideal for home office users who prioritize modern aesthetics and affordable sit/stand ergonomics over heavy-duty stability.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/bekant-system-22816/
IKEA Galant Desk
The IKEA Galant is a classic and now-discontinued line of office furniture revered for its rock-solid construction and professional aesthetic. For many years, it was the standard for small businesses and home offices needing a desk that could withstand anything. While you can no longer buy it new, its legendary durability makes it a popular find on the secondhand market.
- What it is: A highly durable, traditional office desk system famous for its stability and modular configuration possibilities.
- Key features: Extremely sturdy steel A-frame or T-frame legs, deep and spacious tabletop surfaces, and a wide array of original extension pieces and corner units.
- Price: Originally sold for $200-$600, prices on secondhand markets like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist vary significantly based on condition and location.
- Style: Utilitarian and traditional office style. It has a more corporate look that is less about decorative flair and more about professional function.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality, dense particleboard tops with a durable melamine laminate finish built to resist scratches and wear, sitting on a heavy-duty steel frame.
- Pros: Arguably one of the most stable desks IKEA has ever produced. Exceptional durability and longevity. Large, deep tabletops provide ample workspace. Modular components allow for huge custom desk setups.
- Cons: Discontinued and only available secondhand. The style can look dated in modern interiors. Very heavy and difficult to move compared to newer desks. Lacks integrated sit/stand functionality.
A secondhand Galant is perfect for someone who needs an incredibly stable, large workspace for heavy equipment and prioritizes durability over modern features or style.
Bekant vs. Galant Comparison
Materials & Durability
This is the most significant difference between the two. The Galant line was built to be a true workhorse, featuring a heavy steel frame and a thick, dense particleboard top that resists bending and wear. Many owners report using their Galant desks for over a decade with minimal signs of aging. It's famous for being incredibly stable with zero wobble.
The Bekant, constructed with more streamlined materials, aims to balance function with modern cost efficiency. While perfectly sturdy for typical home office use, it doesn't match the tank-like build of the Galant. The electric sit/stand versions, especially when extended, can have a slight wobble that is absent in the fixed-frame Galant.
Functionality & Features
The Bekant clearly wins in modern functionality. Its primary advantage is the easy availability of dependable electric sit/stand mechanisms that cater to today's focus on workplace ergonomics. It also comes with a useful cable management net attached to the underframe, a feature that was an add-on accessory for the Galant.
The Galant's features were focused on maximizing surface area and modularity. You could piece together massive L-shaped or U-shaped desks using its extension system. Some Galant models had manually height-adjustable legs, but this was a cumbersome process compared to the Bekant's one-touch electric controls.
Style & Aesthetics
The Bekant features a distinctly modern Scandinavian aesthetic with slim legs, clean lines, and often rounded corners. It comes in finishes like white, black, linoleum gray, and various wood veneers that fit seamlessly into contemporary home interiors. It is designed to look light and airy.
The Galant has a more traditional and corporate appearance. Its desktops are typically sharp-cornered rectangles, and the robust A-frame or T-frame legs give it a heavy, grounded look. Its finishes - often including birch, black-brown, and gray - are professional but can appear dated next to modern furniture.
Price & Availability
As IKEA's current primary office line, the Bekant is readily available to purchase new online and in-store, with a clear pricing structure and warranty. This makes shopping straightforward and predictable.
The Galant requires some hunting. Since it's discontinued, your only option is the secondhand market. Prices can be a bargain if you find a motivated seller, but availability and condition are highly variable. You also have to consider the logistics of transporting a very large and heavy desk yourself.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both desks offer great value, but they appeal to different priorities.
Choose the Bekant if:
- You want an electric sit/stand desk for better ergonomics.
- You prefer a modern, minimalist aesthetic that fits current home decor trends.
- You value the convenience of buying new with a warranty and home delivery option.
- Your workspace needs are typical for a home office (e.g., laptop, single monitor).
Choose the Galant if:
- Your number one priority is rock-solid stability and eliminating any potential wobble.
- You need a massive, deep work surface for multiple monitors, heavy equipment, or creative projects.
- You don't mind a more traditional office look and are willing to shop secondhand.
- You want a desk that is famously durable and will likely outlast most other furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did IKEA Bekant replace Galant?
Yes, the Bekant series was introduced by IKEA as the modern successor to the discontinued Galant system. They use completely different frame systems and parts are not interchangeable.
Is Galant better quality than Bekant?
In terms of raw durability and stability, the Galant is widely considered to be of higher build quality. Its components are heavier and its frame is engineered for maximum sturdiness, resembling commercial-grade office furniture more closely than the Bekant does.
Can you still buy the IKEA Galant desk?
You cannot purchase a brand new Galant desk from IKEA. It is only available through secondhand sources such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or used office furniture stores.
Which IKEA desk is more stable?
The Galant is significantly more stable. Its heavy-duty steel frame construction and fixed-height design make it virtually wobble-free, which is why it remains so popular among users who need a super solid surface.
Does the Bekant desk wobble?
The fixed-height Bekant desks are quite stable. The sit/stand versions are also stable at sitting height, but some users report a minor degree of wobble when the desk is raised to its highest standing positions, especially on carpeted floors.
Are the tabletops for Bekant and Galant interchangeable?
No. The screw hole patterns and underframe designs for the two systems are completely different. You cannot mount a Galant top on a Bekant frame or vice-versa without significant custom modifications.
Which desk is better for a multiple-monitor setup?
Either desk can handle multiple monitors, but the Galant often provides a deeper work surface (typically over 31 inches deep), giving you more room. More importantly, its superior stability makes it a better choice if you are using heavy monitor arms that can introduce wobble on less sturdy desks.
Is it worth buying a used IKEA Galant desk?
Absolutely. If you can find one in good condition for a reasonable price, a used Galant can be an excellent value. Given their durability, these desks often have many years of life left in them and offer a level of stability that is hard to find in new desks at a similar price point.
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