The Grovemade desk shelf and the BALOLO Setup Cockpit have basically defined the desk setup world. If you’ve spent any time looking at setups online, you’ve seen one of them. They’re much more different than they look, though.

I’ve used both for years, both in solid walnut to keep it fair. Here’s how they compare and which one I’d recommend for whom.

Quick verdict

• Grovemade is a statement piece: sharper design, richer finish, simple and timeless. It’s best if you want one beautiful object and no extras.

• BALOLO is a system: a modular grid underneath, accessories you can add and move over time, and much better cable routing. It’s best if you work from home and your needs keep changing.

In one line: Grovemade is art. BALOLO is a system.

What comes in the box

Grovemade includes the board, two cork feet that press into place, an aluminium tray (included in the price) and a cork piece that separates the inside and secures the tray.

BALOLO includes the board, two feet that attach with screws and a steel support leg for the middle if you need extra stability. Trays are not included and are sold separately.

I actually like BALOLO’s approach. You only buy the parts you’ll use, and you can set the shelf up exactly how you want it.

Design and looks

• Profile: Grovemade has a sharper design, especially around the corners and the edge profile. BALOLO feels bulkier and more minimal.

• Finishes: both come in several woods. Grovemade offers more options.

• Size: side by side, the Grovemade board is about 2 cm longer and around 3 mm thicker. The depth is basically the same.

• Feet: Grovemade’s cork feet look nicer and protect the desk, but they slide easily. I actually like that, because I move things around constantly. BALOLO’s feet are solid and grip more, so I added adhesive felt pads underneath to let it slide (and protect the desk). My biggest gripe with BALOLO: the feet don’t match the depth of the shelf the way the trays do, and that drives me a bit crazy.

On looks alone, I lean towards Grovemade. Even though I don’t love the rough texture of the aluminium tray, it gives off real designer vibes.

Build quality

Both are extremely high quality. The Grovemade finish feels silky smooth, while on the BALOLO you can feel a bit more of the wood’s texture. I also think Grovemade’s walnut tends to look richer in tone, but every piece of wood is different. I own three BALOLO walnut boards and they all look different: one washed out, one much browner, one in between.

Assembled, the Grovemade shelf weighs about 4.3 kg and the BALOLO about 3.5 kg. Once you add BALOLO’s steel trays and accessories, though, it becomes the heavier and sturdier of the two.

How to care for a solid wood desk shelf

Neither shelf has a waterproof coating. That means they can stain if you spill something, they’ll scratch if you slide objects across them and they’ll slowly change colour in the sun. Honestly, that’s part of the beauty. My routine:

1. Dust regularly with a dry microfiber cloth.

2. Avoid alcohol-based sprays.

3. Never leave a sweating glass directly on the wood.

4. Lift objects instead of sliding them, to avoid micro-scratches.

5. Clean spills immediately.

6. Don’t overload the shelf without support, because over the years the wood can bend.

Functionality: where BALOLO wins

If you want pure functionality, BALOLO is the best I’ve used. Its patented grid underneath lets you attach modular accessories exactly where you need them: MagSafe holders, laptop docks, an iPad holder, trays, a Stream Deck mount. When your workflow changes, you rearrange it instead of replacing it.

My favourite example is the iPad holder. I keep the iPad right under the monitor, charging, at the perfect angle to use it as a second screen. It also covers the small gap between the two trays, which otherwise looks a little off.

BALOLO also built a full desk on the same system, the Desk Cockpit. Every accessory moves from the shelf to the desk without buying anything new.

Cable management is the other big difference. BALOLO’s trays have a larger compartment at the back that makes routing cables much easier. Grovemade gives you a little space at the back too, but it doesn’t feel nearly as intentional.

The tray surface matters more than you’d think. Dragging accessories across Grovemade’s aluminium tray feels like nails on a chalkboard to me. BALOLO lines its steel trays with felt, which is quieter, smoother and doesn’t scratch your gear.

One thing both get wrong

I wish both shelves had a taller compartment for a docking station or an audio interface like the Scarlett 2i2. With BALOLO you can fix this with a simple divider. Grovemade’s height is fixed, unless you own a 3D printer: I designed a set of custom feet that snap in like the originals, raise the inside height and leave more room for cables. The free download is in the description of my comparison video.

Price and value

Compared like for like (large size, solid walnut), the BALOLO base shelf is cheaper than the Grovemade. But Grovemade includes its tray and BALOLO doesn’t, so once you add trays and accessories, the gap narrows and can even flip. Check the current prices on both stores before you decide.

Also factor in international shipping and customs. Depending on where you live, they can add up quickly.

In terms of value, I see Grovemade as a luxury furniture brand: each piece is a design statement that instantly lifts the room. BALOLO doesn’t shout luxury, but it’s still very premium, and you only pay for what you need and can expand later.

Which one is in my setup right now?

For years my answer was BALOLO. I’m obsessed with functionality, and a shelf that adapts as my needs change is exactly what I want.

For my 2026 makeover, which Grovemade sponsored, I built the whole wall and desk around Grovemade’s new pieces, including the Extra Large desk shelf, which is the same width as the desk. With the large version I always felt short on space at the edges, and going bigger solved that. It looks incredible in this setup.

So both have earned their place on my desk. Choose based on how you work, not on which one you’ve seen more often.

Who should buy which

→ See all Grovemade pieces I use: Grovemade

→ See every BALOLO accessory in my shop: BALOLO

→ More desk accessories: Desk Accessories

You can save 10% at both brands with my code MATDILISIO at checkout. And if you buy The Desk Setup Guide, you also get an exclusive BALOLO discount that’s only available to guide owners.

A desk shelf is one piece of a bigger plan. If you want to know how to choose the desk, monitor and everything around it so the whole setup feels coherent, that’s what The Desk Setup Guide is for.

Watch the video: The ULTIMATE Desk Shelf: Grovemade vs BALOLO

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