By default LXQt includes icons on the desktop, so anything in your desktop folder will appear on the desktop.  If you like/prefer a clean desktop this can still be achieved, however, a small "trick" is needed as LXQt lost the simple method of removing the desktop that LXDE has/had.

Go to (within LXQt menu): Preferences~LXQt Settings~Session Settings

Two methods depending on your preference.

First Method: Under basic settings: uncheck the box for desktop and click stop.  This will place openbox in charge of your desktop (or whatever window manager you are using XFWM, KWin etc...), if it is openbox you will then need to configure it to handle your wallpaper: http://openbox.org/wiki/Help:Configuration

Second Method:  Create an empty folder on the desktop (give it a name, ex: blank desktop), then from Session Settings click User Directories and look for the section at the top "Desktop", click the folder icon and have it point to your new /home/user/Desktop/[blank desktop] folder.  After this you should now be the proud owner of a clean desktop with no folders or icons, and PCManFM still in control of the desktop (wallpapers etc...). 

To add icons back to your desktop (why would you though):
If first method then: check Desktop and click start

If second method then: click the folder icon and have it point back to /home/user/Desktop

Enjoy the journey, happy computing. 

For those not familiar with Bruce Perens, he is a major developer and leader within Open Source (he was the second Debian leader ---replacing Ian Murdock, co-founded the Open Source Initiative, represented the Open Source community/movement at the  United Nations World Summit on the Information Society, helped create the Debian Social Contract among many other projects and initiatives...). 

There were those who doubted if Devuan could deliver with their promise of init freedom, and if they could carry the banner of being a legitimate continuation of Debian's roots and legacy.  An endorsement from an Open Source luminary with the history Bruce had/has with Debian should be a solid affirmative answer to that inquiry. 

Ref:
https://linux.slashdot.org/comments.pl? … d=56758364
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/06/1 … ble_ships/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Perens