Save money with these DIY desk builds & repurposed desk project ideas
There are many ways that people look at creating their own furniture. You can either repurpose furniture that already exist or build something completely brand new. The home office is more important than ever!
And most of us are probably looking to upgrade it cheaply. Here are 16 modern DIY desk ideas to help inspire.
In our home, we have a mixture of new and old. We think this adds character, it better for the environment and cheaper to DIY. Now sometimes DIY projects end up being a little more expensive…
but hey at least you get precisely what you want.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read our full privacy policy here.
Pin for later!
What to look for when repurposing a desk?
- Make sure that it has a sturdy base or that you have a plan to fix any structural problems. You will see a Pottery Barn look-a-like that was a good piece to start with but got completely redone in order to make it a solid desk that will last.
- If it is a wooden desk, dovetailed drawers are something to look for.
- Do the drawers easily slide in and out? Is anything broken?
- What is the desktop like? Are you planning on replacing it. If it is uneven or warped you will need a plan for this.
- Think outside the box, is there a different piece of furniture that could work as a desk or desk storage
Tips to building a new desk
- The standard desk is at least 30″ wide and 18″ deep. Make sure you are building a desk that fits your space. As you will see in the desk ideas below there are many different sizes you can build.
- Create a drawing of what you want
- Measure, measure, measure
- Make sure to account for the proper height of your chair and the height of the desk. The last thing you want is a desk that is uncomfortable to sit at.
- Decide on the type of wood. If you are painting your desk you probably can go for a cheaper wood than if you are staining.
Now let’s get inspired with these 17 amazing DIY office desk ideas!
DIY Desk Ideas
If your home office is in need of an inexpensive makeover, these DIY office desks are the place to start. The fun part is that there are desk ideas for any home decor style!
This desk uses different types of metal brackets to create an industrial desk. We love all the DIY projects and furniture builds by this DIY blogger!
We have always wanted to make a hairpin leg table or end table. She is right, anyone can create this DIY desk by adding these hairpin legs. This simple table works really well as a DIY desk to create a clean and crisp home office space. We think you would be very zen-like getting work done here.
Painting this large tanker metal desk in a fun teal color really added a pop of color to this DIY home office. The most unique part about this desk makeover was adding the patterned cloth and glass top to complete the eclectic and fun home office furniture idea.
This dual-toned desk would be perfect in any corner of a room in your home. Normally we love darker stains, but we are loving these nutmeg-colored legs with the contrasting white top. You won't believe how much money you can save building this desk instead of buying one with this style.
If you have a small room and need a DIY desk idea that will fit multiple children, then this is your DIY desk idea. This l-shaped floating desk was added in a children's homeschool room to give each child a special place to be creative and get work done. You will love this whole homeschool room!
We love that this desk build cost less than $100. No one will ever know! If you love a more farmhouse look, then this desk is for you. We definitely feel this is the way to get a Pottery Barn look (like this desk) for way less!
If you are looking for a simple and easy way to create a custom desk, then this is it. Simply create a desktop surface, add a file cabinet of your choice and balance with a trestle.
Pairing different types of furniture with your desk is a unique way to create a comfortable office space you will love. By adding lamps and a gallery wall above this desk, it is a perfect corner office space that blends into the rest of the living room decor.
If you love a more rustic look, then here is a DIY desk idea for you. Using old barn wood, this small desk was able to increase their storage for practically free.
If you love a more farmhouse style, then this rustic DIY desk build is for you. We love the simple design and details such as the hardware. This desk would be perfect in a separate home office space or in combination with another room.
This small desk is perfect for those who need to create a desk in a compact area. We just love this fresh DIY desk and home office nook idea.
This cost-effective DIY desk repurposing an old door was a very clever home workspace idea. We love this work table with contrasting gray stained legs with light top. In addition, it is always amazing when we can save the environment by using what we already have.
Like Pottery Barn's aesthetic, but don't want to pay the price? This DIY desk was inspired by this model, and love how much money was saved. DIY is awesome and saving money is just one of those reasons. You have to see the total transformation. We were shocked when we saw the "before" desk.
This DIY desk idea uses epoxy to make this unique desktop. It truly makes us want to try this technique soon! We love this faux marble finish that matches her decor.
This l-shaped desk was built using old Pottery Barn desk components that she scored for FREE in a Facebook group (learn the lingo for these buy-sell groups here).
This clever DIY desk idea has those kiddos in mind. Finally have a place to neatly store all those legos. We just love the clean look and functionality of this desk.
Use stock cabinets and premade butcher block top to create a custom DIY desk that has all the storage you would need. Learn how to easily paint the cabinets in order to create a custom color for your desk.
Looking for more DIY inspiration?
9 Ways Getting Rid of Honey Oak Can Modernize Your Home
7 Projects Using Behr Charcoal Blue Paint Color
Follow us on Pinterest or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!
