Save money with these DIY desk builds & DIY project ideas
There are many ways that people look at creating their own furniture. You can either repurpose furniture that already exists or build something completely brand new. The home office is more important than ever and the perfect place to start with making your own desk.
And most of us are probably looking to upgrade it cheaply. Here are 23+ modern DIY desk ideas to help inspire you with free plans, ideas and resources.
DIY helps you mix new and old in your home decor
In our home, we have a mixture of new and old. We think this adds character, it is better for the environment and cheaper to DIY. Now sometimes DIY projects end up being a little more expensive but it is a great way to get precisely what you want.
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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 for 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. You could also make the height so that it is a custom standing desk.
- Decide on the type of wood. If you are painting your desk you probably can go for cheaper wood than if you are staining.
- Not sure you want to do a complete DIY desk build. Consider mixing premade items like file cabinets with wooden board top to get the look you need.
Don’t have a circular saw?
You can always ask places like Home Depot to precut wood to help you with your desk build.
Now let’s get inspired with these 22+ amazing DIY office desk ideas!
DIY Desk Ideas
Whether you have a small space or a dedicated office space this list of do-it-yourself desks will inspire you. Your home office makeover can be inexpensive with these DIY desk plans. These ideas are the perfect place to start planning your office no matter what home decor style you love.
DIY Industrial Computer Desk with Plans
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!
DIY Hairpin Leg Table Anyone Can Create
We have always wanted to make a hairpin leg table or end table. She is right, anyone can create this simple 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.
Spray Paint An Old Tanker Desk
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.
Build A DIY A-Frame Desk
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 a similar desk.
Ikea Hack Large Desk
Use IKEA filing cabinets and oak tabletop (or you could use butcher block) to create this two-person desk idea for along your wall. We just love how this desk was really able to fully utilize the space in their basement.
DIY Corner Floating Desk With Simple Brackets
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!
DIY Modern Desk - A Beginner Woodworking Project
Customize this desk to the right size for your space. If you have ever wanted to try a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes this beginner woodworking desk project may be for you. Don't worry though, there are detailed steps to help through this desk build. We just love the look!
DIY Desk under $100
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!
Custom Easy Desk Build Idea
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.
Elegant Home Office Area in the Dining Room
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.
DIY Modern Farmhouse Desk (Plans and video)
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.
DIY Home Office Nook
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.
DIY Desk From Painted Stock Cabinets
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.
Barnwood Furniture Desk Hutch
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.
Before and After: $11 Pottery Barn Knock Off Desk
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.
DIY Work Table from a Repurposed Door
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.
How To Make A Beautiful Epoxy Resin 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.
DIY L Shaped Desk - Home Office Makeover
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).
DIY Lego Desk with IKEA Trofast Bin Storage
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.
DIY IKEA Desk Hack
Another great IKEA hack using a file cabinet and Ikea table legs to complete this simple desk. The fun accessories also add a lot of personality.
DIY Children's Desk Plans with Storage
Do you need to build a complete custom desk for your child? This tutorial will help you finally give your child a space to work and create that is the right height and size for them.
How To Make A Unique World Map Desk
Every desk build doesn't have to be super complicated. Use hair pain legs and this fun tutorial to learn how to make a map desk top to allow your family to dream of their next travels. We love this simple DIY desk build that still showcases the owner's personality.
DIY 2 Person Corner Desk with a Farmhouse Style
We love desks that can help utilize a dead corner in a room. This DIY corner desk uses a combination of premade file cabinets and butcher block top to create a functional desk space for your family.
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Kalinda
Saturday 22nd of January 2022
Hello, I love your desk! May I ask what fabric you used, and how did you get the edges from fraying?
Erin
Sunday 23rd of January 2022
Hi Kalinda. The fabric was just a pattern found in the remnants at JoAnn fabric. My mother actually folded, stitched and ironed the edges to have the fabric lay flat. If you are looking for a more no-sew idea, you could always just fold the edges over and use iron-on double-sided tape. Just make sure that the fabric you pick is thin enough or else your glass top may not sit as nicely.