How to Build a DIY Desk for a Small Space

Cheap and Easy IKEA hack

One incredibly frustrating thing about living in a small apartment with a tiny bedroom is the inability to simply buy a standard desk. This is especially true of poorly designed New York apartments with irregular spaces. I personally experienced this and had to design and build my own DIY desk for this tiny, irregular space.

In this post, I will show you in only a few super-simple steps, how to build a modern DIY desk for small spaces with a simple IKEA hack.

The Problem:

My apartment in New York City barely fits a twin-size mattress. The only space available for a desk was this poorly designed, irregular triangular space. No standard desks sold anywhere were going to fit this peculiar space.

The Solution:

Therefore, I realized if I wanted a desk, I would have to build one myself.

Here are the steps for you to create your own DIY desk.

The Design:

Due to the small dimensions of this space, I realized it would be beneficial to use a standard 2’x4‘ piece of MDF.

In a drafting software, I drew on one layer the piece of 2’x4′ piece of MDF and on another layer, I drew the dimensions and shape of the desk.

Due to the exact dimensions and angles, the design cut off the back corner.

At first, I wanted to get another piece to glue on and fill the whole triangle. However, later I realized this was ideal. With the hole in the back, it allows for all of the cables to run through.

What You’ll Need:

• MDF (or any tabletop wood you have around the house)

(Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.)

The exact size depends on your specific shape but I recommend designing it in standard MDF increments so there is less to cut (4′ x 2′)

• 3-4 table legs

These are amazing as they are cheap, sturdy, and customizable. I linked below simple table legs like the ones I used but there are many different options so feel free to look around at all of the interesting and creative options on Amazon.

Buy on Amazon

• Power drill – This is the one I have and I love it but there are different types of different price ranges

• Tape Measure
• 1 box of screws

The length of the screws is dependent on the thickness of the MDF you get. For 1/2″ MDF you should get screws that are 1/4″ so it goes deep into the MDF but doesn’t come out the other side.

Steps

Step 1: Measure the Irregular Space

This is important to know how much MDF to get. Once you have measured the space, draw it out to scale and draw the piece of MDF you have over it.

In my example, I drew the triangle dimensions on a 2’x4′ piece of MDF. Then, in order to get the correct dimensions on the actual piece of MDF, I measured the distance from each corner of the MDF to the edge of the triangle.

Step 2: Cut the MDF to size

Based on your measurements, cut the MDF to the desired shape and size.

A table saw is preferred but only if you are experienced. However, if you go to Home Depot, they will do 2 cuts for you for free.

Step 3: Paint and Finish the Table Top

With your favorite color of paint, paint the desk – at least 2 coats.

Step 4: Screw in the IKEA legs

Place the IKEA legs where you want them and place the finished MDF on top. Carefully, duck underneath and draw circles around the base where the legs meet the table.

Then, turn the table over and place it on the ground—screw in the IKEA legs where you marked the circles.

Now flip the table over and slide it into place.

Step 5: Enjoy 🙂

Enjoy your DIY desk that makes great economic use of your small apartment space.

Ans for more awesome bedroom storage ideas that make great use of small spaces, look further; visit here to see more.