Are you looking to spruce up your home office? If so, why not try crafting a floating shelf desk? This DIY project is easy, affordable, and a great way to maximize your vertical space. Plus, the stunning results are sure to be the envy of your friends.
In this article, we’ll take you through each step of crafting the perfect floating shelf desk.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about this crafty DIY project—from selecting the right materials and tools for the job to assembling and finishing off the final product. By following these instructions carefully, you’ll be well on your way to creating your very own floating shelf desk. Let’s get started!
Supplies & Tools Needed for a DIY Floating Desk
Are you ready to craft the perfect DIY floating shelf desk? Then you'll need to know what supplies and tools you need to make it. Fortunately, these items can be found at any local home improvement store or online.
Tools:
- Electric drill with interchangeable bits
- Tape measure
- Pen or pencil for marking measurements
- Leveling tool (optional)
- Step ladder (if needed to reach installation height)
Supplies:
- Floating shelves of desired size and style
- L-shaped mounting brackets with anchors and appropriate screws/bolts
- Concrete wall anchors (if not included with mounting brackets)
- Drywall anchors (if not included with mounting brackets)
Now that you know what supplies and tools you need to create your perfect DIY floating shelf desk, it's time to start gathering! With the right items in hand, the next step is following the instructions on how to assemble the desk.
How to Measure & Choose the Right Sized Wood
Once you've settled on the size of your DIY floating shelves desk, it's time to measure and choose the right-sized pieces of wood. You'll need two separate pieces: one for the top shelf, and a longer one for the floating shelf beneath it.
When it comes to choosing the right size, you should consider both the length and width of each piece. Depending on your design, the width of each should be between 10 inches to 16 inches. The minimum length for both pieces should be at least twice as long as their width.
It's important to remember that DIY projects are less than perfect and typically require some added sanding or cutting down in order to make them fit properly. As such, it's best to overestimate a bit when choosing your wood so that you have enough room for maneuvering during assembly.
More broadly, when deciding on wood size, always be sure to do your research first so that you know exactly what type will best suit your project.
For example, thicker wood may give more stability to the overall construction but will require more work when drilling and cutting. On the other hand, thinner wood is easier to work with but won't provide as much stability overall.
Customize Your Desk With Stain and Paint
If you've got the basics down and you want to spiff up your desk a bit, there are a few ways to go about it. Whether you want to go for a more classic or modern look, you can customize your desk with a little extra effort.
Staining
First of all, staining the wood is an easy way to give your desk some color and depth. With the right stain color, you can create an entirely new look that can fit most any style of décor. Staining also helps protect the wood from water damage while keeping it looking new for years to come.
Painting
Painting your DIY floating shelf desk is another great way to customize it. You may want to paint the entire desk one color or try creating a more customized look by painting each shelf in a different color. Either way, painting is an affordable and creative way to take your DIY project up a notch and make it truly unique!
Finishing Touches
Finally, don't forget about the finishing touches—a colorful rug beneath the desk or light fixtures on or above it can bring the whole design together. Experimenting with different accessories and decor can help take your floating shelf desk from boring to beautiful in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Assemble Your Floating Shelf Desk
When it comes to assembling your DIY floating shelf desk, it can be a little intimidating—but don't worry! We'll walk you through the steps so you can be sure your shelf desk is safe and secure. Let's go!
First, attach the four main pieces of your floating shelf desk: two side supports, a back panel, and a desktop. Use wood glue and screws to secure the pieces tightly together.
Next, cut four identical pieces of wood to size for the shelf supports. These will support the weight of your shelf desk so make sure they're strong enough for the job. Use wood screws to hold them in place at each corner.
Now measure and cut out holes for cable management. The holes should run from behind to the front of the shelf desk below each side support, allowing you to run cords and cables neatly through them. Drill out holes slightly larger than the diameter of your cords as needed.
Finally, attach your brackets onto both sides of the desktop with wood screws. Make sure they're firmly attached so they can hold up any weight you decide to put on top of your shelf desk when it's in use.
And that's it! You've just created a sturdy and stylish floating shelf desk that will make even professional interior designers jealous.
Additional DIY Ideas to Refresh Your Desk Esthetics
If you want to take your desk to another level, here are a few DIY ideas to refresh your desk esthetics:
Paint It Up
A fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to update any furniture. You can either buy spray paint specifically designed for furniture or choose a color that matches your home decor and use some standard wall paint.
Decorate It With Wallpaper
Wallpaper doesn’t just have to be used on walls—it can also be used to create an eye-catching feature on the top of your desk. Choose a pattern that reflects your personality and gives your workspace the right look and feel.
Adhere Some Trim Pieces
Trim pieces are great for adding texture and depth to otherwise plain surfaces. Consider using different types of trim such as crown molding, wainscoting, or even board and batten for a custom look on top of your desk.
Add Some Hardware
You can easily brighten up any piece of furniture by adding some new hardware. Choose knobs or pulls in a style or color that enhances the esthetics of the space, plus consider brass, chrome, or black finishes for an updated look.
Not only will these DIY ideas spruce up the look of your desk but they’ll also make it feel more like yours—which is key when it comes time to get down to business!
Optimizing Your Working Space With Floating Desks
One of the main advantages of a DIY floating shelf desk is that you can optimize your working space. Floating desks are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are also highly efficient when it comes to maximizing space.
This is especially true if you decide to go for a wall-mounted design. By freeing up floor space and reducing clutter, your workspace will feel more spacious, allowing you to focus more on your tasks.
Floating shelves also come with plenty of options for customization in terms of size, material, and finish. You can decide which materials suit your style best and even add a splash of color to make the shelf even more personal.
With shelves that are designed specifically for storage purposes, you can store all the things you need in order to stay productive such as stationery, books, or even plants!
So if you're looking to craft the perfect desk that can both enhance your working space and provide plenty of storage options too—floating shelves may be just what you need!
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a floating shelf desk is an easy and affordable way to transform your home office. With a few simple tools, minimal supplies, and some creative thinking, you can have your own desk in no time.
It's a great way to maximize space in a small area and create an aesthetic that's truly unique. Whether you want to construct the perfect desk out of scratch or use pre-made materials, you can be sure of one thing: whatever you build will be beautiful and one-of-a-kind.
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