Tips & Trick

Creating a DIY Wall-Mounted Drop-Down Desk for Your Craft Room

Are you tired of clutter taking over your craft space? Do you long for a dedicated area to unleash your creativity, even in a small room? Well, grab your tools and let’s transform that unused wall space into a functional and stylish DIY wall-mounted drop-down desk!

This project is perfect for anyone who loves the idea of a dedicated workspace but doesn’t have the luxury of ample square footage. Plus, the hidden storage is a game-changer! It’s like having a secret compartment for all your crafting treasures. As a seasoned DIY enthusiast, I can attest to the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional with your own two hands. This project is no exception.

Gathering Your Materials and Tools

Before we dive into the construction phase, let’s gather our weapons of choice – or, in our case, our tools and materials. For this project, you’ll need:

Lumber:

  • 1″ x 8″ x 8′ Common Board
  • 3/4″ Sanded Plywood Project Panel
  • 1″ x 2″ Furring Strip
  • Pegboard Project Panel

Hardware:

  • Two Magnetic Door Catches
  • One Pair of 90 Degree Surface Mount Hidden Spring Hinges
  • One Lid Support Left Hinge & One Lid Support Right Hinge
  • Pegboard Hooks
  • Pegboard Baskets
  • Knob for Pulling the Desk Down

Fasteners:

  • Wood Screws (approximately 1 1/2″ – 2″ long, around 15 total)
  • Wood Screws (approximately 3/4″ long, four total)

Tools:

  • Drill
  • Small Drill Bit for Pilot Holes
  • Circular Saw
  • Stud Finder
  • Measuring Tape
  • Level
  • Paint Brushes or Spray Paint
  • Wood Glue (optional)
  • Safety Glasses

Finishing Touches:

  • Paint Colors of Your Choice (Sample pots will be sufficient) – For a pop of color, I recommend a vibrant hue like Tropical Sea for the frame and a cheerful shade like Yellow Groove for the desk surface. And to add a touch of whimsy, why not try a soft French Lilac for the pegboard baskets?
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Building Your Dream Desk

Now that we have our tools and materials prepped, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of building this fantastic DIY wall-mounted drop-down desk:

Step 1: Creating the Desk Frame

  • Begin by cutting your 1″ x 8″ x 8′ common board into the following lengths:

    • Two pieces at 28″ long
    • Two pieces at 17 7/8″ long
  • Next, cut four small squares from the remaining 1″ x 8″ board. These don’t have to be perfect, just enough to provide support for the pegboard later.

  • Now, arrange your cut boards into a rectangular frame, with the shorter pieces sandwiched between the longer pieces. Use two wood screws at each corner to secure the frame together. Don’t forget to pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the wood.

Pro Tip: For added strength, consider applying wood glue to the edges of the boards before screwing them together. This step is especially helpful if the desk will be used by children.

Step 2: Adding the Desk Surface and Pegboard Backing

  • Take your 3/4″ plywood project panel and cut it down to 28″ x 19 1/2″ using a circular saw. This piece will serve as the writing surface of your desk.

  • Next, cut your pegboard project panel down to 26 3/8″ x 17 7/8″, again using your circular saw.

  • Now, lay your plywood desk surface on top of the frame to ensure a snug fit. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step 3: Infusing Personality with Paint

  • Now comes the fun part – adding a splash of color! This is where your creativity can truly shine. Paint the frame and desk surface in your chosen colors. Let dry completely.

  • For a playful touch, consider using painter’s tape to create geometric designs or stripes on the desk surface.

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Step 4: Installing the Pegboard for Organized Storage

  • Grab your cut pegboard, the four small wood squares, and your longer wood screws.

  • Position a wood square in each corner on the backside of the desk frame. Secure each square using one of the longer wood screws, making sure to pre-drill pilot holes.

  • Now, carefully insert the pegboard through the front of the desk frame, aligning it with the attached wood squares. Use smaller wood screws to attach the pegboard to each square.

Step 5: Mounting the Desk to the Wall

  • With the desk assembled, it’s time to mount it to the wall. First, determine the desired height for your desk. Consider who will be using it and what type of chair will be used.

  • Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs. These will provide the most secure anchoring points for your desk.

  • Measure the distance between the top two wood squares on the back of your desk. Cut your 1″ x 2″ furring strip to that length or slightly shorter.

  • Position the furring strip horizontally on the wall, aligning it with your stud markings. Use your longer wood screws to attach the furring strip to the wall studs.

Step 6: Attaching the Desktop to the Frame

  • Carefully position your assembled desk frame (with the attached pegboard) onto the mounted furring strip. Ensure that it is centered and level.

  • Use your longer wood screws to securely attach the desk frame to the furring strip. Three screws spaced evenly along the back should provide ample support.

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Step 7: Adding the Drop-Down Mechanism

  • Now it’s time to create the drop-down functionality. Lay your painted plywood desktop face down in front of the mounted desk frame.

  • Align your 90-degree surface hinges with the bottom edge of the desk frame and the top edge of the plywood desktop. Attach the hinges according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 8: Installing Lid Supports and Magnetic Catches

  • Attach your left and right lid support hinges according to the package directions. You may need to adjust the positioning of these hinges slightly to ensure smooth operation of the drop-down mechanism.

  • Install the magnetic latches at the top of the desk frame and the underside of the plywood desktop. These latches will keep the desktop securely closed when not in use.

Step 9: Adding the Finishing Touches

  • Attach your chosen knob to the front of the plywood desktop. This will act as a handle for effortlessly raising and lowering your desk.

  • Now, step back and admire your handiwork! Your DIY wall-mounted drop-down desk is complete.

Organizing Your Craft Sanctuary

Congratulations! You’ve successfully built a stunning and functional DIY wall-mounted drop-down desk. Now, let’s transform it into an organized haven for all your crafting endeavors:

  • Pegboard Power: Utilize a variety of pegboard hooks and baskets to keep your crafting essentials within easy reach. Sort items by type or project to streamline your workflow.

  • Vertical Storage Solutions: Maximize your storage space by incorporating wall-mounted shelves, organizers, or even a pegboard above your desk.

  • Creative Lighting: Ensure optimal lighting for your crafting sessions with a combination of natural light and task lighting. Consider a stylish desk lamp or LED strip lights installed under the desk surface.

  • Personalized Touches: Infuse your personality into your crafting nook by adding decorative elements like inspiring artwork, a small plant, or a colorful rug.

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Conclusion

Creating a dedicated space for your passions doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive. By embracing the DIY spirit, you can craft a personalized workspace that perfectly suits your needs and style. This wall-mounted drop-down desk is not only functional but also adds a touch of modern flair to any room. So, gather your tools, unleash your creativity, and experience the joy of crafting a space that truly reflects your unique passions.

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