Flip Down Wall Art Desk
September 19, 2011 |
60 Comments
posted by Ana White
PDF versionThis do it yourself kids desk folds up to become a wall chalkboard! Stores art supplies and even a paper roll holder! Super easy step by step instructions to DIY your own!
Handmade from this plan >>
Projects built from this plan. Thank you for submitting brag posts, it's appreciated by all!
About Project
Author Notes:
This one has been a looooong time in the making. I first came up with the ideas of a wall mounted desk last Christmas when I thought having a fold down wrapping station with rolls of wrapping paper and ribbon all neatly lined up would be a perfect spot to wrap gifts.
But after considering the weight and size of gifts, I decided to scrap the idea and went with the tool box gift wrap station. Building presents makes for large heavy gifts - you know what I'm talking about.
Perfect for an Kid's Art Desk
I don't know why it took me a year to realize a fold down desk with storage would work perfect as a kid's art desk. Duh.
Tiny Space Solution
We have this constant issue in our house of no where to color, paint and do simple crafts. We needed a dedicated art stations for the girls, but in our less than 1200 square foot house that I work out of full time, there just isn't the space for a desk or art easel dedicated to the kids.
Storage Too!
But this desk, when closed, takes up NO floor space, and acts as a chalkboard for playing school. But when opened, the desk not only creates a perfect for kids coloring height desktop, it opens up a dedicated area for storing art supplies. And I've even put in a spot for a craft paper roll!
Easy Systems
You know me, I'm all about creating easy systems in the home that make sense and minimize extra work. Before, we had a show box full of crayons and would haul it around from the table to the floor. Crayons were never put back and I felt like more time was spent cleaning up after a coloring activity then we actually spent coloring.
With this system, the supplies are stored where they are used. That's what? fifteen minutes less for me of picking up crayons a day? Adds up . . . 92 hours a year!!!
Mount at Any Height
I mounted this desk at Grace's preferred height of 22" to the desktop, but you can mount it at any height. Hannah is seven, and the desk is still just the right size for her.
Easy to Use
I installed a simple hook and eye closure to keep the desk shut. To use, just remove the hook and eye and fold open.
Christmas Gift?
If you are looking for a simple inexpensive Christmas gift idea for children, I'd sure consider this one! It's inexpensive to make (I used a scrap piece of PureBond Plywood leftover from my mudroom as the desktop) and you can modify it to suit.
Dimensions
Dimensions:
Dimensions:
You can alter the width of the desk, but do not go any deeper - the support is not there! Materials and Tools
Shopping List:
1 - piece 3/4" plywood 16" x 24"
1 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long
1 set hinge supports
1 set basic hinges
3 D ring hangers
Chalkboard paint (optional)
Moulding or trim (optional)
2 inch screws
2 inch finish nails
wood glue
wood filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
paint
paint brush
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
drill
circular saw
nailer
sander
level
countersink drill bit
Cut List
Cut List:
1 - 1x4 @ 11 1/4"
1 - 1x4 @ 12 3/4"
2 - 1x4 @ 14 1/2"
2 - 1x4 @ 24"
1 - 3/4" Plywood @ 24" x 16"
1/2" dowel, 30" long
General Instructions
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Step 1
I built this project with 2" finish nails, but you can also use screws or the Kreg Jig.
Start in the center and work your way outward so you don't get caught in a corner. Mark all joints and fasten with glue.
Please read all comments when installing the hinge supports - per reader comments, depending on your hinge supports, you may need to add extra clearance for the supports.
Step 2
Mark joints and attach in place.
Step 3
Now the top and bottom. Drill 1/2" diameter holes for paper roll here. Leave dowel long so you can roll the outside ends to roll up the craft roll.
Step 4
You do not have to put the trim on, I did because my chalkboard edges were so ugly! I used window casing, but you can use anything. Attach the top with simple hinges on the bottom.
Step 5
You will need to add support hinges like these properly configured so the top does not fall open and supports the desktop.
Step 6
Use D Ring hanging brackets to hang on the wall. Be SURE to attach to at least one stud in the wall, and properly hang in drywall on two other locations.
Step 7
UPDATE: Per reader comments, this desk may not fit standard support hinges with the paper roll holder. I used a simple chain on the outside coupled with euro style non mortise hinges that already provide support and it's plenty strong. If I had placed the hinges inset more, the chain could have been put on the inside of the desk as well - but it just worked out better on the outside for me.
Other workarounds could be flipping the desk over so the paper roll is to the top, or using a wider width board for the outer frame, with a slightly narrower width board (for example a 1x4 frame with 1x3 shelves) to fit the support hinges.
My apologies to anyone having issues. Thank you to those of you who have left feedback, it is greatly appreciated. Ana
Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions:
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
- ‹ previous
- 328 of 807
- next ›
Printer-friendly version- Login or register to post comments
Send by email- PDF version
so clever
Ana, could you be any more clever! This could be adapted to many uses. I think i'll make one for the kitchen area to store random papers or a bill paying station. Thank you for the inspiration!
clips
This is great!
I've been trying to figure out where I could put a desk for Maddie (6y/o) to do homework and coloring in our tiny 930 square foot home. Thank you so much! Now I can put it in her room!
clips
I love it!
The hinges in the pictures of the one that you built look different than the one specified in the instructions. Are they? Are the ones from your actual pictures strong enough? I would prefer them to the ones that would hang on the sides and get in the way of arms.
He may wear the pants, but I wear the toolbelt!
posted by DirtSquirt | on Mon, 2011-09-19 19:25
clips
Hi Dirt Squirt, thank you!
Hi Dirt Squirt, thank you! The hinges are different - I used the Euro style ones - but the better installation is the simple hinge and hinge support. We live 100 miles from a Home Depot or Lowes, so I am waiting for my next shopping trip to pick up the hinge supports, and only had on hand the Euro style ones. The euro style hinges do work, but not for a high weight load without the supports. Since the Euro Style hinges are more expensive and harder to install, I recommended the simple hinges on the underside. Hope this makes sense! Best luck! Ana
wall desk
I want to point out that this desk is also good for the development of young children. When children cross the mid-line of the body it allows for better brain development and specifically the ability to learn to read. Also children with developmental delays seem to be helped by standing vs. sitting (IE: using the chalk board or an easel.
I was just discussing an idea
I was just discussing an idea like this for a "fold out" sewing station. I love this idea, but do you think it could handle a sewing machine? I'm thinking I might be out of luck. Love this idea, though, and will likely implement in our girls' rooms.
clips
Hi Sandi, what a great idea,
Hi Sandi, what a great idea, a fold out sewing center! Not sure if the support would be there with my plan, but there are certainly ways of "beefing" up everything!
We really love it in Grace's room - so far, she's put everything away when done, and folded it shut! Here's hoping that continues!
Beefing it up
It may sound odd, but one way to get the added support is to add fold up legs to the bottom(or sides?) of the table. Unfold them, lock them into place, and then bring down the table. Or Unfold the table, then the legs if the table/wall is strong enough to support the legs. Obvious the desk would need to be larger and better attached to the wall for this idea. Just my thoughts on beefing things up. :)
Beefing it up...
As mentioned by another commenter in response to this idea, adding folding legs is another way to add extra support. Here is a link to a similar desk with legs, for inspiration's sake: http://www.homedecorators.com/detail.php?parentid=0100300&aid=google.pus...
posted by Dana Jacobs (not verified) | on Tue, 2012-02-21 23:49
clips
Thank you everyone for
Thank you everyone for commenting and reading this post - we really enjoy this desk and I hope you build it! We love it!
I'll take 92 more hours a year!
I think the best part of this plan was the time savings picking up crayons. I spend a good portion of my day cleaning up the art supplies! Wondering if there would be a way to either add or have free-standing legs you could set up to support a longer version of this for a fold-down desktop for three kids?? Any ideas?
clips
It's crazy how these small
It's crazy how these small daily tasks just add up, don't they!!! Before you know it, you are 92 hours into picking up crayons.
I'm proud to say we are several days into this craft desk and I have not picked up or put away a single craft item (and we have a 2, 4 and 7 year old here regularly!). The system is working for us!
There would be no issue of going wider, I actually initially designed the desk 4 feet wide. But I scrapped that design because I wanted the kids to be able to open and close the desk independent of me. But certainly possible.
Going longer would be very beneficial because it would give you a taller chalkboard (or whiteboard or pinboard), but would make the storage cubbies harder for the little ones to access. You certainly could though - just make the frame (or part of the frame) fold out as a leg base.
An Idea
LOVE this! this would be perfect for older kids too! Just wanted to add an idea- why not screw down a strip of metal alond the bottom? Not a sharp piece but something that the end of the paper can slide underneath to hold the paper down and then you can use that piece of metal to tear the paper off the roll. Make sense?
clips
Makes perfect sense! You
Makes perfect sense! You know what might be cute would be a ruler with a metal edge or metal ruler, then the ruler could be used as a measuring device as well!
The paper roll is actually backwards in the photo - couldn't get the kids to stop painting long enough to change it! and should actually roll under, perfect for a tear strip. Great idea!
clips
How to cut paper
Use a hacksaw blade (fine teeth for metal cutting & longest one) at the rear end of the table and screw it down on top of 1/8" spacers (washers will work) feed the paper underneath. Pull paper out and tape like drafters use to do. When done with art, hold the roll and tear the sheet up against blade for straight cut.
posted by cdmccreary | on Sun, 2011-12-11 16:28
This is brilliant. I love
This is brilliant. I love this plan and want to build two side by side for my little girls sharing a room. Love it!
clips
I've been wanting something
I've been wanting something like this for DD's room for a while now, but I haven't had time to sit down and really think through the mechanics. I love your design! Can't wait to find time to bang it out. (I need to finish a loft bed first.)
clips
attacthing to the wall
I love this! For more support, you could hinge the frame at the top to the chalk board so that it forms legs when you open the desk.
I'm completely confused about the hangers, though. How do those hangers work? Have you had any problems with the desk coming away from the wall? I'd be worried about that, then the supplies falling out the back.
posted by lianatempera | on Tue, 2011-09-20 13:53
clips
Thanks! About the hangers, I
Thanks! About the hangers, I only have them on the top, and using the desk actually pushes down on the back, keeping everything in place, rather than pulling it outward. That said, it would be a good idea to put the hangers on the top AND bottom (4 total) with at least one on top and one on bottom into a stud in the wall. Good point!
Would 1/2 inch plywood work?
That's what I have on hand. I am all about this, I am going to do it this weekend with my little boy!
When I first saw this (on
When I first saw this (on ohdeedoh) I thought the front was a cabinet door. It might make an even easier project and it would have hinges (or spots for hinges) already.
I'm just wonder how much wt this would hold. I could see my guy leaning on it and breaking it off
Thanks for the awesome idea.
clips
What a great idea to use a
What a great idea to use a cabinet door!
As shown in the photos, I do not yet have my support hinges in place (we live 100 miles from a Home Depot or Lowes and I just haven't made the trip yet). The support hinges will greatly increase the strength of the flip down - depending on the type you get and the screws you use, the weight limit could be very very heavy.
I think the part we are loving the most about this desk (we are a week into using it with three very crafty girls) is the accessible storage of supplies. It's so convenient to put the crayons and paints back and close it up!
Best luck everyone and thank you!
clips
Wonderful Idea!
Anna you are so creative! This will be perfect for my sons room. I was contemplating building a desk but his room is so small that a desk would literally leave him with no room. We have a 4 bedroom house and only 1600 square foot and each room is limited to how much furniture can go in it. This will work perfectly! Thanks so much Anna!!
posted by Camerons_Mom | on Thu, 2011-09-22 16:43
clips
I just thought about
I just thought about something. Istead of having the external support brackets (that could get caught and yanked by clothing walking, or running, by). Could we instead attach chains to the top corners of the shelves and the fold down shelf to hold it in place?
clips
Support Hinges
Just built this desk. I love it. Putting on the support hinges to keep the desk level was difficult for this beginner. Had to cut a notch in the top interior shelf for the hinge to fold into. It would have been much easier to do BEFORE assembling the desk. Don't forget to think about where those support hinges will go.
posted by Crystal907 | on Sat, 2011-10-01 11:19
moulding
Hi-
We're about to start this project (beginners.) We think the moulding makes the project, but aren't sure how much to buy or how to cut it or put it together. Is there another tutorial somewhere that explains moulding, or is that just something we need to figure out on our own?
Thanks! We are in 1000 sq ft and our kids are going to LOVE this!
Whats the 1 - 1x2 @ 22 1/2"
Whats the 1 - 1x2 @ 22 1/2" for? I dont see that in the one in the picture. The hinge supports will not close with the 22.5" peice across at the bottom. I removed the 22.5" peice and the hinge supports still dont seem to work because there is not enough depth when closed.
clips
The 1x2 @ 22 1/2" was
The 1x2 @ 22 1/2" was originally meant to be put at the top, inset to the back, giving you something to screw the entire unit to the wall. This is an error on my part - when I hung mine and found the unit to be secure without the 1x2, I decided it wasn't entirely necessary for the plans. I will update the plans to reflect this error, and I thank you for writing to let me know. Much appreciated.
For the hinge supports, depending on the type of hinge support, you may be able to place to the outside. Or if your hinge supports are particularly long, you could flip the unit over so your paper roll sits to the top, and then you would have more room for the hinge supports. Another option is to use chain and threaded eye hooks.
Hope this works for you - Ana
1x4 @ 22 1/2
I just finished building this darling desk. I just have to paint it and then I'll post pictures. Thank you for another winner, Ana!
I am a total amateur so I feel a little silly correcting anything in your plans but I just wanted to note that there seems to be one cut missing from the cut list. According to the plans there is a 1x4 @ 22 1/2 to make the shelf above the paper holder dowel but that doesn't appear on the cut list.
Thanks again!
Becky
posted by Becky Smith (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-01-19 09:13
Cute but Complicated
although a very cute idea ~my husband a skilled carpenter~ made this per specs and it does not close nor do the side brackets fit without quite a bit of notching etc. and one of the cuts are listed wrong. Best if you use the euro brackets vs side that the directions call for because the desk will not close properly, if at all.
AWESOME
This is a fantastic project! I am going to customize it to be a computer desk-- with two computer screens flush-mounted on the wall inside the case (flip up the desk and voila- no computer)! Also working in a slide-in wireless keyboard hide-away and mouse cubby... I will send pics when done. I am so excited.
Thanks for the idea-- love the site. We are looking at building a house of our own from the ground up soon and love your momplex blog! Thanks again!!!
What a great idea! We are
What a great idea! We are going to be building this for our daughter to put in her "art corner" we are making in the corner of the kitchen.
I do have one question regarding the front panel where you have a chalkboard; do you have any other ideas for what to do with that area? We already have a large chalkboard right next to where this will go and I am having a hard time coming up with an idea of how to "decorate" the front of this. Don't want to do the chalkboard or dry erase and she is too little for a pin board, don't want her to have tacks or anything like that. I was thinking of putting a fun cute fabric? Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks!
Front decoration
What about one of those message boards with a cute fabric and a coordinating ribbon that makes several diamond patterns? Then your little one could still showcase her items, but without the use of pins.
Wall Desk
make for Pae
Lid Supports
Hardware Tree sells a hinge/support for drop front secretaries that would work well for the wall desk. It combines both the hinge and support in compact unit, and they are only $6.35 each.
Flip Down Wall Art Desk
Idéia maravilhosa, amei amei amei!!!
Price to make
Just wondering about how much you spent on all of the materials? There is a similar desk at Ikea (59.99) and I was just trying to figure out which is more cost effective.
Although I do like the make it yourself idea better:)
Thanks,
Anne
Came here looking for an
Came here looking for an alternative to the IKEA laptop desk. We just drove to LA to buy 2 and were told they are discontinued :(
Flip Down Wall Art Desk --> Flip Down Changing Table?
Hi Ana,
Your blog is such an inspiration! Wondering what your thoughts are on creating a flip down changing table? Good idea/bad idea? How would I alter your plans to support the weight and a cushion/pad instead of the shelves?
Thanks!
I would love to build this
I would love to build this for my daughter but she is 11 so would need it bigger. What do you recommend the measurements should be?
I love these. We had one a
I love these. We had one a LONG time ago that was built in the 70's that after the user grew out of crayons (it was deeper) it was used for hair curlers and perfume! We are building a new one into a built in bookshelf in our current home and my husband could not remember what it looked like inside; we have a photo of the outside but that didn't cut it. Thanks for sharing. He's a visual guy and the internet and posts like yours save us from killing each other sometimes!
Perfect for a mobile home ;)
Ana, Since moving out of our house into an apt Ive been at a standstill on building. And now, im looking at buying a mobile home out in the country, but the bedrooms are teenie! ( My duaghter is not big enough for a loft bed yet! )This is perfect, I could mount it above my daughters bed, or even in the hallway! Thanks for posting another awesome plan! Love it.
Love this!
My husband and I made 2 of these for our grandkids (2 & 3yrs old). We love having them visit but hated when they just wanted to watch T.V. We wanted them to learn and use their imagination and these desks did just that. They spend lots of time coloring, painting, drawing and writing on the chalkboard. Just wanted to thank you for the inspiration and to let you know that it was just as easy as you said it would be! Thanks again!!
perfect for teachers!
This is going to make my classroom a different place next year! I just hope a beginner isn't getting too carried away to imagine building several of these as centers around my room! Maybe even one for me! I can't wait to try! Thanks you wonderful woman!
Possible Cutting table ??
I do large scale sewing projects (tall draperies, bed spreads, etc). I have been dreaming up how to convert my guest room with a queen size bed into my work space without getting rid of the bed - for the occasional guest! I'm thinking the storage day bed idea combined with a DIY headboard, which will drop down (&maybe unfold?) that can be used as a cutting table for fabrics. Because of the length:width it would probably need fold out leg supports that drop on either side of the far end of the bed. I can dream it,, just not design it!! Lol. Any suggestions?
Adorable and functional!!
I can't wai't to do this in my daughters room!
posted by ademasters | on Tue, 2012-07-31 11:58
Increasing the size of the flip down art desk
I would like to use this as a wrapping station as you mentioned earlier. I would like to increase the width to a gift wrap roll size, but I would like to increase the height as well. I know you mentioned not to increase the depth, but would increasing both the height and width cause an issue? I am a rookie who wants all my ducks in a row before I beg my husband to construct this for me!!
Convert into baby change table
I love this.... how could you make if more sturdy to use as a baby change table ? or would it need to be sturdier?
Jen
missing in list?
It seems that you are missing from the cut list 1 - 1x4 @ 22.5" - this increases the 1x4 length required to finish the project from 101" to 123.5".
A question about mounting - how would you recommend attaching a much larger (8' wide by 40" tall) version of this to a studded wall? Any other modifications required? (i.e. hinges or other support mechanisms)
Thanks!
I am preparing my assignment
I am preparing my assignment paper and gathering information on this topic. Your post is one of the better that I have read. Thank you for putting this information into one place.
bryn meadows
clips
Cut list is WRONG!
You are missing the 1x4 for the inner horizontal shelf ...
posted by Tsu Dho Nimh | on Fri, 2013-02-22 11:41
I get a lot of great
I get a lot of great information here and this is what I am searching for. Thank you for your sharing. I have bookmark this page for my future reference.
glasgow airport taxis
clips
I am preparing my assignment
I am preparing my assignment paper and gathering information on this topic. Your post is one of the better that I have read. Thank you for putting this information into one place.hermes outlet , babul-ilm
Its nice DIY
DIY for Kids is a nice idea to make kids learn few easy things on their own.
http://www.venkotech.com/
posted by nicholesmith | on Wed, 2013-04-17 13:17
Great ideas for a girl's room
Great ideas for a girl's room - love the warm colors, Just was looking for some creative design ideas.
Thanks again,
Maurice
http://iqmango.com/DVDCopy.html
posted by mauricecena | on Thu, 2013-04-18 06:29
How long does this take to
How long does this take to make?
posted by DomesticDiva11 | on Thu, 2013-04-18 15:45
creative juices
Hi Ana, thanks for this design idea - my creative juices are flowing now. I'm going to start to design a room for my own kids :) http://stop-ddos.net/en/
posted by samsamuelson | on Sat, 2013-04-20 17:08
Recent comments
- Indeed Alaska has cold 22 min 27 sec ago
- For those wondering about the 1x3 supports 22 min 53 sec ago
- That is a great stuff you 34 min 47 sec ago
- Congratulation to the winner. 31 min 32 sec ago
- Excellent article. Very 1 hour 4 min ago
- I am typically to blogging 2 hours 31 min ago
- I am happy to find this post 3 hours 3 min ago
- Thanks for taking the time to 3 hours 18 min ago
- Thanks for the valuable 3 hours 33 min ago
- I really liked the design and 3 hours 57 min ago
Search
Let's Connect
User login
Not Much >>
Momplex Cam >>
Momplex Cam >>
We are DIYing our moms a Duplex in Alaska! Check out our progress so far as we owner build a home, step by step. Read the Momplex blog here.
- 1 of 20
- ››
Most Viewed Plans
New here? Check out our most popular free, step by step furniture plans.
Active forum topics
- Closet Storage
- Female-friendly power tools or tools for small hands
- A really silly beginner question
- Aussie timber (lumber) sizes - 1 x 2 available in Australia???
- Farmhouse Table with x-legs
- OUTDOOR WOODEN SWING SET
- Electric sprayer - worth trying?
- Finishing Suggestions for Apothecary Console
- Modifying pergola
- Is there a plan for this? Can't find it...
I'm on Instagram!
