Desk, Desk Systems and Project Table Plans

Browse our collection of free desk plans and build your own desk - get exactly what you want, custom fit for your space, for way less.

Create a work space that you love with the perfect desk for your space and needs. Whether you need a small computer desk, an executive office desk, or a modern office desk, we are here to help you turn your home office ideas into a reality, on a DIY budget.

Types of Office Desks

Computer Desk: A computer desk is designed to fit a desktop computer with an opening for a chair.  A computer desk can be as simple as a small table, or upgraded to contain storage shelves or drawers.  Computer desks can have desk hutches for additional style and storage. Computer desks are commonly placed on a wall, and the back side may or may not be finished.

Executive Desk: An executive desk is like a computer desk, but grander and often designed to be placed facing the center of the room.  Executive desks are finished on all four sides.  Executive desks are often used in professional offices, but are gaining popularity in home offices for their beauty, and the option for the users to work facing the center of the room. What size is an executive desk? Executive desks are about the size of a rectangle table - 3 feet deep x 6 feet long.

Cabinetry Style Built In Desk: The built in desk is perfect for a dedicated office space, where you need lots of storage.  It creates a clean, custom look, like kitchen cabinetry.  If you build yourself, you can create a truly custom solution. Cabinetry desks are a great option if you need a storage desk.

Corner or L-Shaped Desks: Corner or L-Shaped Desks create workspace versatility for the user, with much more desktop space.  Choose a corner desk when you have a big, dedicated space, and need lots of desktop work surface for the user. A corner desk can be as simple as a corner desktop placed on two bases, and we have the plans for that here.

Standing Desks: A standing desk is designed for use while standing.  Some desks can convert between standing and sitting desks to create options for the users.

Leaning Desks: If space is scarce, try a leaning desk.  Leaning desks are easy to build, have lots of storage, and look stylish in a modern space.  You can also build a standing leaning desk.

Secretary Desks: Secretary desks are a great way to add a hidden desk to any room of your home.  The front flips down to a work space inside.  We have several free secretary desk plans.

Kids Desks: Do your kids need dedicated workspaces for their homework?  Kids desks are great projects because they are fun and fast to make.  For kids desks, try smaller sizes with dedicated storage and pair with a fun chair.

Storage Desks: Storage desks are important if you need lots of space and options for storing office supplies or files.  Do you have a lot of paperwork? Hutches can double the storage space in a desk.

Project Tables: Like an island in a room, a project table is good for working on projects and crafts.  A project table is normally counter height, and is sized similar to a kitchen island. Consider a project table in addition to a computer desk if space allows.

Gaming Desk: A computer desk can be used for a gaming desk.  If you need multiple monitors, consider a corner desk.  If you have a gaming tower, consider a desk that has dedicated storage underneath for the gaming console.

What should I look for in an office desk?

Here's a few things to consider when choosing the perfect desk to build:

  • Size of Desk - do you need a space saving design?  Does the desk need to fit in a specific space constraint, for example placed in a nook or between windows?  
  • Storage - what items (if any) need to be stored inside the desk?  Do you need a file system for a lot of paperwork?  Spacious drawers for office supplies? Do you need desktop room for a printer or extra monitor? 
  • Style - should you build a modern desk or a farmhouse desk?  Does the desk need to match existing furniture and design elements in the office, room, or home? 

What Finish Should I Choose for a Desk?

The finish you choose for your desk is essential to how well it works in the room, with the room's decor, and how well it fits your home's style.

Wood Desk - a wood desk is ideal for a room with a carpeted floor, or where an accent rug is under the desk.  A wood desk can add that warm, wood texture to an otherwise blank room. There are many options for a wood finish to get the exact look you are envisioning.  Try a whitewash wood effect for a light and bright, or a darker wood stain for a moody office space.

White Desk - The white desk is ideal for a room with a wood floor.  The white desk will contrast with the warm wood texture, and can pair with other white furniture, even if the style is not exactly the same. White desks are great choices for smaller home office spaces.

Painted Desk: A painted desk is great choice for a creative home office space, or a room needing some personality.  Choosing a neutral color like black, grays, or creams is always safe, but any color can be used - the user should feel like their desk is their personal space.

Wood Finish on the Desktop: For a painted desk, a wood finish on the desktop is a great idea, since you get the crisp, painted finish, but the top has the texture and durability of wood.  Wood grain hides more, so your desk will look cleaner longer with a wood finish on top.

Ideas for Small Desks in Small Spaces

Do you need a small desk?  If you are working with small spaces, and you need a small desk, consider vertical space with a hutch or leaning desk, or adding storage shelves above.  Organization is key, so be sure to integrate lots of storage options.  On open shelves, decorative bins or vases can be used to sort office supplies - think vases filled with pens, magazine files filled with printer paper.  

For college students, a leaning desk is a great option since it is an all in one solution, that doesn't need to be attached to the wall and can easily be moved.  The leaning desk takes up vertical space, creating shelving above and below.

Functional Decor for Your Desk

A home office system that works has minimal distractions and clutter, so keep unnecessary decor to a minimum.  But if you want to style your desk with a few accessories, here's how:

Office chair - choose an office chair that you love.  Paired with a simple, clean lined desk, the chair will add instant style, no matter how simple your desk is.

Desk Lamp - a desk lamp is a great way to add style to the desktop without cluttering up the desktop.  

Leg Options - the leg option you choose for your desk will determine the style of the desk - a simple, square leg is perfect for modern styles.  A turned leg or X detailing is perfect for farmhouse styles.

Home Decor - Other home decor can be used in the home office desk space, but be careful to use home decor that is functional - think baskets, bins, vases for smaller objects, and calendars, clocks and pinboards for wall decor.

FAQ About Home Office Desks

Question: What is the difference between a computer desk and an executive desk? 

Answer: An executive desk can float in a room,  and is finished on all four sides.  An executive desk is usually deeper in width than a computer desk.  A computer desk normally is set against a wall.

Question: What is a good size for a desk?

Answer: A 60" wide desk provides ample workspace for most home offices.  

Question: What is the average cost of an office desk?

A good quality desk will cost between $500-$1000.  You can DIY a desk for between $50-$200.

Question: How big of a desk do you need for two monitors?

A 60" desk is a good size for two monitors.  Try a corner desk configuration for two monitors, as this keeps both screens at about the same distance from the user.