No room for a desk? This beautiful console table flips open to hide a laptop or a keyboard! You'll love it's narrow profile, hidden storage in the legs, and simple to build design. Free plans from Ana-White.com
This plan has been updated, the original plans are still available here.
Preparation
6 Frameless Full Overlay Euro Style Hinges like these
1 – 1×12 @ 8′ Length (cut top and shelf from this board)
1 - 1x12 @ 10' length (cut all other cuts, largest first, from this board)
1 – 1×6 @ 8′ Length
1-1/4" brad nails or 2" self tapping star bit screws or 1-1/4" pocket hole screws (or a combination of all of the above
2 - 1x12 @ 29-1/4" - outer legs
1 - 1x12 @ 46-1/2" - shelf
2 - 1x12 @ 24-1/2" - inner legs
1 - 1x12 @ 48" - top
6 - 1x12 @ 4" - dividers
1 - 1x6 @ 48" - keyboard fold down
2 - 1x6 @ 23-3/4" - storage leg doors
Instructions
Step 1
Attach legs to the desk tray using your choice of fastener - 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue, 2" self tapping wood screws, or 3/4" pocket holes with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. You can use any combination of these fasteners to build throughout the plans, considering that the brad nails are cheapest, easiest and easiest to hide, but pocket hole screws will create a stronger joint.
Recommend for this step: Pocket Holes
TIP: The 1x12 @ 4" pieces can be used as a temporary spacer to set your shelf height.
Step 2
I recommend installing the hinges at this point, since it will be hard to get a drill inside the project as we progress further. Simply screw to the project as shown, with the flat front flush to the front edges of the project. You can use a scrap piece of wood to help you place the hinges, making sure they are flush to the front.
Exact location is not essential, just close the locations in the diagram is good.
Step 3
Attach the inner leg piece to the shelf.
Recommended: Pocket Holes
Step 4
Attach top to the outer legs.
Recommended: 1-1/4" brad nails with glue since they are easiest to hide.
Step 5
Attach dividers inside the project as shown - I've placed them so you can fit an 8-1/2" x 11" book/paper in the openings, but you can move the dividers around a good bit without changing the structure of the project.
Recommended: 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.
Step 6
Position the 1x6 drawer faces under the project and attach through the hinges with screws to fasten.
Step 7
If you find you need additional support, fully enclosing the back with 1x6s (same as door faces but attached with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue) will increase the stability and strength of the project (but add costs).
The keyboard fold down can be further strengthened by a hidden chain or hinge supports on the insides of the dividers.
Comments
Aubergine (not verified)
Tue, 05/11/2010 - 21:43
if you weren't using it as a
if you weren't using it as a all the time desk it would look so cool with a matching bench same plan just 50%
Ana as always your stuff is stunning thank you for sharing we are all grateful.
Heidi (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 04:39
I love this desk! I may have
I love this desk! I may have to tackle this with my husband as our first attempt at building furniture.
Jennifer (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 05:59
This is really cool! I just
This is really cool! I just love the simplicity of it.
Hmmm... If anyone is in the market for a new computer, the Dell Studio Hybrid would fit inside the legs of this perfectly - just make sure to cut out openings in the back for ventilation. :)
It's a really small, narrow desktop. I have one hooked up to my TV downstairs and most people can't even tell it's a computer!
Jennifer
Natty (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 07:24
Ditto on the bench idea. I
Ditto on the bench idea. I would use this as a vanity. The storage is perfect for small baskets filled with all my make-up and stuff. you could also change it to have a locking hinged top with a mirror on the inside so you could open it up and get ready and then close it up and everything is tucked away. :) So, I've got ideas, now I just need the nail gun :P
Lynne in NC (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 09:20
This is amazing! Thanks for
This is amazing! Thanks for sharing the photos and plans.
Peace.
Pat (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 10:11
Anna, Are you going modern on
Anna,
Are you going modern on us Ana? (LOL)
I love it ! ...especially the storage concept. My condo is just 950 sq feet. So I know what you mean.
Pat
Vanilla Comfort (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 10:20
I've been thinking about this
I've been thinking about this desk ever since you first shared pictures, and now that you've planted the idea of hiding the CPU tower I'm sold. I have a small, short and thin CPU tower so I think it will fit just fine. I would love to hide the modem, router, and all the wires too. I'm just not sure how the modern design will look in my living area. I love the look though, so I might just go for it!
Allie (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 19:46
Ana, I haven't gotten around
Ana, I haven't gotten around to saying it yet, but: THANK YOU so much for your site, your plans, and your time. I love this site so much. I am so excited to build this desk and so much more. This plan in particular is fantastic for hiding all my office things from my inquisitive toddler! Lol! THANK YOU!!!
Allie (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 19:47
Oh, and I love the coffee and
Oh, and I love the coffee and end tables linked in this post! YES, make plans for them... if you have time! lol
Jenny (not verified)
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 09:12
Ana, where is your CPU tower
Ana, where is your CPU tower hiding? I know it's not in the leg of the desk, but where did you put it so that it is out of sight?
I love, love, love the idea of concealed storage in this desk. We have an office/baby's room in one, and hiding all the grab-able things from baby would be divine.