With school just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to design a desk to fit a small space. With 5 kiddos to find space for, I am always trying to think of ways to maximize space and function at the same time.
Check out my DIY Murphy Desk!
The best part?? It folds up to this super cute and fully functional chalkboard!
How fun is that?? This desk is so versatile too! I actually built this one for my oldest daughter to use as a vanity. It gives her a place to pretty up while hiding her makeup from the babies at the same time 😉
This is a really simple build!
Do you think it would it work to make the desk surface out of one piece of wood that is 19 X 26&7/8 instead of having 3 pieces of wood and drilling pocket holes to attach them? I’m just thinking that it would be easier to have not have to drill the pocket holes and attach the wood pieces together and would also allow for a smooth surface instead of having seems which could interfere with writing or colouring
This is a great desk for homework for my kids. Could you recommend a leg bracket that could used to securely hold the legs in place when folded down? I am finding some online that have 1″+ depth which would place the legs noticeably proud of the rest of the desk when folded. Thanks!
What is the hard wear called ?
what is the latch called I’ve looked at home depot and lowes and don’t know what the latch they used is called?
Thank you so much for this brilliant idea I was thinking me and my sister to change our desk in order to have more space…to be honest I don’t know about wood is there any direction plan to follow or it is better to ask someone expert to build it for me…..I’m thinking about caramel color and in the board place I will put a picture or a white board…thank you and by the way I have found you through Pinterest ?
I can’t access the PDF any more on the Ryobi website. I don’t know if maybe it’s a problem on their end? I can’t access the dimensions to make the cuts.
What did you use for your chalkbaord?
Lowe’s has a $6 board 2×3 dry erase on one side and chalkboard on the other. That’s what I used.
I know that this question is off topic. But I was wondering if anyone knows the paint name & brand on the walls? The mint like color. Thanks in advance!
its like seafoam green. my bathroom used to be that color.
Thanks Leslie! I love the color!
Here is my version of the desk. I don’t normally build things, so this took me a few weeks to construct. It wasn’t very simple, but it was fun to do. I modified the directions because i wanted a very long desktop (55 inches long). As a result I had to cut the frame’s leg supports in order for the desk to sit at a normal seated height of 29 inches. I used black chalk paint so my son can draw on the wood easily with chalk later. I found glow in the dark orange spray paint for the frame leg supports. However, it doesn’t glow too well at night. The desk is so long that it is tough for him to close it up, but he has found a way to do it safely. Great space saver and he loves it!
This may be a silly question. I know nothing about building anything. I’m looking to put a desk in a small space in my dining room and this looks perfect. I’m using it for myself. I’ll be going to grad school full time and will have to turn my office into a third bedroom so I’m losing that space. Will a 5’2 woman be able to sit at this desk comfortably? If not how do I adjust the dimensions or do you have any other suggestions?
Thanks
Aliyia
It states check out my full tutorial over at Ryobi Nation in green. Click on that. Then you can download the plans in PDF format. You don’t have to enter the sweepstakes or sign up for anything.
I just made this in one day. The plan was to get the materials then just cut the wood to size. The next thing I knew, I was done. Started at 1:45 and was done at 7:30. Just have to paint it now. Didn’t have many problems, besides not doing exactly what the direction tell you to do. I’m turning into my dad!! My 12 1/2 year old daughter is so happy and she will paint the inside and I will paint the outside. Thank you for the planes.
Hello are you intrested to the DIY Murphy Desk because I can offer to you a course with many options in London Let me know
in the supply list would be great if you could include necessary TOOLS also
This is a good idea, but the plan dimensions are wrong. I had done all the cutting the day before. But if you look at the 4 1x6x30’s for the desk top 4×6 is 24″ not 22 1/4″. and this is one of a few mistakes that I had to fix.
I disagree, the plans are correct. There are two 22 1/4 panels for the top and bottom of the frame. The desk top is made of four 1×6 x8 panels. I suggest you print out all the plans in a color printer. It is very self explanatory that way.
You are correct if you buy the dimensional lumber. But if you are milling the lumber yourself the cut list doesn’t work.
About how much does it cost, in materials, to build this?
I would love to get the instructions for this project.. I tried creating an account on the Ryobi website to see the instructions but it keeps saying “There was a problem signing in. Please check your credentials.”.. I tried contacting their customer service, but you have to be signed into your account to email them (that’s a problem when your issue is not being able to log in)… So I’m stuck with no way to log in to access the instructions.. Is there any way you can share the full instructions please?