Recently we’ve converted two full size tables into desks for the kids (the littles). It’s a brilliant way to make a fantastic solid wood desk for much less than buying new or buying wood and a leg-kit. With a few carefully measured cuts and some wood refinishing you can achieve fantastic results.
Student Desk from a Large Console Table
Nichole found a plain amber stained table on Facebook marketplace that was listed for $20 – likely from IKEA at one point. Make sure to confirm with the seller that the top isn’t veneer and you’re getting a solid wood table. This table came apart with two bolts on each leg (9/16 in.) and a few screws to remove the brackets and the sides. A similar table leg kit will cost you about $40-50 – the project has already paid for itself!
We took it all apart and sanded everything down to remove the light coat of stain that was on the table. The first table we painted the legs matte black and stained the top a rich brown. Our son loved it and it’s now his school desk.
Similar Stain | Magazine Holder | Similar Tote | Pencil Jar | Headset | Chair
Playroom Desk from a Dining Table
The student desk project was so fun and easy that we thought why not try it again. We found a full size dining room table for $30 on Facebook marketplace and shortened and narrowed it. This time we painted the legs white to match the theme in the kids playroom.
Like the wood wrapped bookcases – see the simple IKEA hack here.
TIP: For both tables we shortened and narrowed the top slab. For the kids playroom we even shortened the width of the side supports. You will need to cut a groove to hold the leg support. Also, if you narrow the sides, trim from the bottom so that you don’t have to adjust the screw depth.
