It’s finally Friday, and what better way to celebrate than with another fantastic DIY project? Today, I’m sharing a straightforward yet stylish desk build from Peter’s Moody Masculine Mighty bedroom makeover. If you recall, last week, I demonstrated how I transformed budget-friendly Ikea shelves into a custom bookcase to display Peter’s sports memorabilia and books.
This time, I wanted to create a desk that would complement the bookcase—a piece that offers a generous workspace without overwhelming the room visually. The result? A sleek, minimalist desk that seamlessly blends wood and metal elements for an industrial yet rustic aesthetic.
Inspiration Behind the Design
Rather than using traditional wooden supports, I sought a mix of materials to mirror the bookcase’s modern aesthetic. To achieve this, I opted for metal shelf brackets typically used for supporting wire shelving in closets and pantries. These brackets are discreet yet incredibly sturdy, providing the illusion of a floating desk while maintaining structural integrity.
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Materials & Tools Needed
To construct this simple yet durable desk, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Plywood cut to size (I used 1/2″ birch, but maple is another great choice)
- Trim for covering exposed edges (matching the width of your plywood)
- Wood stain of your choice
- Stainable wood filler
- Wood glue or Liquid Nails
- Finish nails
- Shelf brackets (plus screws and anchors for securing to the wall)
- Short screws to attach the bracket to the wood
- Scrap wood for additional support
- Fine-grit sandpaper
Step-by-Step Build Guide
Step 1: Cutting the Plywood
First, determine the size of your desk. I opted for an 18” depth, ensuring enough workspace without consuming too much room. Most hardware stores offer plywood-cutting services, which I took advantage of. Birch plywood is an excellent option due to its smooth grain and stain-friendly surface. If you prefer, maple is also a great alternative.
For the trim, I used a compound miter saw, but a simple miter box and handsaw would work just as well.
Step 2: Staining the Wood
Now for the fun part—staining! Watching the wood absorb the stain is so satisfying. I applied a combination of Minwax Jacobean with a hint of Mahogany to achieve a deep, rich tone. Different wood species absorb stain differently, so the plywood top has a slightly richer hue than the pine shelves of the bookcase, but the overall look remains cohesive.
For best results, use a lint-free rag (old t-shirts work great) to apply the stain and sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sandpaper.
Step 3: Prepping the Brackets
To maintain consistency with the bookcase’s aesthetic, I spray-painted the brackets in a black satin finish. This simple step ties the entire space together seamlessly.
When installing the brackets, secure them into wall studs whenever possible. If studs aren’t available, use appropriate anchors. To provide additional support, I added a wooden cleat to the wall before mounting the brackets. Once painted, this cleat blends into the wall and remains virtually invisible.
Step 4: Attaching the Desktop
Once the brackets are installed, place the plywood on top and secure it from underneath using short screws—make sure they are short enough to avoid piercing through the surface!
Step 5: Installing the Trim
You can attach the trim before mounting the desktop, but I chose to do so afterward for a precise fit. Since my desk sits against a window frame, I needed to customize the trim slightly for a snug finish.
Apply wood glue or Liquid Nails along the raw plywood edge, press the trim into place, and wipe away any excess glue immediately. To keep it from shifting, secure it with tape until dry. Then, use a few small finish nails and a nail set to drive them below the surface.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the glue has dried, apply wood filler to any nail holes and joints, allowing it to dry before sanding lightly. To ensure a smooth, safe edge, I rounded off the mitered corner to prevent sharp edges—important for a kid-friendly workspace!
If necessary, use a cotton swab dipped in stain to touch up the filled areas, blending them seamlessly with the rest of the desk.
The Final Look
And there you have it—a beautiful DIY floating desk that adds a touch of industrial charm to Peter’s room. This project is beginner-friendly and can be completed in a weekend, making it a great option for anyone looking to create a stylish yet functional workspace.
By combining rustic wood with industrial metal elements, this desk perfectly complements the minimalist, masculine vibe of Peter’s space. Whether used for studying, gaming, or creative projects, it provides ample room while maintaining an uncluttered, modern look.
For more DIY projects from this room makeover, check out these posts:
Hope you all have a fantastic weekend ahead! Happy DIY-ing!
