Living in a small apartment can make it tricky to find space for everything you need, especially when you want to add a desk to your living room without it taking over the space. If you’re looking for a creative and space-saving solution, transforming an old, cluttered bookcase into a stylish, multi-purpose desk might be exactly what you need.
Here is what you need:
• Krud Kutter and cloth
• Three paint brushes (two angled, one standard)
• small Roller
• One small tray
• Paint of your choice
• Stir stick
• Drop cloth
• Wipes
• Painter’s tape
• Two foam brushes
• Fair Thing Diamond Wood Finish (water-based)
• Ziploc bag
• Four screws
• Shims for nails
• Carpenter adhesive
This was how my bookcase looked before I began. It looked very dark in the corner and it needed a fresh look.
Step 1: Prep Your Bookcase
The first thing you’ll need to do is take a good look at your bookcase and figure out how to make it work for your new desk. If your shelf is already cluttered, the goal is to make it more organized and functional. Start by cleaning the shelf with a heavy-duty cleaner like Krud Kutter I used this one to get rid of dirt and grime. If your shelf has been previously painted you should use a primer like like Bullseye 123 Primer
Step 2: Paint the Shelf
Once the bookcase is clean and primed, it’s time to give it a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that will complement the rest of your space—something like a soft, creamy white will give your shelf an elegant and cozy vibe paint colour I used.
Be sure to use a durable paint Paint from Home Depot that will stand up to daily use, and apply a few coats for a smooth, even finish.
This is after the first coat. Start with a light touch.
The first coat should be a tack coat—just a thin layer, not too thick. It’s always better to apply thin layers gradually. I used a small roller brush and tray for the larger areas, and a paintbrush for the smaller nooks and crannies. The can states its one coat application, but speaking from experience it’s better to start with light coats.
After the first light coat and a few hours of drying, be sure to do a scratch test. Gently run your fingernail across the paint—if any paint comes off in a particular spot and isn’t sticking, you’ll need to prep and prime again or make sure the piece was thoroughly cleaned. Trust me, this step is crucial!
Don’t worry the first coat always looks terrible. It will get beautiful.
If your bookcase has nice hardware , consider leaving them as is or changing them out to something fun or trendy.
Finish with a water-based Polyurethane link here. Here Be sure to go around after each coat and catch any drips. Again light coats are essential here.
A coat of water-based polyurethane is an essential step in protecting your project and ensuring its longevity. Unlike oil-based poly, which can yellow over time, water-based poly dries clear and preserves the true color of your paint or stain. It provides a durable, scratch-resistant finish that can withstand daily use, making it perfect for furniture and high-traffic areas. Do atleast 2 coats, sanding with 220 grit sandpaper between each coat.
Plus, water-based poly is low in odor, dries faster, and is easier to clean up with just soap and water, which makes the whole process more convenient. Adding a coat of water-based polyurethane gives your piece a professional, long-lasting finish while maintaining its beauty for years to come.
*Tip- place brushes into sealed Ziplock bag in between coats so you don’t need to wash the brush each time.
The contrast between the handles and the white paint will add a chic touch to your desk. Once the paint is dry, seal it with a couple of coats of sealant to protect the surface.
Step 3: Reinforce the Drawers
Since you’ll be using the drawers as the shelf for your keyboard, it’s essential that they are sturdy. If the drawers tend to drop when pulled out, add a small plastic shim to the top of each drawer to prevent this from happening.
This small adjustment will keep the drawers stable and able to support the new desk setup. This helps prevent the drawer from pulling out too far while also providing a stable platform to add a wood ledge shelf.
Cut the shim to size to fit the top of your drawer. In this case, we were able to cut it exactly in half, then secure it with wood screws and a carpenter’s nail.
Step 4: Create the Desk Surface
Next, head to your local hardware store like Home Depot and pick some half inch plywood. You can have it cut to the size you need, which makes this part super easy and affordable. Once you have your plywood, measure the size of the drawer and attach another piece of wood to the bottom, ensuring it fits snugly. Add a layer of glue adhesive. Glue I used
Sand it down to smooth out any rough spots, then paint it with the same color you used for the bookcase This will make the desk surface match perfectly with your shelf.
Step 5: Assemble the Desk
Now it’s time to assemble the desk. For extra support, add a second piece of plywood underneath the first one. Attach with screws and adhesive. Once it’s in place, fit the desk surface onto the shelf, and make sure everything is secure. You’ll now have a sleek, functional desk area that fits seamlessly into your living room.
Step 6: Adjust the Height for Comfort
Don’t forget to adjust the height of your desk for comfort. Make sure it’s the right height for your keyboard and fits well with the chair you plan to use. Finding the perfect chair is just as important—it should not only match your desk, but also work with your living room’s aesthetic. Consider choosing a cozy, elegant chair that doesn’t have wheels or swivel, so it complements the more refined look of your living room when the desk is not in use.
Step 7: Enjoy the Flexibility
One of the best parts about this DIY desk hack is the flexibility. You can easily add or remove the desk when you need it, and when you’re done working, simply turn the chair around to face your living room again. This makes the space feel cozy and functional without overcrowding your living area.
Decorate
If you’re looking for a clever way to add a desk to your living room without taking up too much space, this simple shelf transformation is the perfect solution. Not only will it save you space, but it will also bring a touch of style and elegance to your home. Enjoy your new, multi-functional workspace!
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I’d love to know if you tried this out! Drop me a message or email to share your thoughts, questions, or any tips you have – let’s connect!”
