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Transforming a Kitchen Table into Wall Desks ORC Week 3 Update


As we cross the halfway point of the exhilarating One Room Challenge, the excitement is palpable! This interior design sprint has pushed our creativity and DIY skills to new heights, and with each completed project, our vision for a vibrant, functional playroom comes closer to reality. While the journey has been filled with thoughtful planning and hands-on work, the transformation of this space has been incredibly rewarding. We’re thrilled to share one of our latest and most impactful DIY endeavors: crafting bespoke wall-mounted desks from a repurposed kitchen table. This project not only solved a design dilemma but also brought much-needed functionality and a touch of unique style to our evolving playroom.

UPDATE: Discover the full playroom makeover reveal here!

From Half-Wall Headache to Functional Design: The Playroom Desk Solution

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of progress, especially since the successful installation of our custom built-in bookshelves. With our entire upstairs freshly painted in a serene gray hue, our focus shifted to a particularly challenging area: a perplexing half-wall in the playroom. This architectural feature had long been a source of design indecision, often leaving me stumped when it came to optimizing the room’s furniture arrangement. Its awkward presence demanded a creative solution that would seamlessly integrate with our playroom makeover plans, transforming an overlooked corner into a highly utilized asset.

For a considerable time, I envisioned a dual-desk setup for this space. One desk would serve as a dedicated creative hub for my daughter, Olivia, perfect for her Play-Doh adventures, coloring sessions, and soon, homework. The other would provide me with a functional blogging and crafting station, allowing me to stay engaged with her while she plays. This multitasking approach was crucial for maximizing our time together while also tackling my work – a win-win for any busy parent! The challenge, however, was finding a design that was both space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing for a playroom environment. Standard desks often felt too bulky or didn’t fit the unique dimensions of the half-wall.

Before shot of a playroom half-wall, showing its awkward layout before the DIY desk transformation.

As you can see from the “before” image above, this wall lacked purpose and visual interest. It was a blank canvas waiting for a functional transformation. The idea of repurposing an existing piece of furniture began to take shape, leading us to a surprisingly simple yet ingenious solution: cutting a kitchen table in half to create two distinct, wall-mounted desks. This approach promised not only a custom fit but also a budget-friendly and sustainable DIY project.

DIY Wall-Mounted Desks: Turning a Kitchen Table into Playroom Perfection

Our quest for the perfect foundation led us to a fantastic find on Craigslist: a solid wood kitchen table complete with four ladder-back chairs, all for a mere $100. The robust construction of the table made it an ideal candidate for our project, ensuring stability and longevity for the future desks. This discovery not only aligned with our budget-conscious approach but also allowed us to give a pre-loved item a new lease on life, embodying the spirit of sustainable design.

Essential Supplies for Your DIY Desk Project:

To recreate these sturdy wall-mounted desks, gather the following materials:

  • A solid wood table (preferably one with a strong apron)
  • Circular saw (essential for precise cuts)
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Level (crucial for ensuring a perfectly flat surface)
  • 2″x4″ lumber board (for wall mounting support)
  • 1 3/4″ wood screws
  • 2 1/2″ wood screws
  • Fusion Mineral Paint in Midnight Blue (or your preferred color)
  • 1 1/2″ angle brush (recommended for smooth paint application)

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Wall-Mounted Desks:

While I regret not capturing every moment of the sawing process – sometimes the creative flow takes over, and the camera is forgotten! – the steps were remarkably straightforward. My husband, Robert, and his father were instrumental in bringing this vision to life, demonstrating teamwork and precision.

An old kitchen table before being cut in half, showcasing its potential for repurposing into two desks.

  1. Precise Division: The first critical step involved accurately dividing the table. We used a tape measure to pinpoint the exact center of the tabletop. With a pencil, we meticulously traced a straight line down the middle, serving as our cutting guide. Using a circular saw, we carefully cut the table along this line. Safety is paramount here; always wear appropriate protective gear and ensure a stable work surface. A clean, straight cut is vital for the integrity and aesthetics of your new desks.
  2. Enhanced Stability with Apron Modification: For added security and a flush fit against the wall, we made a strategic modification. We carefully cut out a section of the table’s apron (the frame beneath the tabletop) corresponding to the depth of a 2×4 board. This created a recessed area, allowing the support beam to sit snugly, significantly increasing the desk’s stability once mounted.
  3. Securing the Wall Support: Next, we cut our 2″x4″ lumber board to the exact width of the half-table. Using a reliable level, we positioned this support board against the wall, ensuring it was perfectly horizontal. It’s crucial to locate wall studs for maximum support. Once positioned, we securely screwed the 2″x4″ board into the wall studs using 2 1/2″ wood screws. This robust wall anchor is the backbone of your wall-mounted desk.
  4. Mounting the Desk: With the support beam firmly in place, we positioned one half of the cut table on top of the 2″x4″ board. From the top surface of the desk, we then screwed it into the 2″x4″ support using 1 3/4″ wood screws. Repeat this process for the second desk. And just like that, you have instant, custom-designed desks!

Ensuring Structural Integrity:

After mounting, we double-checked each desk with the level one more time to guarantee perfect alignment and sturdiness. I can confidently say these desks are incredibly robust. While I sincerely hope Olivia doesn’t decide to use them as a climbing wall, I’m assured they could withstand such an adventure if put to the test. This unparalleled stability is a testament to the importance of solid wood, precise cuts, and proper wall anchoring.

A newly installed wall-mounted desk, showing the sturdy 2x4 support structure underneath, painted in Midnight Blue.

Close-up view of the 2x4 support beam securely screwed into the wall underneath the repurposed desk, showcasing robust construction.

A Pop of Color: Finishing with Fusion Mineral Paint Midnight Blue

With the structural work complete, it was time to add some aesthetic flair. Since our playroom walls were painted in a very light gray (Behr Seagull Gray), I wanted to introduce a striking contrast to add depth and personality to the space. The perfect choice emerged in the form of Fusion Mineral Paint in Midnight Blue. This rich, deep blue provided the ideal visual anchor for the desks, creating a sophisticated yet playful focal point.

Fusion Mineral Paint is a dream to work with, known for its exceptional coverage and built-in topcoat, which means less prep work and a durable finish – a huge bonus for furniture destined for a busy playroom! I applied a couple of coats to the bases of the desks, allowing the deep blue to truly pop against the light walls and the natural wood tones of the tabletop surfaces. The result is a vibrant and inviting workspace that instantly elevates the room’s design.

Repurposed kitchen table desk painted in rich Fusion Mineral Paint Midnight Blue, featuring clean lines and a modern aesthetic.

The Craigslist find also included four ladder-back chairs. I decided to paint two of these chairs to match the new desks, seamlessly integrating them into the playroom’s aesthetic. The remaining two chairs will likely find a new home, perhaps at a yard sale, turning our $100 investment into even more budget-friendly decor. At just $50 per desk with a matching chair, this DIY truly exemplifies smart, stylish, and affordable design.

Two repurposed kitchen chairs painted in Fusion Mineral Paint Midnight Blue, complementing the new playroom desks.

Stylish playroom desk area with a blue chair, demonstrating how repurposed items can create a cohesive design.

Personal Touches: Decorating Our New Playroom Desks

No desk is complete without a few personal touches and inspiring decor. I was incredibly fortunate to receive a truly unique piece from a dear friend: a large, salvaged “S” from an old Starbucks sign. This industrial-chic letter adds an unexpected element of character and charm to the space. While I’ve considered painting it, for now, its raw, authentic appeal is perfectly suited to the playroom’s eclectic farmhouse style (and yes, it was thoroughly sanitized after its dumpster adventure!).

Decorated wall-mounted desk in a playroom featuring a salvaged 'S' from a Starbucks sign and a vintage globe.

Adding to the sense of adventure and learning, I stumbled upon a vintage globe at a thrift store for just $5. It’s the perfect accessory for Olivia’s desk, sparking curiosity and adding a touch of classic charm. These small, thoughtful additions contribute significantly to the overall narrative of the room, creating a space that is both functional and full of personality.

Close-up of a vintage globe sitting on a repurposed wall-mounted desk in a child's playroom.

Now, Olivia has her very own handy-dandy coloring desk, a dedicated spot where her creativity can flourish. It’s a joy to see her embrace this new space, knowing it will grow with her as she transitions from playtime to homework.

Olivia's newly created coloring desk in the playroom, ready for creative activities and homework.

A charming close-up of Olivia's desk area, featuring a vibrant blue chair and organized space.

And for me, I have my go-to “blog-crazy” desk. It’s a sanctuary where I can spread out my to-do lists, tackle emails, and unleash my hot glue gun creativity, all while staying connected with Olivia as she plays nearby. This setup truly embodies the essence of a modern, multitasking mommy’s dream workspace!

The author's functional home office desk in the playroom, designed for blogging and crafting.

To keep my essential office supplies organized, I repurposed a beautiful jewelry box into an industrial-style organizer, adding another layer of practical charm to my desk. This ensures that pens, markers, and other small items are always within reach, maintaining a clutter-free and inspiring workspace.

Repurposed jewelry box serving as an industrial office supply organizer on the wall-mounted desk.

Playroom Progress: What’s Next for the One Room Challenge

With these fantastic wall-mounted desks, this side of the playroom is officially complete! While the shelves above them are still a work in progress – currently housing a few random items until I finalize their decor – the functionality is fully established. You might even catch a glimpse of the reclaimed wood wall we’re nearing completion on, a project that promises even more character for the space.

Our next tasks include painting a set of wood crates, which will serve as stylish and practical toy storage. And we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve found the perfect rug! After a thorough search and a recent blog post dedicated to my favorite playroom rug contenders, we chose one that is even more stunning in person. More details on that exciting addition are coming soon!

Overall view of the completed desk area in the playroom, showing the painted desks, chairs, and decorative elements.

Our Playroom Makeover To-Do List Progress:

Here’s a quick snapshot of our progress on the One Room Challenge checklist:

  • DONE: Install built-in bookcases
  • DONE: Paint and install repurposed wall-mounted desks
  • DONE: Paint walls in a calming gray hue
  • DONE: Find a vibrant and colorful rug (reveal coming soon!)
  • DONE: Install a functional and stylish ceiling fan (details to follow)
  • Frame and paint window (almost complete)
  • Install reclaimed wood wall (nearing completion)
  • Make oversized storybook art
  • Hang curtains
  • Paint wood crates for toy storage
  • Slipcover sofa
  • Find and makeover a coffee table
  • Decorate shelves with thoughtful accents
  • Implement and organize a comprehensive toy storage system

The momentum is truly exhilarating! Olivia and I are already planning our first celebratory crafting session at our fabulous new desks. This project has sparked so many new ideas; I’m already envisioning what other amazing pieces Robert can skillfully saw in half for future DIY transformations. Who knows, we might just create a whimsical, Willy Wonka-esque office right here at home!

We can hardly wait to share our Week 4 update and, of course, the grand final reveal of this entire playroom transformation. Stay tuned for more creative insights and DIY inspiration as we continue to shape this dream space!

If you found this DIY inspiring, save it for later inspiration:

Pinterest pin showing a repurposed kitchen table cut in half to create wall-mounted desks for a playroom makeover with Fusion Mineral Paint Midnight Blue.

Sign-off image for Blesser House blog posts.

*This post was proudly sponsored by Fusion Mineral Paint. As always, all opinions regarding my favorite furniture paint are 100% my own and reflect my genuine experience with their exceptional products.