I wanted to try somthing new. I'd like to create a new student desk. My room isn't big so when possible i'd like to save some space. (my room is only 2.5 x 3.5).

I'd just like to know your critics on this. :peace: (is the design nice, is it possible to make, what would you change...

some measurement :

the height of the desk is 69 cm. the table is 145 x 65. length of the storage unit is 140 x 20 x 64. boxes are 120 x 45 x 22(or 27).

open desk...

Closed desk..

I like the design. Of course for such a thing to work you would need a couple of wheels and a rail along the surface of the shelves.
Of course that the desk is constructable, but you need to think about the choice of materials. The shelves look really thin and that probably won't be possible in wood. Anyways I wouldn't go for that setup since it would be a dust gatherer.
If you're going to use a crt screen 65 cm is too narrow for the desk and you will have the screen right in your face. For a flat screen I think it's fine. Right now mine is standing at 60 cm from the edge of the desk and it's 17 inch.
The cables might be an issue when colapsing the desk. If the desk is standing next to a wall you won't be able to have any plugs in that area because you will hit them when you move it.
You can check Richard's desk (http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209&highlight=desk) for some inspiration

What is the material used for the storage? Looks like metal. Also looks like a knee shedder. I like the idea though. If you really want to save space, how about the top flipping down to cover the front of the storage area which would also collapse in against the wall. Wouldn't be great for a desktop computer, but would be fine for a laptop.

I like it Tim, very simple and very effective!

My only concerns are the issues raised by Cacapis and Jake regarding the thckness of the shelving material and the stability of the right end of the desk as it sits on the bookshelf. I'm not concerned as Cacapis is about wheels under the desk, as I cant imagine much difficulty in a quick lift and slide, plus the movement allowed by castors at the base would further erode any stability of the desk element.

I'm also not so wrapped in the small space (dust collection) between the shelves.

If this is smoething that you may wish to keep for a while may be worth considering the proportions of shelf and desktop to permit positioning as a corner unit as I considered with my own design (Link provided by Cacapis above).

All good otherwise. Cheers, Richard

Thanks a lot for the comments so far !! :rock on:

@cacapis

I'm only using my laptop for school. So there's no other CRT or TFT atm. So cables aren't really much of a problem.

@Jake

I tryed to flip it down but it doesn't look nice. (see attachment)

@Richard

about the material for the shelves.. That's also my problem. I don't really know what material I could use. I know somekind of metal would be the best way, but there's so much choice. And the use of metal and would toghether isn't always that simple to let something look nice.

check out the size of my room. And I'm not so keen on working in a corner.

What material would you guys suggest for the shelves? :peace:

to put the cat among the pigeons - Have you considered putting wall shelves with a drop down desk top? Would possibly suit a small room better & would be a lot easier to make

I speak from experience - my Dad made me one when I was little & it worked a treat

Hi Tim!

IMHO ...
You should raise the bottom shelve from the floor, as I find it very uncomfortable to have a shelve so low (I'd say 10-15cm minimum).

I would consider joining the two shelves in one volume, thereby eliminating the small gap in between.
They could be made of mdf or plywood. In case of using metal, it should have a bent over edge in order to give it strength and to avoid a sharp edge!


I generally use 75-80 cm for desk height, maybe 69cm is a bit low?

Hope this helps!:)