My Experience Building A Murphy Desk
When I moved into my small studio apartment, I realized that I needed furniture that was both functional and space-saving. One of the key pieces I was missing was a desk, but I didn’t want it to take up too much room.
After some research, I stumbled upon the idea of a Murphy desk. This type of desk is mounted on the wall and can be folded up and stored away when not in use, taking up minimal space.
How To Build A Murphy Desk
Step-by-Step Guide
Building a Murphy desk may seem daunting, but it’s actually a fairly simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Measure the wall where you want to install the desk and mark off the area.
- Cut a piece of plywood to the desired size of your desk.
- Attach brackets to the back of the plywood, making sure they are level and secure.
- Mount the brackets to the wall using screws and a drill.
- Attach a hinge to the bottom of the plywood and to the wall, allowing the desk to fold up and down.
- Attach a support leg to the bottom of the desk to provide stability when in use.
- Add any finishing touches, such as painting or staining the wood.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
Here are some tips and ideas for building a Murphy desk:
- Consider using a lightweight material, such as MDF, to make the desk easier to fold up and down.
- Add storage options, such as shelves or drawers, to maximize space.
- Install a power strip or USB hub to make it easy to plug in electronics.
- Use a wall-mounted lamp to save even more space on the desk.
- Consider adding a cork board or white board to the back of the desk for added functionality.
- Use a decorative bracket or hinge to add some style to the desk.
- Consider a folding chair or stool to save even more space when the desk is not in use.
- Make sure to choose a location that allows for enough clearance when the desk is folded down.
- Consider adding a lock to the desk for added security.
- Use a level and measuring tape to ensure the desk is properly aligned and secure.
Pros and Cons
Like any piece of furniture, there are both pros and cons to a Murphy desk:
Pros:
- Takes up minimal space
- Can be customized to fit any size or style
- Provides a functional workspace without sacrificing space
- Can be easily stored away when not in use
Cons:
- May not be as sturdy as a traditional desk
- May require more effort to fold up and down
- May not provide as much storage space as a traditional desk
- May not be suitable for larger or heavier items
My Personal Review and Suggestion
After building my own Murphy desk and using it for several months, I have to say that I am extremely happy with the results. It was easy to build and customize to fit my space, and it has provided a functional workspace without taking up too much room in my apartment.
My suggestion would be to make sure to choose a sturdy material and to properly secure the desk to the wall. Also, consider adding storage options to maximize space and functionality.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can a Murphy desk be used as a permanent workspace?
A: Yes, a Murphy desk can be used as a permanent workspace as long as it is properly secured to the wall and made of sturdy materials.
Q: How much weight can a Murphy desk hold?
A: The weight capacity of a Murphy desk will depend on the materials used and how it is secured to the wall. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional to determine weight limits.
Q: Can a Murphy desk be used for a laptop or desktop computer?
A: Yes, a Murphy desk can be used for a laptop or desktop computer as long as it is properly secured and has enough space for the computer and any necessary accessories.