When my daughters were sharing a bedroom, I wanted to maximize their small space with a practical and stylish solution. A DIY built-in desk and shelves gave them a dedicated area for homework and crafts, plus plenty of storage for books and keepsakes. The built-ins not only added functionality but also created a cohesive and polished look in their shared room.
If you’re looking to create a cohesive look in your space, painting furniture to complement your built-ins is a great option. In my Painting Furniture: How to Paint Furniture post, I share simple steps for achieving a flawless finish, whether you’re updating an old desk chair or matching storage pieces to your new shelving. It’s an easy way to make the entire room feel thoughtfully designed!
DIY Built In Desk and Shelves: Step-by-Step Build Instructions with Designs
Here’s how I created these practical and beautiful built-ins, step by step.
Supplies
- 4 – 3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. x 8 ft Melamine White Shelf Drilled Board
- 3 – 3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. x 8 ft Shelving White Melamine Board
- 1 – 3/4 in. x 16 in. x 5 ft White Melamine Table Top OR 3/4 in. 30 in. x 5 ft White Melamine Table Top Handy Panel
- 2 – 1 in. x 3 in. x 8 ft Primed MDF
- 1 – 12 in. x 14 in. White Shelf Bracket
- 1 – Wire Grommet
- 24 – Locking White Plastic Shelf Supports
- 52 – #10 1 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws
- 8 – #10 2 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws
Optional
- Crown Moulding (to fit your space)
- Baseboards (to fit your space)
- Trim Screws
- DAP Drydex Spackling
- White Paintable Caulking
- 5 ft x 2 ft Cork (optional for bulletin board)
- Double Sided Sticky Tape (optional for bulletin board)
Tools Needed
- Circular Saw
- Jig Saw
- Drill and Drill Bits
- Palm Sander
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
Optional
- Compound Miter Saw
- Caulking Gun
Cut List
- 4 – 3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. x 96 in. Melamine White Shelf Drilled Board (shelf uprights/side panels) *
- 12 – 3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. x 18 in. Shelving White Melamine Board (shelves)
- 1 – 3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. x 60 in. Shelving White Melamine Board (long shelf over desk)
- 4 – 1 in. x 3 in. x 18 in. Primed MDF (for affixing shelves to wall)
- 2 – 1 in. x 3 in. x 18 in. Primed MDF (desk-side supports)
- 1 – 1 in. x 3 in. x 58 1/2 in. Primed MDF (desk-wall support)
- (IF 3/4 in. x 16 in. x 5 ft White Melamine Table Top is not available, cut 3/4 in. 30 in. x 5 ft White Melamine Table Top Handy Panel down to size for desk top)
*Please adjust the size of built in desk and shelves to suit your space. Especially keep in mind ceiling height!
Instructions
1. Plan the Layout
- Measure and mark on the wall where you want your shelves and desk to be.
Steps 2 and 3 should be done while shelves are laying on the floor.
2. Prepare the Shelves
- To give the shelves stability, three shelves on each side are fixed – top, middle and bottom. Exactly where you attach the top and bottom shelves will depend on the height of the crown moulding and baseboard you choose to use. If you choose to use neither, then affix your shelves right at the very top and the very bottom, as well as in the middle, of uprights. To do this, simply drill existing shelf holes all the way through side panels and screw in place using #10 1 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws.
3. Secure the Units to the Wall
- Each shelf will need to be affixed to the wall for safety. To do this attach one 1 in. x 3 in. x 18 in. Primed MDF piece using two #10 1 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws at the top and bottom of each shelving unit.
- Raise one shelf into place. Using #10 2 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws screwed through Primed MDF pieces at top and bottom, affix shelves to wall. Repeat for other side.
4. Install the Desk
- Prepare desk top (White Melamine Table Top) for cords by cutting a hole in the top to drop cords through. Drill a small hole and then use jigsaw to complete the cut. To make the hole smooth use a wire grommet after cutting.
- Measure 36 in. from the floor and mark on shelf upright/side panel (and wall if not already done). Add one 1 in. x 3 in. x 18 in. Primed MDF desk-side support to each side panel and one 1 in. x 3 in. x 58 1/2 in. Primed MDF to wall using #10 1 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws.
- Place White Melamine Table Top on desk supports. Screw through side panels into desk top using #10 1 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws. This keeps the desk top in place but doesn’t require any holes in desk surface!
5. Add the Wall Shelf
- Measure 24 in. from desk top if not already done. Measure to center of desk top and mark. Using screws suitable to your wall materials, attach White Shelf Bracket to wall.
- Place 3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. x 60 in. Shelving White Melamine Board on shelf support and screw in place. Additionally, shelf can be secure to side panels using #10 1 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws.
6. Install Remaining Shelves
- Place remaining 18″ shelves where desired using Locking White Plastic Shelf Supports.
7. Finish with Trim
- The part that really makes these BUILT-IN is adding both baseboards and crown molding. You choose what goes best with the rest of your home. After you add these, fill in and screw holes with spackling and caulk along the joints. Then paint for a nice smooth, seamless finish.
FAQs
Absolutely! The measurements in this tutorial are based on our space, but you can adjust the size of the desk and shelves to suit your needs. Just be sure to account for ceiling height and wall dimensions.
No, you can use other materials like plywood or solid wood if you prefer. Keep in mind that melamine is budget-friendly and has a clean, finished look without additional painting.
While power tools make the process faster, you could use a handsaw and screwdriver. It will take more time and effort, but it’s doable.
Yes, you can place the shelves at various heights using the shelf supports, making these built-ins versatile for changing needs.
Built-In Desk and Shelves Tutorial
Create a functional, stylish space with this DIY built-in desk and shelves tutorial. Perfect for small bedrooms, offices, or guest rooms!
Materials
- 4 – 3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. x 8 ft Melamine White Shelf Drilled Board
- 3 – 3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. x 8 ft Shelving White Melamine Board
- 1 – 3/4 in. x 16 in. x 5 ft White Melamine Table Top OR 3/4 in. 30 in. x 5 ft White Melamine Table Top Handy Panel
- 2 – 1 in. x 3 in. x 8 ft Primed MDF
- 1 – 12 in. x 14 in. White Shelf Bracket
- 1 – Wire Grommet
- 24 – Locking White Plastic Shelf Supports
- 52 – #10 1 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws
- 8 – #10 2 1/2 in. Flat Head Wood Screws
- Crown Moulding (to fit your space)
- Baseboards (to fit your space)
- Trim Screws
- DAP Drydex Spackling
- White Paintable Caulking
- 5 ft x 2 ft Cork (optional for bulletin board)
- Double Sided Sticky Tape (optional for bulletin board)
Tools
- Circular Saw
- Jig Saw
- Drill and Drill Bits
- Palm Sander
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Compound Miter Saw
- Caulking Gun
Instructions
- Measure and mark on the wall where you want your shelves and desk to be.
- Prepare the shelves. Attach the top, middle, and bottom shelves to the uprights for stability. Drill through the existing holes and secure with screws.
- Secure the units to the wall. Affix the uprights to the wall with MDF pieces at the top and bottom for added safety.
- Install the desk. Cut a hole in the desk surface for cords using a jigsaw, then attach the desk to the uprights and wall supports.
- Add the wall shelf. Measure and attach the shelf bracket to the wall, then secure the long shelf above the desk.
- Install Remaining Shelves. Place remaining 18″ shelves where desired using Locking White Plastic Shelf Supports.
- Finish with trim. Baseboards and crown molding are what make these built-ins look seamless and intentional. Fill holes with spackling, caulk the joints, and paint for a polished finish.
This DIY built-in desk and shelves project was such a rewarding way to transform my daughters’ shared bedroom. It added much-needed storage and functionality while giving the space a custom, polished look. Whether you’re updating a kids’ room, home office, or guest room, built-ins like these can make any space more stylish and practical. I’d love to hear—where would you add a built-in desk and shelves in your home? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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