How to Build a Corner Desk for Home Office (Complete Guide)

Your desk plays a big part in making your workspace more inspiring and efficient. There are many ways to build a corner desk that utilize the entire available space. If you’ve done some searching online and can’t find a desk that fits your needs, consider making a corner desk. This desk type could be the custom-built solution you require that keeps you organized and gets you more workspace. Place your new DIY corner desk in your office helps you to maximize space.    

Guide on building frame to desktop

But how do you get started on building your new desk? It’s only as easy as it sounds when you follow our guide on how to make a corner desk. Your guide explains how to build a desk that suits your needs, space, and dimensions perfectly.     

Wooden Desk Slab

The simplest way to build a corner desk is to utilize a wooden slab and install it as a floating desk. There are many ways to set up and compliment a wooden floating slab desk. In this case, you will alter your corner computer desk plans by acquiring a custom L-shaped slab for your corner space.

To install the floating desk to your wall, mount it using support beams. These beams can be placed under or on top of the desk as you like. We'll leave the decorating up to you – you can paint it in any color, add a laminated finish or keep a natural live edge.

You could use cedar planks, reclaimed wood, or anything else that you feel would be light enough. If you plan on using steel, glass, metal desktop surfaces, ensure that the support beams are under and above the desk.  

Homemade standing desk

If you want the benefits of an L-shaped standing desk, you can utilize a simple design that fits in the corner. Here, the design of the desk wraps around the corners of the room. More importantly, the length of the desk can go on for as long as you like. You can fit in a shorter desk in one area of the room or add a longer one, depending on how much space you need.

One important feature is the extendable stand or frame that goes under this office standing desk. It's recommended that you keep just one section of the desk fitted on this frame. If you intend on keeping this as a non-height adjustable standing desk, then pair it with bar stools as seats.      

DIY height adjustable desk

If you looked up the numerous ways on how to build a corner desk, you’d see that many people have tinkered with building their own versions of this ergonomic desk. The frame is the main component that pulls this desk idea together.

You can find a similar SmartDesk DIY at Autonomous and use it to get started on creating your own height-adjustable masterpiece. If you already have a frame and want to upgrade your desktop only, try the SmartDesk Surface.

Leaning desk bookshelf

The best corner standing desk doesn’t always have to be l-shaped. Take this leaning desk bookshelf that combines a desk in the centers surrounded by wall shelves on top. In this design idea, you utilize an entire wall as a desk support and storage option, keeping the rest of your room empty.

You can add as many shelf layers as necessary to build a corner desk elegantly, even a few for your scanner, printer, smartphone chargers, etc. This track shelving gives you a lot of versatility as you can increase or lower the shelf height. It makes sense to place a larger, wider shelf that can hold your PC or laptop.

A leaning desk bookshelf can change as needed. For instance, you can attach a thin sheet of plywood at the back of this desk structure. This piece can either go directly on the wall or the desk structure. 

Glass window corner desk

This idea is made for those big corner or sidewall windows that would otherwise go unutilized. Fit your corner gaming desk or work desk next to these windows to take advantage of natural light and warmth.

A spot like this can help you de-stress as you play a game or work, keeping focused and energized. This setup pushes you to get up and take breaks as you draw inspiration from the world outside. Usually, a floating desk works in this setup. An adjustable height desk might leave you in an awkward position in front of open windows.   

If you have a nice window corner with odd angles, save it for a floating desk. Odd spaces aren’t made to accommodate most commercial desk pieces. What you do have to pay attention to is the thickness of the wood plank. Choose a thinner plank for a smaller space and a wider one for a larger space.

Invisible desks

If you have a very cramped space, avoid larger dark-colored desks when you build a corner desk. Such desks can make the room feel even smaller and even obstruct the flow of the room. Try adding in a DIY lucite or plexiglass desk. This is a full-acrylic material that is see-through and gives the illusion of invisibility.

These see-through desks can be bought ready-made, but then you’re stuck with a limited number of desk designs. Acrylic desks practically disappear when placed against white or lighter colored walls.

Wireframe shelving desk

Try repurposing a wireframe shelving unit into a corner desk setup. Simply add a few boards while keeping an equal amount of space between each. The lower boards can serve as a desk, while the extra ones on top of or under the desk board work as shelves. You can even add brackets if you plan on placing this wire shelving desk against a wall.