A Three-Step and On-Budget Solution for a Kid-Friendly Study Space

by Tracey Barrett, FOCUS on NoVA Real Estate

School is back in session and with that comes homework and projects. Do you have the proper space to set your kiddo up for success? Check out this three step, on a budget solution to help you create the best use of space for your budding scholar (or scholars).

The Cubby Desk: Where storage and function meet budget

Recreate this cubby desk from PrettyProvidence.com. (Click the link to see exactly how they created this masterpiece.) Otherwise read on!

This desk is super easy to assemble and can make one desk or a larger multi-use desk using our hacks below.

STEP 1: Buy Your Supplies

• 2  13″ 2 Cube Organizer Shelf by Threshold at Target ($30 each)
  • Pick your color and/or finish, this is one place you can really customize your luck.
  • Larger desk hack: buy four of these cube organizers and put two on each side for stability and extra storage.
• 1  sheet of sanded plywood (1/2 in x 2 ft x 4 ft) from Home Depot ($17.68 each)
  • Larger desk hack: If you want a much larger desk for crafting, robotics, or multiple study stations, buy a plain hollow interior door (28″ x 80″) from Home Depot ($49.86)
• 1  roll of adhesive multipurpose shelf liner like Con-Tact Brand Creative Covering Multipurpose Shelf Liner (18″ x 20′) ($6.49 each). Pick your style! This is where you really infuse your taste into the top of the desk.
  • Alternatively you can also paint the top of the desk.
• 8  2 in. course thread screws (<$6 at Home Depot).
  • Larger desk hack: use four screws per cube tower.

13" 2 Cube Organizer Shelf by Threshold at Target ($30 each)

Smaller Desk: Sanded plywood (1/2 in x 2 ft x 4 ft) from Home Depot ($17.68 each)

Large Desk Hack: Plain interior door (28" x 80") from Home Depot ($49.86)

Adhesive multipurpose shelf liner like Con-Tact Brand Creative Covering Multipurpose Shelf Liner (18" x 20') ($6.49 each).

Adhesive multipurpose shelf liner like Con-Tact Brand Creative Covering Multipurpose Shelf Liner (18" x 20') ($6.49 each).

STEP 2:  Assembly
Be sure to have your measuring tape and drill/screwdriver close by and carefully measure. Remember: measure twice, cut (or in this case drill) once.

• Place your plywood on the floor and set your cubbies top-side down where you want them to be on the plywood. Make sure they are evenly spaced from the outside, front and back.
• Using four (4) screw, one in each corner of the cubby, drill pilot holes and anchor the cubbies using the 2-inch screws from the underside of the top of the cubby into the plywood. Do this for each tower.
• Turn your desk over.
• Cover the desk with the adhesive shelf liner of your choice. Alternatively you can paint or stain the top of your desk.

STEP 3: Organize and Accessorize
This is where you personalize your desk for your needs. These items can be stowed in the cubbies or live on top of the desk. We have a few suggestions to help you get creative on the function of your new desk.

• 13″ Fabric Cube Storage Bins by Threshold at Target ($10 each)
• Fabric Desktop (or in cubby) Tool Holder by Threshold at Target ($10 each)
• Acrylic Round Desktop (or in cubby) Organizer by Project 62 at Target ($17 each)
• School Supply Caddy by up & up at Target ($5 each)
• LED Organizer task lamp by Room Essentials at Target ($15)
• Arteza Desk Organizer – 6 Piece Set at Target ($32.99)

13" Fabric Cube Storage Bins by Threshold at Target ($10 each)

Fabric Desktop (or in cubby) Tool Holder by Threshold at Target ($10 each)

Acrylic Round Desktop (or in cubby) Organizer by Project 62 at Target ($17 each)

School Supply Caddy by up & up at Target ($5 each)

LED Organizer Task Lamp - Room Essentials ($15)

Arteza Desk Organizer - 6 Piece Set ($32.99)