DIY Hidden Desk

Paint the two bookshelves with two coats of primer, allowing it to dry between coats. Paint the entire structure including the underside of the shelves and the back panels.

Paint the two bookshelves with two coats of paint to cover the primer, allowing each coat to dry fully.

Lay both shelves on their backs with all the shelves removed. Attach four casters to the bottom of each shelf using the screws included and liquid nails to secure.

Place the shelves upright with the front edge of one shelf flush with the front left of the other, making a 90-degree angle.

Sit in the chair that you will use at the desk to determine the height you require. Mark the height with a pencil.

Place two shelves on the work surface. Using a straight edge, make a line 1 inch from the back edge along the length of the shelf. Cut along the line with the jigsaw.

Flip both shelves over and place the shelves together with the cut edge away from the other shelf. Place one piano hinge over the seam where the two shelves meet and mark the end of the shelf on the piano hinge.

Cut the hinge with the jigsaw and screw into the shelves so the bends upwards. Screw the 1-by-1 cleat into the bottom of the cut shelf. Leave the screw loose to be able to move the cleat under the other shelf and keep the desktop extended.

Flip the shelves over so the hinge is on the underside. Locate the mark made earlier indicating the height of the desktop. Install the shelf at this mark.

Install the shelves in the other bookshelf.

Place additional shelves in the desk side of the bookshelf as desired.

Roll both shelves together facing each other with the backsides of the shelves facing out. Cover the back of the bookshelves with wallpaper to make it look nice. Instead of wallpaper you can paint a design on the shelf also.

Line the edges together and decide how you want the shelves to open. If you want them to open with the storage shelving on the right, install the hinge on the right seam of the shelves. If you want the storage on the left, install the hinge on the left seam. Screw the second piano hinge along the edges of the bookshelf so the hinge makes a 90-degree angle pointing away from the desk when opened.

Close the shelves and attach a latch to the side opposite from the hinge to keep the desk closed. Mark the location of the screw holes on the bookshelf. Pre-drill pilot holes where the marks are and screw in the latch.