How to Make a Desk From a Dining Table

Determine if this is going to be a permanent conversion, or if your dining table desk will need to serve two purposes. If the piece has to do double duty, you may want to use items that set up and remove easily when turning your dining table into a desk.

Adjust the height of the work surface. The top of a standard desk is around 29 in. from the floor, while dining tables are typically higher. If you’re making a permanent change, you can adjust the height quite easily by cutting down the legs of the table with a saw. If the change is temporary, you may need to install a removable tray under the table for your computer keyboard so you can work comfortably.

Build up to make space that will let you keep your reference materials and office supplies handy. A purchased or home-made shelf that is about 4 ½ ft. long, 1 ft. high and 1 ft. deep works perfectly: stash your dictionary and printer underneath, use bookends to hold your taller books on top, and add your favorite desk lamp and pencil jar for convenience.

Build down to create storage for larger items or those things you don’t use very often. You can install shelves between the table legs and line them with baskets to store office supplies. A short, 2-drawer file cabinet should just fit underneath.