How to Turn an Armoire Into a Desk

You can convert an old, unused armoire into a small desk with a little creativity and effort. The top cabinet part of the armoire is ideal to convert into a work surface. Modern desks require very little space, since computers are compact and portable. Use the drawers below to store stationery and other office supplies. Leave the doors on the armoire so that you can close up your work space at the end of the day. Placing a cork board and calendar on the doors will create additional organizational details.

Screw gun
Flat bar
Drill
2-1/2-inch drill bit
Sanding pad, fine-grit
Tack cloth
Wood finish
Paintbrush
Cork board, mounting screws included
Dry erase calendar, mounting screws included

Instructions

- 1
  Open the doors on the top half of the armoire. Remove the shelving, using a screw gun and flat bar. Unscrew any screws that may hold the shelves in place. Pry off any shelf parts that are fastened with nails using the flat bar. Remove all the shelves except the bottom shelf above the drawers. This will function as the desktop surface.
- 2
  Drill a 2-1/2-inch-diameter hole through the back of the armoire just above the desktop surface, using a drill equipped with a 2-1/2-inch bit. The hole is to direct cords through the back of the armoire to an outlet in the wall.
- 3
  Sand the inside of the armoire where you removed the shelves and drilled the hole with a fine-grit sanding pad. Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth. Apply two coats of wood finish. Allow the finish to dry 4 hours between coats. Wait 24 hours for the second coat to dry before continuing.
- 4
  Center a cork board on the inside of one door. Drive the included mounting screws through the mounting holes in the cork board with a screw gun to fasten it in place. Repeat this process with the dry erase calendar on the inside of the other door.

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Woodworking