Lift-top desk/hobby table - does this exist?

[ElizaG]

I think this is what we need to solve some space and storage problems:  

 

A sturdy writing desk, school desk, or small table, older child/adult height or (preferably) adjustable, with a flat or (preferably) sloping top, that doubles as a hobby table.  

 

The lid lifts up, and will stay in an upright position.  It has a pegboard or similar on the underside.  The pegboard and base hold the materials and work surface for a craft or hobby.  When done with the craft or hobby, the lid can be locked shut.

 

If necessary, we can add the lock and pegboard.  At this point, though, I can't even find suitable desks.   The only ones I'm finding are these children's desks on Amazon, which seem to be on the small and flimsy side, and I'm not sure about the gap at the front.  (If it's big enough for toddler hands, it might defeat some of the purpose of locking the desk.)   They also come with chairs, which we don't need. 

 

Alternatively, maybe someone can come up with an easy way to build this sort of thing with a couple of writing desks we currently have, which are this style.   I'm open to buying other matching products in the same line to use for parts, but don't want to end up with something too expensive or Frankenstein-ish.  :laugh:

[Lori D.]

How about this space saving wall mounted fold out desk?

[ElizaG]

I'm having trouble understanding how that desk could be made to work the way I described.  Which part would serve as the base for storage? 

 

This one is closer to what I'm looking for:

 

Wall-mount desk

 

but a child would likely get injured on the sharp corners.

 

I also found these, which might work:

 

Virco lift-lid school desk

 

Scholar Craft lift-lid school desk

 

but I'm not sure if the lids on those ones will open the whole way.  I tend to think they won't, because the company also sells a more expensive desk with an attached chair, and the listing for that one makes a point of saying that the lid opens all the way (and will stay open on its own). 

 

Another possibility would be an old-fashioned portable wooden writing desk that can sit on a tabletop, and has space for papers inside.   We have an antique one, but I'd rather not give it up for this cause.   :001_smile:   The new ones that are showing up in searches are either too small ("campaign desks" meant for re-enactors), or are padded on the bottom so they can be used as a "lap desk" on the couch. 

 

If it comes to that, we could also use any smooth-topped chest of the appropriate size -- somewhere in the region of 20" square, 4" - 5" deep -- with a hinged lid. 

 

Or a source of plans to build any of the above.

 

 

[edited to fix link]

Edited July 11, 2016 by ElizaG

[Lori D.]

I'm having trouble understanding how that desk could be made to work the way I described.  Which part would serve as the base for storage? 

 

Sorry -- I meant the space saving wall mounted fold out desk as a possible completely new alternative that might work, as it stores completely away on the wall, and you could add a lock. No pegboard, but there are shelves for storage, and the desktop can be used as a both a desk and as a crafting work surface. Or, possibly remove some of the shelves and replace with a pegboard, if the unit is deep enough to allow for both the pegboard and the items you'd want to hang from a pegboard. Just trying to brainstorm / help you think outside the box.  :)

 

For any piece of sharp-cornered furniture, toddler corner guards are always an option.

 

 

This one is closer to what I'm looking for: Wall-mount desk

 

The product seems to be gone from this webpage, so I couldn't see it.

 

 

I also found these, which might work:

Virco lift-lid school desk

Scholar Craft lift-lid school desk

 

but I'm not sure if the lids on those ones will open the whole way.  I tend to think they won't, because the company also sells a more expensive desk with an attached chair, and the listing for that one makes a point of saying that the lid opens all the way (and will stay open on its own). 

 

That was my thought. You'd have to make sure it's a locking full 180-degree hinge, or, replace with your own locking full-range hinges (although, you'd have to make sure the design of the desk and lid are such that they are cut to ALLOW for that full range of motion). Your second link's description sounds like it *might* have the full 180-degree hinge...

 

 

Otherwise, I think you'll be Frankenstein-ing your own as you suggest with a desk with a lift lid and storage under the lid. The good thing about that is that  you can add locking hinges (so it stays upright) and a pegboard to the inside of the lid. BUT, the downside is that because those type of desks have a "storage bin" under the lid, you don't have an easy to access work surface -- you have to do your crafting with shoulders lifted to get your arms down inside the desk storage area to use *that* as your work surface -- sort of like having to do crafting with your arms inside a bin to use the bottom of the bin as your flat work surface… But, maybe I am misunderstanding how you are envisioning using the desk… ;)

 

What about converting a medium-sized hard-side suitcase (older/vintage ones will be deeper for storage of bulky items) -- add a pegboard, open and set on the desk or table top next to your workspace (or on a small collapsible table) for hobby/crafting. When done, close and lock and store both the suitcase and the collapsible table in a closet, laundry room, back porch, etc.

Edited July 11, 2016 by Lori D.

[ElizaG]

Thanks for the concern, but I'm not looking for alternatives, or a discussion of the pros and cons.  Just trying to come up with the specific piece of furniture described in the OP.   :001_smile:

 

The wall-mount desk that I mentioned can be seen here.  I'll fix the link above.  Sorry about that!   

 

It's funny that there aren't more lift-lid desks on the market, especially sloping ones.  It's a classic style, and when I searched for "plans for school desk," the results included Youtube videos that were mostly of that type.   For instance, here's a homeschooling family's 

, and there's also a gorgeous mahogany one from Portugal.    But I can't find any commercial models for sale besides the small ones on Amazon. 

 

If we started with the desks we have, it might be possible to use a sturdy whiteboard for the top surface (which will be used for schoolwork).   Then I could add white sides as well.  It would look... not too bad.  I think.  ;)   

 

Will also investigate the possibility of school surplus sales.

[ElizaG]

That was my thought. You'd have to make sure it's a locking full 180-degree hinge, or, replace with your own locking full-range hinges (although, you'd have to make sure the design of the desk and lid are such that they are cut to ALLOW for that full range of motion). Your second link's description sounds like it *might* have the full 180-degree hinge...

From what I've seen, these types of desks have both a hinge and lid supports (either the older metal kind, or the ones with gas in them).   

 

It seems to me that they would only need to open 90 degrees, and it's not difficult to find hardware for that. 

 

Or am I missing something?  Quite possible... I'm a bit spatially challenged.  ;)