
If you build a kid a desk they will…
Most likely just climb on it but still, there is at least a potential for learning now!
We recently completed Eli’s big boy room renovation & now we are moving onto phase 2: Decorating!
He has the sweetest little bump out in his room where the dormer is & it is absolutely perfect for a cozy reading nook!
Plus I thought it could double for a place for him to write, color, maybe do homework someday who knows.
This little makeover needed to be done on the super-budget savvy side so I decided I would try my hand ( & tools) & build my own!
Not in the building mood? Find my favorite budget kids desk + chair options below!

Find my favorite budget kids desk & chairs at the bottom of the post!
This is how the nook originally looked post 1st round makeover:

Then after some new flooring, paint, & TLC we got to here:

Much, much, much better but still not done!
Here are my To-Do list items for this reading nook:
- Shiplap Walls
- DIY Bookshelves
- Build Desk + Chair
- Make Crayon Holder
- Decorate
I think I should be able to whip this little nook out in no time but then again 2 year olds aren’t super cooperative. Even when the project is for them!
So far the shiplap is installed & stained!
This was my first time installing shiplap & I am a pretty big fan.
Next on the list is building the desk + chair!
Supplies:
Desk-
- 1/4” Sanded Birch Plywood
- 1 x 6 Board
- Table Legs
Chair-
- 15” Round Board
- (4) 17” End Table Legs
- 2” Dowel Screws
Extra Supplies-
- Wood Glue
- Nails
- Spray Paint
- Tape
- Stain
Tutorial:
Let’s start with the chair build!
- I started by taping off the round board & (4) legs for painting & staining

- Then I took everything outside & gave them a couple coats of spray paint & stained them with Minwax stain.

- Once that dried I attached the dowel screws to the flat end of the legs using a drill

Note: The legs I bought came with screws already attached but they didn’t work great so I cut that end off & attached these dowel screws. Screw them in until you get the center of the dowel. (The above photo is the screw just getting started, not its final position)
- Attach all 4 legs & the chair is complete, easy peasey!
Desk Build
- Start by measuring the two short sides & 1 long side of the plywood board

- Next cut the 1×6 board to those measurements. You should have two short pieces & one long piece that is the length of 1 long side + 2” to account for the thickness of the 1×6 side pieces.

- You can either paint or stain these pieces before attaching them to the plywood boards

- Attach the 1×6 pieces to the plywood boards using clamps, nails, & wood glue.

7. Once both pieces of the plywood are attached to the 1×6 pieces move onto installing the legs

8. Pre-drill holes into all 4 corners of the plywood

9. Next attach the legs using the same kind of dowel screws we used for the seat

Is this the easiest furniture I have ever built? The answer is absolutely, & also the most fun!

Plus they are completely customizable to fit your child’s size & needs.

One more project complete in Eli’s reading nook & I can’t wait to finish up this sweet little for him!
Here are my To-Do list items for this reading nook:
Shiplap Walls- DIY Bookshelves
Build Desk + Chair- Make Crayon Holder
- Decorate
What a wonderful room to grow into! I love the colors and planned usage. But for the present I would change out the Monstera to a safer plant option, as in my personal experience 30 years ago that could produce an allergic reaction if handled by a toddler (then to mouth). Please add caps or specialized outlet covers to the outlet at his desk area for safety’s sake. Maybe the best use of the alcove for a toddler would be a nap/reading area?
Hi Liz, the plant is faux! I can’t keep anything real alive (except for the toddler), but thanks for the tip!