Turn a Dead Corner Into a Productive Workspace
by Casper Sky in Workshop > Home Improvement
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Turn a Dead Corner Into a Productive Workspace
Finally, I've got my own space!
And I'm excited to share with you how I turned a dead corner into a productive workspace without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and some DIY magic, I've created a functional and cool workspace that showcases my mini projects.
My workspace essentials:
- A foldable wall-mounted desk to save space and stay organized
- A LED strip lights clock to keep me on schedule
- A RGB LED strip tube light to add some color and ambiance
- A hanger board to keep my things within reach
- An analog wall clock made from an old science exhibition project
In this instructable, I'll take you through my DIY journey:
I'll share step-by-step guides on how I built each of these projects. I'll also provide tips on how to customize your space to fit your needs and style.
Supplies
For the Foldable Wall-Mounted Desk:
- Plywood board (50mm thickness, 5.5 x 2 feet)
- Foldable table brackets (4 brackets, 2 pairs)
- Sunmica plyboard (optional) or white wall paint
- Fevicol (adhesive for sunmica)
- Nails
- Hammer
- Drill machine or hammer drill
- Saw
For the Hanging Rack:
- Wooden sticks (9 sticks, 18 inches long, half inch thick)
- Nails
- Hooks
For the LED Strip Digital Clock:
- LED strip
- Power supply
- Clock components (e.g., microcontroller, battery holder)
- Transparent cover for the clock face
For the LED Strip Tube Light:
- LED strip
- Power supply
- Hooks for hanging
For the Analog Wall Clock:
- Old science exhibition project (repurposed as the clock base)
- Wall clock machine
- AA battery
- Wall clock needles
- Golden spray paint
- Scissors
- Glue
Miscellaneous:
- Cork lights
- Paper clips
- Pliers
Projects:
- LED strip digital clock
- LED strip tube light
- Hanging rack
- Analog wall clock
- Wall-mounted foldable desk
Preparing the Area
Before starting to build and install the various components of my workspace, I knew I needed a clean and fresh canvas.
- Painted the walls white: The walls were previously painted green, but I wanted a neutral background to showcase my projects. I applied two coats of white paint to give the walls a fresh and clean look.
- Drilled holes for hanging: Once the paint was dry, I marked the spots where I wanted to hang my projects and drilled holes for the screws or hooks. This ensured that I had a sturdy base to hang my LED strip clock, RGB tube light, and other projects.
Tips:
- Make sure to use a level to ensure the holes are straight and evenly spaced.
- Use a drill bit that's suitable for the type of wall you have (e.g., drywall, concrete, etc.).
- If you're painting over a dark color, consider using a primer to ensure better coverage.
Wall Mounted Foldable Desk
With the walls prepared, I moved on to building the foldable wall-mounted desk.
- Prepped the plywood board: I applied Sunmica to the plywood board to give it a smooth and durable surface. I let it dry for 2 days to ensure a strong bond.
- Mounted the desk: Once the Sunmica was dry, I mounted the desk to the wall using foldable table brackets. I positioned the desk at a comfortable height of 30cm from the floor, which is ideal for working while standing or sitting.
Tips:
- Make sure to measure the wall and the desk carefully to ensure proper alignment and spacing.
- Use sturdy brackets and screws to support the weight of the desk and any items you plan to place on it.
LED Digital Clock
With the desk in place, I added a functional and eye-catching LED digital clock above the table.
- Used an existing project: I had previously made this LED digital clock as a college project, so I repurposed it for my workspace.
- Attached hooks: I attached hooks to the back of the clock to hang it above the desk.
- Added a transparent cover: Since the clock is made of cardboard, I covered it with a transparent cover sheet to protect it and give it a more polished look.
You can find the detailed guide on how to make this LED digital clock in my other instructable.
Tips:
- Make sure to position the clock at a comfortable viewing height and distance.
- Use a suitable power source for the clock, and keep the cables organized.
LED Tube Light
To add some extra lighting to my workspace, I created an LED tube light using recycled materials.
- Repurposed materials: I reused an old fluorescent tube light, an old charger as a power supply, and a box enclosure to keep the circuit organized.
- Built the LED tube light: I followed a simple circuit design to create the LED tube light, and fitted it inside the repurposed fluorescent tube light.
- Added a power supply: I used the old charger as a power supply, which worked perfectly for the LED tube light.
- Detailed guide available: If you're interested in making your own LED tube light, you can check out my detailed instructable on how to do it on my profile.
Tips:
- Make sure to use a suitable power supply for the LED strip, and ensure the circuit is safe and well-insulated.
- Experiment with different materials and designs to create a unique and functional LED tube light.
Hanging Rack
The hanging rack was a simple yet functional addition to my workspace. Here is how I made it:
- Used scrap materials: I was lucky to find similar pieces of wood in the scrap, which made the project easier and more eco-friendly.
- Assembled the rack: I cut the wood pieces to 18-inch lengths, nailed them together, and painted the rack to match my workspace decor.
- Added decorative touches: I added cork lights to give the rack a warm and cozy ambiance.
- Created hooks: I used paper clips to create hooks for hanging various items, keeping them organized and within reach.
Tips:
- Use scrap materials whenever possible to reduce waste and save resources.
- Customize the size and design of the hanging rack to fit your specific needs and workspace.
The hanging rack is a great way to keep my workspace organized and clutter-free. With the rack in place, I can now hang my frequently used items, such as money pouches, keys, or notes, and keep them easily accessible.
Analog Wall Clock
I repurposed an old science exhibition project to create a unique and beautiful analog wall clock. Here's how I did it:
- Gave new life to an old project: I transformed my old science exhibition project into a functional and decorative wall clock.
- Added clock machine and needles: I purchased a clock machine and needles to bring the clock to life.
- Added a golden touch: I spray painted the needles golden and used golden paper to create a decorative markings.
- Created a unique design: I cut out strips from the golden paper and pasted them onto the clock face, adding a touch of elegance to the design.
Tips:
- Think creatively about how to repurpose old projects or materials to create something new and unique.
- Experiment with different materials and designs to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
The analog wall clock is a beautiful addition to my workspace, and I'm glad I could give new life to an old project. It's a great reminder that with a little creativity, anything can be transformed into something new and wonderful.
With these DIY projects, I've transformed a dead corner into a productive and inspiring workspace that reflects my personality. I hope this instructable inspires you to create your own unique workspace and unleash your creativity!