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

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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:

  1. A foldable wall-mounted desk to save space and stay organized
  2. A LED strip lights clock to keep me on schedule
  3. A RGB LED strip tube light to add some color and ambiance
  4. A hanger board to keep my things within reach
  5. 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:

  1. Plywood board (50mm thickness, 5.5 x 2 feet)
  2. Foldable table brackets (4 brackets, 2 pairs)
  3. Sunmica plyboard (optional) or white wall paint
  4. Fevicol (adhesive for sunmica)
  5. Nails
  6. Hammer
  7. Drill machine or hammer drill
  8. Saw

For the Hanging Rack:

  1. Wooden sticks (9 sticks, 18 inches long, half inch thick)
  2. Nails
  3. Hooks

For the LED Strip Digital Clock:

  1. LED strip
  2. Power supply
  3. Clock components (e.g., microcontroller, battery holder)
  4. Transparent cover for the clock face

For the LED Strip Tube Light:

  1. LED strip
  2. Power supply
  3. Hooks for hanging

For the Analog Wall Clock:

  1. Old science exhibition project (repurposed as the clock base)
  2. Wall clock machine
  3. AA battery
  4. Wall clock needles
  5. Golden spray paint
  6. Scissors
  7. Glue

Miscellaneous:

  1. Cork lights
  2. Paper clips
  3. Pliers


Projects:

  1. LED strip digital clock
  2. LED strip tube light
  3. Hanging rack
  4. Analog wall clock
  5. Wall-mounted foldable desk

Preparing the Area

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Before starting to build and install the various components of my workspace, I knew I needed a clean and fresh canvas.

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. Make sure to use a level to ensure the holes are straight and evenly spaced.
  2. Use a drill bit that's suitable for the type of wall you have (e.g., drywall, concrete, etc.).
  3. If you're painting over a dark color, consider using a primer to ensure better coverage.

Wall Mounted Foldable Desk

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With the walls prepared, I moved on to building the foldable wall-mounted desk.

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. Make sure to measure the wall and the desk carefully to ensure proper alignment and spacing.
  2. Use sturdy brackets and screws to support the weight of the desk and any items you plan to place on it.

LED Digital Clock

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With the desk in place, I added a functional and eye-catching LED digital clock above the table.

  1. Used an existing project: I had previously made this LED digital clock as a college project, so I repurposed it for my workspace.
  2. Attached hooks: I attached hooks to the back of the clock to hang it above the desk.
  3. 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:

  1. Make sure to position the clock at a comfortable viewing height and distance.
  2. Use a suitable power source for the clock, and keep the cables organized.

LED Tube Light

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To add some extra lighting to my workspace, I created an LED tube light using recycled materials.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Added a power supply: I used the old charger as a power supply, which worked perfectly for the LED tube light.
  4. 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:

  1. Make sure to use a suitable power supply for the LED strip, and ensure the circuit is safe and well-insulated.
  2. Experiment with different materials and designs to create a unique and functional LED tube light.

Hanging Rack

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The hanging rack was a simple yet functional addition to my workspace. Here is how I made it:

  1. Used scrap materials: I was lucky to find similar pieces of wood in the scrap, which made the project easier and more eco-friendly.
  2. Assembled the rack: I cut the wood pieces to 18-inch lengths, nailed them together, and painted the rack to match my workspace decor.
  3. Added decorative touches: I added cork lights to give the rack a warm and cozy ambiance.
  4. Created hooks: I used paper clips to create hooks for hanging various items, keeping them organized and within reach.

Tips:

  1. Use scrap materials whenever possible to reduce waste and save resources.
  2. 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

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I repurposed an old science exhibition project to create a unique and beautiful analog wall clock. Here's how I did it:

  1. Gave new life to an old project: I transformed my old science exhibition project into a functional and decorative wall clock.
  2. Added clock machine and needles: I purchased a clock machine and needles to bring the clock to life.
  3. Added a golden touch: I spray painted the needles golden and used golden paper to create a decorative markings.
  4. 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:

  1. Think creatively about how to repurpose old projects or materials to create something new and unique.
  2. 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!