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DIY Project: Double Desk Bookcase

062308_diydeskbookcase.jpgWe posted this idea awhile back, and we just found it again and the instructions on how to build it. Using a desk and a bookcase, this set up allows for two people to work closely but with some degree of privacy. Download the PDF after the jump!

[ Photo and instructions from DIYIdeas.com ]

 
 

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Comments (15)

This is great and would be even better if the desk was a wider -- I'd need more desktop space than that.

posted by dblitz1 on June 23rd 2008 at 2:03pm
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I love this design! It would be great in a shared kids' room too.

posted by bohemiangirlpdx on June 23rd 2008 at 2:17pm
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erm, except that one side gets the bookshelf and the other side gets the back of the bookshelf.

Couldn't we just get an open bookshelf:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40103628

And put a desktop through it:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59847780

posted by #9 on June 23rd 2008 at 3:35pm
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Anyone else notice the bottom shelf has dog food, water, and chew bone on it? That's a great idea to keep it from getting in the way elsewhere...but I KNOW I would put my foot in the water dish if I tried to sit at the desk.

Not to mention banging my head on the desk when trying to move the bowls out to clean and refill.

posted by #9 on June 23rd 2008 at 6:15pm
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Anybody who's seen the film Brazil will know to be wary of a shared
desk.

posted by Sam Lowry on June 23rd 2008 at 9:29pm
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I think it just looks weird.

posted by fineur on June 23rd 2008 at 10:12pm
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I have always loved this idea from the first time I saw it... but there are better options for my lifestyle at the moment. If I open my etsy shop one of these days I may have a need for a double desk like this, but for now I don't. Does anyone know if there are any instructions online to make a basket like the ones hanging from the side or where I can buy them?!?!?!? I have been searching for years and can never find anything like it!

posted by lindsclou on June 24th 2008 at 3:28am
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This is such an amazing idea!!! I can picture 2 kids doing their home work in their room.

posted by mvastudios on June 24th 2008 at 3:57am
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TRUEBLUE - I thought the same thing about the back of the bookshelf at first... however, if you covered the back of the bookshelf with cork or pretty fabric you could have yourself a pretty snazzy bulletin board AND you wouldn't be staring at an ugly bookcase-back. voila!

posted by suziegoombs on June 24th 2008 at 4:32am
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I've seen this for years and have always loved it... would make it myself but I have no need for a shared desk area like that. Anyone know where I can get either instructions on how to make those hanging baskets on the side or buy them???

posted by lindsclou on June 24th 2008 at 4:36am
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I might be moving into a smaller space and was looking for a solution to having 2 desk in one space. This would definately be an idea we can use!

posted by MuffinGal on June 24th 2008 at 6:11am
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Please someone tell me the name of the color blue in the DIY picture. I need to know!

posted by JMBnewsgirl on June 29th 2008 at 1:17pm
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The paint in the picture would be perfect for my new place!!

Like JMBnewsgirl, I'd really appreciate it if someone could tell me what paint color that is and who makes it.

posted by speedycanizales on June 30th 2008 at 1:13pm
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I used a similar color in my sewing room and I love it: Ocean Air by Benjamin Moore

posted by RobinD. on June 24th 2009 at 12:56pm
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I have two elementary schoolers that this would be perfect for. They can't see each other if they stay in their seats. That would minimize conflicts.
I would use 2 bookcases back to back and attached to each other using "mending plates" from the hardware store. That way each kid has his own shelves.
Love it!

posted by Karen302 on July 28th 2009 at 5:20pm
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