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Good Questions: Tips For Space Saving Workspace Idea?

9-5-deskwall.jpg

Hello AT, As someone who has a very tiny apartment, I'm always looking for space savers. I'm now going back to school and will need a work space. I'd like to build (or buy ready-made) a drop-down desk that can be hinged to the wall at the bottom and then flipped up and latched in place when not in use. (Perhaps held by chains while open?)...

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I was thinking I could staplegun fabric to the outside and, when closed, it would look like a picture on the wall. This example has cube storage but is generally the same idea. Any ideas on how to do this or has anyone seen one for sale that I could just screw to the wall?

Thanks!! Maggi


Anyone??

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Comments (18)

If you are going to make it look like a picture, make sure you put others around it because by itself it will look really low. I am more familiar with seeing drop-leaf style wall mount counters. It is the opposite of what you are talking about - you lift up the desk top and prop it up with something. I think IKEA sells one.

posted by Fingernail on 2007-09-05 13:34:42
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before u do anything else go to IkeaHacker - someone has created something similar with items from ikea and step by step instructions how to do it. It is really good. You might have to look under storage or enternainment center once in ikeahacker

posted by Anusha73 on 2007-09-05 13:36:42
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here's an ikeahacker idea:

http://www.millionairematch.com/qsearch_results?store=&hst_id=14174998&count=500&w=qsearch

posted by olga on 2007-09-05 13:40:47
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Maybe you should look at secretary desks. I just bought a tiny, mid-Century-ish one second hand. The pulldown top is the perfect size for a laptop. And no wall mounting necessary.

posted by JefferyK on 2007-09-05 13:42:16
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whoooops! that's too funny!!!! hey happy wednesday everybody!

here's the real link:

http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2007/08/unclutter-your-desk-with-this-super.html

however if you get a millionaire, then you can move into a mansion and devote an entire room to your computer ;)

posted by olga on 2007-09-05 13:43:18
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this looks like exactly what you're describing:

http://modernoffice.stores.yahoo.net/folwaldes.html

and it needs a bit of photo/visual imagery...kinda fugly!

posted by kdkaboom on 2007-09-05 13:49:27
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there is the Norbo, but it folds the opposite way--still, for $30, might be a great unobtrusive workspace solution for you.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00106313

posted by polkadot on 2007-09-05 13:51:30
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wow, i'm starting to find tons now... google "wall desk"

http://www.omnimedbeam.com/walldesks07.html

i have no idea what these cost, but it's fun to look at 'em :)



this one's interesting:

http://www.comfortchannel.com/prod.itml/icOid/2082


here's crazy expensive:

http://www.gadgetizer.com/2005/11/14/enook-wall-mounted-desk/

posted by kdkaboom on 2007-09-05 13:54:20
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http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50059149

posted by olga on 2007-09-05 14:05:05
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These are great! I'm getting excited to build it myself and these are perfect inspiration. It might be nice to have a tiny bit of storage space inside the closed desk also. Maybe a set of pockets to hold paper or a magnet board.

~Maggi

posted by ooh_food on 2007-09-05 14:13:44
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Hey Olga -- thanks for that laugh! Find me one while you're at it.

posted by ScottB on 2007-09-05 14:51:58
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Ballard Designs has a wall desk.

And then there's the LAXSeries, found via swissmiss.

posted by Jeri Dansky on 2007-09-05 22:02:50
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Maggi - I really like your chair, is that a matching sofa next to it? Where did you get it?

Thanks!!

posted by donnatella on 2007-09-05 23:55:09
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or does anyone have suggestions as to where I can get chair/sofa like that? much appreciated!

posted by donnatella on 2007-09-05 23:56:49
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Oops, sorry. I love that chair too. Unfortunately, it is just a picture I got off the internet of the look I am going for with the fabric panel. I went back to the site I found it (realsimple.com) but there's no credit for the chair.

posted by ooh_food on 2007-09-06 09:13:07
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This is a bit similar: http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=4197282&cat=26

Room and Board is good about custom fabrics. I'm sure you could get it in white.

posted by ooh_food on 2007-09-06 09:15:37
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Maggi,

i don't have a picture available this moment, but i had a desk made a few years ago when i lived in a studio that might be exactly what you're looking for. it is heavy and gets bolted to the wall and then flips up into position. when in closed position it sits flush on the wall. it's a finished natural wood and i still have it if you're interested. i'm not sure how to contact you directly or have you email me without typing my email here for everyone to see. do you?

posted by cutie on 2007-09-06 11:23:17
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cutie mcsq. set up a disposable e-mail addy, like hotmail.com

posted by bobbin on 2007-09-06 12:56:14
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