L-shaped rotating desk configuration

This desk system can be configured in many different ways. It can be placed against a wall or free-standing in the center of a room as it is finished on all sides.

Corner configuration: Desk placed as a corner desk by the wall

Peninsula composition: The desk is finished on all sides, so it can be placed in the center of the room and used as an L-shaped desk. Seats can be placed on either side of the desktop.

Room center: The desk is finished on all sides, so it can be placed in the center of the room – no need to put it against the wall.

Desk and TV straight configuration: If you need to have both your desk and TV upright on the same wall, this desk system does both and can be sized for the perfect fit. We use this configuration in our Airbnb rental, so the bedroom has both a desk and a TV, but it’s cohesive.

why i made this desk

I needed a 12 foot long wall system with both a desk and media center, and some storage space for my Airbnb rental project. I have long wanted to create a corner or L-shaped revolving desk.

I love this modern style. Inspired by the Pottery Barn Desk, which sells for $1800 (for the small size), I was able to put it together for about $200.

If I had made the cabinets it would have cost more and required more work. This was a very good solution that looked and worked amazingly well.

how to make this desk

This desk was certainly no easy project – it’s huge. Sanding and painting took another day, and the work was repeated until the coat of paint had dried. You can definitely work on this over the weekend.

The basic steps are as follows −

Ripping with a table saw

You will need a table saw to do this project well. You can save over $1600 by making your own. This is a big, great piece. Invest in a table saw.

You will need to tear the two pieces of plywood into 6 pieces each 15-3/4 inches wide. The tear width should be the same.

The 2×4 has to be ripped twice so the rounded edges are removed and the 2×4 is 3 inches wide. First I ran the board at 3-1/4″, then set the fence at 3″ and went through the second side.

Assemble with pocket holes

For professional-looking projects, pocket holes are the way to go. This is the same method used by furniture and cabinet companies. It’s a miracle that you can make a pocket hole at home with a $100 tool.

Pocket holes provide precision and hidden zippers that hold over time.

First, I made two tabletop parts. They are 3/4 inch plywood surrounded by a torn 2×4.

Then I attached the “legs” and fitted the plywood panels.

From there, set the shelf between the legs and the bottom trim of the 1×3. I also attached a 1×3 bottom trim with pocket holes to the bottom of the shelf.

The final step was to attach the 1×2 trim to the shelf surface. I used 1-1/4 inch brad nails and wood glue.

A desktop piece built the same way. This method is very powerful. I did a test.

I added cleats with 1-1/4 inch brad nails to finish the inside of the legs.

Then I covered it with plywood. I used his 1/4″ plywood (I ran out of 3/4″) but the plan is he needs 3/4″.

desk finish

Finishing is a big deal. It takes as long to complete a project as it does to build it.

There were some nail holes to fill. I filled them with wood filler and let them dry.

The entire project was sanded with 120 grit sandpaper.

I rounded the outer edges a bit with a sander.A sharp knife edge would break easily.

I painted the corners with a mini roller and a brush. Three light coats were required. A light fine grit polish was applied between coats for a very smooth finish.

Modern L-Shaped Revolving Desk Plan

Here are the free plans to build this desk: You can easily resize it to suit your space and needs.