Child's Storage Desk; The Design Confidential

Hi Friends! So excited to be back here with you all!  I have a new site name and url, so I hope you might come visit me and check out the new digs...In the meantime I am going to show you all how to build this adorable Toddler Storage and Cubby Desk.


This desk is the perfect toddler size, and would work well with a little bench and cushion.

This Storage Desk is designed with paintable grade MDF and would look fabulous in just about any color! 

Browse through the dozens of additional plans I have created in my build it plan series and find something you like...it's a new way to "shop"!

This is part of the Kiddo Kollection given it's purpose but is designed in the styling of my Ann Marie Collection.

This collection is sure to please with it's sophisticated lines and elegant appearance.  I have designed plans for a toddler daybed that would look amazing next to this desk.  Perhaps a twin sized storage daybed or a Bed fit for a Queen in your Master...


2" Coarse Thread Screws (particle or drywall screws)
1 1/4" Finish Nails
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Sandpaper
Spackle
Finishing Supplies
Wood (MDF):
1 - Sheet of 3/4" MDF @ 4' x 8'
1 - 1x3 @ 6'
3 - 1x2 @ 10'

Tape Measure
Square
Sander  - or a Sanding Block.
Saw - to cut your pieces to size.
Jig Saw - to create the arc (you can also cut out a rectangular shape if you prefer and avoid the Jig Saw)
Drill
Pneumatic Nailer (Nail Gun) or Finish Nail Set and Hammer.

2 - 3/4" MDF @ 25 1/4 x 13" (Sides Panels)
1 - 3/4" MDF @ 13 x 12 1/4" (Upper Divider)
2 - 3/4" MDF @ 22 1/2 x 12 1/4" (Shelf Bottoms)
1 - 3/4" MDF @ 12 1/4 x 11 1/2" (Bottom Divider)
1 - 3/4" MDF @ 22 1/2 x 25 1/4" (Back)
1 - 3/4" MDF @ 22 1/2 x 6 1/4" (Front Face Plate)
1 - 3/4" MDF @ 24 x 36" (Top)
2 - 1x3 @ 25 1/4" (Legs)
2 - 1x2 @ 25 1/4" (Legs)
2 - 1x2 @ 36 3/4" (Front and Back Desk Top Trim)
1 - 1x2 @ 25 1/2" (Storage Unit Side Desk Top Trim)
1 - 1x2 @ 24" (Desk Top Right Side Trim)
2 - 1x2 @ 24 1/2" (Side Panel Trim)
2 - 1x2 @ 10" (Side Panel Trim)
4 - 1x2 @ 19 1/4" (Side Panel and Storage Front Trim)
3 - 1x2 @ 22 1/2" (Storage Front Trim)

** Adhere to all safety standards and check for square often.  You will have a more difficult time with this project if you are not squared up.  Make sure your MDF is cut straight and square or you will have difficulty joining sides and having them meet properly.
** Always Pre-Drill or Countersink your screws.
  Begin by cutting the arc in your Side Panels and Divider.  You will need to stay within the measurements I have outlined in this diagrams, otherwise your arc shape is entirely up to you.  Be sure to begin your arc 3/4" from the top and 1 1/2" from the side to allow for trim later. 
Sketch out and cut the first panel then use it as a template for the other 2.  Once you have created your arc for all 3 pieces, remove 3/4" from the front and back of the Divider.  This will allow for the Face Plate and the Back, later.

  Construct your Bottom Shelf by attaching the Divider to the Shelf Bottom.  Attach the Back to the side Panels, then attach the Bottom Shelf to the Back and Side Panels.  Use 2" Screws and Glue.


  Construct the Top Shelf in the same manner leaving a 3/4" space toward the front of the Divider to house the Face Plate later.  Then attach the Shelf to the Back and Side Panels, use 2" Screws and Glue.

  Create the Legs for the desk by forming an L Shape using a 1x3 (Orange) and a 1x2 (Dark Green).  The 1x3's will face the front and back while the 1x2's will face out on the side.  Attach the Legs to the Top and attach the Top to the Storage Unit.  Fasten the Face Plate in place.  Use 2" Screws and Glue.



  Trim out the Desk Top and the Sides of the Storage Unit.  Note the dimensions below since the left side of the Desk Top Trim is longer than the Right Side.  This is for aesthetic reasons and allows for the top trim on the Storage unit to take center stage.  Use Finish Nails and Glue.

  Trim out the Front of the Storage Unit, use Finish Nails and Glue. 

  Touch up and fill any Nail holes.  Use your finger to run a thin layer of Spackle along any cut edges, allow to dry and sand flush.  Prime with at least 2 coats of primer and paint.  Seal with a polyurethane (3-4 coats) to protect your finish and give added durability to your paint.



For finishing tips and tutorials see my Finishing school

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**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design confidential. I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project will fit together and how it works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
Thanks for letting me spend some time with you, I hope you enjoyed this post!  If so, please subscribe to my site and follow along.  I will see you all again next month!  Xx Rayan - The Design Confidential