A good DIY Murphy desk is basically a little magic trick: it looks like a tidy cabinet on the wall, then flips down into a real workspace when you need it. I’ve built a bunch in my shop, and once you see how much floor space you get back, it’s hard not to want one in every room.
Pegboard Interior Murphy Desk Organizer
A Murphy desk with a pegboard inside is my favorite way to hide clutter fast, since everything has a hook or cup. I built one like this for a craft-heavy household, and it basically turned chaos into a clean flip-and-done routine.
Products that could assist:
- Wall-Mounted Drop-Leaf Table Hardware: Build your own space-saving desk by installing sturdy folding brackets that allow the surface to collapse effortlessly.
- Small Hole Pegboard Sheet: Create a customizable backing for your desk interior to keep tools organized and easily accessible at all times.
- Assorted Pegboard Accessories Kit: Maximize vertical storage with a variety of hooks, bins, and cups designed to hold pens and small essentials.
Classic Fold-Down Wall Cabinet Desk
My go-to Murphy desk is a simple wall-mounted cabinet with a hinged front that becomes the desktop, because it’s sturdy and beginner-friendly. I always add a little interior shelf so pens and chargers live inside instead of all over the house.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Heavy-Duty Drop Down Hinges: Ensure your fold-down desktop is secure and stable with durable hinges designed specifically for wall-mounted convertible furniture.
- Magnetic Cabinet Door Catch: Keep your fold-down desk securely closed when not in use with strong magnetic catches that prevent accidental opening.
- Desktop Cable Grommet Kit: Maintain a tidy workspace by routing charger cords through the cabinet walls with these simple, organized cable pass-throughs.
Minimalist Flat-Front Murphy Desk
When I want the cleanest look, I build a slim fold-down desk with a plain flat front and hidden hinges so it reads like a modern wall panel. I’ve learned that keeping it shallow makes it feel “invisible” even in tight rooms.
Might be a good match:
- Heavy Duty Drop Down Hinge Hardware: Secure your fold-down desktop with robust hinges designed to support weight while keeping the mechanism hidden.
- Unfinished Cabinet Grade Plywood: Create a seamless, flat-front look by using high-quality, smooth plywood ready for your preferred minimalist finish.
- Magnetic Touch Latches: Eliminate visible handles to achieve that invisible panel effect; simply push to open your workstation easily.
Farmhouse Shiplap Front Murphy Desk
For that cozy vibe, I skin the front of my DIY Murphy desk with vertical planks so it looks like rustic paneling when closed. I stain it warm and slightly uneven on purpose because the little imperfections make it feel like real farmhouse furniture.
Some ideas to consider:
- Self-Adhesive Shiplap Wood Planks: Instantly create that rustic farmhouse look on your desk front with easy-to-apply, peel-and-stick real wood planking.
- Iron Drop-Leaf Support Hinges: Ensure your fold-down desktop is stable and secure with durable hardware designed specifically for heavy-duty lid support.
- Wood Stain in Warm Oak: Achieve the perfect cozy finish by applying a rich stain that highlights the natural grain of your wood.
Corner-Fit Murphy Desk Nook
I’ve built a Murphy desk designed specifically for a corner, with the cabinet angled so the desktop opens into a perfect little nook. It’s one of my favorite small-space wins because you can tuck a chair away and the corner still feels open.
Consider these options:
- Compact Drop-Front Secretary Desk: Maximize your small corner space with a foldable desk cabinet that hides clutter instantly when closed.
- Modern Upholstered Dining Chair: Complete your cozy nook with a comfortable, sleek chair that easily tucks away when not used.
- Decorative Storage Boxes: Keep your new workspace tidy and organized by using stylish bins for papers and office supplies.
Floating Shelf-Style Murphy Desk
This fold-down Murphy desk looks like a chunky floating shelf when closed, which always gets a double-take from guests. I like adding a thin back ledge inside so your laptop doesn’t slide into the hinge zone when you’re typing.
A few things you might like:
- Heavy Duty Folding Shelf Brackets: Choose sturdy brackets to safely support your weight while typing and to ensure smooth folding functionality.
- Wall Mounted Drop-Leaf Desk: Skip the DIY and mount a premade floating desk to save floor space and stay organized.
- Modern Eames Style Chair: Pair your compact workspace with a sleek, modern chair that offers comfort without occupying too much visual space.
Chain-Supported Rustic Murphy Desk
For a quick, charming build, I’ve used side chains to hold the fold-down desk level, and it gives off that workshop-meets-farmhouse look. I like the way the metal detail plays against stained wood, and it’s surprisingly easy to dial in the height.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Black Steel Link Chain: Provide crucial support for your fold-down desk surface while adding that distinct industrial workshop aesthetic immediately.
- Heavy Duty Screw Eyes: Securely anchor your chains to both the desk and wall frame for safe, reliable weight distribution.
- Dark Walnut Wood Stain: Achieve the rich, warm finish seen in the photo to give your new desk instant farmhouse character.
Soft-Close Murphy Desk With Struts
Adding gas struts to a DIY Murphy desk is one of those upgrades that instantly makes it feel high-end, because it opens and closes smoothly. I did this on a build for a small bedroom, and it stopped the “desk slam” problem overnight.
A few helpful options:
- Cabinet Gas Struts (100N – 200N): Install these hydraulic support rods to create a smooth, controlled opening motion that prevents your desk from slamming shut.
- Heavy-Duty Concealed Hinges: Upgrade your desk’s main pivot point with sturdy, hidden hinges that support the weight of the fold-down surface securely.
- Magnetic Door Catch: Keep your fold-down desk firmly closed when not in use with a reliable magnetic latch system for added safety.
French Cleat Mounted Murphy Desk
I love hanging a Murphy desk on a French cleat because it makes installation less stressful and keeps everything snug to the wall. The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how much easier it was to level compared to wrestling it in place.
Check these products out:
- Heavy-Duty French Cleat Hanger: Secure your desk perfectly level and flush against the wall with this sturdy mounting hardware system.
- Lid Support Hinges: Install these soft-close support hinges to ensure the desk surface opens smoothly and stays strong during use.
- Digital Magnetic Level: Achieve perfect alignment instantly using a digital level, making the installation process precise and hassle-free.
File-Slot And Mail-Sorter Murphy Desk
If you’re drowning in papers, build your fold-down Murphy desk with vertical file slots and a skinny mail shelf right above the desktop. I added this to one of my own builds, and it finally gave receipts and notebooks a “home” instead of a pile.
Give these a look:
- Wooden Desk Organizers: Upgrade your built-in storage with these organizers to keep mail, receipts, and important documents neatly sorted.
- Modern Cabinet Hardware: Give your Murphy desk a polished look by adding sleek, modern pulls to the cabinet doors.
- Heavy-Duty Drop Hinges: Ensure your fold-down writing surface is sturdy and reliable for daily work usage with quality hardware.
Hidden Power And Cord-Pass Murphy Desk
I always plan a cord pass-through and a recessed power spot in my DIY Murphy desk, because modern work is basically “plugged in.” The first time I forgot, I ended up drilling a messy hole later, so now I treat this like step one.
Items that may come in handy:
- Recessed Desk Power Strip with USB: Instantly add convenient outlets and USB ports directly into your desktop surface for easy charging access.
- Desk Cable Grommet Cover: Create a clean, professional pass-through for wires to prevent tangles and keep your workspace tidy.
- Hole Saw Drill Bit Kit: Easily cut precise, circular holes in wood to perfectly fit your new grommets and power outlets.
Mirror-Front Murphy Desk Disguise
A mirror-front Murphy desk is such a sneaky trick in bedrooms or hallways, because it looks like decor until it folds down. I tried this once and loved how it bounced light around while still hiding my everyday laptop setup.
A few relevant products:
- Wall Mounted Drop-Leaf Table: Create the sturdy base for your hidden workspace with a fold-down mechanism that saves precious floor space.
- Frameless Rectangular Wall Mirror: Mount this directly to the underside of your table surface to create the convincing mirror disguise when closed.
- Heavy Duty Folding Shelf Brackets: ensure your DIY desk stays secure and stable while you work, then collapses flush against the wall easily.
Chalkboard Or Whiteboard Door Murphy Desk
Turning the front panel into a chalkboard or dry-erase surface makes a Murphy desk twice as useful, especially for lists and quick notes. I did this in my shop space and I’m constantly jotting measurements right on the closed desk.
Explore these options:
- Chalkboard Paint: Transform any wooden surface into a writable area easily with this finish for jotting down quick notes.
- Wall-Mounted Drop-Leaf Table Mechanism: Create the folding action needed for your desk with sturdy hinges designed to support your workspace.
- Detail Orientated Paint Brush Set: Ensure clean lines and smooth application when painting the interior panel of your new custom desk.
Reclaimed Door Murphy Desk
I’ve made a DIY Murphy desk from an old solid wood door, and the character you get from dents and grain is unreal. It’s one of those projects where the “flaws” become the whole charm, especially with a simple box frame behind it.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Heavy Duty Folding Shelf Brackets: Create a sturdy, collapsible workspace for your DIY desk with reliable hardware designed to save precious space.
- Matte Wood Sealer & Finish: Protect your reclaimed wood surface while enhancing its natural grain and historic character without adding unwanted shine.
- Modern Minimalist Chair: Complete your workstation with a stylish, comfortable chair that contrasts beautifully with the rustic wood textures.
Art Panel Murphy Desk That Looks Like Wall Decor
One of my biggest crowd-pleasers is a Murphy desk that closes into a bold geometric art panel, so it reads like wall decor. I’ve taped off patterns and painted right on the front, and it always feels like a fun “secret desk” moment.
A few suggestions:
- Painter’s Tape for Crisp Lines: Create sharp, clean edges for your geometric patterns with precision tape designed to prevent paint bleed.
- Self-Adhesive Geometric Wallpaper or Contact Paper: Skip the complex painting process and achieve a similar patterned look instantly with peel-and-stick decorative paper.
- Acrylic Furniture Paint Set: Bring your artistic vision to life using high-opacity furniture paints in deep teal, mustard, and terracotta shades.
Bookcase-Blend Murphy Desk Center Section
If you have built-ins or shelves, I love designing a fold-down desk to sit right in the middle so it looks like it always belonged there. I’ve done this with a shallow cabinet and matching trim, and it’s seriously seamless when closed.
Useful items to consider:
- Heavy-Duty Drop Leaf Hinges: Secure your fold-down desktop with sturdy hardware designed to hold weight and fold completely flat when closed.
- Solid Wood Project Panel: Create a durable and attractive writing surface using a pre-cut solid wood or butcher block project panel.
- Modern Cabinet Support Lays or Chains: Ensure your workspace stays level and stable while in use with reliable lid support stays or chains.
Closet-Office Murphy Desk That Shuts Away
A closet DIY Murphy desk is a lifesaver when you need work to disappear at the end of the day, because you can fold it up and close the doors. I helped set one up for a tiny room, and the whole space instantly felt calmer.
Possibly handy products:
- Heavy-Duty Drawer Slides: Ensure your fold-out desk operates smoothly and supports weight by installing durable, high-capacity extension slides.
- Wardrobe Cabinet with Doors: Short on built-in closet space? Create your own hideaway office with a sturdy freestanding wardrobe cabinet.
- Decorative Brass Tassel Pulls: Add a touch of elegance to your DIY project by finishing your cabinet with stylish tassel accents.
Double Murphy Desk For Two Users
For shared spaces, I’ve built a two-station Murphy desk setup where two desktops fold down from one long wall cabinet. It’s such a smart way to handle homework-plus-work without permanently dedicating half the room to desks.
These products might be useful:
- Heavy Duty Folding Shelf Brackets: Ensure your fold-down desktops are sturdy and secure by installing these reliable, space-saving hinges for your build.
- Modern Wood Dining Chair: Complete your dual workstation with comfortable, stylish seating that matches the natural wood tones of your new desk.
- Wall Mounted Cabinet Hinge Light: Add functional illumination to your workspace easily with these sensor lights that attach directly to your cabinet hinges.
