This is the story of a door turned desk turned tinier desk. When Clara came down with a case of the coloring bug a few weeks ago, it became clear that she needed an alternate surface for her artistry than the floor. You know, just in case she didn’t feel like tummy-drawing.
We talked about a few fun play tables over on BabyCenter a couple of weeks ago, but finally found the inspiration that we needed to DIY one right in front of our eyes. And no, it wasn’t this leftover-plywood-slash-side-table combo that Sherry rigged up in about 30 seconds of “hey, maybe this will work!” Sorry, Sherry. #playtablefail. Back to the drawing board…
Actually, this was our inspiration. The desk that we built with an old door for our first house’s office, that’s been getting the cold shoulder ever since we DIYed a newer, bigger desk for our current house’s office (which made this one look oddly tiny and cramped). It had been sitting at the opposite end of our dining room for a while – just waiting to somehow be repurposed (or craigslisted).
Well, this was its lucky day. It was too tall and too long, but since it was something that we cut to size the first time around, we figured… why not tweak it again? So we set off to create a miniature version of it. But we had a few requirements for it (like for it to be able to be used while Clara’s sitting or standing like a true activity table, to be big enough to seat a few other kiddos, to be sturdy and solid and safe, and to not be too precious – so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Clara broke out a permanent marker on it one day). After chatting about a game plan with Sherry for a while (to figure out the right width for a few kids and the right height for standing & chairs), I lugged it down to my basement workshop and starting disassembling it.
Then I used the miter saw to cut the legs down a few inches.
Then I had to cut down the tabletop (aka, the old door). For this I broke out my beloved table saw.
With my top and legs trimmed down to kiddy sizes, I just had to cut down the support pieces (aka: the aprons) and screw everything back together again.
Oh and I did have to patch the open end of the door this time (when it was our desk we just left the end open because it faced the wall, so nobody saw it – and the room was so tiny that no one could get back there). But that wasn’t going to fly with little wandering hands around. So I cut a thin strip of spare plywood and nailed it into place. Once it’s all painted, it should look pretty good.
So with that (and zero dollars spent) Clara’s new coloring desk was complete. Well, mostly.
It still needs a fresh coat of paint. And we’re leaning towards (can you handle this?) white, so that we can make the $5 yard sale chairs the colorful accent instead of the table itself. Although Clara has done some crayon scribbling on the top that’s so cute it makes us want to tell her to go nuts and then use some sort of clear sealer to keep the doodles around forever. So we’ll have keep you posted if/when we make a decision…
There’s something really charming about the fact that it was made from an old linen closet door from our first house (where we brought Clara home from the hospital and raised her for her first seven months of life). That’s one sentimental table. And we love that Clara now has her own pint-sized parson’s desk when our adult-sized one (from West Elm) sits on the other side of the living room. It’s like a mini-desk for our mini-me.
Oh and you may remember these yard sale chairs that we scored back in the summer. We actually used them to build the desk at the right height for those chairs (and for playing while standing too – you know we like things that multitask). So it’s nice to have two chairs that already work. You know so if Clara’s baby BFF’s drop by we’re ready (we can also pull the desk away from the wall if kids want to face each other or we want to add more chairs in the future).
They don’t look half bad as-is (one has been stained yellow while the other was stained an evergreen color and they’re both pretty worn) so they might stick around like that for a while. We did debate painting/staining them someday, but it doesn’t seem to matter to Clara either. She fell in love with her new spot from the first second she laid eyes on it. Must be nice to wake up from a nap to something that was custom built just for you.
But seriously, look at that face. Does it not make you want to build something for her too?
We’re leaving the desk here in the living room for now because it was an empty spot and it’s convenient for her to color while we relax work on the couch/clean up/prepare dinner in the nearby kitchen, etc. But we made sure to keep the desk small enough so that it could also slip into her room, the future playroom, the kitchen, or just about anywhere else that we may want to place it as she grows.
Wanna know the best part of this project? Besides it being 100% free, we got the entire thing done in one day. From concept to completion. Man did that feel good. Especially with a certain other project that’s taking several months (cough…thekitchen…cough…cough). Although now that this is done, it’s back to cutting trim and sanding wood putty. More on that stuff for ya tomorrow.
alex says
How cute!!…there is no better present for a toddler than a mini table and chairs…umm, idea suggestion…since Clara is growing like an adorable weed…slap some paint on that tiny hand and put a her tiny hand print on the corner and the date :] youre gonne miss how little their hands were…and maybe paint her name all cute somewhere? Love the table, very sweet gift to wake up to after a nap…she looks so happy.
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo
s
Leslie N says
That’s adorable and perfect. Our 14 month old got a playtable and 2 chairs from Pottery Barn (from his paternal grandparents -I’d never spend that much!!) for about 300 bucks and it is no better or cuter than Clara’s!
Missy G. says
That. Is. Awesome. Clara is one lucky lady to have y’all as parents!
Skye @ Neathering Our Fest says
WHAT a sweet little project! I want a coloring play desk in my living room for me! :)
Rochelle says
SO cute – great job, as usual! We have the small ikea table and chairs for our kids. They know crafts are only at their table – and I don’t have to micromanage the creative process trying to protect one of my better tables.
Maybe you could put a mirror on the wall for her to “watch” herself color. I remember being fascinated as a kid watching how my hand looked working in reverse. Being the safety conscious parents you are, I know you would make it safe for her.
Merry Christmas!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s fun! I went to Montessori schools as a kid and we loved peering into mirrors to see what we were working on in reverse.
xo,
s
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Love that you guys got a 3rd use out of that door! Clara is too cute coloring at her little desk! I also love the chairs! And the look similar to the stools in the kitchen… maybe it’s the metal, old school chair look.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- isn’t that funny? We didn’t even realize that we have an industrial/vintage chair thing going on in the kitchen and now in the living room. Fun!
xo,
s
Meagan says
I think y’all should leave the chairs as is and use them as the starting point for the playroom. They are so cute – and go with “Sue” plus its ok that they are worn because they are going to get even more worn (or “loved”) by kiddos.
ps Clara is the cutest ever! and Merry Christmas!
julie g. says
Love it! And Clara could not be any cuter! The chairs look perfect in there too. They are eclectic but still go with the room. I think kids really know when spaces are created just for them. Next she’ll be needing her own laptop for dailys posts from “Clara’s Corner”
Annie says
I’m happy to see that I’m not the only noticing the relationship between the new FAB school-house-rock stools in the kitchen and these Clara-sized versions at her new desk! I’d keep them just the way they are. Even if you’re wanting a more tidy/clean look, with tiny hands around they are bound to get beat up again. Might as well leave ’em be and let them breathe. :) Way to go, mama & daddy!!
bridget b. says
a mini parson’s desk! what a great idea! we’ve been looking at play tables as well for our 20 month old, but the plain square tables just weren’t doing it for me. thanks for showing how to get a little more form with the function.
can you please share the dimensions of Clara’s table? how easy do you think it would be to create a parson’s desk out of two ikea lack tables?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that’s an awesome idea! I would get two lack tables and make one long top to make them look seamless. Although they’d have extra legs, so perhaps you can unscrew the two on the inside of each table and ensure that it’s still plenty sturdy? The measurements of our table are 43″ long, 18″ deep, and 21.5″ tall. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
bridget b. says
turns out lack has a coffee table that i could hack instead. thanks for the dimensions Sheri! i’m so excited! now i just need to find some cool chairs!
YoungHouseLove says
So smart! Good luck!
xo,
s
Gabriela says
Well, as a girl who loves some drawing myself and a long-time reader of yours, I had to stop by and say this is the sweetest thing ever!
I really hope she enjoys it as she grows up, and I suppose she will judging by the huge smile right there haha.
And I’m sure she’ll have a brilliant future with such creative parents around.
Cheers from Brazil!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Gabriela! She seems to love coloring and sitting at her big girl desk- it’s so cute to see!
xo,
s
karen says
love it! clara’s smile is priceless! that rug really puts the room together.
Sarah says
Quit coughing, it’s cold and flu season and I don’t want you ruining my healthy streak (so far) this year! :P
Very cute desk for a cute little lady…and so chic! She’s going to grow up with immaculate taste for fashion and design.
LaMadre says
Love Clara’s happy smile. It looks like the perfect table to add a roll of drawing paper on one end.
Cristy says
FWIW, I think the color of the chairs is perfect… they seem to blend with Sue the Napkin AND have a little bit of metal/industrial look to go with the new barstools. Not that my vote counts, but I think you should keep them as is.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s so great to hear everyone saying they love them as-is! We’re definitely going to let them be and enjoy them!
xo,
s
Karen F says
seriously cute! the chairs are perfect, too. the picture of her sitting at her new desk really says it all! she is lucky to have such handy and creative parents!
Suzanne says
Love it! I love that Clara is in to coloring. I’m hoping our little lady, born 5/14/11, will be into it next year. Going to start working on the little set of table and chairs that my husband used when he was young.
Nice work YHL!
jessie says
I love the desk.. now i wanto to go home and make one for my 4 year old.. i love it..
her’s an idea have her do the handprint on the bottom and seal it and paint the top with that chalk paint (like a black board) so that she can have endless doodling (is that how you spell doodle – ing??) space and not have to waste so much paper (you know the GREEN side of us)… will love seeing with whatever you guys go with though.. can’t wait.. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Another fun idea!
xo,
s
jessie says
OMg as i read my message i see some mistakes… sheeesh ..my spanish brain is taking over my english typing fingers.. LOL!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, no worries! I make typos all the time!
xo,
s
Karyn says
I’m in love with Clara’s desk and I think the chairs are super sweet as is. I want to do the same for our daughter once she’s a bit older (at 8 months, she’s not doing much coloring :)
xanthe says
How cute. I love the idea of sealing in her artwork on the table top. I was wondering if you could do a post on books and toys Clara loves and you found useful. Thanks xx
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to tackle that for ya!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
I love it! And I’d leave the chairs alone. I think you’ll be pleased with this, long-term… I have an 8 yo and a 5 yo, and we got an inexpensive white table and matching chairs from Target that have NOT held up well at all. This solution seems much sturdier!
That wall is begging for a clothes-line type display where you could change out Clara’s artwork, though. :) I honestly don’t have anywhere in my house I could put something like that, wish I did!
YoungHouseLove says
Such a cute idea!
xo,
s
Sarah says
That mini-desk is adorable (so is Clara’s face in that picture!) I love the perspective of the last picture, but it makes me want to ask: if you open up that side of the fireplace, how would you arrange the seating in that area? (It would seem silly to have a lovely fire but have it facing the side of the couch!) Have you thought about it?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, from the start when we picked out our sofa we got a chaise for that side of the room so one or two people could sit facing the fire or the tv or the rest of the convo area. It’s a nice open side of the sofa so it’s flexible (the other side has a regular back/side so it’s more closed off).
xo,
s
Seriously Sassy Mama says
What a cute little desk.
Meredith says
While I’d certainly love to wake up from a nap to something custom-built for me, I’d totally settle just for getting to take a nap. No?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- agreed! A nap would be amazing.
xo,
s
Wom Mom Ethne says
Great idea. We have a Tinkerbell one that folds up – and love that it’s the right height for the kids. You’ll get tons of use out of it. Or rather, Clara will.
For cleanly use, try the Crayola Magic Color stuff. All the doodles won’t show up on the table and the paint gel washes away easily.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! We’ll have to check that out.
xo,
s
Heidi Brose says
Love it! We had a similar one for our daughter when she was Clara’s age, I highly recommend keeping it white for ease of clean up. That thing was nearly rubbed bare by the time she was too big for it.
Andrea says
So stinking cute. And clearly Clara agrees. Plus, it totally works with the room. Win – win!
Alex says
That picture of Clara is the BEST. Pure elation and joy. She just looks like she’s feeling really loved! :)
Allyn says
Seriously, could she be any cuter?! That grin is amazing!
Love that you’re not worrying about her scribbles on the table. It’ll only make her more and more artistic to not always be worried about making a mess!
Ami says
Perfect kids table. My 4-year-old LOVES to color and how nice to have a custom-built-by-dad desk for it. Lucky girl. I have a friend that was looking to buy that Pottery Barn Cameron table/bench for her son. I ‘encouraged’ her to rethink that as I knew she would have a fit with the first mark.
P.S. Is Clara left-handed? We have one in our fam too and had never noticed if either of you were lefties as I know it can be genetic.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, isn’t that awesome! She’s my special little gal. John and I are righties, but my brilliant dad and amazing BFF are lefties so we’re so excited.
xo,
s
shannon says
i agree with a lot of the commenters! the chairs are adorable and playful as is!
love this little desk for C. i bet she is thrilled with her new coloring space.
Lindsay says
THAT is the cutest thing ever. I LOVE those chairs, I had almost forgotten about those guys!
maria says
that is perfect! i LOVE the way the chair look exactly the way they are in those exact colors. not that i should care or have an opinion but pleeeeeaaaase don’t paint them!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- after hearing from everyone about how much they adore them as-is we’re even more sold on keeping them the same!
xo,
s
Ang says
How funny. Just as I saw Clara’s smiling mug sitting at her new desk I said,”Look at that face” as I grinned and kept reading to see you said it too! She’s too cute.
Christina says
Love this! I was just looking back at your previous house pictures when you posted a link to them the other day and was looking at pieces of furniture there in that house that I haven’t seen in that house. That cute little desk was one of them!
So glad it made a comeback as a mini version!
Barb says
Of course Clara is a cute little peanut…but this is all about the new table, of course.
Brilliant!!! So simple, so useable, so perfect. But more than that….Don’t you agree that absolutely, the chairs MAKE the table. They are beyond wonderful and remind me of days gone by.
Bravo John!!! Another DIY genius project…..so simple, so useable, so perfect. Might even become an heirloom.
Happy Holidays to all…
B.
Theresa says
Aww.. Is she a lefty? I have a lefty too.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! Isn’t that fun and unexpected? Both John and I are righties but she’ll switch things that we hand her to her left hand. Always!
xo,
s
heather says
Uhhmmm Clara is super duper cute. I can’t wait for her arms to get long enough to color on the white brick – you know it’s coming ;) Haha. When we were kids my brother had red or black melted crayon all over his hands from drawing – get this – on the hot woodstove (apparently my parents hands were full haha). My dad asked him if he did it and he said no – despite the melted crayon all over him.
Kids = Great.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha – kids are so funny. So glad he didn’t get hurt!
xo,
s
Tasha says
Love the desk and the chairs are perfect. But what I really love is your living room. Even though it’s not the focus of this post, I always enjoy seeing pictures of it.
Jackie says
So cute! What a great idea and an awesome way to encourage mucho creativity at home!
On a side note, can I tell you that I am so totally in love with kids wearing footie pajamas! Love them!
Have a great holiday!
Jackie
Teresa says
I love it!!! I think I have been reading your minds lately… oohhh, kinda creepy huh? lol I have been trying to figure out how to incorporate a coloring/activity table into our living room for the past month or so. I keep going back this little gem…
http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/04/kids-art-table-ikea-style.html
There are so many cute ideas out there for kids, I like that you are giving it some time to figure out what will work best for Clara. :)
YoungHouseLove says
SO cute! We (er, Santa) got her a giant pad of paper for her desk so she can scribble all over it. Hope she loves it!
xo,
s
Theresa says
Perfect! We made a desk for my 8 year old, now 10, and painted it white. My daughter is very creative and loves to draw…lets just say the desk isn’t white any longer and we need to do something else when we re-do her room next year. I can tell Miss Clara is definitely creative ;-) I like your suggestion the best to let her go crazy on the top and then sealing it. Least messy and will add to the history of the desk that she may be able to keep for her kids one day…not a sermon, just a thought ;-)
Teresa says
Oh wait, I’m sorry.. hate to not give credit to the original blogger!! (I’m kinda rushing today oops)
http://forkpaperscissors.blogspot.com/2011/03/kids-art-table-ikea-style.html
YoungHouseLove says
So charming!
xo,
s
Meaghan says
I think the mini table and chairs are really great and the colours go really nicely with your living room. Very sweet that it has some history to it too.
Jackie says
P.S. I would love to know what you think of the desk I updated for my daughter, Regan.
http://envyhouse.blogspot.com/2011/12/pb-inspired-desk-reveal.html
Looking forward to hearing from you!
jackie
YoungHouseLove says
So charming! Love it!
xo,
s
Gavin S. says
Back to the DRAWING BOARD?!?! Too funny! Or should I say…punny?!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, John slipped that in there.
xo,
s
Meg says
I bet those chairs look great with the stools in the kitchen!
Theresa says
So fun! Be sure to check the rubber caps on the chair legs for wear. You might want to swap them to matching “feet” to unify the two different (and fanastic) chair colors.
Ho Ho Ho.
YoungHouseLove says
Great idea! We didn’t know how easy that would be to do (aka: how stick on there they are) but it’s definitely worth looking into!
xo,
s
Jill says
That turned out so cute. I doubt you did this on purpose, but Clara’s shirt matches the rest of your house decor perfectly! What a sweetie.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- so funny! Never even thought of that!
xo,
s
sara @ it's good to be queen says
this is perfection on so many levels. love it. those chairs are amazing. i can see that table being used and loved on for years to come.