I mainly added that “No Sewing Required” to the title of this post in the hopes that you would not read this as “DIY Lap Dance.” Every time I say “lap desk” I think, “lap dance.” I guess a DIY lap dance post wouldn’t be the worst for this month, with Valentine’s and all. It’s just not something I have the right, uh, skills to teach.
So sorry to disappoint anyone—this is about needing a comfy, flat surface so you can type in bed… not about a lap dance.
I type or edit pictures in bed fairly often, so I’ve been wanting to get some kind of lap desk for a while. But, I kept seeing ones that were just not my style or just generally a little overpriced.
So, I decided to make my own, and once I realized how inexpensive it was going to be, I thought I’d make a his and her version so Trey and I can be really cool and BOTH be on our computers in bed at night. Ha!
Supplies:
–wooden lap desk top
–foam square (found in the fabric department of most craft or fabric stores)
-fabric (1/3 to 1/2 a yard, depending on your lap desk top size)
-trim
-scissors
-fabric glue
–staple gun and staples (make sure they are shorter than your lap desk top)
-wood stain and brushes (optional)
In case you’re curious, each lap desk costs about $18 to make, depending on what fabric you choose. This does not include tools (scissors or staple gun).
Step One: I placed my lap desk top on the foam and traced a pattern. Be sure to cut the foam a little smaller than the top. You can use scissors to cut the foam, and don’t worry if your edges aren’t perfect. You won’t be able to tell once you’re done.
Step Two: I chose to stain the tops and sides of my lap desk tops. You can skip this if you like the look of unfinished wood. I decided to stain one black (Ebony) and one white (tinted stain base with white paint). Allow to fully dry.
Step Three: Place the foam over the bottom side of the lap desk top and staple in place. Try to make your edges look clean and pull the fabric taut as you go.
If you find that a staple goes in at an angle, so it comes up out of the desk surface, remove it with a pair of pliers and try again. You don’t want any staples exposed or they may snag you once you put your lap desk to use.
Step Four: Trim any excess fabric. As you can see, I had quite a bit to trim away. It’s good to have extra fabric while you are stapling because it gives you more to hold on to as you work.
Step Five: For a cleaner edge, fabric glue trim to the trimmed edges of the fabric. Allow to dry.
I’m really glad I went ahead and made my own because I love how they turned out. Thanks for letting me share! xo. Emma
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I’m wondering if the board part of the desk could be made with a heavier type of styrofoam and wrapped with dense material like denim etc and glued to the surface. Lighter weight and perhaps more comfortable. Good ideas, Thanks!
I’ve never tried this before, so I need some guidance. First, how do you find the foam square? I’ve been searching online craft stores and fabric places, but all I can come up with are like the 3m foam strips to hang things with! What size and thickness of foam square are we talking about? Next, do you just stretch the fabric over the back to cover the foam a little bit? And then staple the fabric to the board, hiding it slightly under the foam (you don’t staple through the foam, right)? Then, you glue piping around the edge to hide the stapled section? — Since I may not be able to find this website again, will an answer be sent to my email, too?
Question: Do you think instead of using a staple gun to stick the foam to the board you can use hot glue? Love this idea! Just don’t want to have to go buy a staple gun haha
Hey you have amazing content
I loved it so much, I even linked out to you feel free and share my article if you like it.
http://lappypad.com/blogdetails/laptop-portable-stand/57
Love using my laptop in bed or couch, this idea is very helpful and so Dainty and Chic!
www.daintyandchic.com
such a GREAT IDEA <3 have to try it !!!
COOL
http://thepocketstyle.blogspot.com/
These look great! I did something similar a while back but used an old frame instead.
http://holdingtheworldinapapercup.blogspot.com/2011/06/birthday-gift-idea-chalkboard-lap-desk.html
I need (!!!) a lap desk so bad!!! And this sounds easy even for Me ^_^ hah!
-SJay
The Chronic Dreamer
That’s really cool … do you have any ideas of something similar for a tablet stand?
Cheers
I seriously love this idea! I’ve been looking for a lap top tray/bed-desk thingy for a while but hadn’t found one that was quite my style. I’ll definitely be making one of these! Thanks!
www.lee-lee-land.com
Trust me—you’re not. Ha!
🙂
-Emma
Hi! This looks like a great idea! I’d like more details about how you stapled the fabric down. Did you go slightly under the foam? How did you keep the staples from sticking up? Thanks for the idea!
Whoa. You just mentioned three skilled crafts and then said you’re “lost.” Kristin-you sound super talented!
-Emma
Yes-it could be any fabric you can find! I had thought about doing two different flannels but then when I got to the store these were cute and on sale so I went for it. 🙂
-Emma
This is the most essential D.I.Y project! Thanks and Happy Wednesday 🙂
What a GREAT idea!
This is such a cute idea – definitely going to try this soon! xx
ZoesSecretStyle.blogspot.co.il
I love your curtains! Where did you get them??
A DIY lap dance is definitely better than having someone else do it…?
yeah?
cute!
xx nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com