Make an inexpensive DIY Craft Table using a flat table top and 2 short bookcases.
This table was created almost 10 years ago when a company approached me to share an easy and inexpensive table that could easily be taken apart and moved when needed. I’ve used this craft table in 2 homes and 5 rooms inside those homes so it’s been moved often. The table provides ample storage and work space needed for many projects.
These exact bookcases aren’t available anymore but there are many other inexpensive options at Walmart and Target to choose from. Just make sure they are the short bookcases so the table will be table or counter height when finished. I use a counter stool with my craft table. I prefer counter height so I can sit or stand. If you craft a lot you know what I mean.
IKEA has many table tops to choose from in different colors and finishes. The IKEA table top is called Linnmon but might be limited to in store purchases only. The table tops range from $20-$50 depending on the size. Mine is 47″ long x 23 1/2″ wide. We also have 3 of the smaller table tops with legs in our house for desks. There’s such a great selection of table tops and legs that you can design them however you want.
Place the table in the center of the room or against a wall. The bookcases can both face outward or one outward and one inward. It can easily be configured to accommodate your storage and crafting needs. My outward facing bookshelf holds baskets to contain small items. And the other bookshelf faces inward to hold big and odd shaped items.
I decided I didn’t like the storage showing so I made a curtain to hide the supplies under the table. It looks so much better and completed. It’s so simple but makes such a big difference. Check out the craft table curtain post.
I haven’t had any problem with the table top moving on the bookcases even while I’m crafting. I know some of you have a concern about that though so I would suggest adding a 1″x 2″ to the underside of the table top. Cut it the length of the space between the 2 bookcases and secure it with liquid nails. Make sure the bookcases are securely against it and that should keep it from moving. But again I don’t think it’s really necessary.
The table can easily be taken apart by taking the top off and moving the bookcases. You can reconfigure it or move it wherever you like. Everything is pretty light weight once you take the supplies out.
Even though I love the space to craft I think I love the storage space even more. The baskets make it easy to store items out of sight but convenient to retrieve. I added tags to my baskets since I’m using it in a craft room and I want to be able to find things easily. Chalkboard tags make it easy to change the labels.
You can save a lot of money making a craft table yourself and the bonus is that it can be taken apart and reconfigured to fit almost any space.
Pin it for later: DIY Craft Table
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Wow! Can’t believe three items can produce such a great workspace! Have fun decorating your new room!
I went to a garage sale over the weekend and got 2 two drawer files and a door all for $20.00 to make a desk. They need a little tender care but I can’t believe the bargain. Can’t wait to get my craftroom in order. Thanks for your blog and fantastic ideas.
Great work thinking outside the box with separate shelves and a desk top!
Awesome idea! If I ever have a craft room, this will be my table! I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com.
what was the desk top from ikea called? is it the vika amon?
Wow, Leanne! This is incredible! Just pinned! 🙂
that’s an awesome table! I so wish I had a craft room!
Love this idea! Just pinned it. New follower! 🙂
I love how it turned out Leanne! I think I’m going to have to do something just like this when my basement ever gets finished. 😉
xoxo
Love the new craft table! And congrats on hitting 2 million!! WooHoo!!
~Liz
I love this. Have seen many similar and love the idea. I made a table also out of MDF with table legs, but when we move, I am feeling that I will have to make one like this.
Kelli
Can I ask the name of the tabletop? I love this idea!
Which table top did you get? Or at least, what are the dimensions so we can find a similar sized one?
What a great idea-love your creativity-following you from beneath my heart-stop by for a visit!
Making mine tonight!!! I’m so excited:O
That is an awesome idea. I just showed it to my husband, and he liked it too. Especially the cost! LOL. I am
definitely going to look for those shelves today.
HI what is the table name called and what are dimensions? Can wait to get started on this!
thank you for this idea! my husband just made me this for my birthday. 🙂 my table top is MDF since ikea is too far away; found it at a door manufacturer and he cut it to size, which cost less than at a big box store so even better.
I found the bookshelves on the Walmart website…says they are 32 inches in length….but I cant find a table top on Ikea website that measures 32 inches???? Your pics show that your table top & shelves match up perfectly….help????
I can’t find a table/desk top with the right dimensions on the Ikea website. Which one did you purchase?
I know several other people have asked already, but it doesn’t seem like you’ve responded. What are the dimensions for the tabletop and bookshelves? I am unable to find ones that match.
Thank you so much for this idea! your craft room is so well organized! I love it! Again , “thank you!!!!”
@Katie. I just did this myself and found the bookcases she used at Wal-Mart. The brand is Mainstay. It’s a three shelf bookcase. It’s exactly 29 1/2 deep just like the table top from Ikea. The bookshelves are somewhat sturdy. You might want to pay a little extra for more sturdy “legs”.
Table Top from IKEA is Vika Amon 59″ width and 29 1/2 depth.
The white is $25.99. Black/Brown or gloss white or gloss red which is awesome by the way is $35.99.
The bookshelves are from Mainstay at Wal-Mart. They are exactly 29 1/2 ” deep, same as depth of table top.
hi laurie! i’m looking to do a very similar table! do you have a specific name/link for the bookshelves?
Good project. I suggest you paint your clothespins to support the happy mood in your craft room.
Newbie here: Was anyone else confused by the instructions to add a piece of wood under the table top? Where? Thanks for the help
Thanks for the great idea, but not sure where you get the ikea top. I looked on Ikea website and there isn’t any table tops or desk tops for anywhere near $25 that are that size. Again…can’t wait to check walmart for the bookshelves. Can you please tell me the height on the bookshelves? Thanks and God Bless
Loving the blog. Some great ideas here. I’m trying to get my rented small flat organised without spending much money or making any permanent changes, which is tricky! I’ve already created a wall of wool using cheap ikea storage boxes for my burgeoning yarn stash!
I’m reserving this idea for when I have a bigger place – just wondering how gluing the piece of wood under the table top works? I can’t visualise what size this would be or where it would go. If I added wooden batons that line up with the inside edge of each book shelf so the top can’t slip either way, would that work? Thanks 🙂
I love this! I made it for my craft room so my daughter and I could craft together. I just want to let you know some unfortunate news. I went to purchase these bookshelves at Wal-Mart and was informed that they are discontinuing these shelves. I had to go to3 different stores to find them.
The table top is called Vika Amon or Amon Vika. I can’t remember what order it goes in. It’s $25 but I haven’t looked for it on their website or in the catalog, I bought it at the store.
How do you take this apart? Isn’t it hard since you used liquid nails?
The liquid nails is only applied to the 2×2 board running along the underside of the table top to keep it in place between the 2 bookcases. None of the 3 pieces are glued together. It comes apart very easily.
I love it! I might have to make a craft table for my home office. There’s already a desk in my home office, but I’d like to replace it — my knees keep hitting the bottom of the desk! (Despite the fact that I am more petite than tall!) I really like the labels you added to the bins, and how you attached them with clothespins — very cute! The clothespins would look very cute with some scrapbook paper Mod Podged to them.
I found a changing table made of wood for $15 at goodwill to store all of my craft loot; part of the table folds down to hide a shelf that stores baskets and jars, etc full of craft supplies or flip it up for extra working room; I display markers, pencils, paints and brushes, glue, scissors, etc on top; the very bottom I placed trays for construction paper, scrapbooking paper, sketching paper and also a straight edge cutter, stamp kit, baskets of ribbons, stencils, laminator. the middle shelf that can be hidden contains jars of beads, glitter, acrylic stones, pipe cleaner, pom poms, stickers, glue gun, hooks, pins, string, wiggle eyes, and many adhesives. I also hung nails on the outer sides to hang regular scissors, hole puncher, etc. I call it “the craft station” im such a nerd but it works; im anal about organization
I think your idea would work fine. I just used a 2×2 piece of wood cut the length of the table top minus the bookshelves and secured that to the underside of the table top using liquid nails.
I used a piece of 2×2 wood cut to the size (length) of the table top minus the bookshelves. Once you have the table in place, adhere the wood strip to the underside of the table top in the center of the table. I used liquid nails. Only adhere it to the table. Take the table top off and place something heavy on it until it dries. Now you can place it back on and the wood strip will hold it in the right place so it doesn’t slip but you can still take it apart when you need too.
May I ask where you bought your baskets (since they fit so perfectly in the bookshelves).
Thanks!
I purchased them at Wal-Mart.
It’s actually the Vika Amon table top.
Yes, but I was unable to find the Vika Amon on the IKEA website. In fact, a search for “Amon” by itself does not yield any hits. It appears that the Linmon is the same size and price, so I thought it might be helpful for people who want to build this setup.
Bummer… I just ordered the Linmon from Ikea but can’t find the Mainstays 3-Shelf Bookcase, White in any of the Walmarts around here. It is only sold in-store. Oh well, I will try to find other book cases. Thanks for sharing.
They no longer make the Vika Amon. They are replaced by the Linmon.
This would totally work in my new office space!
I’m switching to the Ikea site 😉
Thanks for sharing!
Looking for the bookshelves any idea
I bought mine at WalMart.
I did something similar. It was easy and the desk comes apart with the tap of a hammer.
Love this idea. Have a couple of questions.
1. What is the measurement of the desktop and
2. The piece of wood you say you used under the tabletop, not sure where it should be put
Thank you
Quick question has anyone had a problem with how much weight the bookshelves can hold?
I just made this with the Mainstay bookshelves from Walmart (which are $16 now btw). They are EXTREMELY flimsy and sway side to side. I think I will reinforce them with some “L” brackets.
I’m sorry you’re having problems with the bookcases. I have moved them 3 times and have never had problems with them swaying or being flimsy. Leaving the back off the bookcases might be causing this problem.
You are right! The back on the bookshelves makes a world of difference. Since I wanted to be able to access the shelves from both sides, I just reinforced it with brackets – still not as sturdy as if you put the back on, but its good enough for me 🙂
Love this! Just bought the table top online from ikea. $18.00, including shipping & tax! Woohoo. Going to get the shelves next.
What type of wood did you use for the underside of the table? Can you please post a picture?
Thank you!
I didn’t have a table top but we did a little remodeling and had a left over piece of plywood. I went to Walmart and bought the two bookcases and ended up with the something similar too!
Good idea!!!!
I will be your follower!!
Thanks
This is a stellar idea!! what size top did you get at Ikea?
You rock!!! I’m a new home owner who’s on a tight budget. I just ordered the pieces for this craft table. The IKEA desktops were amazingly cheap and the Walmart bookcases were on sale! Now I can scratch the plans I had for making tables with cinderblocks and slats of wood. Can’t thank you enough for sharing this GREAT DIY Craft Table!!
Kate
Wow, so awesome cause here I am looking on pinterest for ideas for me and my husband to make me a crafts/office desk for cheap cause I’ve looked at prices for an actual crafts desks and their all out of my price range. This is an awesome idea and we do have an old door I could use for a work top so I just need to keep an eye out for some shelves and a filing cabinet. We’ve been in our new home for 7 months and my crafts/office is the only room left not set up yet. This has given me a renewed inspiration to locate these items quick and get it done. Can’t wait to get in there. Thanks so much for sharing.
Great job on this one, I like your idea. Keep up the good work.
I love this DIY craft table. My kids are super into crafts recently and this looks to great for them to work at.