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6 DIY ideas to help you create your own desk

Your desk, your choice. At IKEA, you can easily mix and match desk tops, table legs or trestles to design a setup that works for you. Whether you want something bold, no-nonsense, all natural, lots of storage or all of the above: it’s up to you!

And because life changes, your desk will too: adjust the height, add drawers or swap legs to fit your growing needs. From all-nighters in college to your first dream job. Best of all, there’s an option for every budget, so you don’t have to compromise on style or function. Here’s how to create a desk with personality.

A close-up of a white/anthracite LAGKAPTEN desk top with a TERTIAL work lamp attached and a red office chair in the back.

The Focused One

Finding the right desk for your home can be very simple. This monochrome desk features a shallow table top that takes up less room – perfect for small apartments – but still offers enough space to complete your tasks. Whether you’re in school or just starting in your career, its dark colours bring a sense of calm, helping you power through never-ending to-do lists.

Is this desk starting to feel too cramped? Expand its surface by connecting it with LAGKAPTEN or LINNMON table tops using matching legs, because flexibility doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Feeling ready to make this desk work for you? Let’s get started.

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A dark grey LINNMON table top on black ADILS legs with a conference chair. Six MOPPE mini chests are grouped on the wall.
A close-up of LINNMON tabletop and LÅNGFJÄLL conference chair in dark grey/black.
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The Scandi One

Not your ordinary desk – and that’s the point. With its clean, checkered design, this desk brings a modern Scandinavian touch to your space. Inspired by classic geometric patterns, the squares add character without feeling overwhelming, pairing beautifully with wood and other natural materials. And while it’s not for everyone, it suits those who like to think outside the box.

You can set this desk combo at just the right height, thanks to its adjustable legs. The plywood-patterned edge band adds a neat touch and the protective feet keep your wooden floors scratch-free. A desk that’s anything but boring.

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A white LAGKAPTEN desk top on OLOV adjustable legs, in front of a red office chair and IVAR shelves in pine.
An aerial view of a white/anthracite checkered LAGKAPTEN tabletop, a red SMÖRKULL office chair, and a white TERTIAL work lamp.
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The Creative One

A combo that effortlessly complements modern Scandinavian interiors, with a design inspired by natural materials and neutral colours. The MITTBACK trestles can be tilted and adjusted to various heights, so you can set the perfect angle for every sketch or artwork. The integrated shelves help keep everything organized, great for art students who need a clutter-free space to create without too many things getting in the way. This desk is made to be seen, but will never steal the spotlight – unless you want it to.

A white LAGKAPTEN table top on birch MITTBACK trestles, with a STIGBYGEL swivel chair and art supplies on the desk.
A close-up of the birch MITTBACK trestles in use, with sketches on the white tabletop.

The Flexible One

A student room without a study spot? We don’t think so. But let’s be honest – desks can sometimes feel like their taking up too much space. Not this one. With wheels, it moves to wherever you need it to be. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, lock the castors and keep it steady.

Hosting a dinner or party? Simply roll it aside to make space for dancing, or get clever and use the desk as a spare table. This combo is always right where you need it – never in the way. Plus, it’s low maintenance: made from bamboo, a durable and renewable material that can handle all sorts of spills, while bringing a touch of warmth to your room.

A bamboo ANFALLARE table top on KRILLE legs with castors, a SMÖRKULL office chair, and a TROTTEN cabinet with sliding doors.
A close-up of the bamboo ANFALLARE table top and white KRILLE legs. On the desk is a black notebook and a white/green mug.