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Design DIY: 6 ideas to help you create your own desk

Your desk, your choice. At IKEA, you can easily mix and match tabletops, trestles or legs to design a setup that works for you. Whether you want something bold, no-nonsense, all natural, lot’s 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 tabletop with a TERTIAL work lamp attached and a red office chair in the back.

The Bold One

Starting university soon? Time to find you a desk that’s as colourful as it is grown-up. This desk combo, with its graphic tabletop, brings out a touch playfulness while keeping things practical. The built-in storage leg keeps books and notepads close at hand, freeing up space on top for everything from writing essays to working on creative projects.

Made from strong yet lightweight material, the tabletop comes with pre-drilled holes for easy assembly. Plus, the adjustable feet keep it steady, even on those uneven student apartment floors. Want to bring even more colour into your space? Pair it with a bright rug or a stool with pastel purple legs for a setup that’s as creative as you are.

A multicoloured LAGKAPTEN tabletop on white SPÄND legs, paired with a swivel chair and a walnut-effect brown EKET cabinet.
A close-up of a multicoloured LAGKAPTEN tabletop with white SPÄND legs and a striped rug underneath the chair.

The Focused One

Finding the right desk for your home can be very simple. This monochrome desk features a shallow tabletop 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 out in your career, its dark colours bring a sense of calm, helping you power through neverending 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.

A dark grey LINNMON tabletop 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.

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.

A white LAGKAPTEN tabletop 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.

The Organised One

How about a desk that brings visions to life? With a clean, minimalist design, it keeps your study space clutter-free and your mind focused. LAGKAPTEN tabletop is strong, lightweight and crafted from board-on-frame, built to outlast your college years.

The ALEX drawer units offer heaps of storage for stashing study materials, books, tools and a sketch or two. The cut-out handles add character and make opening the drawers simple. Place this desk in the middle of the room if you like – it looks just as great from every side.

A dark grey/wood-effect LAGKAPTEN tabletop with two ALEX drawer units underneath, with a swivel chair in front.
A close-up of a dark grey ALEX drawer unit beneath a dark grey/wood-effect LAGKAPTEN tabletop.

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 organised, great for art students who need a clutter-free space to create without too many things getting in the way. This desk is is made to be seen, but will never steal the spotlight – unless you want it to.

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