How to Build a Toddler Desk

Make your little one her very own DIY desk.

A small suitcase with flat surfaces is just the right size for a desk for your toddler. Keep art supplies inside and they'll always be on hand when creativity strikes. Chalkboard spray paint on the front turns the desk itself into a handy art surface as well. Use shorter legs if your child would rather sit on the floor than a small chair.

Things You'll Need

• Small suitcase with flat top and bottom
• Cleaning supplies
• 2-by-4 wood pieces
• Wood glue
• Drill
• 4 coffee table legs

Instructions

1. Clean the inside and outside of a small suitcase that has a flat top and bottom. Use sponge and all-purpose cleaning solution to remove dirt from the top of the suitcase, so that paint will adhere properly.

2. Sand the corners and edges of four 4-inch squares of 2-by-4 wood until they are rounded. Glue these to the inside bottom corners of the suitcase with wood glue. Drill holes through the wood and the bottom of the suitcase.

3. Screw coffee-table legs into the wood through the holes drilled through the bottom of the suitcase and the wood.

4. Tape off the top of the suitcase so that paint will not get on the sides. Apply chalkboard spray paint to the top according to the manufacturer's directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not allow your child to open and close this desk without supervision, because the lid may close on his or her fingers.

References

• Johnny in a Dress: A Little Desk
• Good Housekeeping: Using Luggage as Creative Storage
• Everything is Ticketyboo: The Suitcase Desk