Desk/workspace ideas

[Strange-Sara]

Greetings again.  I am in the planning stages of constructing a desk/workspace.  I need to use it for school/office type things, computer use, sewing, and other general crafts.  I would like it to have a generally steampunky vibe, but it needn't be anythign elaborate (since it's going to be covered in math papers and steampunky bits half the time anyway!)  I would like for it to not be too expensive to build.  I've included a link to a sketch I drew, and I'll try embedding the image as well (but I seemto have trouble with that).  Any ideas/suggestions/etc are very welcome.

Thanks!


http://www.mastros.biz/sara/desk-idea.jpg

ps-sorry my drawing looks like it was done by an 8 year old.  I'm not so much with the drawing.

[CapnHarlock]

I would recommend separating the sewing/things like Dremel tools from the work/office if at all possible, and using "Luxo"-type (or other)  highly-movable lighting.  Cheap IKEA-type furniture may not be of high-quality, or al that SP, but it's a lot like the interior-designer's version of LEGO

Whatever you do, it will probably be better-arranged than my office/workshop-from-H*ll   
       

[Strange-Sara]

I would recommend separating the sewing/things like Dremel tools from the work/office if at all possible...

That is the way I have it now, but the problem is that sometimes I need a large workspace for one or the other, and I live in a fairly small apartment, so the option is two small tables (in the same room) or one big one.  Because I now have an office at school, I don't do /as/ much paper type work at home, but still a lot.

I am thinking of combining IKEA type shelf/cabinet units with a countertop type top, and the pegboard back.

[CapnHarlock]

Miss Sara,

If you are considering IKEA (house-lego) stuff, the $20US "FLARKE" computer desks (pictured - the other one is in daughter's bedroom with sewing machine on it)  are a good base (spray-stain mahogany if desired )   2, separated, with a plywood top over both, yields 3 isolatable workspaces to, at least, attempt to keep "clean' and "messy" areas, and you can make the surface as big as you want. (Press n seal plastic wrap is a wonderful temporary surface   )

[WisconsinPlatt]

Power strip ... get one of the LONG ones ... I picked up a 5' 14-outlet one at Big Lots (YMMV).  It keeps the cords closer to where I'm working and if I have wall warts plugged in they don't block adjacent plugs.

I personally wouldn't like the trapdoor in the desk surface to the garbage can.  Either it would be covered over with stuff so I couldn't get to it or I'd leave it open and inadvertantly drop things in there that shouldn't be.  I'd go for a pullout trashcan.

Peg board is good.  I may try to incorporate that into my workspace I'm planning.

I have sworn to never step foot in an Ikea store again, so I can't help you there, but do you have any "Unclaimed Freight" type places near you?  Excellent source for broken, damaged office furniture that can be repurposed with just a little creativity.  Most metal desks at my local one go for under $20 and ar a great source of either drawer units or tops.

I agree with the one long surface.  I am fortunate in that I need not worry about fabric work in my office.  If I have a need to sew anything, I just go to my Mistress's sweatshop and kick an orphan off of a machine and use that.  (Alright...there are no orphans, but since her sewing room is off of the garage.  In Texas. It IS a sweat shop.)

Looks good otherwise.

[clockdug]

Your mileage may vary on this one by a lot.  My wife and I decided on a whim that we should check out an estate sale auction that we saw in our local weekly paper.  We live in the hinterlands with cattle visible outside the office, so I don't know how this will translate into other locales. 

What we found was that you could furnish an entire apartment for under $200 here.

You read that right; we picked up 2 vintage wingback chairs for $15.  Not $15 each; that was the price for both.  An old telephone table that looks amazing was I think $10.  Of course some things were pricier like the antique clocks that went for about $150-$200 (twice what they were worth).  For furniture I was amazed at how low the prices were.  The kitchen table and 4 chairs went for $10 total after they finally convinced someone to bid!  The set wasn't special, but it wasn't bad either and would have made a good work surface.  Needless to say we are watching for the next one.  If you have a free Saturday you might look for such things in your area to see how the prices are.

clockdug.

[Admiral Roudarin Teippi]

This is a bit far from the initial idea of creating a custom workspace but follows nicely from the estate sale bit...

Another good place for furniture (and all sorts of other cool stuff I might add) is a college or other large place of higher learning. Mine has a monthly "surplus sale" where they sell off anything and everything the various portions of the institution no longer want.  I just picked up a really nice desk in a similar need for work space.  Its huge and solid wood, cost me $50 (not the best deal I've seen at the sale but worth it in my opinion).

and heres a picture because its so pretty... (for an idea of the size its 5 feet long and 34 inches deep)


It looks so empty... just got it so there hasn't been time to accumulate much and had to take the lamp off it to light it.

oh and huzzah for my first post >.>

[CapnHarlock]

I must fervently-agree with Mr. Platt.  Those 3ft. power strips are, indeed, a godsend. Another useful item, if you are near a MicroCenter (assuming US electricity) store http://www.microcenter.com  (alas, I have not found them online) are their $0.99US 6-inch 3-prong extension cords that allow you to "krakenize" any power strip so that wall-warts do not make every other socket useless.