Modern man can no longer imagine himself without the benefits of civilization, which make our life easier. One of the most important and necessary devices is a laptop. It is much more convenient to use than a desktop computer. The laptop practically does not differ from it in power and performance, but at the same time it has a smaller size.
The main feature of this device is its portability. You can carry out your activities in any convenient place, in your opinion. But it is necessary to take into account the fact that a solid surface is necessary for fruitful work. Therefore, you can make a table for a laptop with your own hands.
Why is it worth making a table yourself?
Of course, to save time and effort, you can choose a gadget stand in a special store. And if you start making a table with your own hands, you can create a model that is not found in any store.
The process itself will bring pleasure, and as a result you will have a unique product ready to use. During the creation of the table, thorough knowledge and skills are not required, just a little imagination and patience are enough.
Varieties of tables
There are many models of tables that differ significantly from each other or have minor but important differences. The most common is considered a table for a laptop made of wood, because you do not need a lot of materials to create it.
In most cases, the following set is sufficient:
- plywood sheets;
- self-tapping screws;
- connecting loops;
- glue;
- hacksaw for wooden surfaces;
- sandpaper.
Depending on the complexity of the chosen model, the components of the set may change or be supplemented. From these materials, you can make a simple table that fits perfectly into your interior and can perform many functions.
Folding laptop table in the room
This is a great option that will appeal to a person who prefers versatility and simplicity. A table made according to this scheme can be used for other things. It can also be used to serve coffee in bed, because its legs fold and unfold in a second.
For convenience, you can carve a small recess for a cup in the countertop. Such a model does not require a substantial expenditure of material and effort. All you need is plywood, glue, wood planks, nails and bolts to attach the legs.
Bedside table for a laptop for connoisseurs of comfort
Sometimes it happens that you have to complete the next report late at night, when the body is tuned in to rest. With a bedside table for a laptop, you can work comfortably sitting in bed. This model will be an ideal option for connoisseurs of comfort and warmth.
You can work at the table in any of the rooms, since its weight and dimensions allow you to move it in the right direction. If you want to sit on the veranda or on the balcony to work productively, then even in this situation a table can help out. To make it, you will need sheets of plywood, glue and a standard set of tools.
Cooling laptop table
Many laptop owners complain that they can heat up during operation, so it is important to take this point into account when creating a drawing of a future product.
You can make a table according to any of the listed principles, just by adding a cooling function to it. To do this, you need to slightly re-equip the countertop in order to build a cooler there.
Table for laptop on wheels
You can take the drawings of a standard table as a basis, only by adding wheels to it. This option will be very convenient, because you can work at a table in any of the rooms.
You can move the model without unnecessary difficulties, even if a laptop or other things are already on the table top. To make the creation of your hands even more functional, you can equip it with additional shelves for small things.
Corner table for laptop
There is nothing easier for a beginner table designer! This model fits surprisingly well into any interior and does not take up much space.
It is very convenient to sit at the table, because it resembles a standard computer table, but at the same time it is ergonomic and compact. When creating a corner table, you can add several shelves to store the necessary accessories during work.
If you cannot decide which model to choose for yourself, you can view photos of laptop tables. In this way, you can draw inspiration and create a unique piece that will serve you for a long time.
To make your creation not only functional and reliable, but also attractive, you can follow some tips. They will help to leave an imprint of individuality and style on your table:
To decorate the finished table, you can use paints. After drawing the picture, the surface should be covered with two or three layers of varnish. This will ensure durability and original appearance.
If you're into minimalist design, just varnish your table to give it a glossy, smooth finish. At the same time, you protect the product from negative external influences.
Combine models, bring your ideas, add details - your imagination will allow you to create the perfect table! Your hands can create masterpieces!
Photo of tables for a laptop
Today, a laptop is an indispensable attribute of a modern person. You can work on it anywhere. But if you keep it on your knees for a long time, this can cause some discomfort due to the inability to change position and its constant heating. In this case, a table for a laptop will come to the rescue.
Among other things, most laptop manufacturers recommend placing the laptop on a hard, level surface, which allows for optimal conditions for the fan to work to prevent overheating of the device. You can make a laptop table with your own hands, which will save you time on shopping trips in search of suitable furniture.
In order to make a table for a laptop with your own hands, you first need to make drawings of the main structural elements. If you do not have drawing skills, you first of all need to contact specialists or simply use a ready-made project on our website:
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Having a drawing, the next step is to purchase the necessary tools and materials. To make it you will need:
- a sheet of plywood, the thickness of which must be at least 15 mm;
- loops for making legs;
- glue;
- self-tapping screws;
- putty;
- hacksaw;
- brushes;
- sandpaper and other tools.
Additional materials will envy directly from the design of the table, as well as the possibility of using additional functions.
Main structural elements
The tables include the main structural elements:
- countertop. When designing, the size of the countertop is mainly provided for 30 × 60 cm. But if the drawings provide for additional functionality, then the size should be increased;
- table legs. In most cases, the legs for a laptop table are provided in the shape of the letter Z. There are options when they are made straight. Among the tables for a laptop, a folding table is most common;
Z-shaped legs
- coasters for glasses. To increase the functionality of the table, holes can be made in the tabletop, which will allow them to place a glass with a drink or a glass for pens and pencils;
Built-in cup holders
- armrest. For the convenience of users, the edges of the tabletop can be enlarged in order to perform the functions of an armrest.
Table with extended top
Design Options
In order to learn how to make a laptop table with your own hands, you will be helped by studying the basic designs discussed below. The design features described below will allow you to find the only option that will best meet your needs and needs:
- a classic version of the monolithic table shown in the photo.
Classic table
- To make it, you need to get a shield made of beech or another material suitable for making countertops. It should be remembered that the width of this tabletop itself should not exceed 20 mm. You will also need 2 or 4 legs depending on the project. It can also be envisaged that the nearest legs can be made movable, and those that are further away - stationary. This design solution is most suitable for lovers of the lotus position;
- folding table with holes for glasses.
There is a stand for glasses
- In fact, it is a repetition of the option described above, but in this case there is a hole in the countertop for placing glasses. The legs are movable. To make a table, you will need hinged legs, corners, self-tapping screws;
- do-it-yourself transforming table with holes for glasses and armrests.
For its design, a countertop is taken larger than the standard one. Best of all, an elongated version of the tabletop, which allows you to place your hands on either side of the laptop.
Some designs of laptop tables include a fan. This is of course a more expensive option and the presence of a fan greatly complicates the design solution, but it allows you to protect your laptop from overheating. The cooling design of the laptop table includes an aluminum table top. Cooling is provided by two fans that are mounted at the bottom of the tabletop.
Table with fan
Things to remember
If you decide to make a laptop table that will allow you to work quietly in bed, then you should remember the following points:
- after sawing the countertop, it is necessary to carefully process its edges. Otherwise, their gradual destruction will be observed and there will be a threat of getting a splinter;
- if for the manufacture of a table made of wood or chipboard, it is best to cover the surface with several layers of varnish, which will prevent the destructive effect of external factors on the table;
- to decorate the table, it is better to use paints, which are then covered with a layer of varnish;
- the use of vinyl stickers is best also corrected with varnish. Then they can keep their original appearance.
Here are considered several options for the design of tables for a laptop. But with due imagination, you can significantly expand their number. The uniqueness of the table will be given by the original stand, the materials used, as well as decorative elements.
Thus, having made a table, you will have the opportunity to continue working in bed with comfort.
If you spend a lot of time on your laptop, sooner or later you will face the question of how to give it more stability. The commercial, in which the lucky owner of a portable device works outside of civilization, promises complete maneuverability and convenience in any place and time. Don't believe!
Truth of the life
In fact, even in your own apartment, sitting like a Turkish or lying on your stomach, it is problematic to complete the smallest task on a laptop. As a result, mobile technology occupies a solid place on the table and is not much different from a conventional computer. There is a way to real comfort - a table for a laptop. Doing it with your own hands is simple, fast and, as they say, "for three pennies."
do as we do
Follow the step-by-step instructions - and in an hour you can be proud of the result of your own work. The laptop table you make will be very durable, lightweight and versatile. Because it can easily become a breakfast tray, a bench for outdoor recreation, just a children's table, a support on which it is convenient to stand up to reach a high-standing book, etc.
Option #1: DIY solid wood laptop table
Necessary materials:
- Joiner's glue.
- Sandpaper.
- Putty or primer.
- Varnish for coating wooden surfaces or paint.
- Hand saw.
- Paint and brush.
- Hammer, nails, screws.
- Sponge or soft cloth.
Step 1. Get a couple of suitable boards in the building materials store or conduct an “audit” in your own garage, for sure there will be something suitable that you can simply disassemble and only adjust to the desired dimensions. Cut the blanks: the tabletop, 4 legs and 4 parts for the "apron", which should be under the table top.
Since the dimensions of laptops vary significantly from each other, determine the dimensions that are optimal in your case. We draw your attention to the ratio of the parameters of wooden parts, which should be observed.
- Legs (2 x 2 thick) - each 23 cm long.
- A pair of long pieces of "apron" 63 cm each (1 x 2). Note that the ends of the "apron" are cut at an angle of 45 degrees.
- The side parts of the "apron" (1 x 2) are 28 cm long.
- The tabletop is 66.5 cm long and 30 cm wide.
Step 2 (optional). You can sand the legs of the product around the edges. There is no particular need for this. It just makes them look more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, such a table for a laptop in a bed is convenient to put, and there are no rough edges. If it is not available to you, this operation can be done manually.
Step 3 Lay the countertop face down on the desktop and use it to attach all the parts of the apron one by one.
Press firmly and leave for twenty minutes to "grab".
If you plan on painting your laptop tables (pictured below), be careful with the glue. It is better to remove the part of the substance displaced from under the parts with a sponge or soft rag before it hardens. Dried glue will not allow the paint to soak in and will look like a dirty spot.
Step 4 Turn the tabletop over and nail it to the "apron".
Step 5 Turn the table over again. In the corners of the "apron", put the legs on the glue, and then fix the position with nails, and even more reliably with screws.
In total, each leg must be reinforced with nails on both sides.
Step 6 Leave your work for the day. Let the glue dry completely.
Step 7 Sand the countertop Skip this step is not recommended. So you save yourself and loved ones from annoying splinters.
Step 8 If your countertop consists of several fitted boards, then it is necessary to prime the surface and, after it dries, level the plane with putty.
Step 9 The most pleasant stage is the painting of the product. Color - at your discretion and interior relevance. Don't skimp on paint, use a quality one that won't streak and last as long as you use the table.
It's time to try the table in action!
Option number 2: a table for a laptop in bed
This version of the product for a mobile computer is slightly different from the previous design solution. Instead of a solid tabletop and legs, the master used slats.
In this case, you can follow the instructions above on how to make a laptop table. The sequence of work will be the same. Only the number of details will increase significantly. But getting them is much easier than a solid board.
Option #3: "Zen"
It may seem difficult for a laptop to do. But this is a false conclusion. You will be convinced of this as soon as you find out what the laptop table is made of. Make it with your own hands in half an hour.
Necessary materials:
- The wooden frame is from an old painting, suitable for a handheld device.
- A piece of plywood of the same parameters as the frame. Actually, you can use the picture if it is painted in oil on fiberboard, since you had to tear it off. In this case, the working side will be the one for the back of the picture. However, depending on the content and integrity of the work, a picturesque plot can become a unique decoration of a designer table. It is a pity that the sample cannot boast of this. However, the table turned out great.
- 4 thin slats (dimensions must correspond to the perimeter of the table).
- 6 strong rails for product legs.
- Joiner's glue.
- A hammer.
- 4 bolts and the same number of nuts.
- Brush and paint or (optional).
- Hacksaw.
Step 1. If necessary, reinforce the frame with glue and appropriately sized nails.
Step 2 Carefully nail the countertop to the "apron frame".
Step 3 Turn the piece over. "Seat" on the glue thin restrictive rails around the perimeter of the countertop.
Step 4 Make the legs of the table in the form of a wide letter "n".
File the tops and bottom of the legs at a 45 degree angle. This simple action will force them not to stand straight, but to slide out at an angle over the edges of the table, which will add stability to the product.
Turn the table top upside down. Install the legs using bolts and nuts.
Step 5 (optional). So, your do-it-yourself laptop table is almost ready. If you understood and completed everything correctly, then the upper part of your product should consist of three layers: an “apron”, the actual plywood or fiberboard countertop, and restrictive rails.
If necessary, before painting, you can prime the bumps and perfectly level the surface with putty. In this case, additional time will be required to allow each working layer to dry before final painting.
Apply varnish to the sides of the table and legs.
Step 6 (most creative). There are many ways to complete the work on making a table for a laptop: paint, apply decoupage, laminate, wrap with self-adhesive film, come up with and implement your own version.
The model that served as a model is painted in red-orange paint. This contrasts well with the chocolate and coffee base of the table, giving it a unique "Zen" flavor.
I have an idea!
Convenient tables for a laptop computer can be made from ordinary packaging cardboard, woven from vines or newspaper tubes, from old and unnecessary things. But that's another master class.
Relaxing while watching your favorite series or working on a laptop can become even more convenient if there is a special table available.
By installing a laptop on it, you can comfortably sit on the couch, without the risk of burning your legs with hot air from the cooling system.
A laptop desk is no longer a rarity in homes. Now it is one of the integral and necessary parts of interior items.
The modern furniture market presents a wide selection of a wide variety of tables for laptops. They are able to secure the owner's workplace and extend the life of the laptop, due to the absence of obstacles to the cooling system.
Choosing a laptop desk
Knowing the basic parameters, you can easily select the desired table.
First of all, you need to decide on the size of the countertop. It should not protrude much beyond the laptop, but there should also be room for the mouse.
A necessary element of the design should be a system for adjusting the position of the table in height.
The material for the manufacture of the table should easily pass hot air. The surface of the table should prevent the laptop from slipping.
Types of table designs:
- folding. Such tables are convenient to store, they do not take up much space when folded. Convenient for a small room.
- stationary. Outwardly, they resemble a table for a computer, but they are much smaller. The design may include various shelves, wheels and other functional devices.
- tables - stands. These are good to work in a sitting position. Thanks to a thoughtful design, the surface protects the wearer from the flow of hot air blown out of the cooling system.
- transformers. Depending on the required parameters, you can easily give the table the desired shape. Convenient to use while traveling.
When buying, you need to decide on the terms of use of the table. If you need to accommodate additional accessories, choose a larger table.
A small table with a limited work surface is suitable for one function - working at a laptop.
An additional feature is the built-in ventilation system. It provides maximum distribution of the flow of hot air and is a kind of protection against thermal wounds.
Many manufacturers can equip tables with additional elements: spotlights, cup holders.
Manufacturing materials
The main materials for the manufacture of tables for laptops are:
- plastic.
- wood.
- metal.
- combined materials.
Plastic tables are lightweight and compact. Can be easily folded and assembled. Often in their kit they have a place for mugs.
Such tables are equipped with additional ventilation, lighting. The advantages include a low price. The disadvantages are strength.
Unfortunately, plastic tables are easily deformed under the influence of external loads.
Tables made of wood or pressed bamboo are environmentally friendly. They have all the advantages of plastic tables.
In addition, they have the best ventilation system. The only subjective drawback may be the large size. The natural texture of the material can harmoniously complement the interior of the room.
Aluminum tables are durable. They will last you longer than tables made of wood or plastic.
They can be presented in a wide variety of configurations and have many options for adjusting parameters.
Making tables from different materials contributes to the highlighting of positive qualities, such as strength, lightness, environmental friendliness and a beautiful decorative look.
Such furniture will fit well into any interior. The combination of different materials allows you to get universal tables.
Photo options for laptop tables
The theme of bedside tables for breakfast in bed of laptops is quite popular on the Internet, including on Habré. But I, nevertheless, decided on my article. Honestly, this is my first more or less serious work with wood in my entire life. I will try to tell everything in detail for the same beginners (like me), so many things may seem superfluous or too detailed to the sophisticated reader. But, reading various articles on this topic, or rather, comments on them, like: “Yes, your table, of course, is not very good, but you are so good that you made it with your own hands,” I realized that the topic is relevant . People sitting at the computer rarely take woodworking tools into their own hands.
In fact, the idea to make some kind of laptop stand, with which it would be convenient to lie in bed, came to me quite a long time ago, the first time, probably, three years ago. But what can you do for yourself? And here, two weeks ago, her beloved once admitted that she really lacks a table for happiness, on which in the evening, falling asleep, you could watch a movie on a laptop. In general, the desire did not take long to wait.
Ingredients
To buy everything that I was going to make a table from, I went to Ob, but you can probably do it with the same success in other stores that are in your city. I can only say that I really liked that Ob has such qualified consultants that with their help, any goods, at least for furniture assembly, can be easily chosen even by a woman who is as far from all this as a person. We chose two medium-sized knotted pine wood panels, water-based ebony paint, and two pairs of gold-tone decorative hinges.All this, again, you are free to choose to your taste - the dimensions of the furniture boards depend on the size of the future table. For example, I bought two shields 300x1000, on one I had a table top and a leg, most of the second remained untouched. By the way, instead of furniture panels, you can use chipboard or plywood, but even before going to the store I refused this, because I wanted a more real tree. In the planned product, the emphasis was on external beauty and ease of use, and not on the price and speed of production. I do not dissuade you from something else, you can pay attention to man-hours - I am very impressed when people can literally make a very convenient and quite attractive little thing literally from improvised means in one evening.
I chose the paint so that the table would fit the walls of the room of the future owner. There is a wide choice of paints in stores, and what is absolutely great - there are samples of pieces of parquet already painted with these paints (usually).
Let's get to work
To begin with, I printed out the "drawings" of the future product and transferred them to the tree with a pencil. The most successful way to do this would be to create the correct pattern and stroke it, but for some reason I did not bother with this and drew the shape of the table top and legs by hand. To help myself, I simply marked the control points along the ruler, and drew the curves by eye. I strongly recommend that the future creator not be too lazy and make a high-quality pattern in any way, and then transfer the drawing from it to the tree. By the way, I advise you to arm yourself with a longer ruler, the fewer rearrangements with intermediate marks you make, the smoother the straight line will turn out and the less likely you are to make a mistake.
Now, almost the most interesting and difficult part, from my point of view, is cutting out our shapes. I used a jigsaw and, to be honest, I held it in my hands for the first time in my life. This is an indescribable feeling when you can saw and turn at the same time ... In the process of manufacturing a part, remember the rule "measure seven times, cut once." Do not be too lazy once again not just to look at your drawing, but also additionally measure it with a ruler, whether everything is symmetrical with you, whether the distances are correct. Once you have made sure the lines are correct several times, you can start cutting.
As you can see in the photographs, I put the furniture board on two stools and constantly moved them under it in those moments when the next bend in the cut required it. I recommend that you do not be lazy and do the same, do not try to cut out the form on one side without moving yourself and without moving the support - it is better when you always have a fulcrum and you can cut without fear that you will touch your stand.
Another small nuance - if you are a beginner, then start training on more inconspicuous details, then the main details will turn out smoother (as you will already learn). Let me explain, I always started with the legs, as they are less noticeable than the countertop. Those. I “rehearsed” on the legs, so on the countertop I end up with much fewer various shortcomings. This applies to drawing, and sawing, and painting.
After we sawed out all the details, you can start sanding. I was lucky, and in my apartment there was a grinder. This is such a tool with two rotating shafts, on which the skin is stretched. True, not all parts got the passage with a grinder, because. in the process, a skin sheet was torn in me, and I had to remove it and finish it by hand - this is noticeably slower. I recommend not to do with one skin, but to have at least two - with large and small grains. With a coarse-grained sandpaper, we remove all our sawing flaws, and with a fine-grained sandpaper, we make the elements smooth and tactilely pleasant.
When all the details are sawn and sanded, the place of work is tidied up, you can start painting. I applied the paint in several layers because the wood absorbs very readily, leaving almost nothing on the surface. Despite the fact that the manufacturer stated that the paint dries in 4 hours, just in case, I left everything painted overnight, moving the parts to the balcony. The paint after the first drying will be barely noticeable and will not live up to your expectations - do not be discouraged, the second painting is definitely waiting for us. Most likely, the tree, even in those places where after sanding it was possible to put a silk scarf, will “bristle” a little. If the “bristling” is not very pronounced, then you can rely on varnish, but if your fibers are completely reared, then it will not be superfluous to re-sand and re-stain exactly the sanded places, so that in the future the entire product will be evenly colored. You won’t have to do this indefinitely, because. the second time the tree will not absorb so much moisture.
In the process of painting with a brush, drive only along the fibers and constantly monitor and avoid smudges. As with everything else, paint first those places that will be less visible in the future and only at the end, having practiced, move on to those parts that will always be in front of your eyes. It's great if you have several brushes of different sizes, at least one for surfaces and one for ends. But in principle, you can get by with one, like me.
I painted the table twice, respectively, it took two days, because. each drying lasted a night, and the next morning I went to study / work and devoted time to the table only in the evening. After two stainings, the color satisfied me a little more than completely, so it was possible to move on to varnishing the table. There was no varnish at home, I had to go separately to the Order located next to the house - there is also a very large selection of various paint and varnish coatings. I needed a matte, colorless varnish. I didn’t get hung up on the manufacturer, so I chose a jar of semi-matt yacht varnish with the most beautiful label. By the way, it was also not difficult to choose what I needed, because already received samples were attached to the rows of numerous cans. You, again, can choose a varnish to your liking, try gloss or semi-gloss, I just have a ThinkPad, I'm a fan of everything matte.
Drying the varnished parts took me another non-working half of the day. By the way, the varnish was already applied much faster, because. after two coats, it practically did not soak into the wood at all. Again, beware of smudges and lach products strictly in the direction of the fibers, and not across them.
If everything is dry after varnishing, we are left with the smallest part - assembly. At first, I spent a lot of time placing the legs and hinges on the tabletop to achieve symmetry. After my eye was satisfied, measuring with a ruler destroyed my entire construction and everything had to be reattached. In no case do not rush to assemble. Place and try to fold / unfold the legs ten times so that they are accurately removed, unfolded to the end and are symmetrical. If you have arranged everything as you need, you can make notes. I made notes with a knife, maybe with a marker, I was just afraid to stain something extra.
Well, it remains only to screw everything. Our table is ready!
As a bonus, I am attaching a photo of the main inspirer of the project, who did not know anything until the very last moment!
Unrealized ideas or in what I can be surpassed
I really wanted to make a recess for a cup in the table, but I could not figure out how to achieve this. There was an option for sawing with a cutter and then smoothing the edges with sandpaper, but the cutter has a drill in the center that would make a hole through my countertop. A few more people offered me the same option - to drill a through hole, and then paste some kind of plastic jar there and paint over it along with the countertop. I refused this option, because. For me, aesthetics were more important than functionality.Also, I thought it would be cool to make the tabletop slightly inclined and in the lower (or front, as you like) part to make some kind of emphasis for a laptop or a pencil so that nothing rolls down and does not move out. Perhaps this is overkill.
(UPD)Cost
In the comments a couple of times asked to specify the cost.The cost of two furniture panels, a bucket of paint and two pairs of hinges is 1000 rubles;
A separate purchased small jar of varnish - another ~ 250 rubles.
But there are still 5 tables of paint and varnish left, from the rest of the furniture board you can cut two more pairs of legs.
Links and Acknowledgments
I definitely would not have made my table without the following articles:- Do-it-yourself bedside table in 15 minutes - habrahabr.ru/post/85891
- Table for laptop - habrahabr.ru/post/56577
- And here I saw an image of what I would like to do - sergelin.ru/furniture/061.asp
I hope that after this article, more young people will let go of the keyboard and take up instruments, and even more girls will be blessed with a new small but terribly pleasant piece of furniture. Dare!
UPD2: Updated the table! Redid the loops, as in the diagram 