https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/sofa-arm-desk • Posted by Ulysses Press
This project was born out of necessity. When we bought a new recliner sofa, we realized that the coffee table wasn’t going to work anymore. But where was I going to put my coffee, my computer, and my reading glasses? I have space for only one end table next to the sofa. I decided to build a sturdy “desk” or table that rested on the arm of the new sofa and had a space to hold my laptop, which is often in our family room. The desk works great and most often stays on the sofa arm. It also works well sitting on the middle cushion of the sofa when it’s vacant. When we do want to stretch out, we store the desk under the end table. TIME: 1 hour, plus dry time LEVEL: Beginner
This project was born out of necessity. When we bought a new recliner sofa, we realized that the coffee table wasn’t going to work anymore. But where was I going to put my coffee, my computer, and my reading glasses? I have space for only one end table next to the sofa. I decided to build a sturdy “desk” or table that rested on the arm of the new sofa and had a space to hold my laptop, which is often in our family room. The desk works great and most often stays on the sofa arm. It also works well sitting on the middle cushion of the sofa when it’s vacant. When we do want to stretch out, we store the desk under the end table. TIME: 1 hour, plus dry time LEVEL: Beginner
Cut six 5 1⁄2"-wide pallet boards 9” long. If you have a particularly tall sofa arm, you will want to make the sofa desk taller than 9”, but 9” tall will work for most sofas. After cutting the pallet pieces, sand them well since the desk will be sitting on fabric.
To make the top of the sofa arm desk, place three of the 13" (or the size you cut) boards on top of the two 2" × 4" pieces, and secure them with 1 1⁄4" screws.
Measure the width of the arm on your sofa. You want the desk to sit snugly on the arm. From 5 1⁄2"-wide pallet boards, cut six pieces the width of the arm. For example, the arm on my sofa measures 13" wide, so I cut six 5 1⁄2"-wide pallet boards 13" long.
Turn the desk over and do the same with the remaining 13" boards to create a cubby for books and magazines.
Place three of the 9” pallet boards across the 2" x 4". Secure each 9” board to the 2" x 4" with two 1 1⁄4" screws per board. Place screws at an angle. Repeat on the other side of the desk. These create the sides that help to keep the desk securely sitting on the sofa arm.
Paint and finish as desired. I painted the outside and left the inside the natural, light color of the pallet wood.