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Jaime Costiglio

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DIY Vanity Desk with Modern Hardware Pulls

June 6, 2016

*Update 2/5/17: for an updated version of this build with deep drawers click here.
Building for my kids is perhaps the most fun and a great source of pride as a momma.  Today I’m sharing how to build this vanity desk including these unique modern drawer pulls made using Simpson Strong-Tie® hardware.
diy vanity desk with Simpson Strong Tie hardware pulls

A DIY tutorial to build a vanity style desk with modern hardware pulls. Make this desk with lots of drawer storage using my plans.

This desk is generous in size, average but not too small, really it’s perfect for anyone.  All the details including step-by-step
instructions are down below but first let me show you the finished piece.
girls bedroom desk area

Drawer Storage

There are eight smaller drawers on the left and one large wider drawer at the top great for storing all sorts of accessories and supplies.  My daughter has filled it up with hair supplies, play make-up, papers and journals plus lots of keepsakes.

This vanity style desk is personal space to call your own while everything stays tidy in the drawers.
Simpson Strong-Tie hardware pulls

Hardware Pulls

I designed the drawer pulls using a screw eye, washer and Simpson Strong-Tie® bearing plate.  Prior to assembly I spray painted the screw
eye and washer a glossy aqua blue for contrast.  Painting the pulls is an easy way to add color without making the entire desk a flashy eyesore.
The building plans are designed to use wood boards as drawer glides versus metal drawer glides.  One upper and one lower board
create a track while the base of the drawer glides along the track.  Also, I lined each drawer with bright colored paper to keep it young and fresh for my daughter.
drawers with liners

There’s plenty of counter space and storage in this fun vanity desk.
diy vanity desk with Simpson Strong-Tie hardware pulls

Building Plans

Below is a link to the printable PDF plans for the vanity desk.  Be sure to read through entirely before beginning and always follow all safety precautions when using power tools.
vanity desk plans dimensions
Click here for a printable PDF version of the vanity desk plans.
desk step 1
 
Step 1: Attach cross supports to legs using wood glue and 2 ½” pocket hole screws.  Keep pocket holes to underside at bottom and
to top side.  
Make 3

vanity step 2

Step 2: Attach plywood panel into 2 of the leg sets.  Using 1 ¼”pocket hole screws keeping the panel flush to interior.
 
sides and frame pieces
You will have 2 closed side panels and one open frame panel.
attaching desk top to base pieces
When attaching the Simpson Strong-Tie® A21 angles be sure to use the Simpson Strong-Tie® SD8X1.25 #8 x 1-1/4″ Phillips Wafer Head Wood Screws into the side panels and 3/4″ wood screws into the desk top.
For the remaining steps click here for the printable PDF version.

Drawer Details

diy vanity desk free plans
There are 2 drawer sizes in this desk – 8 small drawers going down the left side and one large drawer across the top.  The build process is the same for both sizes just slightly different dimensions on the width.  So be sure to check your measurements before making any cuts.
diy vanity desk free plans
For the drawer bases I used MDF, it’s cheaper than plywood and more stable in this application.
diy vanity desk free plans
Each drawer pull is made up of 3 parts:
  • 1- Simpson Strong-Tie® Bearing Plate
  • 1- 1″ fender washer
  • 1- screw eye

To prepare the hardware pulls I spray painted the washers and screw eyes in bright Rust-Oleum gloss seaside.

Simpson Strong-Tie hardware drawer pulls
Predrill a hole at the center of each drawer and begin attaching the pull as pictured above.  Use only your fingers, no tools as you don’t want to scratch the paint.
Simpson Strong-Tie hardware drawer pulls
Complete the hardware installation using a wood dowel inserted through the screw eye.  This will ensure no scratches from a rough tool on the glossy paint.
diy vanity desk with Simpson Strong-Tie hardware pulls
And you could paint the hardware any color or leave natural to compliment your furniture finish, the options are endless!
diy vanity desk with Simpson Strong-Tie hardware pulls
Disclaimer:  I partnered with Simpon Strong-Tie® to bring you these plans.  I was provided compensation and / or product however all thoughts, opinions and creative ideas are my own.
I built a second desk for my older daughter which gave me a chance to modify the drawer set up.  The new plans include 4 small drawers and 2 deep drawers for bigger items.  See the post here with link to free printable plans.
diy vanity desk with deep drawers

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Filed Under: BUILD, DESKS, DIY, FURNITURE, KIDS BEDROOMS, ORGANIZATION, SALTBOX PROJECT4 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Minara El-Rahman says

    June 6, 2016 at 6:41 PM

    This is my favorite project yet!

    Reply
  2. Amy Baesler says

    June 7, 2016 at 2:03 PM

    This vanity is so cool. Love all of the storage and those awesome DIY pulls!

    Reply
  3. Our Pinteresting Family says

    June 8, 2016 at 11:31 AM

    What a cool idea! I love it!

    Reply
  4. ctoner says

    July 12, 2016 at 7:44 PM

    Would this desk fit under the loft bed!

    Reply

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