Simple Modern Desk with Plans

Desks, desks and more desks!  It seems everyone is making a workspace for themselves and that calls for a desk.  Today I’m sharing how to build this simple modern desk with an organized hutch shelf.  Let’s get building.

A DIY tutorial to build a simple modern desk. Make this user friendly ample desk with modern legs and hutch organizer using my plans.

You want an organized spot away from the dining room table so you can feel productive and focus.  So you need a desk space that’s not too clunky but still offers a drawer for hidden storage and a few open shelves for accessories.  Enter the simple modern desk you can build yourself using my plans down below.

If you follow me on Instagram I shared a peek of the completed carcass awhile back.

I took some time to put together plans for you to replicate this desk.  And in all honesty I was inspired by the PB Teen Amelia desk (which you can order and have about 8 weeks later).  Or you can build this similar version yourself and have it ready in just a few hours.  Plus I added the hutch on top for vertical storage and easy access to accessories.

Modern Desk Details

• single large drawer with divider
• generous space for desk chair
• added hutch for storage

This desk measures 36″ wide x 24″ deep so even with the hutch on top you still have 16″ deep of work area which is plenty of space for any computer set up.

Hutch Topper

• two open shelves with divided storage
• smaller center shelf for paper storage
• two pull out drawers for hidden storage

These cutie drawers in the hutch portion are deep enough to hide all the goodies.  And I left the plywood natural which is a beautiful contrast against the white paint.

And you can see the view from the underside shows the inset bottom.  I opted to route a channel for the drawer bottoms and also added adhesive felt pads for smooth gliding in and out.

Building a Desk

• Measure your space first to determine size and fit.
• Read through all notes below.
• Read through plans entirely before beginning.
• I highly suggest waiting to cut the drawer pieces until after the carcasses are assembled and you can measure the space accurately.

Click here for a printable PDF version of the simple modern desk plans.

Tools and Supplies:

• drill
• table saw
• miter saw
• kreg pocket hole jig
• multi-tool with flush cut bit
• nail gun & 1 ¼” brad nails
• wood glue
• 3” wood screws, 2” wood screws
• 1 ¼” pocket hole screws
• Iron-on edge banding
• pocket hole plugs
• 4 knobs
• 20″ soft close drawer glides
• adhesive felt pads

I opted to taper the base of the legs.  This is completely optional but I had recently made a tapering jig (using this tutorial here) for another project and had it out and ready so I just added this slight taper to the legs.

Another tip – I highly recommend adding the iron-on edge banding to the desk box pieces BEFORE assembly.  The edge banding adds about 1/16″ of thickness so this will affect your side seams.  If you have the edge banding on first and then assemble, your side seams will be perfectly flush.

I also opted to inset the backing on the desk box into the top / bottom / side pieces.  Simply route out a 1/4″ deep channel and then attach the backing AFTER you have installed the drawer glides.

To finish this modern desk I sprayed primer and then white satin enamel with lots of sanding in between.  Also you may consider attaching the hutch to the desk at the back using mending plates.  It’s not necessary but an option if you are worried about movement or tipping.

SHOP THIS PROJECT: