Materials: Vika Veine + legs, a desk pad, LED screen, thin keyboard
Description: I was in search of a good way to hide away my keyboard and monitor since I had to use my living room as part of my office.
I saw this item at IKEA and bought it figuring that I could make it work.
I bought a Viewsonic LED monitor because they're super-thin, and have both a VESA mount, and an DVI jack that's parallel to the screen.
The most difficult part of this project was to drill the VESA holes through the top of the desk accurately. I countersunk them, then attached the monitor to the inside of the desk. I filled the holes on the top with some wood filler to keep it flat, then used some silicone caulk to attach the desk-pad permanently.
Care must be taken when choosing the components, as the inside clearance isn't very much. Between the LED monitor and THIN Logitech keyboard, I was able to make it work!
Sorry about the not-so-good photos, but you get the idea. Also, need to work on some cable management.
~ Tak, Boston, MA
For cable management, would it be possible to send the cords down the leg(s) of the desk? Drilling a hole from the corner of the desk/where the leg is mounted to the table and drill out a small hole of the back leg(s) so the cords can either snake along the wall to the outlet or make it seem as if the desk gets plugged into the outlet
ReplyDeleteNow, THAT is ingenious! Both the desk mod and the idea to send the cables down the leg.
ReplyDeleteI bet if you used a mac mini or some other really small form factor desktop computer, it would all fit inside the desk. This is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI love it . . .
ReplyDeleteCan you post some dimension? the ikea site dosen't seem to have the interior dimensions.
ReplyDeleteNice job.
ReplyDeleteBe aware that monitor cables are relative to extremely stiff, depending on the type and brand; and not meant to flex back & forth in a tight space.
I've seen several monitor cables break over time (one or more of the wires going bad) due to a tight bend at the monitor or at the computer system, without having frequent adjustment. Just sitting tight in a cabinet or shelf.
So one should try to have the most forgiving and spacious path possible to avoid strain on the monitor cable.
A Raspberry Pi setup would work great with this hack. You can also ditch the clunky DVI/VGA cable for a thin HDMI cable that way. And if you get a monitor that has a USB-port, the only thing that you would see coming out of the table is 1 power cable, for the screen. *can't wait for the Raspberry Pi to come out*
ReplyDeleteThis is a very cool idea, the desk itself is practical enough already by the fact that it folds and hides stuff, but mounting a big monitor to the folding desk is even more practical.
ReplyDeleteI've compiled a quick review of this IKEA desk at my blog in case anyone needs more information.
The Most Practical IKEA Computer Desk - VIKA VEINE
www.twanis.com
I'd imagine that adding some thickness to the desk wouldn't be too hard. You'd just need to replace the 3 (4 if you want the front lip to be flush too) boards with wider ones. I'd consider doing that. I like the idea of this desk but I wouldn't want to sacrifice my monitor or keyboard choice just to make them fit. I'd rather make the space fit them! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat model of monitor did you use? I am looking to build a similar style desk, but it is hard finding a good thin monitor that has a vesa mount!
ReplyDeleteI tought about that kind of hack, trying to hide my computer. sadly, my screen is not thick enough, without mentionnong my keyboard...
ReplyDeleteTo answer a question above, I measured 6 cm thick inside the desk.
Great work!
did you have to buy a separate mount to mount it to the desk or did it come with the monitor? also, do you happen to know which model your monitor is? really would love to do this but i don't want to mess it up
ReplyDeletewhy not just buy a laptop to put into that desk? 15.4 inch laptops capable of most office work can be bought for a little more than that LED monitor
ReplyDeleteWhat size screws did you use to fit through the table and mount the monitor?
ReplyDeleteGREAT idea! I bought the stuff to do the same, but am trying to figure out the last few steps. Please let us know:
ReplyDelete1) What kind of bracket did you use to mount the monitor? (Or did you screw right into the wood?)
2) Which monitor did you use?
Thank you so much!!
Wow i love this idea so much, gives me alot of inspiration aswell, such as having a tri-monitor setup on a larger desk instead of the singular display. I also thought this desk design on a taller desk would be perfect for a hidden DJ table. I would like to keep my other ideas secret as it's better for you guys to innovate on the innovative haha
ReplyDeleteEveryone loves what you guys are up too. Such clever work and exposure! Keep up the great works guys I’ve included you guys to my own blogroll.
ReplyDeleteseo firm
Now that's the ultimate gamers' space-saver. However, I also have concerns about the wiring getting warped out by the corners. I just hope this design has spaces for the wires to go through.
ReplyDelete