Murphy Desk

Last winter my husband and I decided to renovate the den. We knew we wanted updated cabinetry, new flooring, to update the fireplace and to tear off the old wallpaper.  Having a desk or table was also essential. We surfed the web for ideas and watched our usual home improvement shows for inspiration.  The space in the den is compact so we needed to be efficient with the area.

 After a few design renderings and discussions regarding the layout we decided on a Murphy Desk. The perfect compromise between getting the table top space we needed and having enough space in the den when the table is not in use.

The Murphy Desk uses a standard piano hinge and a leg or table (as in our case) to support the weight of the table top in the down position.  We used an antique table on casters, painted gold with a coffee glaze to use as support for our table top. In the up position art work can be hung to decorate the flat table top piece and a sliding lock for safety is used on each side to keep the table in the upright position.

So if you’re short on space use some creativity, and create an interesting alternative for your design dilemma. Give your own version of a Murphy Desk a chance it may just be the answer to your design needs.

Paula