I’ve never liked chairs much, and work at my desk only when there’s no other option. My preferred writing mode is in, or on, a bed or couch, stretched out with my laptop in front of me. For a long time, I used a Targus laptop desk that I originally bought for travel. I like it very much, but I don’t much like having the weight of the laptop on my thighs for hours at a time.
Eventually I ran across IKEA Hacker, and discovered this mod of IKEA’s Benjamin stool. If you compute in bed or in a chair by necessity or by choice, this portable desk might enhance the experience. It’s been a great solution for me.
It took me just about 40 minutes to turn this $20 purchase into a terrific laptop desk. I use it every day, and it’s a pleasure every time. Mr. Smiley, on Hacker, used a $6 coping saw to do the cuts; I used my $6 hacksaw.
My version is a little taller than the one shown on Hacker; I had to trim the stool’s legs twice to get the height exactly where I wanted it, and the angle just right. (It’s smart to leave the stool too tall at first, if you’re not sure you’ve got the height calculated perfectly.)
Of course, this laptop desk isn’t adjustable once you’ve made it, but if $140 for a Laptop Laidback is a bit much, this could be a fine compromise.
I cut a piece of gripping mesh to fit between the laptop and the desk, which keeps the computer from sliding around. My laptop stays nice and cool, and so do I, since its underside isn’t in contact with my body. The desk’s relatively high clearance means that my lap and legs don’t feel cramped and don’t get numb when I work for hours, and if I sit up properly, the keyboard is at a perfect ergonomic angle. That’s good for my wrists and hands, too.
If you scroll down on the IKEA Hacker page, you’ll see a few more amusing variations on this theme, though nothing as useful as this particular “hack”.
3 replies on “DIY – Laptop Desk for Chair or Bed”
This I’ve got to try. Thanks for all of your good work, here. I’ve got to send Christmas shoppers over here for more ideas.
Best,
Carol
I use my laptop lying down, and I find that a bean-bag lap tray works really well. It’s light, the perfect size, stops the laptop from overheating, and I can move it myself (I might have trouble with lifting the table). It’s better than a normal tray, because the beanbag makes it conformable, so it’s more comfortable, and easier to get on the right angle/position. They’re also cheap. Mine cost £5.
I did this Ikea mod too and love it. I added four 3M Scotch Removable Mounting Squares (clear) and it works great. The laptop stays FIRMLY in place and you can remove it with ease just by lifting it up.