10 Stylish DIY Campaign Desk Ideas

Last updated on September 26, 2023

Here are some great tutorials for making your own DIY campaign desk to help get you started on your next project.

Campaign desks were used by military officers, and their key features were their minimalist but functional look. They had a few drawers to store documents, and they were foldable.

Other elements of campaign-style furniture may feature drawers and corners reinforced with metal brackets.

Modern campaign desks are more about that look rather than function. They have the iconic minimalist design, the x-base legs, but they are rarely foldable.

With a little bit of woodworking knowledge and some basic tools, you can build yourself a campaign desk following one of these DIY tutorials. These tutorials provide step-by-step instructions and tips to help you complete the project.

The end result is a sturdy and stylish homemade desk that will last for years.

DIY Campaign Desk Plans

Tutorial: thedesignconfidential.com

Expected cost: This project will cost around $100 to complete

Materials:

wood
saw
hammer
nails
paint

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this site, but it is still doable for most people. It will take some time to complete, but the end result is worth it.

You will need to have some basic woodworking skills and knowledge to complete this project successfully.

How to Build a Campaign Style Desk

Tutorial: dorseydesigns.com

Expected cost: $200

Materials:

1×8 pine boards
1×4 pine boards
1×2 pine boards
1×10 pine boards
1×12 pine boards
2×4 pine boards
Plywood
Wood glue
Nails
Screws
Paint or stain
Sealer

This project is a bit more difficult than your average weekend project, but it is still doable if you have some basic woodworking skills. It will take some time to cut and assemble the pieces, but the end result is a sturdy and stylish desk that will last for years.

Tutorial: allthingsslim.com

Materials:

1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
Plywood
Spray gun
Paint
Stain
Sealer

This project is a tutorial on how to make a campaign desk. It is a relatively easy project that only requires some basic woodworking skills and knowledge of how to use a spray gun.

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $50

Materials:

1/2″ plywood
1×2 lumber
1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
wood glue
stain or paint (optional)

This project is a modern take on the campaign desk, which is a nomadic writing table that was popularized by officers of the British Empire in the 1800s. The desk is designed to be portable and simple, and it features offset legs that allow the finished units to nestle neatly together.

The project requires basic woodworking skills and tools, and it can be completed for about $50.

Tutorial: justsomethingiwhippedup.com

Expected cost: $50

Materials:

Dremel
Drill
Drill bit set

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this list, but it is still doable for most people. It involves using a Dremel to route out spots for hardware, so it requires some concentration.

It also requires a drill and drill bit set.

Tutorial: krystineedwards.com

Expected cost: $100

Materials:

Paint
Wax
Brass polish
Cloth

This project is a simple but time-consuming makeover of a campaign desk. It requires painting, waxing, and buffing the desk, as well as cleaning and polishing the brass hardware.

Tutorial: whatsurhomestory.com

Materials:

Old desk
Paint

This project is about painting an old desk you’d find in a thrift store to give it an amazing look. A desk like this will do wonders to your decor.

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $200

Materials:

Tape measure
Circular saw
Miter saw
Router
Pocket hole jig
Biscuit joiner
Sandpaper
Stiles
Construction adhesive
Cordless drill
1 inch hole saw
Paintbrush
Semigloss oil based paint

This project is a bit more difficult than the average desk build, but it is still doable for most people with some woodworking experience. It requires cutting at 13 degree angles, which can be tricky, and assembling the desk with pocket hole screws and biscuits.

The drawers are also deep at 30 inches, so you will need a router to make them. Finally, the desk needs to be primed and painted with semigloss oil based paint.

Tutorial: hometalk.com

Expected cost: $50

Materials:

Cardboard boxes
Plywood
Cabinet hardware
Paint or stain
Wood glue
Cordless drill
1/8″ drill bit
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Tape measure
Square
Level
Scissors
Sandpaper

This project is a great way to add some extra storage to your home without spending a lot of money. It is a simple project that anyone can do with just a few supplies and some basic woodworking skills.

The most difficult part of this project is cutting the cardboard boxes to fit into the cabinet, but other than that it is a very easy project.

Tutorial: hometalk.com

Expected cost: $20-$30

Materials:

1/2 inch plywood
1×2 lumber
1×4 lumber
Screws
Nails
Wood glue
Saw

This project is a great way to add some extra storage to your home without spending a lot of money. It is a simple project that can be completed in a few hours and only requires basic tools and materials.

The most difficult part of this project is cutting the wood to size, but if you have access to a saw, it should not be too difficult.