You can buy Simple Japanese Furniture from Gifts to Me for only £13.50 (+P&P)! Usual RRP £16.99
Visit giftstome.co.uk and use the offer code R5865
Offer ends 16th July 2025
In this extract from Simple Japanese Furniture we look at how to construct an elegant and practical Japanese writing desk
This writing desk was originally for use in a Japanese-style room. In modern homes, it can be used as a desk for a laptop or a drawing desk for children, making effective use of a small space. It is slim at 900 x 480mm, making it ideal for those who don’t have much room. You can combine it with the ‘Stackable bookshelf’ (page 152) for an attractive set.
In this piece, the 21mm-thick top panel and legs are assembled in a ‘U’ shape to ensure strength. The legs are cut diagonally to create a slight inverted trapezoidal shape, thus adding to its smart appearance. The drawer may appear difficult to make, but it is made using simple rail supports and runners.
Parts and materials
t = thickness
1 t18 x 18 x 410mm: 2 boards
2 t21 x 240 x 265mm: 4 boards
3 t13 x 45 x 440mm: 2 boards
4 t30 x 40 x 740mm: 1 board
5 t21 x 240mm x 900mm: 2 boards
6 t5.5 x 250 x 400mm: 1 board (plywood) 7 t13 x 90 x 300mm: 1 board
8 t13 x 45 x 400mm: 2 boards
9 t15 x 30 x 417mm: 4 boards
10 t13 x 45 x 224mm: 2 boards
11 t15 x 30 x 224mm: 1 board
12 t18 x 18 x 417mm: 1 board
The numbered pieces above are referred to in both the drawings and the instructions.
Tools
Double-edged saw, clamps, ruler and tape measure, carpenter’s square, combination square and angle finder, impact driver, screws (45mm, 35mm, 25mm), corrugated nails, hand plane, electric sander, sandpaper, glue
Size of parts
Scale = 1/10
Measurements = mm
Drawing
How to make
