What You Can Do With an Old Computer Table
An old computer table is usually sturdy enough to serve several other purposes around your home. The most common conversions are a craft station, a plant stand, a small bar or beverage cart, a pet feeding station, or a narrow console table for an entryway. The keyboard tray—if it pulls out—can become a drawer for supplies, or you can remove it entirely to open up the work surface. The key is matching the table's current dimensions and condition to a task that fits.
Before you decide what to build toward, measure the table's height, width, and depth, and check whether the legs are stable. A wobbly table needs reinforcement before it can safely hold anything heavier than lightweight items. If the surface is scratched or stained, you can refinish it, paint it, or cover it with adhesive paper—all of which take a few hours and cost under $30.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your table's height, width, and depth before deciding on a new purpose, because a computer table's narrow footprint works best for specific tasks like plant displays or craft stations.
- Test the table's stability by pushing down on each corner and checking for wobble; loose joints can be tightened with a wrench or Allen key, and wobbly legs may need corner braces.
- Remove or repurpose the keyboard tray by either pulling it out to use as a drawer or unscrewing it to create more open surface space.
- Paint, stain, or cover the surface with adhesive paper if it is scratched or stained; most finishes dry within 24 hours and cost less than $30 in materials.
- Computer tables work well as plant stands, craft stations, pet feeding areas, narrow console tables, or beverage carts because their compact size fits tight spaces.
Check the Table's Stability and Structure
Start by testing whether the table is safe to use. Push down firmly on each corner of the tabletop with the heel of your hand. If the table rocks or feels loose, the joints need attention before you move forward. Most computer tables use bolts or Allen screws at the corners where the legs meet the frame; tighten these with a wrench or Allen key (usually 4mm or 5mm) by turning clockwise until snug. Do not over-tighten, which can strip the threads.
If the table still wobbles after tightening the bolts, the legs themselves may be bent or the floor may be uneven. Place a level on the tabletop to check. If the floor is the problem, shim the legs with plastic shims or folded cardboard until the table sits flat. If a leg is bent, you can sometimes straighten it by loosening the bolts, adjusting the leg, and re-tightening. If that does not work, add an L-bracket or corner brace to the inside of the frame where the leg meets the top—these cost $5 to $15 and reinforce weak joints.
Remove or Repurpose the Keyboard Tray
Most computer tables have a keyboard tray that slides out on metal rails. You have two options: remove it entirely to gain more surface space, or keep it and use it as a hidden drawer for supplies. To remove it, look underneath the tray for the bolts or screws that attach it to the rails, and unscrew them. The rails themselves can stay or come off depending on how much clearance you want under the table.
If you want to keep the tray as a drawer, leave the rails in place and use the tray to store art supplies, pet toys, cleaning cloths, or office items. Make sure the rails slide smoothly; if they are stiff, spray them lightly with silicone lubricant and work the tray in and out a few times. Wipe away excess lubricant with a cloth. If you remove the tray and rails, you will expose the underside of the tabletop, which may be rough or stained—sand it lightly with 120-grit sandpaper if it will be visible.
Refinish the Surface if Needed
Computer tables often show scratches, water rings, or fading after years of use. Before you commit to a new purpose, decide whether the surface bothers you. Light scratches disappear under a coat of paint or stain. Deeper gouges can be filled with wood filler (if the table is real wood) or left as-is if they do not affect function.
For a quick refresh, use adhesive paper or contact paper in a color or pattern that matches your space—this takes 20 minutes, costs $10 to $20, and can be peeled off later without damage. For a more permanent finish, sand the surface with 120-grit sandpaper, wipe away dust with a damp cloth, and explore paint or stain. Use a brush or foam roller for even coverage. Most latex paint dries to the touch in 2 to 4 hours and is fully cured in 24 hours. If the table is laminate (not real wood), use a primer designed for laminate before painting, or skip paint and use adhesive paper instead.
Convert It to a Plant Stand or Display Table
A computer table's narrow footprint and modest height make it ideal for displaying plants. The open space under the tabletop allows light to reach lower shelves if you add them, and the compact width fits corners or against walls. Arrange potted plants across the top surface, or add a second shelf 12 to 18 inches below the tabletop by installing shelf brackets and a piece of plywood cut to size.
If you add a shelf, measure the distance between the legs and cut plywood 1 inch shorter on each side so it does not interfere with the legs. Use L-brackets rated for at least 25 pounds per bracket (usually two brackets per shelf) and screw them into the legs or frame. Sand the plywood edges smooth and paint or stain it to match the table. This setup works well for succulents, trailing plants, or small decorative objects, and the lower shelf keeps heavier pots stable.
Turn It Into a Craft or Work Station
Computer tables are the right height for sitting and working (usually 28 to 30 inches), and the narrow surface works well for crafts, writing, or small projects. If you remove the keyboard tray, you gain a clear, uncluttered workspace. Add a pegboard to the wall behind the table to hang scissors, rulers, brushes, or other tools, keeping supplies within arm's reach without taking up table space.
For storage, use rolling drawers that slide under the table, or add a small shelving unit to one side. If the table has a shelf underneath, use it to store bins of yarn, fabric, paper, or other materials. Make sure the table is positioned near a window or under good lighting, and add a task lamp if needed. A computer table's compact size makes it perfect for small apartments or shared spaces where a full craft room is not possible.
Adapt It as a Pet Feeding Station or Beverage Cart
A computer table can become a dedicated feeding area for cats or dogs by placing food and water bowls on the top surface. The raised height keeps bowls off the floor and away from foot traffic, which some pets prefer. If the table has a shelf underneath, use it to store pet food, treats, or supplies. Make sure the table is stable and positioned away from high-traffic areas where someone might trip over it.
For a beverage cart or bar, arrange glasses, bottles, and a small ice bucket on the tabletop, and use the shelf below for bottles, napkins, or bar tools. The narrow width makes it straightforward to move from room to room if you have casters (wheels) attached to the legs. To add casters, flip the table upside down, position each caster at the base of a leg, and screw them in. Use locking casters so the table does not roll when you are using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint a computer table without sanding it first?
If the table is laminate, you must use a primer designed for laminate or the paint will peel. If it is real wood with a glossy finish, light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper helps the paint stick. For a quick refresh, adhesive paper or contact paper skips painting entirely and costs less.
How do I fix a wobbly computer table?
Tighten all bolts and screws where the legs meet the frame using a wrench or Allen key. If it still wobbles, check the floor with a level and shim the legs with plastic shims or cardboard. If a leg is bent, add an L-bracket to reinforce the joint where the leg meets the frame.
What is the best way to remove a keyboard tray?
Look underneath the tray for bolts or screws attaching it to the metal rails, and unscrew them. The rails can stay or be removed depending on how much clearance you want. If the rails are stiff, spray them with silicone lubricant before removing the tray.
Can I add a second shelf to a computer table?
Yes. Measure the distance between the legs, cut plywood 1 inch shorter on each side, and attach it with L-brackets rated for at least 25 pounds each. Use two brackets per shelf and screw them into the legs or frame. Sand the plywood edges and finish to match the table.
What height should a computer table be for a craft station?
Most computer tables are 28 to 30 inches tall, which is the standard height for sitting and working. This height works well for crafts, writing, or small projects. If you are much taller or shorter than average, test the height by sitting at the table before committing to it.