Make your desk a model of efficiency with these creative ideas gathered from readers by junker Ki Nassauer.

1. CRIB NOTES
Turn a discarded crib spring into a hardworking office organizer.

HOW TO
Cut two sides of the spring with a metal saw to desired size (we matched the proportion of the table below). Next, screw the original top and bottom of the spring to 1×2s (cut to fit.) Drill two holes in each 1×2 and screw in eye-hooks (we added a washer between the wood and hook, but it’s purely decorative). Wrap the loose wires around the hooks until tight. Clip the excess spring with a wire cutter.

—Inspired by Lanette Lorsung, Andover, Minnesota


2. A GRATE IDEA
Keep pencils and art supplies in check with this sharp project.

HOW TO
Buy two caps for outdoor railings (one peaked and one flat) at your local hardware store. Build a five-sided box with 1×6s to fit the peaked cap. Attach a lazy Susan swivel to the flat cap and screw the swivel to the bottom of the box. Create bottoms for graters/holders by snugly placing wood scraps cut to fit the inside of the bottom of each. Screw graters onto the box.

—Inspired by Bonnie Black, Baltimore, Maryland


3. TABLETOP TREASURE  
One person’s rickety table is another’s space-saving workstation.

HOW TO
A broken-down table is best for this project. Cut the table in half, or to the desired depth, then saw off the legs. Screw a 1×4 onto the wall at the height you want the table to be. Set the table on the ledge of the 1×4 and, using L-shaped brackets, attach the table to the 1×4.

—Inspired by Lisa Peterson, Benson, Minnesota