How to Cover the Back of a Desk (3 Options)

Have you ever bought a desk only to find out that it has an unfinished back? This is common because furniture manufacturers assume that it won’t be visible. But unfortunately, if you don’t want your new desk against the wall, you’re left with an exposed panel of paper or untreated wood.

Here’s how to cover the back of a desk:

1. Attach a matching veneer panel to the back of the desk.
2. Cover the back of the desk with cork or wallpaper.
3. Sand down the desk and repaint it.

In this article, you’ll learn how to cover the back of your desk. If you’re familiar with DIY, you’ll probably recognize some of these solutions.

1. Attach a Matching Veneer Panel to the Back of the Desk

A veneer is a plastic-like layer that has the same color and grain as wood. If you have a cabinet or furniture maker nearby, you can ask them to install a matching one. Or you can do it yourself.

However, the back of your desk should not be paper if you want to DIY because the adhesive dissolves in moisture. If the veneer you want to attach is paper, take it to a carpenter and have a panel attached beforehand. If it’s already wood, proceed.

How to attach a veneer sheet to your desk

Visit your local hardware store for a veneer sheet, sandpaper, and a can of adhesive. Ask an employee to help match the color and grain. For adhesive, I recommend Roman Wallpaper Paste (available on amazon.com) because it’s easy to apply with a roller.

Once you have the necessary materials, attach a veneer panel to your desk as follows:

1. Clean the wood with water and soap. Let it dry thoroughly.
2. Once it’s dry, inspect it for paint or other coatings. If there’s any present, sand it until it’s slightly rough.
3. Moisten the back of the veneer slightly with a sponge.
4. Roll up the sheet and let it soak for 20 minutes while you prepare the desk.
5. To make application easier, turn the desk on one side so the back is facing the ceiling.
6. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the wood.
7. Roll out the veneer and press it onto the adhesive.
8. Smooth out any air bubbles using a flat object, wiping towards the edges of the veneer.
9. Trim off any excess.
10. Wait 24 hours and leave the desk where it is. Do not touch the veneer during this time.

After the 24-hour period, you can remove any excess adhesive with a sponge and clean water, then wipe the veneer dry with a soft cloth.

Here’s a YouTube video showing this process, but with drywall:

2. Cover the Back of the Desk with Cork or Wallpaper

Another possible idea for the back of your desk is to cover it with wallpaper. This allows for an additional level of individuality as you can choose color and pattern freely. It’s also relatively easy to install yourself.

However, like with veneer, I don’t recommend adding adhesive to the paper. Instead, take it to a carpenter who can attach a panel that the wallpaper can be adhered to. Once you’ve done that, proceed.

How to apply wallpaper to your desk

Measure the back of your desk and visit your local hardware or fabric store for wallpaper and wallpaper paste. I recommend Roman Wallpaper Paste (available on Amazon.com) because it won’t stain the paper.

Once you have the necessary materials, you can begin:

1. Clean the wood with water and soap and let it dry.
2. Cut your wallpaper to fit the back of your desk, adding 3 inches on each side.
3. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the paper, working from the center outwards.
4. Allow it to soak. The adhesive packaging should tell you how long.
5. Trim off any excess paper.
6. Clean it with a damp sponge.
7. Avoid touching the back of the desk for 1-2 days or until the wallpaper adhesive has dried.

Here’s a YouTube video showing this process, but with drywall:

3. Sand down the Desk and Repaint It

Sometimes it’s better to start from scratch because if you can’t find a matching veneer and don’t like wallpaper, you can sand down your desk and repaint it. You can choose to hire a carpenter or do it yourself. However, I recommend using a hand sander for this. Without it, your arms will get tired.

You can rent one and buy the mask and safety goggles you need at your hardware store.

How to sand down and repaint your desk

Make sure you have the sander, a mask, safety goggles, and the paint you want to use. Keep in mind that you may also need to add a clear topcoat if you want a glossy finish. If in doubt, ask the employee in the paint department of the store.

Once you have your materials, you can begin:

1. Wrap the handles or knobs of the desk in rags or fabric scraps.
2. Attach medium-fine sandpaper to the sander.
3. Sand down the surface of the desk until no paint remains, being careful not to sand too much.
4. Check the drying and recoating time of your paint. This can range from 4-24 hours.
5. Paint the desk.
6. Wait for the assigned time.
7. Paint it again and wait. Repeat this process until the paint is even.
8. If using a topcoat, apply it now. Wait 24 hours between coats or until it’s no longer sticky.
9. Wait 24-48 hours after applying the final coat for the varnish to cure.

Here’s a YouTube video showing this sanding process:

Important Notes

With desks, it’s relatively common for them to come with unfinished backs because they’re primarily placed against walls. However, if you don’t want your desk against a wall, there are three good options for covering the back of your desk.

• Attach a matching veneer with wallpaper paste.
• Cover it with wallpaper.
• Sand it down and repaint it.