Do you ever get tired of sitting in the same position while working on your laptop? Is it time to invest in a new desk, but don’t want to spend a lot of money right now?
The DIY chair side swivel arm laptop stand is perfect for someone who wants an inexpensive solution that is easy to make. This how-to will show you how!
Steps on Making Side Swivel Arm Laptop Stand
Materials: Your armless office chair without arms (find these at an affordable price here), Tape measure or ruler, Wood screws – Size Dx0 #14 x 0″ Long Phillips Head Flush Countersunk Screws, Wood strips that
Step One: Gather your supplies. You will need a sturdy chair, an upholstery nailhead trim (with the safety tip removed), screw eye hooks with screws, and a drill. The how-to tutorial that I followed used three nails for each arm of the stand to attach it to the chair backrest. I only needed one nailhead trim and one screw eye hook to make my own chair.
Step Two: Measure how wide the back of your seat is, then cut a strip of upholstery nail trim that size with scissors or an X-acto knife. You’ll want it to be longer than needed for the project so you can wrap around both sides without interfering with other pieces in front of it on either side. I measured about 12 inches across by 18 inches long.
Step Three: drill two holes into each end (forward/backwards) at right angles from the end edge; how far apart will depend on how thick your frame is, but mine was six inches apart – hence three screws total per arm here).
Then use painter’s tape or masking tape to hold the backside of it in place against your chair frame and drill (only through one side!) as close to perpendicular into both ends.
Step Four: repeat on the other arm by placing the strip exactly how you want it, then use painter’s tape or masking tape again – though this time around I used just a few pieces, about every six inches apart. If there are any imperfections from drilling with my first set-up, they won’t show up when placed down next!
Drill holes at right angles into each end of the nail trim and thread screws for mounting them onto each respective arm of your chair. It should be pretty easy given how lightweight these strips will be after being cut down.
Repeat on the other arm by placing the strip how you want it, then use painter’s tape or masking tape again – though this time around I used just a few pieces, about every six inches apart. If there are any imperfections from drilling with my first set-up, they won’t show up when placed down next!
Drill holes at right angles into each end of the nail trim and thread screws for mounting them onto each respective arm of your chair. It should be pretty easy given how lightweight these strips will be after being cut down.
How to Clean Swivel Laptop Stand
Next, remove the screws from each end of your arm and just unscrew them.
Use a damp rag to wipe down all surfaces, removing any leftover dust or debris – especially on and around where you drilled into!
Reinsert the screws back in their respective holes (most likely they won’t be as tight because there was friction when taking them out) but don’t worry if it’s not perfect – keep wiping with that damp cloth until everything is clean again.
Now flip over your stand so that whoever will be next sitting at this chair has a fresh surface for their laptop too!
Can i Vacuum My Swivel Laptop Stand?
It is not recommended to vacuum your swivel laptop stand due to the rubber grips. This will cause them to wear out more quickly and could potentially damage some of your joints or screws, rendering them useless! Instead, use a damp rag with water and soap on all surfaces – especially around where you drilled into for that perfect fit!
Advantages of Having a Swivel Arm Laptop Stand
- Ergonomically friendly
- Keeps the screen closer to eye level
- Arm helps you keep your wrists at a natural angle, which prevents damage and reduces pain from how often you are typing or using a mouse.
- It can be used as both an armrest for sitting in chair, reading material on table or desk top use.
- Easier to see your laptop while sitting in bed or on the couch.
- More comfortable than being hunched over for a long period of time when you’re using your laptop.
- Eye strain is less likely because you can adjust how far away from the screen it is.
- Works well if there are multiple people sharing one computer and they each want a different angle/position when working with their laptops (e.g., mom, dad, kids).
How to Care for Swivel Laptop Stand
Do not leave the swivel laptop stand on a table where spilt liquids can get to it.
Clean with mild soap and water as needed or dry wet surfaces.
Wipe any spills away from the material, then use a clean rag for more sensitive cleaning.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach. They may damage how well materials hold up over time if left on too long without being wiped off first.