DIY Phone Stand: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own

In today’s digital age, our smartphones are practically extensions of ourselves. We use them for communication, entertainment, work, and everything in between. However, constantly holding your phone can be tiring, and propping it up against random objects is often unstable and inconvenient. That’s where a phone stand comes in handy. Instead of buying one, why not build your own? This guide will walk you through several DIY phone stand projects, catering to different skill levels and using readily available materials. Get ready to unleash your creativity and create a personalized phone stand that perfectly suits your needs!

Why Build a DIY Phone Stand?

Before we dive into the projects, let’s explore the advantages of making your own phone stand:

Cost-Effective: Building a phone stand is significantly cheaper than buying one, especially if you repurpose materials you already have at home.
Customization: You can tailor the design, size, and material to perfectly fit your phone and your aesthetic preferences.
Sustainability: Upcycling materials reduces waste and promotes eco-friendly practices.
Personal Satisfaction: Creating something with your own hands provides a sense of accomplishment and allows you to express your creativity.
Unique Design: Stand out from the crowd with a phone stand that’s uniquely yours.

Project 1: The Cardboard Phone Stand (Beginner-Friendly)

This is the simplest and quickest phone stand to make, perfect for beginners or when you need a stand in a pinch. It requires minimal materials and tools.

Materials:

A piece of sturdy cardboard (e.g., from a cereal box or shipping box)
Ruler or measuring tape
Pencil
Scissors or a craft knife

Instructions:

Prepare the Cardboard: Cut out a rectangular piece of cardboard. A good starting size is about 6 inches wide and 8 inches long. You can adjust the dimensions based on the size of your phone and the desired angle.
Mark the Folds: On the 8-inch side, measure and mark the following points:
- 1 inch from the edge
- 3 inches from the first mark (4 inches from the edge)
- 3 inches from the second mark (7 inches from the edge)
Score the Fold Lines: Use a ruler and a blunt object (like the back of a butter knife or the closed end of your scissors) to score along the marked lines. Scoring helps create clean and crisp folds. Be careful not to cut through the cardboard entirely.
Fold the Cardboard: Fold the cardboard along the scored lines. The first fold should be towards you (a valley fold), the second fold away from you (a mountain fold), and the third fold towards you again.
Adjust the Angle: You can adjust the angle of the stand by slightly bending the folded sections. Experiment until you find the perfect angle for viewing your phone.
Test and Refine: Place your phone on the stand to test its stability and angle. Make any necessary adjustments to the folds.
Optional: Decorate your cardboard phone stand with paint, markers, stickers, or washi tape to personalize it.

Tips and Variations:

For extra stability, you can glue the back flap to the bottom section of the stand.
Cut small notches in the top edge to prevent your phone from slipping.
Use thicker cardboard for a more durable stand.
Get creative with the shape of the cardboard! You can round the edges or cut out decorative shapes.

Project 2: The Binder Clip Phone Stand (Super Easy & Portable)

This is an incredibly simple phone stand that you can create in seconds using just two binder clips. It’s perfect for travel or for keeping in your desk drawer.

Materials:

Two binder clips (preferably medium or large size)

Instructions:

Prepare the First Clip: Open the arms of one binder clip.
Attach the Second Clip: Slide the open arms of the first clip through the metal loops of the second binder clip. The second clip should be positioned perpendicular to the first.
Adjust the Angle: Adjust the angle of the second clip to create a stable base for your phone. The further you slide the arms of the first clip through the loops of the second clip, the lower the angle will be.
Place Your Phone: Place your phone on the stand, resting it against the arms of the second clip.

Tips and Variations:

Use different sized binder clips to adjust the height and angle of the stand.
For a more secure grip, you can add rubber bands or small pieces of non-slip material to the arms of the clips.
Experiment with different configurations to find the most stable and comfortable viewing angle.

Project 3: The LEGO Phone Stand (Fun & Customizable)

If you have a collection of LEGO bricks, you can easily build a custom phone stand. This project is great for kids and adults alike.

Materials:

A variety of LEGO bricks (baseplate, bricks of different sizes and shapes)

Instructions:

Start with a Base: Begin with a baseplate to provide a stable foundation for your stand.
Build the Back Support: Build a wall of LEGO bricks along one edge of the baseplate. This will serve as the back support for your phone. The height of the wall will determine the angle of the stand. Experiment with different heights to find the perfect angle.
Add Side Supports: Add LEGO bricks to the sides of the back support to provide additional stability and prevent your phone from sliding off.
Create a Lip: Build a small lip at the bottom of the back support to hold your phone in place. This can be done by adding a row of LEGO bricks that protrudes slightly forward.
Test and Adjust: Place your phone on the stand and test its stability and angle. Adjust the design as needed to ensure a secure and comfortable viewing experience.
Customize: Get creative with your LEGO phone stand! Use different colored bricks, add decorative elements, or build a more elaborate structure.

Tips and Variations:

Use LEGO Technic pieces to create adjustable angles.
Build a phone stand that can hold your phone in both portrait and landscape orientations.
Add a LEGO minifigure to hold your phone!

Project 4: The Wooden Dowel Phone Stand (Intermediate)

This project requires a bit more skill and some basic woodworking tools, but it results in a stylish and durable phone stand.

Materials:

Wooden dowel (about 1/2 inch diameter)
Wood saw
Sandpaper
Wood glue
Wood finish (optional)

Instructions:

Cut the Dowel: Cut the wooden dowel into three pieces:
- One piece about 4 inches long (base)
- One piece about 3 inches long (support)
- One piece about 1 inch long (lip)
Sand the Pieces: Sand all the pieces of wood to remove any rough edges and splinters.
Assemble the Stand: Glue the 3-inch support piece to the center of the 4-inch base piece, at a slight angle. The angle should be such that it will comfortably support your phone.
Attach the Lip: Glue the 1-inch lip piece to the front of the support piece, near the top. This will prevent your phone from sliding off.
Clamp and Wait: Clamp the pieces together and allow the glue to dry completely (usually 24 hours).
Finish the Stand: Once the glue is dry, sand the stand again to smooth any imperfections. Apply a wood finish (stain, varnish, or paint) to protect the wood and enhance its appearance (optional).

Tips and Variations:

Use different types of wood for a more unique look.
Experiment with different angles for the support piece.
Add a small groove to the lip piece to provide a more secure grip for your phone.

Project 5: The Fabric Phone Stand (Sewing Required)

This project involves sewing and creates a soft and comfortable phone stand that’s perfect for use on your lap or on a soft surface.

Materials:

Fabric scraps (cotton, felt, or other durable fabric)
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Scissors
Ruler
Pins
Filling (rice, beans, lentils, or polyester fiberfill)

Instructions:

Cut the Fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric into the shape of triangles. The size of the triangles will determine the size of your phone stand. A good starting size is about 8 inches wide at the base and 6 inches high.
Sew the Triangles: Place the two triangles of fabric right sides together and pin them along the edges. Sew around the edges, leaving a 2-3 inch opening for turning and filling.
Turn Right Side Out: Turn the fabric right side out through the opening.
Fill the Stand: Fill the stand with your chosen filling material. Rice or beans will provide a heavier and more stable base, while polyester fiberfill will create a softer and more lightweight stand.
Close the Opening: Fold the edges of the opening inward and pin them together. Sew the opening closed using a hand stitch or a sewing machine.
Shape the Stand: Gently shape the stand into a wedge shape. The weight of the filling will help it maintain its shape.

Tips and Variations:

Use different colors and patterns of fabric to create a unique and personalized phone stand.
Add a handle to the stand for easy carrying.
Create a removable cover for easy washing.

Project 6: The Upcycled CD Case Phone Stand

Give an old CD case a new life by transforming it into a practical phone stand. This is a great way to upcycle something you might otherwise throw away.

Materials:

Empty CD case (standard jewel case)
Scissors or a craft knife (optional)
Double-sided tape or glue (optional)

Instructions:

Open the CD Case: Open the CD case fully, so it lies flat.
Fold the Case: Fold the case back on itself, creating a triangle shape. The hinge of the case will be at the bottom, and the two halves of the case will form the sides of the triangle.
Adjust the Angle: Adjust the angle of the stand by varying how far you fold the case back. You can experiment until you find the perfect viewing angle for your phone.
Secure the Angle (Optional): For a more stable stand, you can use double-sided tape or glue to secure the two halves of the case together at the desired angle.
Place Your Phone: Place your phone on the stand, resting it against the angled surface.

Tips and Variations:

Clean the CD case thoroughly before use.
Decorate the CD case with stickers, paint, or markers to personalize it.
Use a craft knife (carefully!) to create a small notch in the bottom edge of the stand to accommodate charging cables.

Project 7: The Paperclip Phone Stand (Emergency Stand)

Need a quick phone stand solution? A simple paperclip can do the trick! This is perfect for those moments when you’re caught without a stand and need to prop up your phone.

Materials:

Large paperclip

Instructions:

Straighten the Paperclip: Partially straighten the paperclip, leaving a small loop at one end.
Bend the Wire: Bend the straightened wire into a Z-shape. The loop should be at the top of the Z, and the bottom leg of the Z should be longer than the top leg.
Create a Base: Bend the bottom leg of the Z back on itself to create a small base.
Adjust the Angle: Adjust the angle of the stand by bending the wire at the corners of the Z.
Place Your Phone: Place your phone on the stand, resting it against the loop and the top leg of the Z.

Tips and Variations:

Use a larger paperclip for a more stable stand.
Experiment with different Z-shapes to find the most comfortable viewing angle.
This stand is best suited for lightweight phones.

Project 8: The Polymer Clay Phone Stand (Advanced Customization)

This project allows for maximum customization and artistic expression. Polymer clay can be molded into any shape and baked to create a durable and unique phone stand.

Materials:

Polymer clay (various colors)
Oven
Baking sheet
Tools for shaping clay (optional)

Instructions:

Condition the Clay: Knead the polymer clay until it is soft and pliable.
Shape the Stand: Mold the clay into the desired shape for your phone stand. You can create a simple wedge shape, a more elaborate sculptural design, or even a miniature scene. Make sure to create a lip or groove to hold your phone securely.
Add Details: Add details to your phone stand using tools or your fingers. You can create textures, patterns, and decorative elements.
Bake the Clay: Place the clay phone stand on a baking sheet and bake it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cool and Finish: Allow the phone stand to cool completely before using it. You can add a varnish or sealant to protect the clay and enhance its appearance (optional).

Tips and Variations:

Use different colors of clay to create a vibrant and eye-catching design.
Incorporate other materials, such as beads or wire, into your design.
Sculpt a custom character or creature to hold your phone.

Project 9: The Upcycled Plastic Bottle Phone Stand

Turn a used plastic bottle into a surprisingly sturdy and functional phone stand. This is an excellent way to reduce plastic waste.

Materials:

Plastic bottle (preferably a sturdy one)
Scissors or craft knife
Sandpaper (optional)
Paint or markers (optional)

Instructions:

Clean the Bottle: Thoroughly clean the plastic bottle and remove any labels.
Cut the Bottle: Use scissors or a craft knife to cut the bottle into the desired shape for your phone stand. A common design involves cutting off the top of the bottle at an angle, leaving a portion of the bottle intact to support the phone. Experiment with different shapes to find what works best for your phone.
Sand the Edges (Optional): Use sandpaper to smooth any sharp edges on the plastic.
Decorate (Optional): Paint or decorate the plastic bottle with markers to personalize it.
Place Your Phone: Place your phone on the stand, resting it against the cut surface.

Tips and Variations:

Choose a bottle with a wide base for added stability.
Use multiple bottles to create a larger or more complex phone stand.
Consider the angle when cutting the bottle to achieve the desired viewing angle.

Project 10: The Bent Wire Phone Stand (Minimalist Design)

This project involves bending a length of wire into a minimalist and elegant phone stand. It requires some skill in working with wire but results in a visually appealing and functional design.

Materials:

Thick wire (e.g., coat hanger wire or craft wire)
Pliers
Wire cutters

Instructions:

Cut the Wire: Cut a length of wire approximately 12-18 inches long, depending on the desired size of your phone stand.
Bend the Base: Using pliers, bend one end of the wire into a small loop to create a stable base.
Create the Support: Bend the wire upwards from the base at a slight angle to create the support for your phone. The angle should be such that it will comfortably hold your phone.
Form the Lip: Bend the wire forward at the top of the support to create a small lip to prevent your phone from sliding off.
Adjust and Refine: Adjust the bends in the wire to achieve the desired shape and angle for your phone stand. Ensure that the stand is stable and that your phone is securely held.

Tips and Variations:

Use different colors or types of wire for a more unique look.
Experiment with different bending techniques to create interesting shapes and designs.
Cover the wire with rubber tubing or shrink wrap for a more comfortable grip and to prevent scratches on your phone.

Choosing the Right Project for You

With so many DIY phone stand projects to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you? Consider the following factors:

Skill Level: Choose a project that matches your skill level and experience. Start with simpler projects if you’re a beginner and gradually move on to more complex ones as you gain confidence.
Materials: Choose a project that uses materials that you already have on hand or that are easily accessible.
Tools: Choose a project that requires tools that you own or can easily borrow.
Time Commitment: Consider the amount of time required to complete each project and choose one that fits your schedule.
Aesthetic Preferences: Choose a project that aligns with your personal style and aesthetic preferences.

Final Thoughts

Building your own phone stand is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to express your creativity, save money, and create a unique accessory that perfectly suits your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIYer, there’s a phone stand project out there for you. So gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and get building! You’ll be amazed at what you can create with a little bit of ingenuity and some readily available materials.

Happy crafting!