DIY Phone Stand: Simple Projects for Every Style and Need
In today’s digital age, our phones are practically an extension of ourselves. We use them for everything from communication and navigation to entertainment and work. That means they’re constantly in our hands, or at least within reach. While holding your phone for extended periods can be uncomfortable, buying a commercially made phone stand can feel like an unnecessary expense. Luckily, crafting your own DIY phone stand is a fun, affordable, and surprisingly easy project. This article will guide you through several different phone stand designs, catering to various skill levels, materials, and aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, you’ll find a project here that perfectly suits your needs.
## Why Make Your Own Phone Stand?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s consider the advantages of creating your own phone stand:
* **Cost-Effective:** Making a phone stand yourself is significantly cheaper than buying one, especially if you repurpose materials you already have.
* **Customization:** You can tailor the design, size, and angle to perfectly fit your phone and viewing preferences. No more settling for generic stands that don’t quite meet your needs!
* **Upcycling Opportunity:** This is a great way to give new life to old materials, reducing waste and adding a unique touch to your creation.
* **Creative Outlet:** DIY projects are a fantastic way to express your creativity and learn new skills. You can experiment with different materials, colors, and designs to create something truly unique.
* **Practical Gift:** A handmade phone stand makes a thoughtful and personalized gift for friends and family.
## Project 1: The Cardboard Phone Stand (Beginner-Friendly)
This is the simplest phone stand project, perfect for beginners or anyone who needs a quick and easy solution. All you need is some cardboard, a ruler, a pencil, and scissors or a craft knife.
**Materials:**
* A piece of cardboard (cereal box, shipping box, etc.)
* Ruler
* Pencil
* Scissors or craft knife
* (Optional) Paint, markers, or decorative paper for embellishment
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cardboard:** Find a piece of cardboard that’s relatively sturdy. Cereal boxes are a good option, but thicker cardboard from shipping boxes will provide more stability.
2. **Cut the Base:** Using your ruler and pencil, draw a rectangle on the cardboard. A good starting size is 6 inches wide and 4 inches tall. This will be the base of your stand.
3. **Cut the Support:** Draw another rectangle on the cardboard, this time measuring 4 inches wide and 5 inches tall. This piece will support the phone.
4. **Cut the Slot:** On the base rectangle, measure and mark a line 1 inch from one of the long edges. This will be the line where you’ll cut a slot.
5. **Draw the Slot:** Now draw two parallel lines from the 1-inch mark, extending about 3 inches into the base rectangle. The width of the slot should be slightly wider than the thickness of your cardboard (typically around 1/8 to 1/4 inch).
6. **Cut the Pieces:** Carefully cut out the two rectangles and the slot using your scissors or craft knife. If using a craft knife, be sure to protect your work surface with a cutting mat.
7. **Assemble the Stand:** Insert the support rectangle into the slot on the base rectangle. You may need to gently bend the cardboard to get it to fit snugly. The support rectangle should stand upright, creating a triangular shape with the base.
8. **Test and Adjust:** Place your phone on the stand to test its stability and viewing angle. If the stand is wobbly, you can adjust the depth of the slot or the angle of the support rectangle.
9. **Embellish (Optional):** Once you’re satisfied with the stand’s functionality, you can decorate it with paint, markers, or decorative paper. Get creative and personalize it to your liking!
**Tips for Success:**
* Use a sturdy cardboard for better stability.
* Make the slot slightly wider than the cardboard thickness for easy assembly.
* Experiment with different rectangle sizes to find the perfect viewing angle for your phone.
* Consider adding a small piece of cardboard at the bottom of the support rectangle to prevent the phone from sliding off.
## Project 2: The Wooden Phone Stand (Intermediate)
This project requires some basic woodworking skills and tools, but the result is a more durable and aesthetically pleasing phone stand. You can use scrap wood from other projects or purchase a small piece of hardwood from a local lumber yard.
**Materials:**
* A small piece of wood (approximately 6 inches x 4 inches x 1 inch)
* Saw (hand saw or power saw)
* Drill with drill bits
* Sandpaper (various grits)
* Wood glue
* Clamps
* (Optional) Wood stain or paint, varnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Cut the Wood:** Cut the wood into two pieces: a base (approximately 6 inches x 4 inches) and a support (approximately 4 inches x 3 inches). The exact dimensions can be adjusted based on your phone size and desired angle.
2. **Shape the Support:** Use the saw or a rasp to shape the top edge of the support piece. You can create a curved or angled shape to provide a more secure resting place for your phone.
3. **Create the Notch:** On the top edge of the support piece, create a small notch or groove that will hold the bottom of your phone. You can use a chisel, a Dremel tool, or even a file to create the notch.
4. **Drill Pilot Holes:** Drill pilot holes in both the base and the support piece where they will be joined together. This will prevent the wood from splitting when you screw them together.
5. **Glue and Clamp:** Apply wood glue to the joining surfaces and clamp the base and support pieces together. Make sure they are aligned properly.
6. **Secure with Screws (Optional):** For extra strength, you can also use small wood screws to secure the pieces together.
7. **Sand the Stand:** Once the glue has dried, sand the entire stand with sandpaper, starting with a coarse grit and working your way up to a fine grit. This will smooth out any rough edges and prepare the wood for finishing.
8. **Finish the Stand:** Apply wood stain or paint to the stand, if desired. Once the stain or paint is dry, apply a coat of varnish or sealant to protect the wood and give it a polished look.
**Tips for Success:**
* Choose a hardwood for a more durable and attractive stand.
* Use a miter saw for precise cuts.
* Clamp the pieces tightly while the glue dries.
* Apply multiple thin coats of varnish for a smoother finish.
* Consider adding rubber feet to the bottom of the stand to prevent it from slipping.
## Project 3: The LEGO Phone Stand (Fun and Customizable)
This project is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a phone stand that’s as simple or as elaborate as you like.
**Materials:**
* LEGO bricks of various sizes and shapes
* Your imagination!
**Instructions:**
1. **Gather Your LEGOs:** Collect a variety of LEGO bricks, including plates, bricks, and slopes.
2. **Build a Base:** Start by building a sturdy base for your phone stand. You can use a large LEGO plate as the foundation and then build up the sides with bricks.
3. **Create a Support:** Build a support structure that will hold your phone at a comfortable viewing angle. You can use slopes, bricks, and other LEGO elements to create a cradle that will securely hold your phone.
4. **Test and Adjust:** Place your phone on the stand to test its stability and viewing angle. Adjust the design as needed to ensure that your phone is held securely and at the desired angle.
5. **Add Decorations (Optional):** Once you’re satisfied with the stand’s functionality, you can add decorations to personalize it. Use LEGO tiles, plates, and other elements to create a unique and eye-catching design.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use a variety of LEGO bricks to create a more interesting design.
* Build a sturdy base to prevent the stand from tipping over.
* Use slopes to create a comfortable viewing angle.
* Consider adding a small lip to the front of the support to prevent the phone from sliding off.
* Get creative and have fun!
## Project 4: The Binder Clip Phone Stand (Super Quick & Easy)
Need a phone stand in a pinch? This project uses only two binder clips and takes less than a minute to complete!
**Materials:**
* Two large binder clips
**Instructions:**
1. **Open the First Clip:** Open one of the binder clips and fold back the metal arms so they lay flat against the clip body.
2. **Attach the Second Clip:** Take the second binder clip and slide its handles *under* the folded-back handles of the first clip. This will create a hinge.
3. **Adjust the Angle:** Adjust the angle of the second clip to create the desired viewing angle for your phone. The further you angle the second clip back, the more upright your phone will be.
4. **Place Your Phone:** Rest your phone on the top of the first binder clip, using the metal arms to secure it in place. The bottom of your phone will rest against the second binder clip.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use large binder clips for better stability.
* Experiment with different angles to find the perfect viewing angle for your phone.
* This stand is best suited for lighter phones.
## Project 5: The Wire Hanger Phone Stand (Repurposed Gem)
Transform a simple wire hanger into a functional and surprisingly stylish phone stand. This project requires a pair of pliers and a bit of patience.
**Materials:**
* A wire coat hanger
* Pliers
**Instructions:**
1. **Straighten the Hanger:** Use the pliers to straighten out the wire hanger as much as possible. This will make it easier to bend and shape.
2. **Create the Base:** Bend one end of the wire to create a small loop. This loop will serve as the base of the stand.
3. **Form the Support:** Bend the wire upward from the base, creating a U-shape. This U-shape will support the back of your phone.
4. **Make the Phone Rest:** Bend the wire forward from the top of the U-shape, creating a small platform for your phone to rest on. This platform should be slightly tilted upward to provide a comfortable viewing angle.
5. **Adjust and Refine:** Adjust the bends and angles of the wire until you are satisfied with the stand’s stability and viewing angle. Use the pliers to make any necessary refinements.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use heavy-gauge wire for a more durable stand.
* Be careful not to bend the wire too sharply, as this can weaken it.
* Experiment with different shapes and angles to find the perfect design for your phone.
* You can cover the wire with tape or shrink tubing for a more comfortable grip and a more finished look.
## Project 6: The Polymer Clay Phone Stand (Creative and Colorful)
Unleash your creativity with polymer clay! This project allows for endless customization in terms of color, shape, and design.
**Materials:**
* Polymer clay (various colors)
* Oven
* Baking sheet
* Craft knife or clay sculpting tools
* (Optional) Rolling pin, texture stamps
**Instructions:**
1. **Condition the Clay:** Knead and soften the polymer clay until it is pliable and easy to work with.
2. **Shape the Base:** Roll out a portion of the clay and shape it into a base for your phone stand. You can create a simple rectangular base or get creative with more complex shapes.
3. **Create the Support:** Roll out another portion of the clay and shape it into a support for your phone. This support should be angled to provide a comfortable viewing angle.
4. **Attach the Support to the Base:** Carefully attach the support to the base, ensuring that it is securely connected. You can use a craft knife or clay sculpting tools to blend the edges together.
5. **Add Decorations (Optional):** Add decorations to your phone stand using different colors of clay, texture stamps, or other embellishments. Let your imagination run wild!
6. **Bake the Stand:** Place the phone stand on a baking sheet and bake it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will harden the clay and make it durable.
7. **Cool and Finish:** Let the stand cool completely before handling it. Once it is cool, you can sand any rough edges and apply a sealant for a more polished look.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use good-quality polymer clay for best results.
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when baking the clay.
* Experiment with different colors and textures to create a unique design.
* Consider adding a layer of felt to the bottom of the stand to prevent it from scratching surfaces.
## Project 7: The 3D Printed Phone Stand (Modern and Precise)
If you have access to a 3D printer, you can create a custom-designed phone stand with incredible precision and detail.
**Materials:**
* 3D printer
* Filament (PLA or ABS)
* 3D modeling software (Tinkercad, Fusion 360, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Design Your Stand:** Use 3D modeling software to design your phone stand. You can find pre-made designs online or create your own from scratch. Consider the size and shape of your phone, as well as the desired viewing angle.
2. **Export the Design:** Export the 3D model in STL format, which is compatible with most 3D printers.
3. **Slice the Model:** Use slicing software to prepare the 3D model for printing. Slicing software converts the 3D model into a series of layers that the printer can understand.
4. **Print the Stand:** Load the sliced model into your 3D printer and start the printing process. The printing time will vary depending on the size and complexity of the design.
5. **Remove and Finish:** Once the printing is complete, carefully remove the phone stand from the printer bed. You may need to remove any support structures that were printed along with the stand. You can then sand and finish the stand as desired.
**Tips for Success:**
* Choose a high-quality filament for best results.
* Adjust the printing settings to optimize for strength and detail.
* Consider using a heated bed to prevent warping.
* Experiment with different designs and materials to create a truly unique phone stand.
## Project 8: Business Card Phone Stand (Upcycled Desk Essential)
A clever way to repurpose old business cards into a functional phone stand! This is a quick and easy project perfect for the office.
**Materials:**
* Approximately 10-15 business cards (or similar weight cardstock)
**Instructions:**
1. **Folding the Cards:** Take one business card and fold it in half lengthwise (hotdog style). Crease the fold sharply.
2. **Creating a Triangle:** Open the folded card slightly. Push the top corners inwards and fold them along the center crease. You should now have a triangular prism shape.
3. **Repeating the Process:** Repeat steps 1 and 2 with all remaining business cards. It’s important to make each triangle as consistent as possible.
4. **Assembling the Stand:** Now, nest the triangular prisms inside each other. Start with one triangle and slide another triangle *over* one of its sides. Continue adding triangles, overlapping each other in a chain. The more triangles you use, the sturdier and wider your stand will be. Aim for a semi-circle shape.
5. **Adjusting the Angle:** Adjust the arrangement of the triangles to achieve the desired viewing angle for your phone. You can compress the chain of triangles for a more upright angle, or spread them out for a more reclined angle.
6. **Placing Your Phone:** Rest your phone along the open top of the triangle structure. The apex of the triangles will act as a support, preventing the phone from sliding backwards.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use business cards with a slightly thicker weight for added stability.
* Ensure that the folds are crisp and sharp for a more defined shape.
* Experiment with different numbers of business cards to find the optimal size for your phone.
* This stand is best suited for phones without bulky cases.
## Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many ways you can make your own phone stand. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can create a stand that’s not only functional but also a reflection of your personal style. So, gather your materials, choose a project that inspires you, and get crafting! You’ll be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is to create your own DIY phone stand.
Now get out there and create! Share your creations online using #DIYPhoneStand and inspire others to get crafty too!