Digital devices are central to our daily lives today.
Finding the perfect way to position your iPad can be surprisingly challenging. Store-bought stands often come with hefty price tags and may not perfectly suit your specific needs or aesthetic preferences.
The good news is that creating your own iPad stand doesn’t require advanced crafting skills or expensive materials. Many effective solutions can be fashioned from items you likely already have at home.
Whether you need a stand for watching movies, following recipes in the kitchen, or participating in video calls, these ten DIY ideas will help you create functional, personalized iPad stands that can be assembled in just a few hours or even minutes.
Let’s dig in.
1. Repurposed Hardcover Book Stand
Transform an old hardcover book into a sleek, inconspicuous iPad stand with minimal effort. Start by selecting a book with dimensions slightly larger than your iPad.
Open the cover to approximately a 120-degree angle and secure it in place using binder clips at the bottom edge. This creates a perfect incline for your device.
For added stability, attach adhesive rubber bumpers to the inside cover where your iPad will rest, preventing any unwanted slipping.
This approach not only gives new life to unused books but also creates a stand that blends seamlessly with your home decor, especially on bookshelves or office desks.
When not in use, it looks like an ordinary book, keeping your space tidy and organized.
2. Wooden Cutting Board Conversion
That extra wooden cutting board in your kitchen drawer can easily become an elegant iPad stand.
For a basic version, simply cut a groove about half an inch deep into the board using a router or hand saw—sized perfectly to hold your iPad.
Sand the edges for a smooth finish. For a more sophisticated design, cut two grooves: one near the bottom to hold the iPad and another at the back to create a kickstand effect, allowing for multiple viewing angles.
Apply a fresh coat of food-safe stain or paint to match your decor preferences.
This sturdy stand works wonderfully in the kitchen for following recipes or watching cooking tutorials, and its solid construction means it won’t tip over even when you’re tapping on the screen.
3. Coat Hanger Reimagined
With just a wire coat hanger, pliers, and some electrical tape, you can fashion a surprisingly effective iPad stand.
Unbend the hanger and reshape it to form a base with two upward-pointing arms that will cradle your device. Use pliers to create small hooks at the ends of these arms to securely hold your iPad in place.
Wrap the entire structure with colorful electrical tape or washi tape not only to prevent scratches but also to add a personal design touch.
This ultra-lightweight stand is perfect for travel, as it can be easily adjusted to different angles and even folded flat when not in use.
Despite its simplicity, it provides remarkable stability and can accommodate both portrait and landscape orientations.
4. Lego Block Construction
Those plastic building blocks gathering dust in your closet can be repurposed into a customizable iPad stand that’s both functional and whimsical.
Create a base using larger plates, then build up walls on three sides—two shorter ones for the sides and a taller back support. Add angled supports to achieve your preferred viewing position.
The beauty of using building blocks lies in the ability to reconfigure your design as needed or to match different situations.
Use bricks of varying colors for a playful look, or stick to a monochromatic scheme for a more sophisticated appearance.
This stand is especially appealing in children’s spaces or casual areas where its playful aesthetic adds character while providing practical functionality.
5. Concrete Desktop Statement Piece
For those who appreciate industrial design elements, creating a concrete iPad stand makes a bold statement while delivering unmatched stability.
Mix quick-setting concrete and pour it into a silicone mold or a cardboard box lined with plastic wrap. Before the concrete sets completely, insert a piece of wood or plastic at an angle to create the slot where your iPad will rest.
Once dried (typically 24-48 hours), remove from the mold, sand any rough edges, and optionally seal with concrete sealer for a finished look.
The substantial weight ensures your stand won’t budge during use, while the minimalist aesthetic complements modern interiors.
Consider adding colorful accents by painting portions of the concrete or embedding decorative elements like colored glass pieces before the concrete sets.
6. Upcycled Picture Frame Stand
An unused picture frame can be quickly transformed into an elegant iPad stand with minimal modifications. Remove the glass and backing from a frame sized slightly larger than your iPad.
Attach small wooden blocks or cork stoppers to the inside bottom edge of the frame to create a ledge for your iPad to rest on.
Then, attach a sturdy ribbon, leather strip, or chain between the two sides of the frame at the back to control the angle of the stand.
The beauty of this project lies in the endless customization options—paint the frame to match your decor, decoupage it with decorative paper, or leave it as is for a more classic look.
This stand is particularly ideal for bedside tables or coffee tables where aesthetic appeal is as important as functionality.
7. PVC Pipe Solution
PVC pipes offer an affordable and highly customizable material for creating a durable iPad stand.
Purchase a few feet of 1-inch PVC pipe along with appropriate elbow and T-joints. Cut the pipe into segments (typically you’ll need six pieces: four short pieces for the base and two longer pieces for the vertical support).
Assemble them using the joints to create an H-shaped base with an angled top section that cradles your device. No glue is necessary—the friction fit allows for adjustment and disassembly when needed.
Spray paint the finished stand for a more polished look, or wrap it with decorative tape for added personality.
This stand excels in workshop environments or craft rooms where durability is essential, and its water-resistant nature makes it suitable for bathroom use during those long soaks in the tub.
8. Clothespin Clip Stand
This incredibly simple yet effective stand requires just a few large wooden clothespins and some glue.
Take four to six large wooden clothespins and glue them together side by side with their opening ends facing the same direction.
Once the glue dries, you can stand this assembly on its non-opening end, creating a perfect slot for your iPad between the clip parts.
Sand any rough edges and apply paint, stain, or decorative washi tape to enhance the appearance. For added stability, glue small magnets to the bottom or attach adhesive rubber feet.
This compact stand is perfect for small spaces and can be easily stored in a drawer when not in use. Its lightweight design makes it an excellent travel companion, fitting easily into carry-on luggage or even a purse.
9. Cardboard Engineering Marvel
Don’t underestimate the potential of cardboard for creating a surprisingly sturdy and customizable iPad stand.
Cut three pieces of corrugated cardboard: one for the base (approximately 8×10 inches), and two triangular side supports.
Cut slots in the base piece where the triangular supports will insert, creating a secure structure. The angle of your triangular pieces determines the viewing angle of your iPad.
For a more polished look, cover the entire structure with decorative contact paper or fabric using spray adhesive. This eco-friendly option not only recycles materials but can be easily replaced or modified as needed.
Despite its humble origins, when properly constructed, this stand provides remarkable stability and can be designed to accommodate multiple viewing angles by incorporating additional slot positions in the base.
10. Sugru and Binder Clip Combo
This ingenious solution combines the versatility of moldable glue with the simplicity of binder clips to create an adjustable stand that works on virtually any surface.
Start with two large binder clips and remove their metal handles. Apply Sugru (a moldable glue that sets into a flexible rubber) to the flat sides of the clips, shaping it to create a non-slip surface.
Let the Sugru cure according to package directions (typically 24 hours). Position one clip at the bottom edge of your iPad to serve as a support base, and use the second clip at the back to adjust the viewing angle.
This minimalist approach creates a nearly invisible stand when in use, and the components can be separated and stored in a drawer when not needed.
The Sugru coating prevents scratches to your device while providing excellent grip on slippery surfaces like glass tables or polished wood.
Conclusion
The beauty of DIY iPad stands lies not just in their functionality, but in the personal satisfaction that comes from creating something uniquely yours.
Each of these ten projects demonstrates that practical solutions don’t require expensive materials or specialized skills—just a bit of creativity and resourcefulness.
Whether you prefer the industrial chic of concrete, the playful aesthetic of building blocks, or the minimalist approach of repurposed household items, there’s a DIY stand that matches both your style preferences and practical needs.
Beyond saving money, these homemade solutions allow you to tailor dimensions, viewing angles, and aesthetics precisely to your liking—something mass-produced stands simply cannot offer.
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