Computer desk cable management on the cheap

Step 2 Attaching the brackets

Since I was doing this on the cheap, the brackets I've shown each have only one screw holding them in, this is because the 2nd hole is past the rear of the desk. I did this for a reason. See how the lip of the shelf acts as a guide for cable going underneath the desk and is "hung" off the brackets? I wanted it like this. That way the cables would not slide from side to side or overlap each other. This also helps if the rear of the desk is not against the wall, yes it doesn't look too pretty, but it protects the cables from the backside of the desk or from someone facing you on the other side of the desk.

Figure out where you want the shelf on the desk, centered, to the left to the right, whatever is best for your situation. Mark the spot where the brackets should go, I came in about 10" or so from each end of my 3'-0" shelf. You might want a buddy to hold the shelf in place while you mark the spots. Set the shelf on the brackets to see how far they should stick out, mark the holes, drill a pilot and fasten them to the underside of the desk. Take care in how far you drill and how long your screws are. You don't want to punch through the desktop, do you?