I built my own headphone stand with nothing but a 3D printer

I've been meaning to tidy up my desk for months. Between my monitors, keyboard, and an ever-growing pile of gadgets, the clutter keeps creeping in. One of the biggest offenders was my pair of over-ear headphones, which often ended awkwardly draped over my monitor or tossed on the desk. I decided it was finally time to give them a proper home. And thanks to my 3D printer and a bit of creativity, I built a headphone stand that cost me less than $10.

Designing a practical and straightforward solution

I wanted something that fit my space perfectly

When I started this project, I wasn’t interested in buying a ready-made headphone stand. Most of the options I found online were either too expensive or too large for my limited desk space. Instead, I turned to the vast library of free 3D printable models available online. Sites like MakerWorld, Printables, and Thingiverse offer an extensive array of designs, many of which are customizable.

After browsing for a bit, I came across a design featuring an outstretched hand, with the palm of the hand serving as a cradle to hold my headphones. The design featured a one-piece build that didn’t even require supports, saving time and filament.

Once I downloaded the model, I made a few tweaks in my slicer software to adjust the height slightly. This ensured that the headband would sit securely on the stand without touching the desk. A few minutes of prep, and it was ready to print.

Printing the stand on my 3D printer

Filament choice kept the project affordable

To keep the project under $10, I used filament I already had on hand—a mostly full spool of CookieCad Vanilla Chip. If I’d wanted a splash of color or a more premium feel, I could have used a silk PLA or PETG, but I love the mottled look of the vanilla chip and thought it’d look fantastic.

The job took about five hours on my 3D printer at a standard layer height. Since the design was simple, there was no need for supports or advanced settings. I just needed to ensure the first layer adhered well to the bed, which is always crucial for a good result.

After printing, I tested using the stand in two orientations. It has a cut-out that slides around a desktop or tabletop, but it can also stand vertically. My desk does have an integrated headphone holder, but I rotated that out of the way in favor of the more eye-catching appeal of the 3D-printed headphone stand.

The end result was better than I expected

A stand that does exactly what I need

For just a few dollars’ worth of filament and a bit of my time, I ended up with a headphone stand that looks good and works perfectly. It fits neatly on my desk and doesn’t take up unnecessary space. Most importantly, my headphones now have a designated spot on the desk that has a snazzier look than before. And the total cost was actually less than six dollars.

This kind of project is precisely why I love having a 3D printer. There’s a massive sense of satisfaction in solving a small problem like this with something you’ve made yourself. Plus, it beats spending $20 or more on a mass-produced stand that may not even fit your gear as well.

If you have access to a 3D printer and some leftover filament, I highly recommend giving this project a try. It’s one of those simple upgrades that make your workspace feel more organized and intentional.

Why not just buy a stand instead?

Off-the-shelf options aren’t always ideal

Some people might wonder why I didn’t just order a headphone stand from Amazon or pick one up at a local store. The truth is, I considered it. But many of the budget stands I found had mixed reviews or looked flimsy. The higher-quality options often started at $20 and increased from there, which felt like a significant amount for such a basic accessory.

By printing my own, I not only saved money, but I also got a stand that was tailored to my space and my headphones. Plus, I enjoyed the process of making it. For me, that’s a win all around.

Of course, buying a stand is still a perfectly valid choice if you don’t have a printer. But if you do, it’s hard to beat the combination of customization and cost savings that DIY offers.

It’s easy to take this idea even further

Customize, experiment, and make it your own

One of the best things about printing your own headphone stand is that you’re not limited to one design. Many models can be customized with text, logos, or different shapes. Some designs even incorporate additional features, such as USB hubs or cable management hooks.

Now that I’ve built this basic stand, I’m already thinking about printing a second one with a built-in cable holder. I might also experiment with different colors or materials to match the rest of my desk setup.

That’s the beauty of 3D printing. Once you get started with small projects like this, the possibilities open up fast. And it’s fun to see your workspace evolve with things you’ve designed or personalized yourself.

A simple project with satisfying results

Building a headphone stand with my 3D printer turned out to be a quick, affordable, and highly satisfying project. It solved a minor but annoying problem on my desk and gave me a chance to put my printer to good use. If you’ve got a printer gathering dust or a few scraps of filament lying around, I highly recommend trying something similar. You might be surprised how much joy a little project like this can bring.