Tables are essential in any home – kitchen and dining room tables, coffee tables, side tables, accent tables and even serving tables all add to your décor, maximize your space, and make your spaces more functional. The problem is that tables can get expensive and it’s also difficult to find the perfect table. If you’re constantly looking for something bigger or smaller, a table that’s a certain color, or a design with a certain style of legs, throw off your frustration and think about just doing it yourself – that’s the real way to get exactly what you want.
A Crate-Made Coffee Table
Image via YouTube by Bunny Jackson
Coffee tables made from crates are quirky, unique, and functional, not to mention attractive, inexpensive, and green. Using old, often discarded wood is an excellent way to decorate in an eco-friendly way, plus you end up with a fun, one-of-a-kind piece.
The construction is simple. Collect four crates – wine crates, apple crates, pallets, anything like that. You can either leave the wood as is, stain it or weather it. You’ll also need two pieces of wood measuring 1x2x6, along with four casters, screws and nails, bolts and L-brackets. Finally, make sure you have satin polyurethane. To build this, all you have to do is arrange the crates, attach them to the wood, secure everything and put on the casters.
A Bold Accent Table
Image via Flickr by bptakoma
Creating a bold, colorful DIY table design is easy. In fact, it’s easier to design one than it is to find one that suits your preferences. Give one of your old tables a makeover, or start scoping the nearby antique shops, thrift stores and flea markets. To add bright graphics to your table, you have several options. If you have a steady hand and an artistic eye, you can use paint and stencils. Bear in mind that on wooden tables, chalk paint is a perfect choice.
However, you can also decoupage your table top using postcards, sheet music, illustrations, or book pages. All it takes is a bit of Mod Podge. You also have the option of using printed duct tape or washi tape, wallpaper, or even shelf paper. The design itself is entirely up to you.
A Lovely Log Table
Image via Flickr by Sarah Joy
How would you like to own an all-natural, rustic table that looks like you actually bought it in the forest? In truth, all you need to buy for a table like this are table legs or an old stool, screws, and brackets. As for the log, you can likely find one of those for free if you go for a walk around your area. Smooth the top and bottom of the log with sandpaper, then attach the table legs or the stool to the bottom of the stump. That’s it.
When you make your own furniture, you feel a sense of accomplishment, plus you’re left with a project in which you can take pride. Instead of going on a wild goose chase for a table that’s big enough for your space, incorporates the right colors, or showcases the right style, just make it. Do it all yourself.
