Trey and I have been wanting a side table (or two) for next to an over sized chair in our living room. Often one of us (or both, if we’re feeling snugly) will sit in this chair while eating dinner and watching the Daily Show. The problem? There’s nowhere to set a cup or your plate temporarily when your done. We have three dogs (three!) so not having a place off the ground for your drinking glass or empty plate can be a dangerous thing. 🙂
We used to have these DIY tree stump tables next to the chair. But, then I moved them into the bedroom because I liked how they looked next to a wicker chair. I really liked the height of the tree stumps next to the chair, they weren’t too large, which would block our walking area in that space. So, I decided to make us a side table (or two).
These are heavily modeled after this Jonathan Adler table. I first saw this table in his home (in his book) and loved it! I actually thought it might be vintage at first, but of course it’s his own design. So pretty. Here’s how I made my tables.
1.) Supplies needed: three aluminum sheet metal (usually sold 3 ft x 2 ft), two wood rounds, wood stain, polyurethane, heavy-duty glue*. Not pictured: metal clippers, work gloves, embroidery thread, masking tape, scissors, spray paint primer, brass spray paint (or any color you prefer), sandpaper and RotoZip RotoSaw+.
2.) Cut your metal sheets to your desired height. For the larger of my two tables I needed two metal sheets, so if you are creating a larger side table be sure to cut two sheets the same height. Always wear work gloves when working with metal-it’s sharp stuff! Try to cut along the top edge of the design, so you can avoid having jagged edges.
3.) Use the embroidery thread to securely tie the metal sheets into rounds. Similar to this tutorial. Use a neutral colored thread. But we will be painting this later so it doesn’t have to match perfectly. I taped one edge of my thread as I worked, this helped me thread it in and out for the metal sheet more easily.
4. Prime the metal table base. Be sure to get the inside and outside. Once dry (check your bottle for dry times) spray with your desired color. I choose a brassy gold color, but you could also do a brighter gold, color or even leave it white.
5.) Sand your wood rounds so they feel super smooth to the touch. Stain them with whatever color you choose and allow to fully dry. Check the container for dry times. Then coat with polyurethane.
6.) Place the metal base (cut side down) on to the wood round. Trace a circle around where the metal hits. I used a RotoZip RotoSaw+ to cut a groove over this line. Squeeze a little crazy glue* into the cut, then fit your metal base into the cut. This is easier done with a partner (thanks Elsie!).
*I had originally planned to use J.B. Weld glue as it was recommended to me while I was buying supplies at the hardware store. Once I started using it I found it was too goopy to cleanly get into the cut groove. So, I instead used crazy glue.
Once your wood dries you are good to go. If you glued the cut side of the metal into the top wood round of the table(s) you shouldn’t have a problem with these scraping the ground. Be sure to pick them up when moving (they weigh practically nothing so it’s easy) or place a rug under them for extra security. Enjoy your new side table(s)! I know we will. 🙂 xo. Emma
So I love these & totally want to do this. But when I went to Home Depot to look at the aluminum sheets, they were so thin & flimsy I couldn’t imagine it holding a table top, much less a table top with drinks or anything else on it. Is there a thicker sturdier version that I did not see? If so, how would you wrap it?…b
Amazing, so creative
You, my dear, are far handier than I. Haha, these look wonderful, well done. x
http://www.itsonlymialove.com
I would love to do a shorter version as a possible cocktail table. Where did you get the wooden rounds from? I would need a much bigger one.
Very cute! At Christmas you could put a little tree with lights in the base — a little trick from my mom!
Love the tables .. they look sort of Mediterranean!!! also the plastic chairs in the background look so unique..waiting to hear about them!!
I’m really so amazed by your creativity and patience to do this! The tables are beautiful and it’s been inspiring to see how to do them!
Those are gorgeous. You guys are so creative! Happy Weekend 🙂
These are great! Where did you get the sheet metal from? I’d like to try this project, thanks.
They’re really cute. Your instructions leave me with lots of questions, like where are you getting the metal, wood rounds, how much did supplies cost?
Great job! I’m not too sure if this was asked already but what stain are you using for the wood? I have a lot of DIY wood projects going on and I’m always on the look out for a good looking stain. This one looks fantastic!
+1 on the chair! Where is it from?
I love this idea. Where can I find the wood rounds and metal sheets?
I love these! They don’t look DIY-ed at all! Great accent piece.
xo Denise
http://lovelybohemian.blogspot.com
Hmm… I’m not sure what else might be a good tool to create the groove in the top wood. My rotozip rotosaw only cost about $90. But, I plan to use it may times over the years as I love making projects out of wood. So, if you wouldn’t use it it might not be worth the investment.
The entire project (not including the saw) cost around $150. But supply cost may vary some depending where you get your supplies.
-Emma
I bought it at Lowes. Actually, all the supplies for this particular project where purchased at Lowes.
-Emma
Small lamp or heavy dinner plate, yes. I would not suggest these as a stools to sit on, or to hold 5+ heavy books. 🙂
-Emma
Yes, I bought mine from Lowe’s. I believe they have them at Home Depot and probably many locally owned hardware stores that carry lumber. If you aren’t sure I’d call ahead before making the trek.
-Emma
I was a little concerned about this too, as our three dogs tend to knock lots of things of coffee tables and what not. So far (this week) they haven’t fallen over. They are more secure than they appear. That being said, they are not the sturdiest side tables ever. And the metal sheets could be a problem with little fingers. Just a thought.
-Emma
I absolutely LOVE the look of these but I’m wondering if they’re top heavy and would topple over easily? I would love to make them but I have two kids and would need to know how sturdy they are before taking the plunge…