Transform thrifted finds into a beautiful and chic DIY side table that will fit perfectly in any room of your home.
June 27, 2024
It’s been a little over a month since we completed the bathroom remodel, it’s so rewarding to open the door and enjoy this beautiful and functional space.
No more fumbling to find the light switch or opening the door and the first thing you see is the toilet.
The transformation is so remarkable that it feels like I’m living in a dream every time I step inside.
In fact, the modern cottage design has brought a sense of luxury and serenity to my daily routine, making it one of my favorite places in the house.
It’s incredible to think back on how far we’ve come from the old, outdated bathroom to this charming retreat.
However, there are a few more projects from the bathroom renovation we haven’t shared yet, one being this easy DIY side table.
This simple accent table is a chic addition to any room, costs practically nothing to make and is a fun little DIY project.
So whether you’d like to make a side table for the bedroom, living room, or even a bathroom, this easy and budget-friendly guide has got you covered.
Let’s jump in and unleash our creativity!
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DIY Side Table Supplies:
Before we jump into this project, I’m wondering if you can guess what we used to make this simple accent table?
The two main components for this table we found at a local thrift store and we’re confident you can find them at yours too.
Any guesses?
Would you believe a floor lamp and wood tray?
Because of the weight a floor lamp base, it makes a great side table base.
And the component we used to attach the two pieces together is a flange.
To get the pretty metallic gold finish we used a combination of antique and European gold Rub n Buff and black spray paint.
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Prep Thrift Store Finds
Before you can assemble your DIY side table, you’ll need to cut and remove the cord from the floor lamp.
Depending on the style of your floor lamp, you’ll need to cut it down to the appropriate height.
My inspiration for this project was the Clares round accent table from Pottery Barn.
It measures 12.5″ wide and is 20.5″ tall.
And as luck would have it my floor lamp base is assembled in sections of threaded pipe and one section of the pipe along with the base measured 18.5″.
With the addition of the flange and tray, my completed DIY side table measures 19.5″, the perfect height for my accent table.
After disassembling the floor lamp I gave the base and tray a good cleaning with Dawn dish soap.
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Attach Flange
To figure out how to attach my table top to the base, I took a section of the floor lamp to the home improvement store to see what would fit.
And as it turned out a 1″ floor flange threaded perfectly onto my pipe section.
If your lamp base is a solid piece and you need to cut it to size, it can be attached to the flange with JB Weld.
Center the flange on the back side of your tray and attach with four short wood screws.
Paint Side Table Base and Tray
To prep the tray and lamp base for the metallic gold finish, apply two light coats of black spray paint.
Apply Rub n Buff Finish
If you’ve been following along for any amount of time you know we love the realistic metallic finish we get with Rub n Buff.
We’ve used it on to freshen up hardware on furniture makeovers, update kitchen cabinet pulls, pumpkin decor, Christmas bells and ornaments.
It’s a great product that gives you a high-end look with a low-end price!
In most cases when we apply gold rub and buff we first apply a coat of black paint.
This helps give depth and dimension to the finish.
I began applying Antique Gold Rub n Buff to the side table base and tray with a stiff bristled brush in a pouncing motion.
Probably 90% of my tube of Antique Gold was gone and I wondered if I’d have enough to cover the entire surface, but I had plenty and some to spare.
Once I covered the entire surface of my side table, I buffed it with a soft lint-free cloth.
While I liked the overall look, I felt that I wanted it to look a bit softer.
So I decided to add a second layer with European Gold Rub n Buff.
This time I applied the Rub n Buff with a damp sea sponge.
And pounced it over a small section and then went back and blended it with a twisting motion with the sponge.
This second layer of color along with the sea sponge technique added more depth and dimension to the finish, while adding an overall softness.
And finally I buffed the entire piece with a cloth.
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Apply Topcoat
Depending where you are planning to place your table, you may want to add a protective topcoat to your side table.
I finished off my accent table with two light coats of a clear satin topcoat.
Shop Accent Tables
For a little more side table inspo, take a look at these beautiful pieces.
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Completed DIY Side Table
Creating your own DIY side table is both simple and incredibly rewarding.
Just take a look at that beautiful finish created with layering the Antique and European Gold Rub n Buff.
To me, the finish has the look of a hammered brass table.
With just a few thrifted finds and some basic supplies, you too can craft a piece that looks high-end and adds a touch of elegance to any room in your home.
Not only is this accent table perfect along side my freestanding bathtub,
But it also works great along side a chair in the guest bedroom.
This project proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a stylish and functional piece of furniture.
So, gather your materials, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of building a beautiful side table that reflects your personal style.
Is this a project you’d like to try in your home?
More DIY Furniture Ideas
For more furniture ideas for your home, take a look at these ideas:
- Simple Upholstered DIY Ottoman Makeover
- Repurposed Hutch Top
- Stunning Dresser Makeover with Cane
- How to Apply Paint that Looks like Stain: Rift Sawn Oak
- How to Make an Old Bed Frame Look Modern
- Simple DIY Floating Nightstand with a Modern Vibe
- How to Build a Desk with Wood and Pipe
- Desk Makeover with a Modern Vibe
- DIY Round Coffee Table
- Simple Upcycled DIY Sofa Table
- Painting Furniture the Easy Way with a Wagner Sprayer
- Reupholster a Chair with a French Country Boho Flair
- French Country Upholstered Daybed
- How to Refinish Furniture with a Raw Wood Look
- How To Refinish a Beautiful Wood Dining Table
- Makeover a Bar Stool with a Farmhouse Style
- No Sew Upholstery Tutorial
- Cheap & Unique Headboard Idea
- Easy Chalk Paint Coffee Table Makeover
- How to Glaze to Get a Coastal Look
- DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial
- Tool Chest Inspired Dresser Makeover
We hope you found some inspiration for your home today.
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This blog’s content is for entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. By reading this blog and attempting to recreate a project, you assume all responsibility for any injuries or damages incurred. Read my full disclaimer here.
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Retailers We Love
- Anthropologie
- Birch Lane
- Crate & Barrel
- Joss and Main
- Lampsplus
- Mark & Graham
- One Kings Lane
- Pottery Barn
- Rejuvenation
- Serena & Lily
- Wayfair
- West Elm
- Williams Sonoma
- World Market
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Such a creative project and definitely thinking outside the box. The table came out so well. The bathroom is stunning!
Thank you Cyndi, it was a fun project. I appreciate you following along and your kindness. Have a wonderful day!