Not-so-fun factoid: I’m using a shoe rack as an end table.
Yes, it’s weird, but resourceful. Not sophisticated, though, I’m aware. Give me a minute to explain myself. It’s one of those Walmart or Target-sold two-tier shelves that usually fits right into the closet to add some vertical height to the storage area. Traditionally used for shoe storage, which is why I referred to it as a shoe rack, I’m more accustomed to using them for anything-storage. Like, master bedroom sweater storage:
Anyways, the shoe rack standing in the living room has been a great fill-in for a more formal side table because it happens to be the same exact height, on end, as the Sauder bookshelf that flanks the other side of the couch (most recently shown here, when I tried to make it hold all black-spined books). Secondly, the rack is a very similar dark brown veneer as the rest of the living room furniture. And also, the shelf was just sitting around unused anyways. There you have it – many a-good reason to use a shoe rack as a side table if you’re desperate for side table symmetry, or just out of cash (raises hand).
Except that it was supposed to be temporary (like, for 2-weeks), but now it’s been stationed secretly since late July when I finished that second lampshade (info on those two lampshades here and here) and wanted to have matchy-matchy driftwood lamps balancing out the room which happily, they are.
I do have ambitious plans to make my own table, and that’s why this salvaged lumber has been balanced beside my sliding glass door… but it’s been there for two weeks because I’m indecisive on design. Do you see where I’m going with this? Maybe not.
The real point of this post is that I’m on the brink of making something myself. Showing you some of my grandious ideas for side table construction. Some involve iron elements, some involve casters, some are simple, some are complexly constructed. I browsed around to see if anything was actually within my buy-brand-new price range, but it instead began my inspiration board for living room decor.
Let’s browse Urban Outfitters. Here’s a lovely option, and with free shipping (since it’s priced over $50) it’s actually pretty affordable, just too low to sit next to the high-armed couch:
Anthropologie, always good, always out of my price range. I did love this Althea table (no longer in stock) for its clean-lined base and rugged surface, but notice that the reviews cite it as uber-wobbily:
This Pinecrest model by Magnussen is a bit more like other tables I’ve seen produced, but is endlessly eco-classy (how you DIY that base without a serious course in welding is beyond me):
And finally, this mango wood gem from West Elm has an elegant simplicity that I really could see scaled to fit my needs. Pretty small too, just out of my modest budget.
Has anyone seen any similarly DIY’ed models that might offer a thorough tutorial? I’m thinking of spending more time scouring Instructables or ManMadeDIY or Curbly, some of my fave resources.
Hopefully I make a decision and get this done soon.
19 Comments
Emily, I thought of something when I saw that example by Magnussen. Those cheap chinese scooters come crated in a welded steel frame that looks alot (exactly) like the base of that table. If you have any of those scooter stores (like we do here in FL) then I’ll bet there’s a pile of them out back you could get for free. (ask your Ruckus dealer perhaps?) You may not have to weld anything, they’re about the size you’d need for a table base—just a coat of spray bomb, add your recycled wood top and Bam! Table.
I snagged a few to weld up a rack to paint auto parts on.
Amazing. Cheap chinese scooter stores, eh Marty? That sounds very Port of Orlando to me. I will be in search of these scooter boxes. THANKS for the tip!
I love tables like that Urban Outfitters one. There is a line at World Market that’s pretty similar (here’s the end table) and it reminds me of those overhead projector carts teachers used to use. I wonder if you could find something similar on Craigslist and then make a barnwood top for it?
I love the West Elm one, too!
Also- the beauty of that style is that since it’s pretty industrial you could probably find something from a hardware store, Target, Walmart or IKEA to retrofit. Something like this, this, or an awesome metal Craigslist find.
Have I told you already that you’re a genius? Amazing ideas as usual, Cait. Thank you!
Not in so many words, but you have told me my dogs are cute! You’re full of compliments today. :)
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
I’m loving the Urban or West Elm ideas! I can’t wait to see what you do! I’d also suggest ana-white.com, she’s basically the 3rd person in our marriage…in a non-creepy way. I’m feeling inspired-ish to get to building, I mean once I can manage to find a balance enough to make it into the shower daily. Glamorous I know.
Haha, I do love Ana’s site. So many great ideas over there!
LOVE those coffee tables! As soon as you/me/someone finds an alternative to welding metal beams together, I am enlisting you for coffee table/end table/bench creation :-)
I don’t see why we can’t learn to weld if Kat Von D did. I need a bigger garage for projects like that.
Hey Em! I was reading through your blog … I don’t know if you’ve heard of this site … but they have some living room tables that might really fit (or at least provide some inspiration). Here’s the website: http://modernrustfurniture.com/index.html. Let me know what you think! :)
OOH, I haven’t been there before and I can already tell that I like what I see. Beautiful! Do you own anything by them?
This stump table has a great rustic look: http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/2010/08/stump-is-fun-to-say.html
I recently discovered the local metal scrap yard, i have an old metal shelf in my dining room as a sideboard.
Scrap yard! I’ll have to check one out; I’ve still been unable to find exactly what I’ve been looking for. Love that stump and wish I needed a tree to be cut down.
Looks like I’m about 6 mos too late, but if you’re like me those boards are still leaning there. People are always throwing out those old brown metal bed frames made of angle iron. Could bolt them together with some black or other industrial bolts to make a frame for either the urban outfitters or the scooter box style one. Only challenge is they are HARD steel, don’t bother with a hacksaw. Buy a cutoff wheel for your drill (or better yet an angle grinder, then you can clean up the ends with the grinder). Will also need the best i.e. most expensive drill bit you can find. Not as nice as the welded stuff unless you like the look of bolts but cheap.
Great tip, Doug! I have a few of those bedframes in storage myself. COOL IDEA.
Hi, It is a very nice blog, May I know the couch you are using, and How are the cushions holding up?
Hi Santhi, The couch is holding up very well, though the fabric tends to pill a bit. The cushions have all retained their shape with regular use. The back and arm cushions remain especially cushy. I don’t know the specific brand – it was bought at one of those large furniture suppliers.
Thank you very much Emily :)